the album function lets you mix down all four tracks from tape into stereo files saved to the OP-1. album is useful when you want to record any tape tricks, EQ, effects or live jamming. you may also play the synthesizer simultaneously on top.
you have two sides of the record – side A and side B each have a recording time of 6 minutes. just switch sides to record to the other side. the recordings will still be there if you power off and back on. remember to export a recordings over USB before you record to the same side a second time, as this will overwrite what was previously there.
to record press the record key (T1) and then switch to tape and press play. when you are done switch back to album and press stop.
the album records directly from master out, which means that any EQ, master effect or drive you have added will be applied to the sound.
this is the mode which we’ve covered mostly so far, where your OP-1 works as a self contained, stand-alone unit.
activating this mode is done from COM mode. here press the OP-1 key (T1) for getting to the standard OP-1 mode. in this mode, the OP-1 works as a stand-alone unit.
when connected via USB in this mode, the OP-1 listens to and transmits MIDI-notes on MIDI channel 1 by default. this can be changed by using shift + blue encoder.
in COM mode, press the DISK key (T3) to get to the disk mode. your OP-1 will turn into a storage device. it will show up on your computer’s desktop when connected via USB.
backup: drag all files from OP-1 to a backup folder on your computer. you have now made a complete backup of your unit.
restore: drag all files from the backup folder in your computer back to OP-1. choose yes to replace any files. you have now restored a backup of your unit.
the OPT mode (option mode) disables USB charging of the OP-1, without having to pull the USB-cord. in COM mode, press the OPT key (T4) for getting to the OPT mode.
from there, turn blue encoder to toggle USB charging on/off. OPT mode is useful when in a setup with a ground loop making noise. regardless of this setting, your unit will still charge if powered off, or if it runs out of power, as long as it remains physically connected via USB.
pro-tip: use a physical ground loop isolator to eliminate all noise. a suitable one can be found here. OP-1 integrates as a configured control surface for Ableton Live. if you don’t plan on using OP-1 for controlling Live you might consider skipping this section.
download the OP-1 Ableton Live script.
once installed pick the OP-1 as control surface under the MIDI/sync tab in Live’s preferences. make sure OP-1 MIDI device is selected for both input and output.press shift + COM and then put the OP-1 into CTRL mode using T2.
with the OP-1 plugged and in and in MIDI mode (press shift + COM, then press T2), open Reason’s preferences. navigate to control surfaces, and click auto-detect surfaces. follow the instructions on the screen and close preferences.
version requirement:following Reason 6.0.2 and Reason Essentials 1.0.2, the OP-1 has remote support built into Reason.