9. mixer

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9.1 mixer introduction

mixer is the final stage of the sound path. its main function is to set the individual level and pan of the four tape tracks (T1), to adjust the master EQ (T2), add a master effect (T3) and to add drive to your mix (T4). 

but as it is also the final destination for all sound, it should be worth noting how the sound travels inside your OP-1. this is called the sound path.

9.2 sound path

The Sound Path is the way the sound moves from the moment you hit a key on the musical keyboard or press play on tape, until it reaches the speaker or line out. To help you keep an eye on this, there is a Sound Path screen in Mixer mode that you may check at anytime. 

To enter the Sound path screen, press SHIFT + Mixer key. 
NOTE: A warning symbol will light up when any critical level is set to zero.

9.3 mixer

the mixer transforms the four tape tracks into one stereo signal. to enter the mixer, press the mixer key. then press T1 to enter the mixer main screen.

In the Mixer main screen, you adjust the individual level and Pan Left/Right of Tape tracks 1-4. 
To adjust the level of a tape track turn any encoder to set the level from 0-99.

track 1 level – blue
track 2 level – greentrack 3 level – whitetrack 4 level – orange

Hold SHIFT + turn the appropriate Encoder for the relevant Track, to adjust the Pan Left/Right.

9.4 EQ

press T2 in mixer mode to adjust the EQ.
EQ means equalizer and is the word for a filter that let’s you adjust the low, mid and high frequencies of a sound. in the case of the mixer, for the final mix. when the sound enters the EQ it comes as a mixed down stereo signal. (the stereo signal was just mixed down in the main mixer screen).

low (bass) – turn the blue encoder to adjust the low frequencies.
mid – turn the green encoder to adjust the mid frequencies.
High (treble) – Turn the white encoder to adjust the higher (brighter) frequencies.

EQ amount – turn the orange encoder to adjust the overall EQ level. turn counter clockwise for a clean signal with no EQ applied.

9.5 master effect

master effects are the same effects found in Synthesizer and Drum mode, but modified for stereo.
to add a master effect, press the T3 key. you may toggle an effect on and off by pressing the T3 key a second time.

to change the effect used, press shift + T3. This enters the master effect browser. use blue encoder to scroll through the list and press any key (except the musical keyboard) to make your selection.

9.6 master out

the master out screen is found under T4.
here you adjust:

• the master balance left/right
• add drive
• adjust the release of the drive

drive narrows the difference between high and low audio levels, and makes the output sound louder and more compact. at very high levels of drive, the audio starts to sound distorted.
release sets how quick the drive will narrow the difference between high and low audio levels, and at mid to long release times, you’ll start to notice the drive as a “pumping” sound.

you may also use drive to add texture and to make your final mix more dirty and raw.
PRO-TIP: Hold SHIFT while turning the Blue or Green encoder to adjust both LEFT and RIGHT at the same time.

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