OP-1 vs OP-Z | Teenage Engineering | Which one is right for me? + OP-1 USB Audio Update

In this video we summarise the key differences between the OP-1 and OP-Z, to help you decide which one maybe right for you.

The OP-1 and OP-Z are teenage engineering's advanced standalone music production tools. If you're a first-time user or looking to pick one up you might be wondering which one is right for you. In this video we put them side by side and take a closer look at how they work and how they sound. Plus, we cover the new OP-1 update that adds USB Audio.

Discover more about teenage engineering:

▶️ Watch our OP-1 10th Anniversary video:

▶️ And our video on How to Sequence Music, Visuals and Lighting on OP-Z:

📖 Read our comprehensive guides:

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[Skylla]

SideNote: To Every UnityDeveloper choose OPZ, its really fun to develop some visuals and not really difficult :D

[grouponspeam]

Yes, OP-Z is modern and versatile. Even tho no built-in display, the workflow is tremendously intuitive and easy to use. But, TE deliberately downgraded the synth engine, so that they can hold up OP-1 price point.

[neoiano]

Excellent detailed overview which covers all the many features of both machines. It’s also bang up to date to include the new firmware update for both machines as well !! Great job !👏👍

[GradyNickel]

You might be the first with a video about the new OP-1 update. Nice work!

[k_]

your videos are very well produced! top notch stuff! I have both OP-1 and OP-Z and IMO OP-Z is the more powerful tool of the 2, the workflow is more flexible, the audio quality is better (more modern components and stereo for each track with more fx per sound/channel) better connectivity with the op-lab module. more variety of things to experiment with (controlling visuals and lighting).

but op-1 is simply a synth. it's a digital synth that can take on a lot of shapes and be played in different ways. but a synth non the less, it's NOT a daw or a groovebox. i had to learn that the hard way. but now i can't get myself to sell it. i'm keeping both for sure.

[crieverytim]

@2:30 I was so excited to see that you were going to compare and contrast making the same drum loop....and then completely dismayed with your efforts - take a second and actually show the process...don't just say your going to do it and then fast forward through the whole thing lol.

[grg]

Nice vid! OP-1 is production-oriented, while the OP-Z is performance-oriented. Completely different animals, both are champions in its own zone. Neither is better than the other. This is not a competition dude 😉 Buy both!!! €€€

[lemonrain]

OP-Z is the winner for me. The only true advantages I see with OP-1 is the metal casing and long battery life. Of course it also has a quirkiness that takes a hold of your heart.

OP-Z can do so much more. The only thing the OP-1 really has over it is a 4 track. But most people who buy one will have a smartphone or tablet, which is not only a better display than what is on the OP-1, but is also a better multi track recorder.

GarageBand on iOS is free and has 32 tracks compared to the 4 tracks on OP-1.

Also, you can control the OP-1 wirelessly via Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet, or vice versa.

As for the display, with photomatic/videomatic you can easily sequence your own visuals. And of course there is Unity and Dmx lighting as well.

Of course I have both, so I don’t have to choose. Though my OP-1 is from 2012, so was way cheaper than it is today. Not sure it would be quite worth it at the current price, especially with the OP-Z around. ;)

[Andybaby]

Which is better for songwriters, who prefer to play the notes in manually, for complete songs they have already finished, in their head?

[anotherguycalledsmith]

You are totally incredible, thank you so much!!! Excellent, it is just a pity that I am a musical moron ;-)

[maxpowers]

Considering I got my op zed for 400$ I would say I had much choice

[fld]

Neither - they're both overpriced garbage.