Teenage Engineering OP-Z is a quirky and intuitive creative suite
Building on the success of the predecessor, the OP-1, the all-new Teenage Engineering OP-Z introduces some pretty wild features.
Firstly, if you thought the original OP-1 was compact, step aside for the new Teenage Engineering OP-Z, it’s around half the size and still packs in a large amount of the same features in terms of sampling, synthesis and performance. Teenage Engineering have even squeezed in a bunch of new features that weren’t in the original OP-1.
The Teenage Engineering OP-Z features a similar 16-track sequencer that made the OP-1 so popular, alongside 8 tracks for recording audio and 8 tracks for parameter automation. The front panel features four colour-coded dial for controlling parameters, and if you know the engine well enough, you might not even miss the lack of screen like on the OP-1.
The Teenage Engineering OP-Z features built-in effects and a master filter for transitions between tracks making it great for live performances. There is an onboard microphone, so you can sample vocals without an extra gear needed. Teenage Engineering OP-Z features a built-in speaker for mobile jamming, and a stereo line-out for plugging into a bigger system.
Some of the more “out there” features…
The Teenage Engineering OP-Z can be used standalone, however if you need the display to see what going on with the internal engine, you can sync the OP-Z with an iOS device running the app, which opens up the display alongside some other, more unique features.
“Photomatic” is a function allows you to sequence images from your iOS device, directly via the Teenage Engineering OP-Z’s onboard MIDI sequence. This is great for creating visual effects that are synced up to your music, you can even tweak visual effects and filters on the fly, using OP-Z’s controls.
Teenage Engineering OP-Z has the ability to control live 2D or 3D visuals using the Unity engine, track 16 is dedicated to controlling visuals either on a mobile device or projector. You can control the visuals in real-time or set up a complex visual show beforehand. The OP-Z can also control DMX lights directly from its interface.
The Teenage Engineering OP-Z retails for USD $599 (Around R9000 excl. duties), that is almost half the price of the original OP-1, not bad at all!
For more details, check out their website.
