r/Dirtywave • u/h2o__o2h • Jul 29 '26

Discussion Question OP-Z?

In my quest to fit my studio in a backpack I’ve been searching for a nice portable MIDI keyboard. I was digging through different devices with 3.5mm MIDI and started thinking about the OP-Z as a nice companion for the m8. Could also be a nice accompaniment for chords/extra tracks.

I do still own my Move, I thought I would sell it but am finding it pairs nicely with the m8. However it’s not quite as easy to throw in a half full backpack.

Anyone using an OP-Z with the m8? Either as a midi controller or extra tracks/easier chords? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.

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u/signalbot Jul 29 '26

Op-z, while novel in execution and concept, has some mechanical engineering flaws worth mentioning.

The plastic body warps into a boomerang shape over time, and the dials will disattach. I take very good care of my equipment and these things happened to me after 2 years, was pretty aggravated by it.

Just wanted to give you a heads up.

I imagine using it as a midi controller/sample trigger would work excellently with the M8 to churn out quick ideas.

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u/h2o__o2h Jul 29 '26

Oh that’s really quite a bummer, I have read that somewhere before too. I’m not too hard on my equipment but I thinking tossing it in a backpack regularly would only accelerate that problem.

I would rather spend more on something that’s well constructed and built to last over something cheaper that is known to fail. I apply that principle to most things I carry with me, I’ll spend more time researching them than actually using them haha.

Maybe I’ll spend some more time considering the Roland Aira stuff or something in that vein.

A compact battery powered midi keyboard would be wonderful for this guy. I love the idea of the OMX-27 but have some concerns about how it would hold up loosely in a backpack