Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synthesizer First Look

op-1-synthesizer

Musicmesse 2009:Teenage Engineering has announced the OP-1 Synthesizer and Controller, a new device, still in the development stages, that combines a synthesizer, music controller and some extra weirdness into a fairly sexy package.

What do we mean by extra weirdness? The OP-1 is the first synthesizer that we’ve seen with a built-in FM Radio and motion sensor!

Description:

OP-1 stands for Operator 1. The OP-1 is a pocket size controller for your favorite software sequencer. Connect it to your laptop and it lets you control your sequencers transport with the common play, stop, rec, forward and rewind. Use it to control your software synthesizers with the 4 rotary encoders and 16 dedicated quick keys for fast selections.

When you disconnect the OP-1 from your computer you have “a stand-alone portable wonder-machine” with 8 synthesizer models, 8 samplers and effects like Delay, Flutter, Filters and EQ all built in. Use  that synthesizer power to record your work with the truly unique (at present time, secret) sequencer.

Use the magic step sequencer/arpegiator to get the notes right. If that is not enough use the built in motion sensor that senses every shake or move you make and can turn it into cool sounds.
Sample a beat from the built-in FM radio or memorize a tune by whistle it into the built-in microphone. Play your piece to your friends through the built-in speaker. Or…convert it right away to mp3 and mail it to them.

You can sign up for the OP-1 Beta at the Teenage Engineering site.

Is this not a sextacular music gadget? Check out the specs and audio/video demos below, and leave a comment with your thoughts!

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synthesizer Features:

  • Midi Controller with Transport and Four Endless Encoders
  • Fm Synth
  • Sampler with mic or line in, built in speaker
  • FM RADIO that alows you sample Young Jeezy.
  • 8 synthesizer models, 8 samplers and effects like Delay, Flutter, Filters and EQ all built in.
  • step sequencer/arpegiato
  • Built in Motion Sensor

Here’s a video sneak preview of the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synthesizer’s interface:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTtXBRCXTKk

Here are a few audio demos of the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synth:

[display_podcast]

via TrueChipTilDeath

14 thoughts on “Teenage Engineering OP-1 Synthesizer First Look”

  3. This thing looks “cute” but not like it will be that interesting as a musical tool. Sort of like a variation on Korg’s Kontrol things.

    It doesn’t look at all playable, by it might be OK for mobile music making.

    Maybe they are targeting the consumer market?

  6. it's certainly an arousing piece of hardware. i'm very curious. odd it doesn't have midi though. i guess it's more a philosophy thing…they want you to keep your focus on it. with the little keys it's not like you're going to use the thing as a pad monster. so, yeah…i think that while it's flexible in many ways, it is tailored for sequencing beats and odd sounds, while adding simple melodic lines and effects overtop. umm…you won't want to play Chopin or Rachmaninoff on it!

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