teenage manual

How do I use the OP-1 as a MIDI controller?

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

You can use the OP-1 as a MIDI controller by switching it into controller mode via the COM menu. In this mode it sends MIDI over USB to your computer or connected software.

Entering controller mode

  1. 1.Press shift + album/com to open COM mode.
  2. 2.Press T2 (the CTRL key) to activate controller mode.

Adjusting encoder and channel behavior

Once in controller mode, press shift + the encoders to set the behavior of each encoder and the arrow keys. You can also switch MIDI channels by pressing shift + green encoder.

Notes on MIDI output

When connected in standard OP-1 mode (not controller mode), the OP-1 still sends MIDI note data out over USB on channel 1 by default. You can change the channel with shift + blue encoder. This means you can use the built-in sequencers to control external software or hardware without being in full controller mode.

DAW integration

The OP-1 has dedicated scripts for Ableton Live and Reason. For Ableton, download the OP-1 script and select it as a control surface in Live's MIDI preferences. For Reason, use auto-detect surfaces in the control surfaces preferences while the OP-1 is connected and in MIDI mode.

Related Questions