Teenage Engineering OP-1 (2011–Present)
A portable synthesizer workstation with 8 synth engines and a cult following among electronic musicians.
Overview
The Teenage Engineering OP-1 is a portable digital synthesizer, sampler, and groovebox released in 2011. It was sold as a self-contained music production tool, with 8 distinct synth engines and a built-in radio. It looks like a toy and it's small, but users note it's solidly built and heavier than it looks. Over time it became one of the most sought-after electronic instruments, with artists like Bon Iver and Trent Reznor reportedly using it. Production was briefly expected to end, but the model stayed in circulation.
Specifications
| Product type | Portable Synthesizer Workstation |
| Synth engines | 8 |
| Polyphony | 6 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 282 x 102 x 27 |
| Weight (kg) | 0.58 |
| Battery life | 16 hours |
| Processing | 400 MHz processor, 64MB memory |
| Hidden Game | Choplifter |
Market
The OP-1 originally sold for US$2,340. It still built a loyal following, and resale prices rose well into four figures. As of May 2022, units were listed between $925 and $1,000. Common problems are battery calibration and indicator errors, which a reset procedure can often fix. Repair manuals and replacement guides, including one for the DSP board, are available through iFixit and Scribd.
eBay Listings
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