New OP-1 Tutorials by djthomaswhite

OP-1 Tutorial: Making a Remix - Part Two

YouTube Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Jan 30, 2012
These also added to Part 1 here.

"Here is Part Two of the 3-Part "Making a Remix" OP-1 video tutorial. In this example I plug the OP-1 into the computer to capture the audio instead of using iPhone and iPad microphones. Further ideas towards the composition are presented, mostly showcasing editing and arranging of sampled audio bits within the OP. Part 3 will showcase taking these audio ideas out of the OP-1 and into Logic in the Mac to show how using the OP-1 as a launching pad for music composition can end up.

The song I am working on is "Let's Get It Together" by Manjane on Bomb Digital out of San Francisco. The final version will be the Natural Rhythm Remix and will be out for sale digitally by summer."

OP-1 Tutorial: Bouncing Tracks

Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Jan 30, 2012

"Here's an overview of some different ways to bounce tracks and audio around in the OP-1. This has been a popular question in response to my tutorial videos. The good news is you have options and there are more than one way to bounce audio. However, you can't just bounce track one to track two, and you can't bounce a track to another in an overdub fashion with a button combo. You can get this result with a little creative thinking and extra work... this is the theme of the OP to me. I hope you enjoy this video tutorial!"

OP-1 Tutorial: Bounced House Demo

Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Jan 30, 2012

"Here's a follow-up demo to my tutorial on bouncing tracks in the OP-1 that shows how bouncing (Lifting in groups or sampling from groups of tracks) pieces of some tracks can be the inspiration for a whole new musical composition. Some tips and tricks are thrown in, but this is mainly about demonstrating the process of working with previously bounced audio pieces (in this case bar at a time). Thanks for stopping by to check out another one of my videos."

OP-1 Tutorial: Making a Track

YouTube Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Jan 16, 2012

"With NAMM 2012 coming I wanted to take inventory of the current OP-1 capabilities and to address some of the questions I have been getting from sharing my OP-1 videos here on YouTube. I take the "start from scratch" approach and show how to make a basic track loop. I make house music so you can expect some deep house vibes. It's a long video (30 mins) so here is a summary of what is included:

- Erasing all 4 tape tracks
- Making a drum sequence in Pattern sequencer
- Setting up loop sections
- Navigating loop sections
- Recording sequences to tape (in time)
- Chord memory techniques
- Recording live keys to tape
- Overdubbing to tape
- Recording to different tracks
- Sampling to the Synth sampler
- Playing with sampled sounds

The OP-1 is a very capable tool for production. It is not a toy... it just looks like one to many people. Others see the simplistic interface as a refined means to an end. Whatever your stance may be, the OP-1 and the money I spent was worth it to me, by far. I am rejuvenated and want to to be creative again. It's kind of like my early set up with a Roland R8 drum machine, Roland JV-35 keyboard (borrowed) and Alesis MMT-8 Sequencer put down to DAT recorder (only a stereo pair of tracks! Oh my). Necessity can be inspiring! Limits to memory, space on tape, tracks are a test to me... a test I need to pass. This makes me think of really out og the box ways to get things done. I don't just pull a preset solution out of a 2 terabyte hard drive somewhere. I hope you find the tutorial interesting and that it may inform you on how to use your new OP-1, or that you now need to buy one, or that you are now sure it's not for you (perfectly okay too). Thanks for stopping by to check out another one of my videos.

Don't forget to check the unofficial (but best) OP-1 Forum for samples, user support and the latest TE rumors. Ohpeewon dot com

NOTE: This video is a tutorial and has a lot of talking. It's a balance of explanation and actions, and is not really meant for adapt OP-1 users. And, "yes", to the nitpickers I know I say "familiar" as "fur-miliar" LOL. My grandma says "warsh" instead of wash" so I guess it runs in the family. Sue me. It was 2:30am and the aged 18 year Scottish grain spirits were mellowing me out. Slàinte mhath! • [ slanj'-uh va' ] - ("Good Health" in English)"

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Teenage Engineering Oplab, OP-1 & Korg MS-20

YouTube Published on Jul 17, 2012 by djthomaswhite

"Video recorded in a quiet room with the iPad only showing a loop or two playing in the OP-1 with a 32 beat sequence playing in the OP-1 via the "Endless" sequencer live over the top. Connections equal OP-1 USB connected to Oplab USB Host A with CV1 out and Gate out connected to Korg MS-20. Select Hz/volt and Gate and we're off and running out of the gate. More videos to come soon and with better quality. Had to get these up late night to show it is real, it is here and it is yours for the taking at teenageengineering.com
Go get an Oplab!"

Teenage Engineering Oplab Box Opening

Published on Jul 16, 2012 by djthomaswhite

"A very tired me opening my Teenage Engineering Oplab 1.0 and showing what's in the box (T-shirt not included with standard Oplab purchase) and a quick, dark overview of the physical unit and packaging. No features on display quite yet, but those videos will come soon. The small rubber it's are adhesive feet to be placed on the bottom of the unit, but I will be looking in to some type of enclosure, if only for the bottom, in my spare time soon. I hope you enjoy the preview. There is a second video coming showing the bottom with those cheeky feet installed... And who doesn't love cheeky little rubber feet? My car has 4."

Teenage Engineering Oplab Box Opening Pt. 2

Published on Jul 16, 2012 by djthomaswhite

"Quick couple of notes on the rear of the Oplab and the rubber bits that come with it. More videos to come soon!"

MFOS 16-Step Rotary Analog Sequencer Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on May 18, 2020 djthomaswhite

"Here is my Music From Outer Space sequencer controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step design and include some bonuses. The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional voltage pots and outputs raft sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length effect this expansion unit too. There are also two MFOS quantizer units with incredibly flexible and immediate scaling. Lastly there is a Catgirl Synth CGS Burst Generator to create bursts of triggers allowing you to slow you main sequence way down and use set trigger pulses to extend your performances very much like modern micro step sequencing a la the OP-Z or Elektron Gear but in a purely analog world here. The unit is stand alone and includes a Synthesis Technology 900 linear Power One power supply for precision voltage operation. All you need is a power and latch cables to get started. 1 volt per octave, cV/Gate and USA voltage requirements. Converters needed if in Europe, Japan or elsewhere. I will be selling this one if a kind unit and hope for it to go to a caring creator who can utilize it to its potential. Built like a tank, 100% custom and cared for she’s looking for a new love. Are you her future keeper?"

via this auction

"Here is my custom designed Music From Outer Space 16-step Analog Sequencer Controller. This is the original CNC machined rotary label design I created way back when and is the same unit pictured on Ray’s legacy website (R.I.P. Ray, we miss ya brother). The core sequencer is Ray’s Classic 16-Step sequencer design and include some bonuses. The basic design is 16-steps with gate switches per step, dual voltage outputs and selectable sequence modes.

The first bonus is the addition of 16 additional sequence control pots in an “infinity” layout with dual voltage outputs (pure/glide) that sequence in time with the main internal clock. Changes to the main sequence length and it mode affect this expansion unit too. Very useful for controlling volume or filter frequencies of your main sequence line.

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Synth Basics Korg MS-20 VCA (Vactrol)

YouTube via djthomaswhite | October 24, 2010

"Bonus VCA from the patch section of the Korg MS-20. This is not the main VCA in the synth voice, rather it is a second VCA intended for use in patching sounds. Honestly, it's a crudely simple Vactrol based VCA that has audio bleed through a bit, like Lopass Gates (LPG's). The bleed through is not that bad, but it is noticeable for sure. However, Vactrol sound is warm and has a nice smooth decay. In other words, you cannot get this VCA to end abruptly. It always has the decay of the Vactrol. Enjoy the video!"

Synth Basics Korg MS-20 LFO

djthomaswhite | October 24, 2010

"NOTE: Sorry for the dryer buzzer towards the end of the clip. Wife, laundry, grumble.

Here is a demo of the modulation section of the Korg MS-20. Simple, but very effective. This is the internal LFO from the synth section, but accessed from the patch panel that makes the MS-20 so famous for being flexible and fun to own.

Basic shape control from saw to triangle to ramp on the one output and trigger length pulse to 50/50 cycle square wave to full wave minus small trigger pulses on the other. Frequency control and that's about it."

Futuresonus Parva - Hardware and Menu Overview (no sounds)

Published on Feb 4, 2016 djthomaswhite

"A quick look at the Futuresonus Parva Synthesizer build quality and hardware, and a look at the editing menu navigation. Sound demos are currently on my Soundcloud (djthomaswhite). Video demos of sound and editing are coming next."



"First day demo of my Futuresonus Parva Synthesizer. This is really just a recording of my meeting around with the sounds I created on the fly. You will hear reverb and chorus from an Eventide H9 at times but most of what you hear is dry. The first patch is entirely Parva for example. I see great potential in this synthesizer and am glad I supported the project on Kickstarter. Units should be available for sale on www.futureson.us soon! BTW, the final patch is intended to sound like a horror movie soundtrack. It has no oscillators involved other than the filter self oscillating and me turning the knobs for frequency and resonance to change the sound. Really creepy!"



"Here is my second noodle around with the Futuresonus Parva synthesizer. There are no external effects in this demo. Everything you here is 100% Parva. I am particularly excited with the Detroit String stabs which are the result of 3 oscillators, 4 LFO's, panning and LFO cross-modulation. There are also some good examples of bass (which is very good) and some softer and rougher tones. Again, not trying to win a music award, but more showcasing the sounds this instrument can produce. I hope you enjoy! Notes - This is without the updated OS addressing several issues. The high pitched whine you here is due to me running the oscillators at 25 out of 127 gain and having to jack up the main out. Brad at Futuresonus is fixing this by lowering the overall internal gain of the oscillators which will allow them to be turned up without causing crunchiness in the filter and amplifier sections. Also, the filter tuning is not fixed in this OS I am using but you can hear I am still getting some great sounds. Some of the patches feature the mod matrix this time around where you have 16 slots to assign modulation to the wheel, velocity, etc. I only assigned features to the mod wheel but it is quite powerful and I will explore it more in future demos. Check out www.futureson.us for more info on the Parva."

OP-1 Song Performance 2 of 2

YouTube Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Apr 4, 2011

"A track I made sitting in my truck today during lunch time. More features on display. This machine goes anywhere and is useful in many situations. I continue to rethink what it can do. I have not been so excited about a piece of gear since I built my modular synthesizer!"

Update:

OP-1 Song Performance 1 of 2

Uploaded by djthomaswhite on Apr 5, 2011

"Song q of 2, really showing what the Cluster synth engine with portamento, mono and legato can do for the old west coast hip hop lead sound/whistle... in a ghetto techno style of course. Sounds sequenced inside with internal endless and pattern sequencers. All sounds played from Tape and tweaked with FX live."

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Unboxing Overview and Demo by djthomaswhite

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Pt. 1 "Unboxing and Build Quality"

Published on Dec 28, 2016 djthomaswhite

"The Natural Rhythm Music Equipment Show presents an unboxing video and a review of the packaging and build quality of the new Cyclone Analogic TT-606 analog drum machine. The TT-606 is inspired by the classic Roland TR-606 drum machine. Of note are the included hard dust cover, polished clear coating on the top, travel case and the overall solid build quality for this new drum machine. The switches are crisp, the pots feel solidly mounted and smooth, and the buttons are firm and note squishy in their silicone nature. This video is primarily talking so if you'd like a long, almost word-less overview of programming beats without reading the manual first check out Part 2 of this 2-part video series. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making this available directly in the USA!"

Note: MATRIXSYNTH members get a %10 discount at Perfect Circuit Audio (other discounts excluded). See the membership page on how to sign up.

Cyclone Analogic TT-606 Drum Machine Pt. 2 "Making Beats"

Published on Dec 28, 2016

"The Natural Rhythm Music Equipment Show presents DJ Thomas White showing a slow, but direct view of making beats in the Cyclone Analogic TT-606 analog drum machine. No talking about what is going on so submit questions if you have them. Basically, this video shows me turning on the machine for the first time, NOT reading the manual and making some beats. It's based on a TR machine after all so programming will be very familiar to most folks. It's a bit long, but it shows the process of using the machine without all of the bells and whistles it offers. The tone is the point, and as such we did not include any post processing. The audio was recorded directly into a Presonus 16.0.2 mixer and edited into the video without any compression or limiting. This machine is much deeper than I thought it would be and I look forward to spending more time with it, along with the manual this time, to learn and get comfortable with some of the new features this machine brings to the drum programming table. Cyclone Analogic, "Hello!" new friend. I'll be visiting the rest of your family soon. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making this available in the USA!"

OP-1 as a basic 4-Track in Stereo Demo

Published on Feb 4, 2014 djthomaswhite·91 videos

"In this video I get brave and play the ukelele and sing, both of which I am terrible at. However, the point is that I sat in a quiet room, used the internal microphone and layered multiple takes into the OP-1. The only other elements included include one Cluster synthesizer sound, some Nitro processed drums and Spring reverb on the main mix in the OP. The channels are panned to give a stereo field. Very basic, but useful to show how you can use the OP-1 in a style completely different from my other previous tutorials and examples."

OP-1 "In Stereo" 3 minute Demo Song

Published on Feb 4, 2014 djthomaswhite·91 videos

"I wanted to show that the OP-1 is not strictly mono when it comes to audio. True, each tape track is mono, but each tape track can also be planned in the main mix out. This example uses four internal synthesizer engines to varying degree and each on is on a separate track and panned in the mix. It's a short tune, with no beats, and not very exciting, but soon I will make longer ones with more depth."

Teenage Engineering OP-Z: Beta Preview 2

Published on Jul 6, 2018 djthomaswhite

"Final features to be confirmed, but here is another look at the outcome of some beta testing of the upcoming OP-Z synthesizer from Teenage Engineering. These are grabbed on this IKEA Eneby speaker before taking my son to school. Better videos coming soon!"

Teenage Engineering OP-Z: More Beta Demo Footage

Published on Jul 6, 2018 djthomaswhite

"Final features to be confirmed, but here is yet another look at the outcome of some beta testing of the upcoming OP-Z synthesizer from Teenage Engineering. These are grabbed on this IKEA Eneby speaker before taking my son to school. Better produced video previews and ultimately tutorials will be coming soon!"

Oakley Diode Superladder VCF TB-303 MOTM demo

Published on May 3, 2015 alternatingbitmusic

"Inspired by djthomaswhite's demo of his Oakley Superladder build, I finally obtained one. In the last demo portion I come rather close to what he demonstrated, but you decide for yourselves. Either way, this is an awesome filter.
Link to djthomaswhite's demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxiHE..."

djthomaswhite studio tour

YouTube via djthomaswhite. Some synth spotting.
"Had to relocate. Here's a brief overview of the new set up. Includes music from my Tenori-On in the background. I am in the "I love my TO" club. Lots of fun tools I use to make my music. 15 years of gear lust = a bit of gear porn for you to view. More videos coming soon!"

Performing From OP-1 Tape - NAMM 2014 Demo

Published on Feb 1, 2014 djthomaswhite·86 videos

"Here is an overview of original material I programmed to showcase at the 2014 NAMM show in Anaheim, California an a demonstrator for Teenage Engineering. Basically this is what is on my 6 minutes of album tape from start to finish with notes about my workflow, what you see happening in the video and tips on how to use different aspects of the OP-1.

This has a lot of different styles of music including hip hop, downtempo, drum and bass, house, and techno. The OP-1 is really what you design it to be in how you implement the tool set that the OP-1 provides. 3 years into owning one I find myself continually inspired and curious about using it in different ways. This is not something I can say about some of my other (and more expensive) instruments.

I hope you enjoy the video! Please leave comments or questions if you have them. I am glad to answer what I can. Thanks to the Teenage Engineering crew for the support and invite to NAMM and to the users here on YouTube for the interest in my channel.

For more on me and my music you can check out naturalrhythmmusic.com or look for djthomaswhite on SoundCloud, Facebook, etc."

Teenage Engineering OP-1 OS Update with New DNA Synth & CWO Effect

OP-1 May 2013 OS Update - DNA and CWO

Published on May 29, 2013 djthomaswhite·83 videos

Additional videos below.

"This video is an introduction and demo of the May 2013 OS update to the amazing Teenage Engineering OP-1 synthesizer music machine. In this update two astounding new features are added in the form of the "DNA" synthesizer engine and the "CWO" Frequency Shifting Delay. The DNA engine is a noise engine capable of complete aggression and fax machine battle while at the same time possessing the ability for harmonic tonal leads and chords. The CWO FX is a Frequency Shifter with a wide range that make it possible to do phasing, flanging, chorus, tremelo, ring mod and comb filter types of sounds. You have to hear it to believe it. CWO also represents the first partnership by Teenage Engineering with an outside developer to co-op code to add to the OP-1's already heavy arsenal of sound capability. This developer is the one and only sonic master mind Magnus Lidström of Sonic Charge.

I hope you enjoy the video and the demo. There is a longer video with more blabber and explanation of what is going on here http://youtu.be/WntQUO0A6qw (Keep in mind that the visuals you see were from a beta build and show graphics which have since been refined and polished. It's actually a good preview for those of you who wonder what steps are involved in an OP-OS Beta Testing process. Soon you will be able to upload this OS yourself and I look forward to hearing (and seeing) what you can create with this as well as part of the OP community.

The Song played on the iPhone in this demo is from my band Santoma and is called "See Me." We have other songs on Large Music and are planning the release of our completed downtempo/lounge album soon.

Note: This is a pre-release build and final features may vary slightly from those shown in these clips. All music is original and no creative rights have been infringed upon in the making of this video."


And the PRESS RELEASE followed by a longer version of the video above:

"Finally here, the new OP-1 OS is ready! This time we're again adding something completely new. For the first time in the history of the OP-1 we have teamed up with an external developer and invited them to create something fresh and unique for our unit. The result of this first collaboration is something truly spectacular.

CWO - Frequency Shifting Delay

From the sonic master mind Magnus Lidström of Sonic Charge comes CWO

We first met Magnus Lidström a few years ago at a developer party here in Stockholm, Sweden. Even before that we have all been huge fans of Magnus' work, such as Microtonic, Synplant and Bitspeek. When first thinking about doing something together for the OP-1 platform we discussed what could be ported. We soon came to the conclusion that an effect would fit really well. Inspired by Magnus' own Echobode, the new CWO effect is a frequency shifting delay with a twist, modified for the OP-1 format.

'I like the limitations. The four knobs on the OP-1 have been highly optimized, so that each one produces a drastic change in sound on its own. This combination of effects is uncommon and capable of producing a wide arrange of sounds, such as phaser, flanger, tremolo and dub echo. It is really good on drums and for making simple sounds more fun and complex.'

Magnus Lidström, Sonic Charge
We made the graphics for CWO to resemble a cow, digesting and processing the audio signal through it's four stomach compartments, producing a very unique result. We hope you will like it and look forward to hearing your sonic experiments! Chew away!

DNA - CPU ID Noise Synthesis

Also new in this update is a completely new synthesis engine: DNA

The new DNA synthesis engine adds CPU ID Noise Synthesis, meaning it's a noise synth, based on the Analog Devices 64-bit Blackfin processor ID, unique to every single OP-1 unit. Every synth will therefore potentially have a slightly different sound. Sometimes tonal, sometimes not, this engine adds a truly expanded sonic pallet to the OP-1. Filter, Wave number, Wave modifier and Noise can be directly controlled via the knobs. The DNA graphics is set to resemble a Kaleidoscope, where sound and visuals are abstractly interlinked. Developed in-house.

OS intro video by DJ Thomas White

INTRO VIDEO BY DJ THOMAS WHITE [video above]

Long time OP-1 user and beta tester DJ Thomas White made a sweet video introduction and demo of the OS update.

Watch and listen as he explores the power of DNA and CWO, resulting in a wide array of sounds, all created with the new OS. Available as a free preset pack!

Thanks Thomas!"

Teenage Engineering OP-1 May 2013 OS Update
Published on May 29, 2013 djthomaswhite·83 videos

"(Introductory NOTE: This is a longer original introduction to the new OS that I put together. It has outdated graphics that have since been polished. This is one example of what takes place during beta testing. All sound features are unchanged. There is a much more in depth level of explanation of operation of the new OS here and it would be a shame to have this sit on a shelf... so here you go.)"

And one by kubistah:

Teenage Engineering OP-1 DNA Synth Visuals
Published on May 29, 2013 kubistah·13 videos

Moog Mod Wheels - Bright White

flickr by djthomaswhite

Sammichsid White Edition

flickr by djthomaswhite
(click for more)

"White and Orange with flatted LED's"

You can find more info on the SammichSID in this previous post.

Dave Smith Instruments "TETRA" Synthesizer Review Pt. 1

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"Here is my two part review of the new Tetra Synthesizer by Dave Smith Instruments. This is intended as an overview of the sounds and features of the synthesizer, with a small narrative about the over complex expectations of today's synthesizer enthusiasts that sometimes push the fringe of synthesizer elitists. Treat it like an editorial, take it or leave it. I love this powerful little synthesizer and have had more time to play with it since making this video footage last week. I hope you enjoy the sounds, and at $800 for a 4 voice true analog synth, you can't go wrong. Want more knobs? Use the editor and one of your multiple MIDI controllers.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out www.davesmithinstruments.com for more information on the Tetra and the other Dave Smith instruments."

Dave Smith Instruments "TETRA" Synthesizer Review Pt. 2


Tetra prices on Ebay

MXR Phase 90 Phase Shifter Clone Tonepad

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"Here is my build of the MXR Phase 90 Clone available at www.tonepad.com. My enclosure was made by www.pedalpartsplus.com and the label is a water slide decal made in PowerPoint on a PC. The build I opted for includes matched transistors which give it a really nice tone. Enjoy the video! Thanks for stopping by, Thomas"

Cyclone Analogic TT-303 MKII Demo with TT-606

Published on Jan 5, 2017 djthomaswhite

"This is a demo of the newly released Cyclone Analogic Mark 2 TT-303. This is the same Bass Bot engine that has been out on the market for a couple of years in an all new enclosure and with new sequencing features similar to those used on the TT-606 and TT-78 machines, also from Cyclone Analogic. The acid tones are really nice in this analog bass machine, and you will certainly satisfy your acid cravings with this family of machines. The new Bass Bot includes new features named "Mute" and "Hammer" which can also be described as "shorter gate" and "sustain of sorts" with both of them being great for performance, but also being available to program in sequences like DUAS (Down, Up, Accent, Slide). The built-in Shuffle feature is quite well done, and having swung out acid bass is not something you commonly hear or that the original TB-303 from Roland was capable of. I love it, slick polished case and all. Maybe it's not for you, but if you're curious take the leap. It's a solid piece of analog kit. Thanks to Perfect Circuit Audio for making these units available in the US."

Coron DS8 Clone DS-8 Marc Bareille Analog Drum Synth Voice

YouTube via djthomaswhite
"Here is my MOTM-panel build of the Marc Bareille clone of the old Coron DS-8 drum voice analog synthesizer. It is very flexible for synth percussion and can be built for a very affordable price. More information and pictures will be posted soon on www.naturalrhythmmusic.com"
Update: be sure to check out the Synth DIY page on natural rhythm music.