Teenage Engineering's OP-1 synthesizer sure to entice Mark Mothersbaugh
By Laura June 
posted Mar 31st 2009 1:22PM
posted Mar 31st 2009 1:22PM
We've been thinking about picking up our own little synth lately, so we were pretty stoked to see Teenage Engineering's OP-1 -- even if it's not near production yet. The pocket-sized synthesizer -- which will also double as a controller for a digital workstation -- is going to boast eight synth models and eight samplers, effects, a sequencer and an arpeggiator. There's a built-in mic, speaker, and, excitingly, an FM radio. On the controller side of the device, it's got transport controls, four rotary encoders, plus 16 quick keys. There's no word yet on when (if) this thing will hit the market, though they're taking volunteers for beta testing as of now. Sounds awesome, looks rad: sign us up!
Update: Video of a display test of the OP-1 after the break!
[Via Music Radar]
Update: Video of a display test of the OP-1 after the break!
[Via Music Radar]
The only thing keeping me from caring is price. It's totally awesome at $50, no so much at $500. I know pro's don't see it that way, but when all you want to do is tinker cheap synths like the tingamabloot or even the Korg DS-10 trump genuine innovation and awesomeness.
However, if this does reach under $100...
Even $100 would be awsomely cheap for what it looks like to become.
Looking at the price of their desk lamp (http://www.teenageengineering.com/pro/studiosystem/) which comes in at €649, we might be in for a bit of a shock. If it's anywhere near £100/$100/€100 It'll probably sell like hot cakes, but I won't be holding my breath.
Er, that's not quite a desk lamp, it's a completely customisable lighting rig. You can, in theory, buy all the bits and then make a structure that's perfect for either stage, studio (i.e. photographic) or even as you say desk. That's the reason it's 650EUR!
Meh, such a toy. What's the delay like and quality from FM? I'd save my cash for custom job from what real artist use... http://www.starrlabs.com
@Josh
True it's not just a desk lamp and is modular, but looking at what all is included in the €649 package, I'm sure cutting it down to the bare minimum pieces needed for a functional lighting rig will still cost you a pretty penny. But hey, its a good looking lighting rig, I'm sure that helps the price too. I'm certainly not knocking their products, just not too optimistic for a sub €/£/$100 price for the OP-1. I'd love them to prove me wrong :D
Now whip it
Into shape
Shape it up
Get straight
Go forward
Move ahead
Try to detect it
Its not too late
To whip it
Whip it good
Oh yeah, I forgot. Devo were the only band to feature synths. How silly of me!
Crack that whip.
give the pass a slip
*past
I don't know how I typed pass :)
Step on a crack
(Exthuse: You do know that Mark Mothersbaugh is from Devo, right? Making this song very on topic.)
It's the VL-Tone all over again!
this is a pretty nice little package!
That's what she said.
dont tell kanye
Imagine if Wesley Willis had this?
RIP, Wesley
I'll be getting this for it's sheer innovation, if not just for the fact that it's awesome. Hopefully, they'll do well and build more of this stuff... But bigger.
I don't even like synthesizers, and I want one!
Looks awesome.
Haha, I love how you can figure out Laura's personality by the stuff she shoves under the "awesome" tag.
no more cell phone videos please, but otherwise great looking synth, would get one for my small brother if it was like $100, but youngster will have to pass on it if is over that $.
I've got an uncontrollable urge.
looks good
It looks hot! But it's a toy, I wish someone would made a portable keyboard (around 15"-17") with actual keys so I can practice in the train...
there are several but the Novation XioSynth 25 comes the closest.
No one cares, no one sympathizes
You just stay home and play synthesizers
I like it and am glad to see this coming to fruition. I will buy this for the right price and that price is $100 or less.
you utter fruits, believing that
a. this exists
b. it will be anywhere near $100
I want to make music! Looks like this thing could help me
it seems a lot of people aren't giving this little gem it's due...I already have a pretty decent arsenal of full size hardware. This may be a toy but I am going to wager that it will set you back more than $100. With th purty oled, tilt sensor, sequencer and sampling capabilities this thing is really aiming to carve it's own niche. This does't appear to be cheaply built/mass produced, ie;korg nano's.
I may not be the first kid on the block to get one...but I personally will be watching teenage engineerings progress on this one.
-mrcvxxi