tumble, The OP-1 seems awesome. Like the old awesome analog Casio of the same size, but evolved as a minimalist fun workstation. (At least that’s my impression of it from a quick glance.) From what I know today, and not really knowing a MOXF, I would use a MOXF with an editor. That will get you a better sense of under the hood. Do you still have yours? Capability-wise, the MOXF is very similar to the XF. It’s mainly a more constrained UI in a wonderfully more portable package. If you have specific questions, I’ll gladly give ‘em a shot.
I'm uncertain about casually recommending a Motif XF to someone. Conceptually, I know it fairly well. I know if I stick with it, my time investment will pay off. It comes at a cost, but with a benefit I believe in. And, I enjoy the process and discovery.
At this time, I find recording audio as my preferred capture & arrangement approach. Because I’m fastest with it. … But, every time I check out the on-board sequencer I dig it.
As alternatives were released, I stuck with my motif xf because I knew it and enjoy it. The reason I gave myself was because of it’s no-lag playback of 4GB of open-ended, user customizable sound with satisfying action on a instrument that’ll have spare parts for a while. … In theory, it could go 128 levels deep, and could have 8-wide round robin. But, that is a task & half to manage. Big time . The rest was tasty gravy, on the side. (The sequencer, the user arpeggiators, the sampler.)
With each passing year, I learn more, gain greater command of it, and by now, I’m committed. … I’m writing so much I think because I really am captivated by the X - but, I’m out to sea. And, I found this thread’s question very interesting, here, on this forum, amidst the X. … Full circle really. I began reading forums, and reading The Analog Organist searching for a new polyphonic analog in a time of scarcity - while a new Andromeda had just turned to mist. And the Synclavier’s legacy was fading. Well, we’re on a different point of this synced wave.