12. recording external sources/guides/op-1 return to menu
12.1 using the mic/input key the mic/input key (with the microphone symbol on it) is used when you need to record any external audio, or when resampling.
press shift + mic/input to access the input screen.
note: the first time you do this you need to choose to enable or disable the fm radio.
the sources available for recording are:

line in

built-in microphone

built-in fm radio

usb audio

output to input / resample (the ear)

the mic/input key works quite similar in any mode on the OP-1. let us go through the main modes below as well as show some use case examples.
12.2 mic/input key in synthesizer and drum mode use the mic/Input key when you have a sampler engine selected to start to sample. choose your desired source by turning the blue encoder.
pro-tip: you can use external audio to control the element lfo. more info here
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12.3 mic/input key in tape and mixer mode pressing the mic/input key in tape mode or mixer mode lets you toggle the external audio on/off.
pressing shift + mic lets you select which external audio input source to enable.
this lets you mix radio playing in the background, or using whatever external signal coming in via the mic, line in or usb, and mix that with your recorded material.
pro-tip: connect a second OP-1 to line in and control sound levels of both units with one master volume knob.
12.4 sampling using the built-in microphone

press synth.

press shift + 1-8.

choose sampler.

press 1-8.

press shift + mic.

choose microphone as input.

7. adjust threshold and gain settings, white + orange.
8. hold any key and speak into the microphone.
9. release key.
10. play the keyboard and enjoy the sound of your voice.
12.5 creating a drum kit from fm radio waves

press drum.

press shift + 1-8.

choose any sample based kit.

press 1-8.

press shift + mic.

choose fm radio for input using the blue encoder and find a signal using the green encoder.

7. adjust gain and threshold settings using orange and white encoders.
8. hold a key to start sampling.
9. release key.
10. play the keyboard and adjust start/stop positions using the encoders.
pro-tip: press the green encoder to automatically find available radio stations.
pro-tip: use the antenna from the OP-1 accessories kit to get the best reception. you can also try connecting a 3.5mm audio cable (or a pair of headphones) to the line in and use that as an external antenna.
12.6 recording usb audio to tape

connect OP-1 to your computer using usb.

select OP-1 as the sound output in your computer audio output settings.

press shift + mic and choose usb as input.

start playing the audio from your computer and adjust gain and threshold settings on OP-1 using the orange and white encoders.

5. press tape and scrub the tape to the location where you want to start your recording.
6. press mic to toggle usb audio input enabled and adjust input gain using the orange encoder.
7. hold record and press play to start the recording.
8. press stop when finished and press mic again to disable usb audio input.
pro-tip: try experimenting with recording in different tape speeds to slow down or speed up the recording.
12.7 recording external microphone to tape

press shift + mic.

choose mic as input.

connect your external microphone in the 3.5mm red input. note how the input graphics switches to line as you connect the cable.

adjust threshold and gain settings, white + orange.

5. press tape.
6. press mic to activate mic input.
7. choose which tape track you want to record to (T1-T4) and adjust the recording level with orange to assure you get a clean loud signal.
8. record to tape as usual.
more info here
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note: to use an external microphone with OP-1 it needs to be self-powered, and produce line level audio.
OP-1 will not power external microphones.
pro-tip: make sure to get a signal that is as loud and clear as possible, directly from the mic, rather than using too much gain inside OP-1. to avoid clipping it is recommended to use a high quality mic preamp.
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