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teenage engineering OP-Z Synthesizer and Multimedia Sequencer

BH #TEOPZ • MFR #TE012AS001
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teenage engineering OP-Z Synthesizer and Multimedia Sequencer
Key Features
  • 16-Track Sequencer
  • 16 Synthesis, Sampler & Control Tracks
  • Multiprogram Step Components
  • MIDI, CV, Trig Track Sequencing
Building upon the success of the OP-1, the Teenage Engineering OP-Z is a portable all-in-one synthesizer and 16-track multimedia sequencer. The device can not only produce complete music tracks and sound effects, but is also capable of MIDI, CV, & trigger track sequencing, image & 3D graphic sequencing, and DMX light sequencing.
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teenage engineering OP-Z Overview

Building upon the success of the OP-1, the Teenage Engineering OP-Z is a portable all-in-one synthesizer and 16-track multimedia sequencer. The device can not only produce complete music tracks and sound effects, but is also capable of MIDI, CV, & trigger track sequencing, image & 3D graphic sequencing, and DMX light sequencing.

All 16 tracks can run independently, allowing for individual track speed and length. What's more, each step of the sequencer offers component sequencing, which adds variations per cycle, note variations, micro-sequencing, direction, parameter changes, re-triggers, and more. There are 14 different components, and each has 10 values and behavior programs, which totals 140 ways to alter a single step.

All keys are backlit with multicolor LEDs with instant machine feedback, a convenient feature for dark stages and poorly lit environments. Even the print on the unit uses a special glow-in-the-dark paint to keep you on point during a performance. There is no built-in LED screen. Instead, the OP-Z connects to your iOS device and takes advantage of its high-resolution retina display. A free iOS application pairs the two devices and further expands the feature set. Photomatic allows you to capture and arrange photographs into synchronized stop-motion photography with effects or import custom graphics and animate them in pace with your music. Media can easily be imported into the system via Dropbox. To eliminate any latency between image and sound, the OP-Z sound engine is ported to run simultaneously on your iOS device, which enables dual-domain synthesis.

Teenage Engineering have worked closely with Keijiro Takahashi and the Unity Tokyo Studio to fully integrate the OP-Z with the Unity Game Engine, allowing for stunning 3D graphics that run at full speed on an iPhone or iPad. The included toolset allows you to create your own graphics and 3D animation projects that can be integrated into the OP-Z performance platform.

An updated tape feature secretly records everything that is programmed into the sequencer in real time. With its own dedicated track, it is possible to sequence the tape and trigger the in-point, length, and speed. There are several different tape reels with different characters, which allow you to scrub, scratch, wind-up, and mess-up any programming. The OP-Z ships with a USB charging and control cable.

Sequencing
  • Advanced multispeed, 16-track sequencer
  • Step-component composing
  • Endless sequencing steps
  • Track independent length
  • Track independent speed
  • Parameter locks
  • Step recording
  • Live recording
  • MIDI, CV, and trig track sequencing
  • Image and 3D graphics sequencing
  • DMX light sequencing
Instrument Tracks
  • 16 individual and independent synthesis, sampler, and control tracks
    • Kick
    • Snare
    • Percussion
    • Sampler
    • Bass
    • Lead
    • Arpeggio
    • Chords
    • FX slot 1
    • FX slot 2
    • Tape
    • Mixer
    • MIDI
    • CV & trig
    • Light
    • Motion
General Features
  • Patterns: 160 user-programmable patterns with endless pattern-chaining
  • Effects: Upgradeable modular effects architecture including delay, reverb, filters, tremolo, and more
  • Step Components: 14 multi-program step components for advanced step sequencing
  • Screen: When paired, or connected to an iOS device, the device will act as a screen for OP-Z
  • iOS App: OP-Z iOS app will be free to download from app store
  • Compatibility: Compatible with any iOS device that is Apple metal graphics specified
  • Dual-Domain Synthesis: For extreme low-latency performance
Hardware
  • Analog Devices Blackfin 70X DSP
    • Cirrus Logic audio coprocessor
    • 1250 MMACS
    • 48 kHz/24-bit DAC
    • 115 dB dynamic range
  • Sensors: 6 axis motion sensors (g-force) assignable to any synthesizer parameter
  • Tactile Input
    • 2 octaves of musical keys
    • 51 mechanical keys in total
    • Pressure-sensitive pitch bend
    • 4 x multipurpose, color-coded, high-resolution encoders
    • Volume knob / on switch
    • Pairing button
  • Encoder Design: Floating ball bearing, hall-sensor encoders for minimal stacking height and wear
  • UI: 53 LED indicators
  • Microphone: Integrated MEMS microphone
  • Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0 LE
  • Battery: 2 years standby time
  • Connectors
    • USB Type-C
    • 3.5mm 4-pole jack
  • Durable Design: Ultra-rigid engineering plastic
  • Housing: IXEF 1022 PARA + 50% glassfiber

teenage engineering OP-Z Specs

Input / Output
USB
USB Type-C
Line In/Out
1/8" / 3.5 mm 4-pole jack
Microphone
Integrated MEMS microphone
Controls/Indicators
Sensors
6 x axis motion sensor (g-force) assignable to any synthesizer parameter
Control Input
Tactile input
2 octaves of musical keys
51 mechanical keys in total
Pressure-sensitive pitch bend
4 x multipurpose, color-coded, high-resolution encoders
Volume knob / on switch
Pairing button
Indicator LEDs
LED Indicators: 53
Encoder
Type
Teenage Engineering-designed floating ball bearing, hall-sensor encoders for minimal stacking height and wear
Battery
Battery Life
Standby: 2 years
Charging
Via USB port
General
Hardware
Analog Devices Blackfin 70X DSP
Cirrus Logic audio coprocessor
1250 MMACS
48 kHz/24-bit DAC
115 dB Dynamic Range
Material of Construction
Ultra-rigid engineering plastic
Housing
IXEF 1022 PARA + 50% glassfiber
Dimensions
8.4 x 2.3 x 0.4" / 212.5 x 57.5 x 10.0 mm
Length for Volume Knob: 0.2" / 5.0 mm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.6 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.1 x 2.9 x 1.05"

teenage engineering OP-Z Reviews

Excellent mobile beat maker/idea station

By Brent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-14

The kit is a solid collection of extras, but the only thing I actually use is the case(and, of course, the OP-Z). While I feel that some items from Teenage Engineering(their desk comes to mind) are WILDLY overpriced, I think the OP-Z is a solid value proposition. You have to understand the limitations, such as small total sample size and limited sound design, but the sequencer is one of the most fun, and versatile, I've used. I prefer it to the newer MPC line, which is saying something, and it's more fun to play with than anything I've ever seen in a DAW. With the OPLAB expansion module you get Gate/CV output and MIDI I/O(the module comes with one dongle, their 'Type-A') allowing you to control hardware. You also have both MIDI and audio over USB-C, although that brings me to another unfortunately limitation: only stereo audio. Sampling can be done with the surprisingly good internal mic, with a headset plugged into the jack(or using a headphone/mic splitter and a separate mic), or the USB-C audio. I will often connect the OP-Z to my phone and watch tutorials while following along on my OP-Z, with both coming through either the built in speaker(it's ok, at best, but I appreciate that it's there) or headphones. If you want one of the best(in my opinion), most portable sequencers around, pick up an OP-Z.

A Pocket Powerhouse

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-18

After watching YouTube videos about the OP-Z for months, I finally decided to take the plunge. Dynamite comes in small packages... and this little guy is one capable sequencer, sampler, pocket synth / groove box, portable, battery powered monster. You can take it and capture musical ideas anywhere... and even the synth engines here sound punchy and sweet. The OP-Z is truly a pocket powerhouse. Now on to purchasing one of these little monsters. DON'T BUY THESE ON AMAZON! PLEASE! The same vendor sold me 2 of them and both were defective on arrival. I'm still chasing down the $1200 I dropped in the process. Not sure why I didn't go directly to B&H. I certainly do for all of my photography needs, but I sometimes forget to check for music gear. Regardless of the product, B&H always delivers. It's a well run and finely tuned machine.

See any errors on this page?

question

Does anybody knows about the expected release date and price?
Asked by: Chanchal K.
Unfortunately the question you're asking cannot be answered with our Q+A feature. Please contact our Sales directly for assistance.Email: [email protected]
Answered by: Jacob C.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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