One of our favourite instruments: hugely creative digital synth, sequencer, sampler, multi-track recorder and effects unit. Inspiration in a box. A true modern classic. Check out our full review.

Supplier's notes:
The OP-1 from Teenage Engineering is a high-end portable synthesiser, with the power and functions of a professional studio. The OP-1 also acts as a sampler and controller, with a fast, simple interface. Whether you're in a home, project or professional studio, the OP-1 delivers power and performance every time.

The OP1 from Teenage Engineering grabs your attention, with its simplistic layout and colour coded interface. The OP1 is also a portable, compact, hand-held synthesiser. The power of the OP-1 lies in the features; 8 built-in synthesiser engines, multiple effects, LFO's and unique sequencers all inside the OP-1. The OP1 has a built-in 4-track recorder and lets you match the track speed to the sequencer clock. Change the speed while recording and you can even record backwards. Mix your track using the using the 4-channel mixer and add some texture with the built in EQ and Drive.

The OP-1 is easy to connect to your computer via USB, just plug and play. No additional software or drivers required. The OP-1 shows up as a mass storage device. Ready for you to drag and drop audio files between your computer and the OP-1. Additional features include G-Force sensor for motion-controlled effects and FM Radio.

Do not worry about mains power, the OP-1 has a 16-hour battery life for long journeys and studio sessions. The colour coded interface and graphics make the functions easy to identify, while the sharp, easy to ready OLED display is directly related to the four colour rotary encoders and the legend on the keyboard.

To continue Teenage Engineering's ten year celebration of the OP-1, here is another free update (July 2021):

OP-1 is now capable of streaming audio over USB. In effect, this means that every OP-1 owner just got a new portable USB sound card. enjoy!

Streaming USB Audio

With update #243, every OP-1 is now capable of streaming stereo audio over USB. This means that you can now sample and record to OP-1 directly from any USB audio host, as well as get OP-1 audio straight into your favourite DAW, in effect replacing the need for an external sound card. It works with both PC and Mac, as well as with iOS and Android, and has been made possible by adapting and using the knowledge from OP-Z. the update also includes a range of bug fixes and stability improvements.

Here's some of the update highlights:

Added USB audio device in & out
External tempo sync stability improved
When tape is armed and OP-1 receives a play command, recording now starts

How to update: visit https: / / teenage.engineering / downloads / op-1 and follow the steps to update your OP-1.