NAMM 2017 - Teenage Engineering

Teenage Engineering unveiled some exciting new gear at NAMM 2017 - I talked to them about their new video synth the OP-Z, and also the latest Pocket Operator, the PO-32 tonic.

Teenage Engineering OP-Z

The OP-Z has a lot of the sounds and effects from the OP-1, packaged around a sequencer like the Pocket Operators. It even has a ‘tape looper’ so you can record some of the tracks you are creating, and then loop them. You can add effects and filters.

The control visuals are incredible, and true to Teenage Engineering’s playful style. Plus it’s really compact and battery-operated, chargeable through USB. They were running it through an iPad and it can connect via USB or Bluetooth.

Teenage Engineering OP-Z

What’s really exciting is that it has a visualiser, built round a game engine, and you can add effects and then record what you create. It comes with a toolkit so you can build your own visuals too, and you can import your photos.

The OP-Z sits between the OP-1 and the Pocket Operators range, and looks set to be available in September 2017.

Teenage Engineering PO-32 tonic

Teenage Engineering and sonic charge - PO-32 tonic

The latest Pocket Operator is the PO-32 tonic and it’s a collaboration between TE and sonic charge - I talked to sonic charge’s Magnus Lidström.

It’s a drum synthesizer and sequencer with para-meter locks, and punch-in effects and it’s the first Pocket Operator which allows unlimited sounds. In addition to the 16 preset sounds, you can use sonic charge microtonic vst to craft your own unique sounds and transfer them wirelessly to PO-32 with the built-in microphone, or alternatively by using a cable.

The sound design is incredible, and I managed to get a really bassy kick out of it!