I’ve had the Z since Thursday and I’ll start by saying it’s not going to be a machine for everyone. I’m the guy who will spend hours each night in my garage lighting spliffs and jamming on Pocket Operators while my expensive synth collection collects dust in the studio. So I’ve always known the OP-Z would be my dream machine and so far it’s only exceeded my expectations but everyone is different - some owners have expressed disappointment and I think the criticisms are valid (if not a tad exaggerated.) Here’s my thoughts addressing some of the cons:
No Screen - after spending 1-2 hours with the OP-Z, I was completely comfortable making music without a screen. The intuitive UI and feedback from the LEDs is just that good. Also, if you have an iOS device, you effectively have a screen. I know that not everyone uses Apple, and it sucks there’s not an option for Android users, but someone like me that has an iPhone and iPad, the app is a really nice feature that works super well.
Cheap Battery - Had TE not jumped the gun on the marketing, I don’t think you would hear many people complaining about the battery life. I’m getting about 5 hours which seems completely reasonable to me. If I have a music app or game running on my phone for 5 hours straight, my battery would likely be drained as well. My Switch will last about 3 hours, depending on the game I’m playing. I know these devices have to power screens, so it’s not apples to apples, but compared to other modern devices I’m happy with the OP-Z battery, just not super thrilled with TE’s marketing. I’m also happy I can replace my battery without performing minor surgery like with the OP-1.
Limited Connectivity - No excuses for TE here, they should have been more open about the fact this was an add-on, and should give us some idea when these modules will be available. Too many people were confused about this, and a lot of people thought the Z would have this functionality out of the box. When the MIDI/CV module is released, this thing will be an awesome device for sequencing external gear. But don’t buy it now if that’s what you primarily plan on using it for.
No Insert FX Per Track - This is going to come down to personal preference, but I would rather have 2 sends in the OP-Z than the insert FX/master FX of the OP-1, especially on a device that it designed around generating musical ideas quickly. Of course, with OP-1 you can layer on the tape, re-sample, and build up a huge wall of sound if you want. Sound design on the OP-Z is not nearly as deep, but the it does give you a wide range of sounds you can make quickly. You can also use the punch-in effects on a per-track basis, but those are more like MIDI effects than audio effects. Much like Pocket Operators, the OP-Z is designed to get you to the “fun part” of making music as quickly as possible. However, for some people, the in-depth sound design is the fun part.
Limited Polyphony - Between the bass, arp, lead, and chord parts, I’ve yet to feel like I’m really missing that extra 7th note. Everything I’ve made with the Z is pretty melodically dense, and if anything I’m more often subtracting melodic elements to make my patterns more cohesive rather than wishing I could add more. This might be a big deal for some but is a non-issue for me.
Limited Project/Patch Memory - Using mute groups and master track sequencing tricks, I think you could feasibly build an entire track on 3-4 patterns, and you get 16 patterns in 10 different banks. Yeah, it could be more, but definitely enough project memory for an entire set. Coming from Pocket Operators, it feel like a huge upgrade. As far as more patch memory, I don’t think it’s necessary because the synth “engines” are so simple. One of the benefits of the sound design lacking depth is that it’s really easy to dial in sounds very quickly - probably the fastest non-knob-per-function synth I’ve ever programmed. And the encoders - damn, they really nailed the encoders. There’s a good reason why you hear everyone gushing about them. Never thought I’d prefer encoders over actual knobs but here we are.
My Actual Cons - If you haven’t already written me off as a TE shill, here’s what I would change:
There’s no pitch destination for the LFO.
I want them to open the app up more - I want to be able to manage samples and back up projects in the app. Also, add things like audio share and ableton link to integrate with the rest of the iOS music-making eco system.
The fucking volume/power tab. Why design a device that’s literally perfect for throwing in your bag or your pocket and then give it a plastic tab that’s going to break off. Also, you turn it towards you to increase the volume, just feels like the opposite would be more intuitive.
(minor gripe) I wish the glow in the dark paint was a real thing.
Overall, if you are like me and irrationally love your Pocket Operators, or like the idea of a tiny groovebox that puts fun above all other features, get the Z, you won’t be disappointed. If you want a sequencer for external gear, wait it out. If you want an OP-2 or a “serious” musical instrument, probably not for you.
Yeah I’m swaying toward an eventual purchase atm… Feel like I’d get my moneys worth out of it over time for multiple types of uses.