Teenage Engineering announces new portable instrument and sequencer, OP-XY

Teenage Engineering has released a new instrument, sampler, sequencer and performance instrument called the OP-XY.

The new monochrome device from the Swedish designers is made for polyrhythm sequencing, with eight tracks of instruments and eight auxiliary tracks for controlling external equipment, modular gear and effects. Each can run at independent speeds and bar lengths, for complex polyrhythm building and sequencing. Teenage Engineering say that “step components allow endless sequence variation, with options to modify pitch bend, skip, or multiply steps, creating new patterns on repetition.” 

OP-XY has a black-and-white colour scheme and a matte black finish, whilst retaining the portability of the previous OP-1 and OP-Z devices. The XY features a high-res display, effect sends, and a newly integrated digital-to-analogue converter. Teenage Engineering has also introduced a new CPU for faster processing. 

For integrating with other gear, the OP-XY features a sync input for locking the tempo and positioning to external kit and software, MIDI input for traditional five-pin DIN MIDI cables, and an audio input port for sampling external audio. Power and charging for the internal battery happens over USB-C and there’s wireless MIDI over Bluetooth LE. 

Speaking about the new product, Teenage Engineering’s Jonas Åberg said: “OP–XY is an advanced, ultra-portable sequencer. a precision tool that’s made for prolific music-makers, professionals and roving musicians in mind.”

The OP-XY retails at $2,299. Find out more on the Teenage Engineering website.

Earlier this year, the Swedish electronics manufacturer also announced the launch of what it described as the “world’s first medieval electronic instrument”, the EP-1320 Medieval.