Teenage Engineering introduces $2,299 OP-XY Synthesizer, Sequencer + Sampler
Today, Teenage Engineering introduces the OP-XY, a new portable instrument that features a powerful sequencer, synthesizer, and sampler.
It’s a little bit like an OP-Z on steroids. Described by Teenage Engineering as an “all-in-one powerful synthesizer and composer with deep, direct sequencing capabilities”, OP-XY is a sequel to the OP-Z that puts the advanced sequencing of that machine in a form factor that’s similar to the hugely popular OP-1 and OP-1 field, with a matte black colour scheme, an OLED display and an array of new features.
Where OP-1 was geared towards recording via its tape-style workflow, OP-XY’s primary focus is on sequencing; as such, it shrinks down the OP-1’s keyboard and adds an additional strip of 16 LED-equipped buttons to control its 64-step sequencer. This can be used to sequence multiple synth engines and a powerful multi-sampler which run through a variety of effects, including the punch-in effects from the OP-Z.
OP-XY is a portable device equipped with a built-in speaker and USB-C rechargeable battery offering 16 hours of continuous use. It builds on the specs of its younger brother significantly with 8GB of internal storage, 512MB RAM and a dual CPU system “capable of ultrafast processing power and efficiency”. Like the OP-Z, it features a built-in gyroscope that can be used to bring tracks in and out by moving the device
Teenage Engineering says that the OP-XY’s “modular approach” will allow you to “stack musical ideas and phrases like building blocks”, and its “brain chord progression” function will enable you to intuitively program chord sequences by “letting your hands do the talking”. It all sounds intriguing.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“we know you’ve had wet fantasies about a no-compromise, dual-cpu boosted and fully rebuilt sequencer, sampler, and performance instrument, based on the much-loved workflow of the OP–Z.
now including built-in cv, effect sends, and a best-in-class dac. with 8 individual instrument tracks and 8 auxiliary tracks for controlling any external synthesizer, modular or otherwise, and adding effects. we dare to say it’s probably the most complete, portable sequencer ever built.
it’s here. it’s real. it’s black. and it’s got so much more than you’ve wished for.”
Teenage Engineering OP-XY Intro Video:
TE unusual promo video:
Features:
- 8 unique synth engines
- New drum sampler
- Multisampler
- Synth sampler
- 4 filter types
- 24-voice multitimbral synthesis
- Players per track
- Instant sampling
- 6 built-in FX
- Master eq
- Master saturator
- Master compressor and limiter
- Stereo signal path
- Brain – intelligent transposer
- 24 punch-in FX for performance
- Creative tape looper
- 2 sequenceable built-in FX slots
- MIDI channels selectable per track
- 10 000+ project files with version history
- 16-track, 64-step step sequencer with 4 pages
- Powerful step components
- 9 patterns per track, 99 scenes song mode with 9 songs per project
- Presets per pattern
- 10 grooves for creative swing
- USB-C audio/MIDI host and device
- Audio-out – a multi-out jack, for cv, midi, audio and sync out
- MIDI-in
- Audio-in
- Built-in speaker
- Built-in mic
- Smooth parameter locks
- 1920 PPQN
- Pressure sensitive pitchbend
- Bluetooth LE MIDI
- Microtonal tuning
- Performance gyroscope
On the connectivity front, OP-XY is well-equipped: a USB-C port, 3.5mm stereo input, MIDI in and MIDI sync are joined by a multi-output port that can be used to send MIDI, CV, gate or sync. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth MIDI.
The Teenage Engineering OP-XY is available now for $2,299.
