Teenage Engineering OP-XY

Opxy can’t even chain projects like the opz. What a bummer. I already got a few tracks where I hit the 9 pattern limit. I have stop the music and then load up the next project. Also punch fx don’t cover all bases especially if you need to swap out completely different synths and drum presets often.

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This does not necessarily mean that it’s impossible to implement more patterns per track. In the song mode, the device “knows” ahead of time the order of the scenes, from which it could build the order of patterns to play, and dynamically preload the next X patterns and unload those played, all while the sequencer is running (it might be possible especially if the RAM loading is done by not explicitly doing CPU operations, e.g. using DMA).

Modern games do similar things to reduce or remove loading times - RAM is equally limited on player machines as the whole game would not fit in it.

That said, it’s probably pretty challenging to implement and I’m sure they thought of this judging by how complex this device already is.

I’ve been saying this time and time again, if you use the Elektron paradigm on the XY/Z then you will run out of patterns.
But just like you said, the crux is step components and once you throw out the Elektron way fully invest in step components you will see the full potential of the XYZ paradigm.

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Would love to hear it!

I’ve mentioned the factory songs before, but if you want to see just how far step components can take you, check them out. You can have an intro, fills, outro, and all kinds of variations. It’s not even a stretch to do all the drums for a song in one pattern.

And that’s before you consider the Brain, and switching out FX, tweaking LFOs, changing sample start points using scenes.

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Do I understand correctly that this device has no midi export and no multi-channel audio export?

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Correct, unfortunately.

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That’s unfortunate. I was hoping I could use it as a sketch pad then easily transfer the tracks via midi into a daw combined with some of the audio tracks. It’s a pass from me then, but will check back later if these are ever implemented.

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This would make it much easier, right? Would love to be able to grab the MIDI data or even multichannel USB audio out.

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You can record midi into the DAW. Exporting it would be tricky thanks to the step components too. How would it deal with randomized parameters for example?

I’m not worried about 9 patterns per track in a project. Might be a little light for longer sets though. Is it possible to change projects in time or do we need to stop it while loading a new project?

How do those of you that play live sets use it?

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Question about the punch in effects and synth engines.

I’ve had POs, the KO2, op1f and a few others. Each were just brilliant for a few months but the sounds became pretty stale, then the tedium of getting the tracks into an arranger is a different gripe.

But it looks like it could be a genuine revelation again. What are your thoughts on its lasting power like the og1?

I would love to be able to quickly change patterns on multiple tracks with something like a midi keyboard. I saw a pretty robust looking MIDI implementation chart but didn’t see anything about controlling patterns or scenes.

Edit: sorry, nevermind. I didn’t scroll down far enough. Wait, no, still no pattern control… I wonder what per-channel ‘scene’ and ‘project’ do?

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Yep. I used this same GSheet to help quickly programme my Faderfox UC4. Having a separate set of 8 faders to use for instrument track volumes really helps the performance aspect, although it’s handy knowing that you can also automate the track volumes, panning, etc. In each patten already if you want.

I have some buttons set up for muting each track too, handy for end of bar variations and breaks, especially if you want to drop the lower end drums for a few seconds and leave the high hats, snare, etc. playing on track 2. Sequencing the hold punch in effect for the drums works great, but will stop both drum tracks, sometimes you don’t want this.

Also I setup a Keystep 37 to help with the playability. I’m so used to the OP-1s larger keys that I’m still finding the XY a little awkward. Having the Keystep with the larger keys and a couple more of them and mapping the 4 knobs to the synth params is really fun.

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I know that in the song mode of the arranger you can setup multiple songs. I’ve not tested switching songs while it was playing though. I’ve a feeling this would work.

Again, it would be great if there were enough patterns to have each project contain multiple songs. Even with the sequencer, step components and aux tracks I don’t think there’d be a way for a single project to contain a whole live set without switching projects. It’s a pity though as this setup would have been perfect, 99 scenes is loads if you wanted to create multiple actual songs, but the 9 pattern limit stops using it like this. Not saying this is impossible and I know some people will be able to pull this feat off.

I know loading a new project cuts payback and takes a few seconds to get back into song mode to start playing the arrangement again. Others in the forum mentioned needing a second device (anything else that plays music) playing to cut to while changing songs in a live set to cover the silence in between switching projects.

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Thanks for the reply. Yes I wish there was at least a few patterns to structure live sets more easily. Although I don’t have mine yet so I haven’t really tried how far I can push the improvisational aspect of the instrument which does seem very exciting :blush::cherry_blossom:

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Changing projects (aka songs) will stop playback. The only workaround is to buy two op-xy and mix between the two.

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How are people finding this for controlling external gear? Is the sequencer essentially the same as the internal?

For the ones which say:
“If you use the two FX tracks, you can add a simple reverb by connecting an external pedal”

Comes:
“You can change between songs by connecting another OP-XY”

:joy: sorry, just kidding. But it is true that compensating for the lack of options with external pedals or other 2300 equipment, makes you think that there are many poorly implemented functions.

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Has anyone had an success with the different tunings? I’ve tried the different ones and tried creating my own but nothing seems to make a difference to the sound for me.