Teenage Engineering OP-Z (2018–Present)

The OP-Z is a portable, wireless 16-track synthesizer and sequencer — a groovebox Teenage Engineering has been shipping since December 2018. At its $599 launch price, it landed at almost half the cost of the company's earlier OP-1, which made it the more approachable entry into the brand's idiosyncratic hardware. Physically, it's a remarkably thin slab — 282 x 102 x 13.5mm and 580g — with each key backlit by multicolor LEDs and no built-in screen to speak of. The interface leans heavily on those lights and a companion iOS app.

Period reviews were enthusiastic but clear-eyed. MusicRadar called it "unique, inspirational and a lot of fun," while flagging design quirks and limitations; MusicTech described it as a "one-box wonder" you might not need but will likely want. Engadget was smitten despite noting a volume issue. The OP-Z functions as a MIDI host over USB, can serve as a USB audio interface with Android devices via an OTG dongle, and sequences across 16 individual tracks for different synthesis forms.

What's less documented is the model's longer-term story. The record here is thin on production history, detailed engine architecture (oscillator types, filters, effects), and battery specifications. A used listing in Raleigh, NC offered a lightly used, fully functional unit at $280, complete with extra knobs, a carrying pouch, and an Oversynth overlay sticker. A separate Craigslist posting showed an unopened, brand-new unit with no price given. Given how recently the OP-Z appeared and how much of its use depends on software updates and companion apps, it sits oddly in a vintage archive — but its cult trajectory was already being predicted in its first reviews.

Released: December 2018
Original price: $599 USD
Dimensions: 282 x 102 x 13.5mm
Weight: 580g
16-track sequencer, multicolor backlit keys, no built-in screen
MIDI over USB; MIDI/USB host; iOS companion app