DECEMBER 29, 2021POSTED BY tobias von hofsten
computer–1 build guidehey! still no big deal, but you really seemed to like our computer–1 case! we're thrilled of course and promise we will have it in stock as much as possible. here is a quick build guide video using various parts we found around the office. the actual build should be easy enough, as long as you follow the directions in the manual. as always, be careful when handling sensitive electrical parts. let's build!
recommended componentssometimes it can be hard to find exactly the components you need. keep an eye out on all stores that sell parts and sign up to get notified when an item gets back in stock. also check the second hand market and stay safe and smart when buying like this. the computer–1 case fits a dual slot itx graphics card, not longer than 180 mm. use a low profile cpu cooler, not rising more than 120 mm from the surface of the motherboard. here are some suggested example builds.

software engineer's build (no gpu)
  • cpu: intel core i7 9700K
  • motherboard: gigabyte Z390 I aorus pro wifi mini itx lga 1151
  • cooler: be quiet! shadow rock lp
  • power supply: corsair sf 600 w 80+ gold
  • case fan: noctua A8 PWM chromax black 80 mm fan
  • ram: 16 GB
  • storage: 1 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker

industrial designer and mechanical engineer's build
  • cpu: amd ryzen 9 5900X 3.7 ghz 12-core
  • motherboard: gigabyte X570 I aorus pro wifi mini itx AM4
  • cooler: be quiet! shadow rock lp
  • gpu: asrock radeon rx 6600 xt 8 GB challenger itx
  • power supply: corsair sf 750 w 80+ platinum
  • case fan: noctua A8 PWM chromax black 80 mm fan
  • ram: 32 GB
  • storage: 2 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker

electrical engineer's build
  • cpu: amd ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 ghz 8-core
  • motherboard: gigabyte X570 I aorus pro wifi mini itx AM4
  • gpu: gigabyte geforce gtx 1070 8 GB mini itx oc video card (169 mm)
  • cooler: comes with cpu
  • power supply: corsair sf 600 w 80+ gold
  • case fan: noctua A8 PWM chromax black 80 mm fan
  • ram: 32 GB
  • storage: 1 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker
november 5, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN

a complete set of eurorack panels for pom-400
the eurorack formateurorack is a very common system format when it comes to modular synths. there are tons of modules and manufacturers on the market and the pocket operator modular series is eurorack compatible. this means any POM system can be used together with any other module, from any other brand. while the pocket rack format is slightly smaller than eurorack, you only need some minor tweaks to fit your pocket operator modules in your eurorack system.
here are a few ways to 'eurorackify' your pocket operator modulars and pocket operators, plus a bonus mod to really expand the capabilities of your POM-400.

choose your favorite - eurorack panels for POM
eurorack front panels for POMthe two companies malm.audio and jklmnt have joined forces and created custom eurorack front panels for the complete range of modules available in the pocket operator modular POM-400 and POM-170. pick your favorite module and mount that in your existing eurorack system, or create a complete replica of an entire system. the various panels range from 6 hp width, up to 18 hp.

POM to EURORACK compatible power
power adaptersthey've also made a convenient power adapter that easily converts the power connector from pocket rack to eurorack. no soldering is required and everything above is available through the oddvolt webstore.

pokit - Eurorack conversion kit for POM-16
pokit for POM-16 by grayscale
the company grayscale makes modules and stylish eurorack front panels for a lot of products. their pokit is a eurorack conversion kit for the POM-16 keyboard. the front panel has a matte black finish and is 42 hp wide. the kit even comes with matching gray official knobs. this is a great option for enabling your system with the 4-channel sequencer, arpeggiator and keyboard that is the POM-16.

poM-400 MATRIX kit 
bonus: POM-400 matrix kit
this is not exactly eurorack but an awesome project nonetheless. engineer david vondle has created a bolt-on kit to turn a POM-400 into a matrix synth, kind of like the ems synthi. so instead of just using cables to patch, you can use pins to connect columns and rows, corresponding to inputs and outputs. here's the system in action.

here's david on POM-400 with matrix kit talking to aliens
there is no soldering required and once mounted you can use the full system as you usually would, with the added flexibility of the matrix. truly amazing work. if you really want to unlock your POM-400 but not divide it into separate modules then this is definitely worth checking out. for more details and to place an order go to http://matrix.vondle.com
pocket operators and eurorack
the usually hand-held regular pocket operators can also be used in a eurorack system. this could for instance be a great way to create a portable and powerful grab-and-go live performance instrument, or to have pocket operators tightly and neatly integrated into your studio setup. here are two examples of how to mount pocket operators in a eurorack case.

eurorack adapter by lpzw
lpzw eurorack adapter for pocket operatorsthe german company leipzig west makes this really nice eurorack adapter for the pocket operator series. this comes as a kit and some soldering is required, however you can also get it pre-soldered. more information can be found at the lpzw website, and to order, visit thonk and select your item. if it's sold out you can sign up for their waiting list.

three pocket operators in action - using lpzw adapters

PRINTABLE HOLDER for pocket operators
3D printed holdersspillerphoto is another german company making accessories for the pocket operators, among other things. the euroten and eurotenduo are 3D printed pocket operator holders, for simple solder-free eurorack mounting of one or more units. buy them pre-printed or get the .stl files and 3D print yourself. visit their website for more information.
conclusionthere, a small selection of modular mods and tools for extended eurorack compatibility. let us know if you've made any modifications yourself or if you have any other favorites. don't have your own pocket operator modular yet? check them out below.
explore POM-400
explore POM-170
meet the mayku multiplier.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN

 images provided courtesy of mayku.
the desktop factorywe collaborated with mayku on the industrial design of their new pressure former, the mayku multiplier. designed to fit right on your desktop, it enablesthe production of highly detailed molds and production parts in minutes.
manufacture where you arepressure forming is an industrial grade manufacturing process, used to makemolds and parts instantly. by utilising pressure when forming heated sheet material, the finest details and sharpest edges can be captured - a process that now takes less than one minute, right on your desktop.
want to know more?a limited run of mayku multipliers will be available for pre-order starting october 2021. find out more at the mayku website.
videopak master contest
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
videolab creatorsvideolab creators is an online community of expert unity and OP–Z users, open to anyone who is interested in learning how to create videopaks for their OP–Z. a videopak is a graphical bundle made in unity, that can be sequenced and interacted with using the motion track on OP–Z. for more information check out the OP–Z videolab page or join the videolab creators discord server.
videopak master contest
recently videolab creators hosted a competition to find and celebrate 'videopak masters'. check out the talented winners in the video above. congratulations @shawnydsmusic, @conquesomusic, @jebrald0, @digiklvb, @mastervolume and all other contestants for your amazing submissions.

lola with tajima sai
custom prizeswe supported the contest through product prizes, and we wanted to give something a bit special to the winners. so in addition to just offering products, we decided to get creative, now that we're finally back at the office. let us introduce the newest machine member in our workshop: tajima sai, our japanese embroidery machine. the sai is operated by lola.

lola preparing artwork for embroidery

tajima sai in action

first try - looking good
custom patcheshere we have the final result, a set of five unique iron-on patches. one for each of the winners to enjoy! this was fun and we sure enjoyed making them.

final result - custom made embroidered patches
more informationfollow these links to learn more about the capabilities of OP–Z in general and about videolab in particular. how would you operate as a videopak master?
explore OP–Z
explore videolab
OP-1 gets usb audio
july 14, 2021POSTED BY tobias von hofsten
OP-1 OS #243 – out now!as you know, we have been updating the OP-1 regularly throughout its first ten year lifespan, constantly adding new features and fixing bugs. these updates have all been free of charge and have been compatible with every unit released, from the first early beta units to the very latest batches fresh from the factory. the newest firmware update #243 is no different. it is free for all and compatible with every OP-1 unit available. except this time the addition brings functionality to OP-1 that many wouldn't expect to be possible for a product that is over ten years old.

OP-1 is now capable of streaming stereo audio over usb
streaming usb audio
with update #243, every OP-1 is now capable of streaming stereo audio over usb. this means that you can now sample and record to OP-1 directly from any usb audio host, as well as get OP-1 audio straight into your favorite daw, in effect replacing the need for an external sound card. it works with both pc and mac, as well as with ios and android, and has been made possible by adapting and using our knowledge from OP–Z. the update also includes a range of bug fixes and stability improvements. 
here's some of the update highlights
  • added usb audio device in & out
  • external tempo sync stability improved
  • when tape is armed and OP-1 receives a play command, recording now starts

how to updatevisit the downloads page and follow the steps to update your OP-1.
OP-1 portable synthesizer
$$$
OB–4 midsummer update:beat match + 808 metronome
june 24, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN

OB–4 matte black edition is available here
OB–4 midsummer updateit's summer season here in sweden so we try to spend as much time as possible outside. since we still want great sound the OB–4 is the perfect portable speaker to bring outdoors. with this update we've unlocked some new magic features.
how to updateuse orthoplay to control, configure and update OB–4. access orthoplay on ios devices through the orthoplay ios app and on android devices use the orthoplay android app.
once updated here are some of the features you'll get:
beat matchchannel your inner dj and let OB–4 help you get perfectly timed loops from any audio source. beat match analyses the musical content of what you are listening to in real time and automatically detects the beats.
808 metronomelooking for the perfect beat? OB–4 got you covered with the new synthesized 808 kick drum sound available as one of the metronome sounds. you can even tune it and adjust the decay for that optimal booom, right inside OB–4.
ambientturn any audio source into a drone using ambient on OB–4. try applying it on music or even talk radio. the news has never sounded more relaxing.
external loopinglooping works with any external equipment connected through the line in. here is an OP–Z pattern that is being looped and manipulated using the OB–4.
OB–4 matte black
OB–4 gloss red
playdate update
june 8, 2021POSTED BY scott cazan
playdate updateour good friends at panic just posted an update about their upcoming 'tiny handheld game system' playdate, designed by us. we are very much looking forward to this release, so check out this awesome update while waiting:
also, here's a fun reaction video to this update, by adrian of super gamer boys. thanks guys, we're equally excited!
OP–Z firmware update 1.2.40
june 4, 2021POSTED BY JONAS ÅBERG
OP–Z firmware 1.2.40 is herea new OP–Z update just arrived. we've released firmware version 1.2.38 and put out two hotfixes, so 1.2.40 is the version you want to get. this lets you use multiple input sources and assign effects and lfo to external signals + much more. 
some of what's new
  • major input signal improvements
  • move midi settings to SCREEN + TEMPO
  • increase pan lfo range
  • backlight now on steps 1, 5, 9, 13
  • cpu optimizations

how to updatevisit the downloads page and follow the steps to update.

THE OP–Z APP now shows module + input signals
update demohere's a nice video below by shimmery.mp3 covering the update. also check out ryan diefenbach's awesome update tutorial over on youtube.
#10YOP1 – winners announced!
MAY 28, 2021POSTED BY EMIL KULLÄNGER
#10YOP1 beat contestfirst of all: thank you so much for putting your time and energy into joining our beat contest. we got 594 beats in total and we listened carefully to all of them. together with TĀLĀ and nosaj thing, the final winners have now been picked.
listen to the winners at the OP–1 anniversary site.

some of the 594 total entries
594 beatsyour creativity really surpassed our expectations. to listen to more of the 594 entries, follow the #10YOP1 hashtag on instagram, youtube or soundcloud.
computer–1 build guide.
DEcember 29, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
computer–1 build guide
hey! still no big deal, but you really seemed to like our computer–1 case! we're thrilled of course and promise we will have it in stock as much as possible. here is a quick build guide video using various parts we found around the office. the actual build should be easy enough, as long as you follow the directions in the manual. as always, be careful when handling sensitive electrical parts. let's build!
recommended components
sometimes it can be hard to find exactly the components you need. keep an eye out on all stores that sell parts and sign up to get notified when an item gets back in stock. also check the second hand market and stay safe and smart when buying like this. the computer–1 case fits a dual slot itx graphics card, not longer than 180 mm. use a low profile cpu cooler, not rising more than 120 mm from the surface of the motherboard. here are some suggested example builds.
software engineer's build (no gpu)
  • cpu: intel core i7 9700K
  • motherboard: gigabyte Z390 aorus pro wifi
  • cooler: be quiet! shadow rock lp
  • power supply: corsair sf 600 w 80+ gold
  • case fan: noctua A8 PWM chromax black
    80 mm fan
  • ram: 16 GB
  • storage: 1 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker link
industrial designer and mechanical engineer's build
  • cpu: amd ryzen 9 5900X 3.7 ghz 12-core
  • motherboard: gigabyte X570 aorus pro wifi
  • cooler: be quiet! shadow rock lp
  • gpu: asrock radeon rx 6600 xt 8 GB challenger itx
  • power supply: corsair sf 750 w 80+ platinum
  • ram: 32 GB
  • storage: 2 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker link
electrical engineer's build
  • cpu: amd ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 ghz 8-core
  • motherboard: gigabyte X570 I aorus pro wifi
  • gpu: gigabyte geforce gtx 1070 8 GB mini itx
    (169 mm)
  • cooler: comes with cpu
  • power supply: corsair sf 600 w 80+ gold
  • case fan: noctua A8 PWM chromax black
    80 mm fan
  • ram: 32 GB
  • storage: 1 TB M.2 drive

pc part picker link
euro pocket rack.
november 5, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
the eurorack format
eurorack is a very common system format when it comes to modular synths. there are tons of modules and manufacturers on the market and the pocket operator modular series is eurorack compatible. this means any POM system can be used together with any other module, from any other brand. while the pocket rack format is slightly smaller than eurorack, you only need some minor tweaks to fit your pocket operator modules in your eurorack system.
here are a few ways to 'eurorackify' your pocket operator modulars and pocket operators, plus a bonus mod to really unlock and expand the capabilities of your POM-400.
eurorack front panels for POM
the two companies malm.audio and jklmnt have joined forces and created custom eurorack front panels for the complete range of modules available in the pocket operator modular POM-400 and POM-170. pick your favorite module and mount that in your existing eurorack system, or create a complete replica of an entire system. the various panels range from6 hp width, up to 18 hp.
power adapters
they've also made a convenient power adapter that easily converts the power connector from pocket rack to eurorack. no soldering is required and everything above is available through the oddvolt webstore.
pokit for POM-16 by grayscale

the company grayscale makes modules and stylish eurorack front panels for a lot of products. their pokit is a eurorack conversion kit for the POM-16 keyboard. the front panel has a matte black finish and is 42 hp wide. the kit even comes with matching gray official knobs. this is a great option for enabling your system with the 4-channel sequencer, arpeggiator and keyboard that is the POM-16.
bonus: POM-400 matrix kit

this is not exactly eurorack but an awesome project nonetheless. engineer david vondle has created a bolt-on kit to turn a POM-400 into a matrix synth, kind of like the ems synthi. so instead of just using cables to patch, you can use pins to connect columns and rows, corresponding to inputs and outputs. here's the system in action.
here's david on POM-400 with matrix kit talking to aliens
there is no soldering required and once mounted you can use the full system as you usually would, with the added flexibility of the matrix. truly amazing work. if you really want to unlock your POM-400 but not divide it into separate modules then this is definitely worth checking out. for more details and to place an order go to http://matrix.vondle.com
pocket operators and eurorack

the usually hand-held regular pocket operators can also be used in a eurorack system. this could for instance be a great way to create a portable and powerful grab-and-go live performance instrument, or to have pocket operators tightly and neatly integrated into your studio setup. here are two examples of how to mount pocket operators in a eurorack case.
lpzw eurorack adapter for pocket operators
the german company leipzig west makes this really nice eurorack adapter for the pocket operator series. this comes as a kit and some soldering is required, however you can also get it pre-soldered. more information can be found at the lpzw website, and to order, visit thonk and select your item. if it's sold out you can sign up for their waiting list.
three pocket operators in action - using lpzw adapters
PRINTABLE HOLDER for pocket operators
3D printed holders
spillerphoto is another german company making accessories for the pocket operators, among other things. the euroten and eurotenduo are 3D printed pocket operator holders, for simple solder-free eurorack mounting of one or more units. buy them pre-printed or get the .stl files and 3D print yourself. visit their website for more information.
conclusion
there, a small selection of modular mods and tools for extended eurorack compatibility. let us know if you've made any modifications yourself or if you have any other favorites. don't have your own pocket operator modular yet? check them out below.
explore POM-400
explore POM-170
meet the mayku multiplier.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
the desktop factory
we collaborated with mayku on the industrial design of their new pressure former, the mayku multiplier. designed to fit right on your desktop, it enablesthe production of highly detailed molds and production parts in minutes.
manufacture where you are
pressure forming is an industrial grade manufacturing process, used to make molds and parts instantly. by utilising pressure when forming heated sheet material, the finest details and sharpest edges can be captured - a process that now takes less than one minute, right on your desktop.
 IMAGES PROVIDED COURTESY OF MAYKU.
want to know more?
a limited run of mayku multipliers will be available for pre-order starting october 2021. find out more at the mayku website.
videopak master contest
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
videolab creators
videolab creators is an online community of expert unity and OP–Z users, open to anyone who is interested in learning how to create videopaks for their OP–Z. a videopak is a graphical bundle made in unity, that can be sequenced and interacted with using the motion track on OP–Z. for more information check out the OP–Z videolab page or join the videolab creators discord server.
videopak master contest 

recently videolab creators hosted a competition to find and celebrate 'videopak masters'. check out the talented winners in the video above. congratulations @shawnydsmusic, @conquesomusic, @jebrald0, @digiklvb, @mastervolume and all other contestants for your amazing submissions.
LOLA WITH TAJIMA SAI
custom prizes
we supported the contest through product prizes, and we wanted to give something a bit special to the winners. so in addition to just offering products, we decided to get a little creative, now that we're finally back at the office. let us introduce the newest machine member in our workshop: tajima sai, our japanese embroidery machine. the sai is operated by lola from our textile department.
LOLA PREPARING ARTWORK FOR EMBROIDERY
TAJIMA SAI IN ACTION
FIRST TRY - LOOKING GOOD
custom patches
here we have the final result, a set of five unique iron-on patches. one for each of the winners to enjoy! this was fun and we sure enjoyed making them.
FINAL RESULT - CUSTOM MADE EMBROIDERED PATCHES
more information
follow these links to learn more about the capabilities of OP–Z in general and about videolab in particular. how would you operate as a videopak master?
explore OP–Z
explore videolab
OP-1 gets usb audio
JULY 14, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
OP-1 OS #243 – out now!
as you know, we have been updating the OP-1 regularly throughout its first ten year lifespan, constantly adding new features and fixing bugs. these updates have all been free of charge and have been compatible with every unit released, from the first early beta units to the very latest batches fresh from the factory. the newest firmware update #243 is no different. it is free for all and compatible with every OP-1 unit available. except this time the addition brings functionality to OP-1 that many wouldn't expect to be possible for a product that is over ten years old.
streaming usb audio

with update #243, every OP-1 is now capable of streaming stereo audio over usb. this means that you can now sample and record to OP-1 directly from any usb audio host, as well as get OP-1 audio straight into your favorite daw, in effect replacing the need for an external sound card. it works with both pc and mac, as well as with ios and android, and has been made possible by adapting and using our knowledge from OP–Z. the update also includes a range of bug fixes and stability improvements. 
here's some of the update highlights
  • added usb audio device in & out
  • external tempo sync stability improved
  • when tape is armed and OP-1 receives a play command, recording now starts
how to update
visit the downloads page and follow the steps to update your OP-1.
OP-1 portable synthesizer
$$$
OB–4 update: beat match+ 808 metronome
JUNE 24, 2021POSTED BY TOBIAS VON HOFSTEN
OB–4 midsummer update
it's summer season here in sweden so we try spend as much time as possible outside. since we still want great sound the OB–4 is the perfect portable speaker to bring outdoors. with this update we've unlocked some new magic features.
how to update
use orthoplay to control, configure and update OB–4. access orthoplay on ios devices through the orthoplay ios app and on android devices use the orthoplay android app.
once updated here are some of the features you'll get:
beat match
channel your inner dj and let OB–4 help you get perfectly timed loops from any audio source. beat match analyses the musical content of what you are listening to in real time and automatically detects the beats.
808 metronome
looking for the perfect beat? OB–4 got you covered with the new synthesized 808 kick drum sound available as one of the metronome sounds. you can even tune it and adjust the decay for that optimal booom, right inside OB–4.
ambient
turn any audio source into a drone using ambient on OB–4. try applying it on music or even talk radio. the news has never sounded more relaxing.
external looping
looping works with any external equipment that is connected through the line in. here is an OP–Z pattern that is being looped and manipulated using the OB–4.
OB–4 matte black
OB–4 gloss red
playdate update
JUNE 8, 2021POSTED BY Scott cazan
playdate update
our good friends at panic just posted an update about their upcoming 'tiny handheld game system' playdate, designed by us. we are very much looking forward to this release, so check out this awesome update while waiting:
also, here's a fun reaction video to this update, by adrian of super gamer boys. thanks guys, we're equally excited!
OP–Z firmwareupdate 1.2.40
JUNE 4, 2021POSTED BY JONAS ÅBERG
OP–Z firmware 1.2.40 is here
a new OP–Z update just arrived. we've released firmware version 1.2.38 and put out two hotfixes, so 1.2.40 is the version you want to get. this lets you use multiple input sources and assign effects and lfo to external signals + much more. 
some of what's new
  • major input signal improvements
  • move midi settings to SCREEN + TEMPO
  • increase pan lfo range
  • backlight now on steps 1, 5, 9, 13
  • cpu optimizations

how to update
visit the downloads page and follow the steps to update.
THE OP–Z APP NOW SHOWS MODULE + INPUT SIGNALS
update demo
here's a nice video by shimmery.mp3 covering the update. also check out ryan diefenbach's awesome update tutorial over on youtube.
#10YOP1 – winners announced!
MAY 28, 2021POSTED BY EMIL KULLÄNGER
#10YOP1 beat contest
first of all: thank you so much for putting your time and energy into joining our beat contest. we got 594 beats in total and we listened carefully to all of them. together with TĀLĀ and nosaj thing, the final winners have now been picked.
listen to the winners at the OP–1 anniversary site.
SOME OF THE 594 TOTAL ENTRIES
594 beats
your creativity really surpassed our expectations. to listen to more of the 594 entries, follow the #10YOP1 hashtag on instagram, youtube or soundcloud.




sign up to our newsletterand get updates!
you will receive the latest information on our products,behind the scenes updates, discounts and more.

sign up now