In my opinion, if you’re considering the OP-XY, I strongly recommend starting with the OP-Z instead. While the OP-XY may seem appealing, much of its functionality already exists on the OP-Z, and the cost difference is significant. The OP-XY does offer upgrades such as increased project storage, multi-sampling, the ability to change samples per 24 notes, support for more projects, a four-bar sequencer, swing adjustment per track, more filter control, and other small improvements. However, one major disappointment is the limitation of only nine patterns per track.
While the OP-Z offers 16 different patterns, each with unique sounds and sequences, the OP-XY limits you to nine patterns per track unless you use another track or start a new project. Even when switching to a different scene or song within a project, the patterns remain unchanged. From what I can tell, scenes are used for rearranging patterns, and songs are for chaining scenes. Another aspect I found particularly disappointing is that the time signature only affects the metronome and seems pointless, as anything you record won’t align with the sequence.
Similarities Between the OP-Z and OP-XY:
1. Audio interfaces and Bluetooth midi: both can use Bluetooth midi and can be used as an audio interface.
2. Gyroscope: Both devices support motion-based controls for creative performance options.
3. Punch-In Effects: The OP-Z already includes punch-in effects, which work just as effectively for dynamic, live remixing.
4. Step Components: Both devices feature step components, offering the same sequencing flexibility.
5. Randomize Parameters: Both allow you to randomize parameters on tracks for added creativity.
6. Shared FX Tracks: Both devices have two shared FX tracks.
7. “Brain” and Tape Tracks: The OP-Z’s “Master” track is similar to the OP-XY’s “Brain,” and the tape track is mostly the same with slight improvements.
8. Tracks: Both devices have eight sound tracks. However, on the OP-XY, you can customize how many drum or instrument tracks you want out of the eight, instead of being restricted to four drum and four instrument tracks like on the OP-Z.
9. Sequencing Capabilities: Both devices allow for step-based sequencing with flexible customization. However the XY has more steps.
10. Compact Size: Both are highly portable and designed for on-the-go music production.
11. MIDI Functionality: Both support extensive MIDI control for use with other gear.
12. Track Effects: Both devices include track-specific effects for added sound design options.
13. USB-C Connectivity: Both use USB-C for power and data transfer, making them modern and versatile.
Why I Think the OP-Z Is a Better Starting Point:
The OP-XY’s improvements, such as increased storage, multi-sampling, workflow tweaks, support for more projects, and a four-bar sequencer, don’t justify its significantly higher price. Additionally, some features available on the OP-Z have been removed from the OP-XY, including:
- unable to record punch-in effects for single instrument.
- DMX Lighting Controls: Useful for integrating visual performance elements.
- Unity Video FX: A unique feature for video manipulation.
- Unable to delete a parameter lock on a single step.
- Unable to erase all step components at once.
- Tempo Feedback: Lacks support for different tempo sounds and does not provide vibration feedback like the OP-Z does with the rumble module.
- ARP Parameter Recording: Can’t record parameter motion or use parameter locks on the arpeggiator.
- Tempo Adjustment: Does not allow you to use the number pad to input tempo values.
- Step Movement: Cannot shift all steps left or right on the sequencer.
- Manual Note Input: Cannot manually add notes more than two octaves apart on the sequencer without recording them live.
- More than double the size: The OP-Z is compact enough to fit in your pocket, while the OP-XY is more than twice the size, with encoders that stick out and feel cheaply made.
- Can’t mute FX in mixer: On the OP-Z, clicking Shift in the mixer track and muting FX would actually turn off the FX, but this doesn’t work on the OP-XY.
- Can’t save presets on FX tracks.
These omissions make the OP-XY feel like a step backward in some areas.
Before investing in something as expensive as the OP-XY, I strongly recommend trying the OP-Z first. It offers nearly all the same functionality, with more unique patterns per project, at a much lower price. Additionally, the OP-Z can connect to your phone for screen functionality, reducing the need for the OP-XY’s built-in screen. For its price and feature set, the OP-Z remains the better starting point and overall value.
I hope to see some meaningful updates that might change my mind, but for now, coming from someone who owns both, I think anyone who hasn’t used an OP-Z should try it first.