Teenage Engineering OP-Z (opened)

Teenage Engineering OP-Z is a new multimedia synthesizer and a revolution in portable instruments. In a body reminiscent of a TV remote, it hides a 16-track sequencer, audio sources built on samples and synthesis, or video sequencing functions. A mobile phone or tablet can be used as a display. There's also USB-C, a 3.5mm TRRS connector, a built-in microphone, an accelerometer or a replaceable battery. If you're into minimalism, you don't even need to bring a backpack to your next gig.

16 independent tracks with their own sequencer
The sequencer offers 16 tracks that can operate completely independently of each other, at different speeds, lengths and with different loop ends . All in real time. Tracks can also be triggered randomly. So you can create a precisely refined beat or improvise with OP-Z.

Each track offers up to 144 sequencer steps . You can assign an effect or parameter change to each step in addition to a note, creating an ever-changing beat.

If you're a fan of odd rhythms and sophisticated structures, you can use polymeter (different length sequences), line everything up on a grid or, conversely, let the notes float a bit. Melodies can also be transposed in real time, in different scales and in a range of six octaves .

Synthesis and samples
The OP-Z is factory equipped with sixteen sample packs, each with 24 samples. You'll find kicks, snares, percussion, effects and other building blocks for your next hit. Of course, you can also use your own samples.

Sound synthesis is represented by a total of eight engines. In the future, you can expand them via the configurator in the OP-Z app. The resulting sound can also be driven through two effects buses. You can choose between delay, reverb, bit-crush and distortion with the promise of future expansion.

The display is already in your pocket
You may have noticed that the OP-Z doesn't have a display, but there's nothing to worry about. Thanks to its colour coding and clever design, it's easy to operate even without a display. If you can't do without visual feedbacks, just connect your iOS mobile device via Bluetooth (no Android support yet) and set all the parameters in detail.

Sophisticated control
Thecontrols are tailored to live playing . On the rear panel you'll find buttons to access the project, mix, BPM and screen. Four expansion ports then promise future expansion with extra hardware. On the front, the area under the left thumb hides the pitch control and there's also a microphone that activates with the microphone. as soon as you lift the OP-Z to your mouth.

In addition to the visually and numerically coded buttons, a number of operations revolve around four color encoders of special design. In addition to their compact size and LED indication, they also impress with their high precision.

OP-Z as VJ
To save on VJs, you can also create your own visual backdrop to your concert with the OP-Z. Simply use the Photomatic app (part of the OP-Z app) to take several pictures, apply filters to them, and the OP-Z will then sync them to your beat. You can save up to 10 sequences with 24 images and sync them to any track.

Visual artists will also appreciate the integration with the 3D program Unity, to which the controls are adapted.

Punch-in FX
If you're into any of the Pocket Operators (aka calculators), you'll also love Punch-in FX - effects that can be used to spice up an entire performance in real time or loaded directly into the mix.

We end the list of great features of this unique musical instrument with a quote:

"So much fun in such a small package."

Alessandro Cortini/Nine Inch Nails.