OP1

OP1, often styled as OP-1, is a portable all-in-one music production instrument by the Swedish company Teenage Engineering. Released in the early 2010s, it combines a compact keyboard with built-in synthesis, sampling, drum sequencing, and a tape-style recording workflow in a handheld unit. The design emphasizes immediacy and tactile control, enabling sketching and performing ideas without a computer.

The device centers on four integrated sound engines, or Machines: Synth, Drums, Sampler, and Tape. It provides a four-track sequencer, a small color display, and four hardware knobs for real-time parameter control. A built-in microphone, stereo speaker, and headphone output assist in sound design and on-the-go listening. The OP1 supports USB and MIDI connections and records and arranges material on a virtual cassette tape, offering looping and editing functions. It is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, making it highly portable.

Reception and influence: The OP-1 earned a devoted following for its distinctive design and hands-on workflow. It is praised for its versatility in sound design and its portability, though it has been criticized for a high price and limited internal memory. Over time it has remained popular in electronic-music communities and is frequently cited for its inspirational impact on portable hardware interfaces.

Production and legacy: Throughout the 2010s, Teenage Engineering produced the OP-1 with occasional restocks and limited editions. While the company has released other instruments, the OP-1 remains its most iconic portable instrument, noted for its all-in-one approach and compact form factor. Its blend of four sound engines, integrated tape workflow, and user-centric design has influenced later designs in portable music gear.