Norns looks interesting but I doubt I fully comprehend it.
Is it a synth? Is it multi-timbral and it handle multiple midi channels? I know it does effects and unique looping and sequencing.
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It’s an audio/midi computer that can (depending on the script/app that you are using at the time) be a sampler, sequencer, synth, audio looper and probably lots more.
I’m pretty sure that depends on the script/app that you are using at the time.
I should probably stop here as I don’t own one, but I have looked into them.
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After selling my OP-Z at beginging of lockdown as it was more a travel buddy than a studio brain for me, I was toying with buying another now that things are a bit more open, then I saw the dirtywave M8 so keeping my eyes peeled for more of those becoming available.
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pretty good answers but i like to simplify it, especially if someone is approaching norns as an instrument (rather than trying to create code themselves)
with that in mind:
yes…it’s a digital synth w/ several modes or modules (most of which are both polyphonic and multitimbral)
bidiwave is wavetable synth inspired by ppg/waldorf machines
molly the polly is a polyphonic synth modeled after classics by Roland and Yamaha (Juno 6 / Jupiter 8 / CS 80)
some, like mx synths, have several ready made presets you can quickly cycle thru or modify…
the majority are variations on fm synthesis, for example this new 3op synth called orgn…
(all synth “engines” are based on supercollider but you don’t need to write code to use them, just select one from the app menu…plug in your opz and play)
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I loved my OP-Z until I got the M8. I need to pull the OP-Z back out and try to do a comparison in my head to decide which one is going with me on vacation in January.
On the other hand, we’re probably driving — so I could take both!
nineteen quid! they are kinda hilarious…
I’m tempted to get a new one. I’ve had mine since they first came out. It’s starting to become unreliable for button presses and the wheels popping out. I always kept mine in a case, never handled it too roughly.
I’ve heard conflicting things, that the quality is much improved now and also that there’s no difference and still problems.
I freaking love the opz. Wish it were built a little better…
I finally sold mine. I miss it every now and then but the op-1 is still around. The op-z has an insane sequencer; very powerful.
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I think my op-z heard me talking about it. Now it won’t turn on at all. Dead.
Tried taking out the battery and some other stuff. Nothing! Not cool!
The knobs of out because they put the magnets in backwards, you can turn them around but that shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Mine is still perfect and still love it most!! OP1 build quality is not any better either… Despite what you may think… all TE stuff sucks as far as that goes… But damn are they fun! Lol
I wonder how much that would cost. You’d still be left with potential button failure but it would be very cool
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Check the OP Forums for details, but you can flip your encoders so the magnets don’t push them out, and also use switch cleaner to fix the buttons.
the Z sequencer is so damn good. why they don’t make an op-Y / op-2 or somink [op1 size or a bit bigger than z, metal build, oled screen, opz sequencer etc] is beyond me.
would be an insta-buy
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Totally agree. Seems a no-brainer to put the op-z into a bigger (but still portable) build, ditch the photo/video stuff to make room for more storage of samples, synths, fx slots…
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would be epic.
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Beyond epic.
I’ve been using the OP-Z to sequence Ableton, and it’s fantastic. It even works with MIDI keyboards, or Launchpads etc:
- Launchpad into Ableton.
- Re-route LP MIDI to the OP-Z (on channel 1, the OP-Z’s MIDI autochannel)
- Press a step on the OP-Z, play a chord or not on the LP to capture.
- OP-Z > Ableton to sequence drums, pianos, whatever.
As long as you have the OP-Z set to midi mirror, you can even use the Launchpad to live play the piano (or whatever you have loaded) in Ableton, lag-free.
It’s so great having the OP-Z just sitting there, ready to roll when you need to sequence something.
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what are your favorite things that the op-z sequencer can do that the digitakt cannot?
Off the top of my head punch in fx, sample polyphony, step components, mute scenes, tape fx.
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yep 
that sequencer is a thing of beauty.
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that sequencer indeed is a thing of beauty.
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