I found a good deal on the OP-1 field and I “need” a sound module to pair with my Digitakt 2. The OP-1 is a rather expensive solution for my relatively simple need to play polyphonic keys etc to sample back into the Digitakt. But it seemingly has the ultra-portability factor, depth, sound, fx and connectivity I’m looking for. Though I wouldn’t initially be using it for it’s sequencer and other bells and whistles, so it seems a little “wasteful” to dish out all that cash…
I have been using my iPad, which is ok (mostly using Pianotech and some Logic synths), but I’m not crazy about twiddling tiny virtual knobs on the touch screen and dealing with battery drain. Though I can live with it for the time being. Just curious if people have good experiences pairing the OP-1 (field) with the Digitakt, or if there are other ultra portable multi-timbral synths/modules that Elektron users prefer (while we wait patiently for the Digitakt or the Syntakt to somehow become polyphonic…:-)).
This is very subjective, but I love the field even with all it’s quirks and downsides, like not playing well in a bigger set-up. Contrary to this, I think that after the recent firmware update, it works wonderfully with the Digitakt II with only one USB cable connected between both devices for Audio and MIDI back and forth. I also think that the two sampler options available on the field are among the best on the market. The tape workflow and it’s looping capabilities are great unique tools. The synth engines, FX and the sequencers to me are cherry on the cake. The only caveat I have with it is the price. I don’t mind having paid that much for it, it is worth it to me, what I do mind is being adamant to take it outside because it’s hard to replace if something happens.
The one USB cable connection is a definite plus. Can do this with my iPad too, which is what makes it workable as a backback/travel/coffee shop solution. Will look further into the sampler options you mention. Thnks!
That’s an interesting concept, I’m thinking about a friend for my Syntakt with a similar list of requirements.
One question comes to mind though – can you trigger an OP1f track via MIDI without having to have that particular track open on the OP1f? As in having a synth on t1, sampler on t2, an arp on t3 and triggering all of these independently…?
The 4 knobs for controlling the OP-1 synths make sound design pretty limited. And you have to sacrifice the LFO if you want tremolo for example.
Also, when I had my OP-1 F, I never really liked the synth engines. It was way better for sampling, for me. I’d go for the microfreak instead. Not so convenient to hook it up via one USB cable, but the possibilities are way wider, and it’s more fun to use.
You can’t trigger the tape tracks independently. If you sync the op-1f via midi and enable transport, it starts playing the tape from wherever the tape head is at when you press play on the master device. Also, only the active synth or drum preset can be sequenced via midi, not both at the same time.
Regarding the question of the OP: Using the op-1f purely as a sound module for the DT2 is not ideal. For this, there are probably many better and cheaper alternatives. That said, using the op-1f purely as a sound module is like feeding pigs with sushi. It has so many cool and unique features, that really complement the DT2, as it’s lacking in exactly these areas:
Polyphonic samples and synths
Manual sample chopping
Built-in mic that sounds pretty good
Unique FX
Built-in radio for sampling
Up to six minutes of recording time for longer takes of live playing
Convenient way of resampling single DT2 tracks via USB audio
Velocity sensitive keyboard to play DT2 tracks
Live looping on the tape
I think the two are an absolutely perfect match and I’m very happy to have both!
Everything Python said stands. I like the OP-1 field precisely because of the phylosophy, which I should have embraced a long time ago and which would save me a lot of abandoned projects, money and space on my desk. Print everything to audio.
I have considered the microfreak, being as I have and love the minifreak (just too big to be considered ultra-portable, by my possibly extreme standard Unsure about the paraphonic mode on the micro and what you give up in terms of functionality when in that mode. But will investigate.
If you were to go with one of those Kenton USB Hosts - which I think you’ll need eventually to trigger the OP-1F via DT2 - you will definitely experience static/hum from almost anything connected to the OP-1F’s USB port.
I tried setting it up the way you had in mind before getting the OP-1F; and when I went and got everything I needed, this ground noise quickly became an issue that I could not overlook.
Because of this, I do not consider having anything hooked up to the OP-1F’s USB port while actually considering recording its output.
If you want to simply hear how your notes will sound prior to inputting them into the OP-1F’s sequencer, then I’d say it’s fine… but it’s not ideal to actually record the OP-1F’s output while triggering it via MIDI, because you’ll definitely hear a static ground noise out the output jack.
I’ll be the voice of dissension here. I never cared for the sound of the OP1 and it was not much better with the field. It is a nice unit for recording ideas while traveling but there are so many other units that I would choose for performing or recording. For that price you can get an Octatrack or Rytm MKii. Or any two from Syntakt, MC707, MPC1+ or Live 2, SP-404mkii, Push 3 standalone. JMHO, I would take any of these over the OP1f to match with the Digitakt 2.
There’s no need for another USB host, op-1f is the USB host. I’ve never experienced any static or hum either. There’s the option to disable charging via USB on the op-1f, maybe that’s the culprit in your situation.
It only took me a day with an OP-1 to understand that it absolutely wasn’t for me, and the “print everything to audio” philosophy played a major part in that decision lol.
But different musicians have different needs, of course, and to many it’s exactly what they need.
It’s always nice to see that the community here is so mature. If we were on Reddit, 80% of the comments would be “it’s a hipster toy”.
It took me a long time, and two Op-1s, before I realised, that I really don’t like the sound of them. Too bad, because I love everything else about them. Haven’t tried the Field.
the “as cheap as capable and good-sounding” Roland S-1, which is portable
M8, extremely powerful + portable
Micromonsta (2x 6 voices !)
Dreadbox Typhon, cheap and offering nice tones
For the price of an OP-1f, you wouldn’t even have to choose. Actually, you could even get an OB-6 desktop, or a Take 5, or an A4 Mk2, which is a thing to seriously consider.
Honestly, I’ve tried a lot of combos with digitakt, OP1f being one of them… but the best always seems to be a pair of analog monos, stereo poly, or a multimbral synth like digitone or blofeld or something like that. If I’m trying to be really really compact (like, plane friendly) I will use Audiobus to host voices on my phone over USB and assign Midi knobs to control them from digitakt.
My op1f plays best by itself or with a guitar, it seems.
Thanks for the insights. I think I am moving away from the OP, as it DOES seem to be overkill as a sound module. Very interested in some of the suggestions here. Might just wind up getting the microfreak (again)…or go crazy and get the iridium core.
I think a lot of what makes the OP1F alluring is the sequencers, tape workflow, portability, and easy access workflow in a beautiful and playable groovebox that’s fully featured and has quirky but refined charm. The sounds and fx are lush and haunting and crispy or crunchy, and samples can be anything really, but a KO II is also playable, polyphonic, and performative for leagues less money with no worries of breaking it or having it stolen.
I did this, basically. but with the OP1. sequenced it with the Cirklon. never really liked the tape workflow. but I’d also unplug it and throw it into a backpack for a traveling sketchpad too. ultimately it was overkill for me, but mainly because I just wasn’t using those sounds. if you use ‘em, it’ll be great. a sound module that easily gets out of your way when you’re not using it, and doesn’t clog up studio space, but that also is very easy to set up and use again.
If you’re just looking for a synth and you don’t need the portability there’s so many way more powerful $1000+ synths that would be better picks as a sound module.
Unsure about the paraphonic mode on the micro and what you give up in terms of functionality when in that mode. But will investigate.