What are the tape tricks?

OP-1tape tricksreversetape effects
By ivan.codes·Updated Feb 2026·Official OP-1 Guide ↗

The OP-1 tape has several tricks for creative effects:

Reverse tape: 1. In tape mode, press shift + stop 2. Tape plays backwards 3. Great for reverse reverb effects 4. Record reversed sounds to another track

Tape speed/pitch: 1. Hold shift + turn green encoder 2. Changes tape playback speed 3. Speed up = higher pitch, speed down = lower 4. Creates pitch shifting effects

Tape loop: 1. Set in and out points (shift + scissors) 2. The section between points loops 3. Perfect for building loop-based sections

Lift and drop: 1. Press lift to cut/copy selected tape section 2. Press drop to paste it elsewhere 3. Use for rearranging or duplicating parts 4. Last lifted section stays in memory

Tape split: 1. Position playhead where you want to split 2. Press shift + split function 3. Divides the recording into segments 4. Useful for editing and rearranging

Album mode:

  • Combines all 4 tracks into stereo mix
  • Used for final export
  • Press shift in tape mode to access

Overdub vs replace:

  • Normal record = replaces existing audio
  • Some synth modes allow overdub layering
  • Check engine-specific behaviors

Creative tip: Record a chord, reverse the tape, add reverb, then reverse again for a "reverse reverb" pad sound.

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