👼 I've Died And Gone To Synth Heaven... 👼

https://youtu.be/hNeBT3mUxd8

dude... just... yes

I needed this tonight. Thank you.

40 years on I was both surprised and not surprised to read that JMJ lists the OP-1 among his top ten synthesisers. https://youtu.be/49rwrBc9gfM.

I keep thinking about getting one but I haven't really figured out what role it will fill since everything it does I can already do... and its not exactly cheap

I reckon if you have all the pro grade components already Jim then you'd most likely find the OP-1 makes a very classy paper weight. It seems a worthwhile investment for me as I'm starting from scratch with nothing else besides a rattly old 80's Casio attic rescue keyboard. I like the form factor and am old enough to relate to the virtual 4 track tape editing from my linear video editing days last millennia! Perhaps I'll share my perspective on the Desert Island Synth thread since that's the context where I think this dinky synth thrives.

I reckon if you have all the pro grade components already Jim then you'd most likely find the OP-1 makes a very classy paper weight.

then again, Jarre has more stuff than I do and likes it so.... I keep going back and forth

R: OP-1, my first hands on was an in-person demo from someone who had used and travelled with one for years... it was visibly worn... yet the # of key-clicks and shift-modes required to do/find anything was surprising... and this long-time owner still got lost a few times. It's a charming and involving object, and the OLED graphics are wonderful... but the fact that is seemed to require Elektron-like levels of shift-mode memorization to get around struck me as counter to its overall image/reputation of simplicity, approachability, and playful creative constraints. The reward for that memorization w/ Elektron gear is a ton of power/editability... but the functionality of the OP is intentionally constrained in comparison... I don't know... I'm sure my mind would be changed if I lived with one for a bit... everyone that actually owns one seems to love it.

I'm often worried that teenage engineering is a weird cult and I'll never be able to give their products an objective review once the brainwashing takes hold...

I'm often worried that teenage engineering is a weird cult and I'll never be able to give their products an objective review once the brainwashing takes hold...

If they weren't a cult, we wouldn't be talking about them right now.

Accept the light of these very bright Swedes into your heart, Brother Jim. ;)

to be fair, the limitations of the little thing are probably helpful... my gear collection really exploded the last year and I haven't actually finished more than 1 piece, I get bogged down or lose interest because I'm distracted by new toys

my linear video editing days last millennia!

you have any footage laying around I could use to sharpen my scoring? I want to use the pandemic to get a reel together but its impossible to get anything interesting to work with.

The creative limitations are essential.. it's the limitations combined with lots of multifunction button navigation that I'm scratching at.

the multifunction buttons are defintiely the reason they serve up the koolaid

I got in the right mood and have been drinking beer and watching Jarre tonight. Does he have every EMS synth they made???

...my gear collection really exploded the last year and I haven't actually finished more than 1 piece, I get bogged down or lose interest because I'm distracted by new toys

That's exactly what I'm aiming to avoid. That and all the cables 😱I worry they might be starting to become a phobia for me!

my current solution is to stop buying stuff even if I get offered a helluva deal... unless its a bucket list item. I did make music yesterday although its not really 'good' music...

https://soundcloud.com/user-498492965/jam10082020/s-V6j8mt53LKx

there's like a nugget of a piece here conceptually if I can lay off the wheels and joysticks a bit

the cool bits of this are never happening without big powerful synths

...the fact that is seemed to require Elektron-like levels of shift-mode memorization to get around struck me as counter to its overall image/reputation of simplicity, approachability, and playful creative constraints. The reward for that memorization w/ Elektron gear is a ton of power/editability... but the functionality of the OP is intentionally constrained in comparison... I don't know... I'm sure my mind would be changed if I lived with one for a bit... everyone that actually owns one seems to love it.

I have nothing to compare it to but the keystrokes to me feel pretty logical and intuitive for the most part. I guess it helps that I've long preferred keyboard shortcuts to point and click with a mouse. Once they're familiar it can be really speedy.

I have nothing to compare it to but the keystrokes to me feel pretty logical and intuitive for the most part. I guess it helps that I've long preferred keyboard shortcuts to point and click with a mouse. Once they're familiar it can be really speedy.

ditto I get that... there's a lot of shift jackassery on my mopho x4 but I know it now and I'm hyper fast from a single saw into soundscape.... its not fun like a juno but its far more powerful

my current solution is to stop buying stuff even if I get offered a helluva deal... unless its a bucket list item. I did make music yesterday although its not really 'good' music...

Yeah, my solution has been to put stuff I covet onto wishlists and wait for the deal to come round again as they nearly always do. By which time the urge to buy it has often subsided - Tantric shopping!