Teenage Engineering’s OP-XY sequencer offers a ton of new features and looks club-ready all in black – but boy, does it cost a lot
- Teenage Engineering has launched its new OP-XY sequencer, synthesizer and sequencer.
- The new device costs more than the company’s OP-Z sequencer and OP-1 audio workstation
- The OP-XY costs $2,299 / £1,899.
Teenage Engineering has unveiled the latest addition to its renowned OP range of portable synthesizers and sequencers, the OP-XY.
The OP-XY is a sequel of sorts to the OP-Z compact sequencer, featuring an OLED screen and a comprehensive set of controls in the same compact form factor as the company’s legendary OP-1 audio workstation.
At its core, the OP-XY is a 64-step sequencer, and working with it revolves around sequentially sequencing notes, with 24 polyphonic voices.
You can use these sequences to control multiple internal synth engines or up to eight external gear, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modular synths.
Along with a wide range of physical controls compared to the OP-Z, the OP-XY includes a new sampler, a selection of punch-in effects for live performances and a new ‘brain-chord’ feature that Teenage Engineering does not have. really explained. Judging from the name, it is possible that this is some kind of melody generator.
The OP-XY comes in a single monochrome black color with gray and white accents. In a clear reference to techno and club culture, the product page is covered in German phrases and images of straight-faced dancers in black leather outfits.
And in typical Teenage Engineering style, there are a few features that are just for fun, like a gyroscope that lets you fade songs in and out and a built-in speaker for jam sessions on the go.
Overall, the OP-XY seems to be one of the most versatile products Teenage Engineering has ever released, and the price tag reflects this (and much more).
You can now buy the OP-XY for a whopping $2,299 / £1,899 – significantly more expensive than the OP-Z ($499 / £499) and even a little more expensive than the OP-1 ($1,999 / £1,799).
So, is this Teenage Engineering serious about music, or is this another case of paying extra for a fancy design from music tech’s coolest brand?
Who is the OP-XY intended for?
The OP-Z has built a great reputation in the music world for its relatively affordable price, extensive functionality and portability, but has also been criticized for its cramped workflow and reliance on button combinations.
The OP-XY seems to solve this by adopting the chassis of the OP-1 workstation, but at more than four times the price, there has to be more to justify its purchase.
Additionally, the internal synth engines and sampler seem to infringe on the OP-1’s song creation capabilities.
However, the OP-XY appears to offer more remote connectivity and live performance than the OP-1, which mimics a tape machine in the way songs are recorded and is generally quite intentional in its workflow.
The OP-XY could therefore be imagined as a live-focused reflection of the OP-1, and a true big brother or sister to the OP-Z (although it loses the OP-Z’s video sequencing feature).
Whether that’s enough to justify such an eye-wateringly high price is ultimately up to you.
The OP-XY is now available from Teenage Engineering. For the latest news on the trendiest music and audio equipment, follow our audio coverage.