Teenage Engineering OP-Z Synthesizer and Sequence
multimedia sequencer and synthesizer
OP-Z
OP–Z is an advanced fully portable 16-track sequencer and synthesizer, with a range of both sample based and synthesis based sounds. It’s the first stand-alone sequencer of its kind, that lets you sequence music, visuals, lights and more.
Component Based Step Sequencing.
Sequencing on OP-Z is a unique experience. All tracks are independent, meaning they can run at different lengths, speeds and with different loop points. Step components add an extra dimension to each step in a sequence – making your compositions much more dynamic, deep and rich. You can choose to go completely off-grid or stay 100% quantized, and thanks to the OP–Z real time melodic analysis you can at any time automatically transpose whole sequences in different scales across six octaves.
Bring Your Own Screen
OP–Z connects wirelessly to the free OP-Z app via bluetooth. The app displays the numbers and graphs behind the music you create in real time. At a glance, you know how your instruments are balanced, or just how much effect is applied to each instrument. The screen adds another dimension to your interaction with the OP–Z. Unlocking multi touch features, you can adjust multiple mixer sliders at once or use the smooth touch pad to adjust effects or filters. Perfect when performing live.
Built for Live Performance
On the back of OP–Z you’ll find the project, mixer, tempo and the screen buttons. The project button lets you choose 1 of the 10 projects where you work on your songs. Each project contains 16 patterns, containing 8 instrument tracks. The mixer allows you to fine tune the balance of your pattern. Hold tempo to change bpm, and add a click track. The screen button opens the main menu in the app. It also activates the microphone for some live vocals.
Teenage Engineered Four-wheel Drive
Using the four colour-coded endless dials, you control everything from synth parameters, filters, effects and levels to the ADSR shape of an instrument. The RGB LED’s give you instant feedback of values and functions. These encoders were specially engineered for the OP-Z to make it possible to keep the 10 mm height of the unit and to provide maximum resolution.
Punch-in FX
Punch-in FX is a concept inspired from our series of pocket operators, where you can add a layer of live performance effects, and either record them or just to enjoy in real-time. On OP–Z the punch-in FX is a separate programmable track and is one of the unique features that makes the OP–Z stand out from a traditional sequencer. This makes the OP–Z a powerful live performance instrument, extending the possibilities of a pre-programmed track to endless variations.
Full Unity 3D integration
OP–Z can control 3D animations in real-time sync with your tunes and beats. Create your own unique visuals using Unity – the popular multi-platform game engine. By exposing the inner control data of the OP–Z and linking it to unity users can create anything within unity, customizing every single polygon in a performance and completing the live set with unique visuals. Download and explore 3D worlds already prepared for you, and learn more about videolab on github.
| Weight: | 227 g |
| Dimensions: | 5.74 x 21.23 x 0.99 cm; 227 Grams |
| Model: | OP-Z |
Love this thing. It’a a lot to wrap your head around but very much worth it.
I have an OP1 and the OPZ. I love using them together. The OPZ is such an amazing piece of gear that is highly portable. The small speaker on it is pretty useless and the quality of materials used is pretty horrible. I wish it was in an aluminum body like the OP1. Really confused as to why they chose to skimp out on the quality. Still worth it though due to the possibilities in creation and sequencing.
Una volta imparate le basi, si riesce con estrema facilit a mettere in piedi dei pezzi che funzionano. Qualit del suono buona. L’interfaccia basata sui led intuitiva e non uso quasi mai l’app. Una cosa che migliorerei la possibilit di collegare un numero maggiore di pattern per poter comporre una canzone completa. Per il live invece perfetto, penso op-z sia nato proprio per questo.
The OP-Z is a ton of fun. It’s really easy to use. The drums sound really good and the synth engines are good but not great. I’m really easy on it and use a case if it goes anywhere but I’m disappointed with the build quality. The encoders have not poped out but my buttons do have double triggering that happens on occasion. I love that it’s portable and take it with me a lot. I love it.
So now you’re thinking this is a piece of crap. It isn’t. It’s the most incredible thing TE make and is worth all the apprehension in finding the right one. Sound, functionality, flexibility, hidden depths, tricks all get a ten. Just watch some of Cuckoo’s videos or Red Means Recording. If you’re worried about getting into sequencing and want to dip your toe in then get an Arcade Pocket Operator but you will end up with one of these as well. A staggering bit of kit and I’ll never be without it.
I loved this thing but I decided to return it because for 600$. I don’t feel like it’s worth that much and I could use that money to buy a synth like this for the fraction of the price. Beware buyers
Ce petit device est un peu intimidant au dpart, mais il regorge de surprises. C’est en effet un synth correct, un excellent sampler et surtout un gnial squenceur. Le web regorge de trs bon tuto pour apprendre dompter la machine (youtube surtout). Il est possible de connecter l’app android/iphone, et c’est mme ncessaire pour se familiariser au systme. Mais mme stand alone, une fois le fonctionnement maitris, a devient un excellent outil musical.
Das Gert ist sehr intuitiv und nach einigen Tutorials und Hotkey, hat man es echt raus. Die App untersttzt den Lernprozess gut und funktioniert anstandslos. Ich bin mir sicher dass man das Gert irgendwann blind bedienen kann.
Bei der Klangerzeugung und spteren Verwendung gibt es leichte Einschrnkungen. Das ber spielen von Sounds ist begrenzt und die Klangbearbeitung eingeschrnkt.
Zum klimpern vllig OK – aber nichts um ein ernst gemeintes Projekt “mal schnell in eine DAW zu kopieren um es dort weiter zu bearbeiten.
Der Entwicklungshunger des Herstellers und die fortwhrenden Updates rechtfertigen den Preis.
Fr elektronische Musikmacher auf Weltreise ein Muss fr unterwegs.
I’ve had the OP-Z for a little over a month now and the capabilities of this little device never cease to impress me. It’s a beat sequencer, a portable synth, a light show operator, and a remote that streamlines video editing??? Seriously, get your hands on one of these. You won’t be disappointed.
My only two issues with the OP-Z are, 1. Recording samples aren’t as easy as they are with the PO-33 or the OP-1; once you hit record, YOU’RE recording, as opposed to the OP-Z recording upon detecting the first transient from the audio signal you’re recording–and 2. You cannot connect the OP-Z to the OP-Z app and your DAW simultaneously, and if you do, the kick track will be compromised while the OP-Z is armed. This makes editing sounds less streamlined as you have to ensure you have all your parameters tweaked before connected to Logic (what I use). However, this might only be an issue with Logic.
If you have a connection to sound and what a portable sketchpad/workstation, GET AN OP-Z.
My son really likes this he play’s the guitar, ukulele and keyboard. This is the only thing he wanted for Christmas he got it, and has been very creative with it ,great purchase for him.
Better than the OP-1 in its depth of sequencing and multi-modal features. Continuous updates, discovery, and learning sparks creativity.
The buttons are very responsive and feel nice to touch. The interface is actually really intuitive even without the screen. You just have to be willing to read the manual all the way through. But it is an excellent, clearly written manual. The app/screen interface is also so cool and is so quick to set up.
There are also 8 sequenceable non-audio tracks: you can actually sequence tape effects, or key changes and transpositions (using the “master” track).
The synth engines are actually pretty good — there are a couple different ones, and you can patch in an LFO and various effects.
Also, the device is truly tiny, about the size of a long candy bar. I carry it around my my backpack with a good pair of earbuds.
You’ll want an iOS device or Mac of some type, since the app gives you a screen and significantly reduces the learning curve.