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How do I use Drive in the master out?

OP-1tutorialguide
By ivan.codes·Updated Jul 2026·Official OP-1 Guide ↗

The Drive control in Master Out adds compression and loudness to your final mix. At higher settings it distorts the audio for a dirtier, more saturated sound.

Accessing Master Out

Press the Mixer key, then press T4 to open the Master Out screen.

What you can adjust

  • Master balance left/right, turn the Blue encoder (hold Shift while turning to adjust both left and right simultaneously)
  • Drive level, turn the Green encoder
  • Drive release, turn the White encoder

How Drive works

Drive narrows the difference between high and low audio levels, making the output sound louder and more compact. At very high levels the audio starts to distort. The Release setting controls how quickly the drive recovers from loud peaks. At mid to long release times you will start to notice a pumping sound in the mix.

Creative uses

You can use Drive subtly to glue your mix together and add density, or push it hard for a deliberately gritty, raw texture. It works well in combination with the master EQ under T2 and a master effect under T3.

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