teenage manual

How do I use the Tombola sequencer?

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

The Tombola sequencer creates random sequences by dropping notes into a spinning container, where the bounce intensity controls volume. It's great for organic, unpredictable melodic patterns.

Selecting Tombola

Press shift + the sequencer key to open the sequencer browser. Turn the blue encoder to highlight Tombola, then press the sequencer key to confirm.

Adding notes

Play any key on the musical keyboard to drop a note into the Tombola. Add as many notes as you like.

Shaping the sound

  • Blue encoder: adjusts rotation speed and direction
  • Green encoder: sets gravity (heaviness of the notes)
  • Orange encoder: sets bounciness, which also controls how loud each note plays when it hits the wall
  • White encoder: opens the Tombola to release notes

Crank mode

Press shift + blue encoder to engage crank mode. You can then spin the Tombola manually using just the blue encoder, giving you direct hands-on control over playback.

Tips

Keep the Tombola open with a high rotation speed for a random echo-style effect. In the singing birds exercise from the manual, Tombola is combined with the FM engine and portamento to create natural, wandering melodic movement, which shows how useful it is for more than just random noise.

  • The harder a note bounces off the wall, the louder it plays
  • Crank mode also works in the Endless sequencer

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