While plenty of mainstays made the list—like the ever-popular Teenage Engineering OP-1—there are some state-specific preferences I thought you might enjoy:
Viva Las Vegas: Nevada's most popular piece of electronic gear is an Akai Force Standalone Music Production / DJ Performance System, likely a product of all the electronic shows that take place in Sin City.
More surprising? Alabama and Kentucky, neither of which are typically known for electronic music, love their DJ gear. Maybe the latter is the Jack Harlow effect?
The Eurorack Reigns Supreme: As modular synthesis becomes more popular, Arizona, Iowa, and South Dakota proved their love for Euroracks above all else.
The Postal Service: Washington, home to Death Cab for Cutie, was won by the Dirtywave M8 Portable Tracker Sequencer. The irony of The Postal Service's revival, 20-plus-years after Death Cab's Ben Gibbard sent digital audio tapes to Jimmy Tamborello via USPS, isn't lost on us!
The Border War: Much has been made of regional music over the past few decades, from southern rap to the Pacific Northwest's indie roots...but nowhere was that more strongly displayed than Kansas and Missouri, infamous "Border War" rivals, both of which chose variations of the Akai MPK.
You can check out every state's favorite piece of electronic gear here."
"This person, this self, this me, finally, was made somewhere else. Everything had come from somewhere else, and it would all go somewhere else. I was nothing but a pathway for the person known as me.
(Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle)"
"This work was created using the @teenageengineering OP-1 Field and YAMAHA CS01.
The CS01 is processed through @HologramElectronics MICROCOSM with reverb applied and is occasionally looped using PHRASE LOOPER.
On the OP-1 Field, a Rhodes performance is played back while layering hand-played percussion and synth parts. Additionally, @strymon TIMELINE is used on the OP-1 Field to apply delay and occasionally add pitch effects to the overall sound."
The headline: After five years, the Teenage Engineering Op-1 has been dethroned. That's right -- the TE OP-1 is no longer the best-selling piece of electronic gear for the first time in half a decade...and oh how the mighty have fallen, with the OP-1 coming in at #5. However, it's not all bad for the Swedish synth brand.
Teenage Engineering had three pieces of gear -- the OP-1 (#5), the EP-133 K.O. II (#6), and the OP-1 Field (#11) -- in the top-10, as the brand continues to expand. Point and case: Teenage Engineering debuted the OP-XY just last month.
Both the OP-1 (#3) and the OP-1 Field (#19) finished inside of the top-20 best-selling used synths and electronic gear.
Elektron's Digitakt topped the list, largely due to the release of the Digitakt II and Digitone II models earlier this year. The brand's 2024 debuts helped propel Elektron's Digitone to #9 -- and you can get both the Digitone and Digitakt for a great price thanks to a $160+ drop in the cost of used models for both.
The Digitakt topped the list of best-selling used synths and electronic gear this year, further proving its popularity.
The Ableton Push 2 (#2) and the Korg Drumlogue (#4) both jumped into the top-five thanks to great deals from the brands' respective official Reverb shops.
Korg finished as second on the list of the best-selling electronic gear brands, while Roland took home the gold, Yamaha took home silver, and Akai and Arturia rounded out the top-five.
While Ableton's Push 2 was a best-seller, the standalone Push 3 was beat out by Native Instruments' Maschine+, which finished #11 on the list of the overall best-selling drum machines, samplers, and controllers.
"Messing around with some generative melodies using step components on the OP-XY. Also using the accelerometer to modulate the filter and the punch in effects.
Only had this for a couple weeks but continue to be blown away by its depth."
"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
A live synthesizer jam performed entirely on the Teenage Engineering OP-XY.
The OP-Z was perhaps my biggest "so close, but not close enough" piece of gear from the last few years. Its sequencer and performability and portability were great, but the build quality was terrible was terrible (of my unit, anyway) and the internal synths and effects weren't for me. I was exactly that person who wanted the upgraded, more robust version of the OP-Z.
And we got it. Yes, I recognize the price is high. But so far I am very, very happy with the OP-XY and what it does. It's sturdy, it feels great, its synths and samplers sound great, its effects are great, its sequencer and arranger are powerful, its Punch-In FX are useful.
And most importantly of all, it's fun. When I'm using it, I'm having fun.
Considering you can get an absolutely superb portable groovebox in the Tracker Mini for far less money, it's hard to recommend unless you're the type (like me) who just loves grooveboxes. But I'm loving my time with it so far.
Thanks for listening.
Performed and recorded live to a stereo output, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.
"This is a SEM style filter based on the 1974 Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module's filter section. This filter also adds a vactrol simulation input, a built in VCA, and two sub generators.
Also featured in this video:
First Contact by SetonixSynth & Tidbit Audio
Teenage Engineering Rythm Pocket Operator
00:00 - Opening
00:20 - Intro
00:39 - Overview
03:12 - Synth Patch Demo (minimal talking)
07:14 - Does it Ping?
11:05 - Drums
16:54 - Static Ping Effect
17:55 - Some Music
Special Thanks to Blue Lantern Modules for providing the module for this video."
"L'EP-1320 Medieval di Teenage Engineering è perfetto per gli appassionati di musica elettronica che desiderano aggiungere un tocco unico alle loro creazioni
The EP-1320 Medieval from Teenage Engineering is perfect for electronic music enthusiasts who want to add a unique touch to their creations."
"Open box but like new, knobs have not been installed and are still in the box.
Teenage Engineering - EP–1320 medieval
the world’s first medieval electronic instrument
hurdy gurdys, lutes, gregorian chants, thundering drums and punishing percussive foley fx. the EP–1320 is the first of its kind: featuring a large library of phrases, play ready instruments and one-shot samples from an age where darkness reigned supreme, the instrumentali electronicum is the ultimate, and only, medieval beat machine.
unlock the magic of medieval sounds
the EP–1320 comes with hundreds of medieval sounds and samples, a redesigned set of send effects and punch-in fx, a brand new arpeggiator and a collection of craftily captured multi-sampled instruments. the line input and the internal microphone allow you to sample your own sounds in just seconds. whether you’re into making sultry serenades or bubonic beats, the EP–1320 has you covered.
become your own bard alongside a bucketful of one-shot samples the instrumentalis electronicum features a number of readily playable medieval instruments - play them on the paeds or on an external midi keyboard.
summon your inner troubadour
in demus mode, choose any of the 9 medieval songs and jam along using the sounds and instruments on the four banks. add some punch-in fx and you’re ready to send any tavern floor into a frenzy! (also perfect for banquets and fetes).
store copy:
an unrivaled medieval experience; EP-1320 features a hundreds of built-in medieval sounds for your nostalgic pleasure. go back in time and play along with the built-in magical melodies, sultry serenades and bubonic beats. included in the box are 4 knobs, a sticker pack and a quick start guide for you to hit the ground running."
"OP–XY is a powerful sequencer, synthesizer, and sampler. stack sounds on a 64-step grid, and create thousands of projects. tactile 24-key keyboard and a multi-out jack that lets you select one of four outputs. 8 unique synth engines, two send effect slots, plus brain™ for transposition—it’s a complete studio in the palm of your hand."
"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Synth nerds shopping for gear will come across plenty of options that seem a little overpriced: generic raspberry pis in plastic enclosures, iconic instruments going for around 50% of the repair cost needed to keep them up and running for the next 5 years and the usual Reverb madness raising the blood pressure of GAS victims all around the globe.
Today we are going to talk about PO-33. While this 2018 lofi sampler, microscopic groovebox and indispensable salted caramel latte chaser is both affordable AND powerful, it might be part of Teenage Engineering’s most perfidious strategy to go EP-133 medieval on your wallet.
That Teenage Engineering Thing
Bad Gear - OP-TOY!!!
Pocket Operator
Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O!
TE PO33 KO
Teenage Engineering OP-XY
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:06 Overview Teenage Engineering PO-33
01:33 Audio Quality, Melodic, Drums, Slicing ,...
02:20 Polyphony, Basic Features
02:50 Punch-in FX
03:11 Sequencer
03:38 Workflow Hacks
04:04 Connectivity, Sync, Audio
04:18 Enclosures, Pricing
04:41 Hate
05:06 Jam 1 ( Downbeat )
06:06 Jam 2 ( DIY Trance )
06:55 Finale ( MicroHouse )
07:25 Verdict"
"it's here. it's real. it's black. and it's got so much more than you've wished for. a no-compromise, dual-cpu boosted and fully rebuilt sequencer, sampler, and performance instrument, built on the much-loved workflow of the OP–Z. now including built-in cv, effect sends, and a best-in-class dac. with 8 individual instrument tracks and 8 auxiliary tracks for controlling any external synthesizer, modular or otherwise, and adding effects."
"Teenage Engineering has a new DARK flagship. And it's called OP-XY. It's s huge step up in sound quality, workflow, storage capacity, performability etc. compared to something like the OP-Z. And as with all flagships by TE, it's safe to assume there will be many years of quality updates over the years."
00:00 It’s Here!
00:50 The MAIN gripe I have with the OP-XY
02:40 Laying Down Drums
04:09 Adjusting the velocity can be a bit tricky…
05:15 Parameter locking the effects sends
06:48 I wish there was more sound design…
08:15 Laying down the chords
09:00 Bassline time!
10:33 The Step Components are CRAZY sick
12:15 The “Intelligent Transpose” is kind of crazy…
12:46 Using the onboard microphone
14:02 Adding another element to show off the effects
14:52 Tracks 9-16 are not what you think
15:25 Tape Beat Repeat effect
17:15 Punch-In Effects are super unique
19:00 Then combined with the Transposer?!
19:51 Compressor time
21:18 Lost in the sauce
22:44 Jam it out
23:21 But what makes the OP-XY special?
25:45 But…
MSRP of $2299 (check with dealers on the right)
the new evolution of sequencing. OP–XY is a powerful sequencer, synthesizer, and sampler. stack sounds on a 64-step grid, and create thousands of projects. tactile 24-key keyboard and a multi-out jack that lets you select one of four outputs. 8 unique synth engines, two send effect slots, plus brain™ for transposition—it’s a complete studio in the palm of your hand.
sequencer, synthesizer and sampler
built-in speaker for room-filling sound
16 hours usb-c rechargeable battery
multi-out port
thousands of user projects
8 unique synth engines
usb-c audio/midi host
dimensions: 288 x 102 x 29 mm | 11.4 x 4 x 1.2 in
weight: 900 g | 31.7 oz
das sequenzer.
experience the ultra fast sequencing workflow. punch-in FX™ lets you
add quick, rapid-firing, unique, live variations and adding individual step components
creates an extra dimension and deep rhythmic patterns. randomize note timing, velocity
and pitch, or use live automation to alter filters. use brain™ to create chord progressions,
generating tracks that reinvent themselves. literally.
schritt-sequenzen.
run every track, independently, at different speeds and lengths to form
powerful polyrhythms. create new sequences every time with step
components, variations that can be added to any step on the
sequencer, controlling everything from altering pitch to bending,
skipping or even multiplying steps.
alles verbinden.
the 2 Vrms main output drives any sound system, real loud.
keep everything locked in sync and sequenced with the multi-out and
take control with midi-in. process and sample external audio with the
audio-in. control, record and charge with the audio/midi host over usb-c,
plus a complete wireless experience with midi over bluetooth
le—keine bedingungen [no strings attached].
länger, weiter, stärker.
compose your album, head off to the gig, plug and play
immediately, then keep everything locked-in with all the i/o you
could ask for. 16-hour, battery-powered freedom lets you perform
for hours on-end. create, produce and perform anywhere.
mit allen bedingungen [all strings attached].
"dc11 Bio:
Parisian-based producer and live artist dc11 specializes in modular synthesis, crafting deep and
organic techno with rich, looping textures.
Drawing inspiration from the hands-on manipulation of sound through toggling switches, as well as
from artists like Mike Parker, Sandwell District, and Luke Slater, dc11 began his electronic music
journey with the acquisition of a Teenage Engineering OP-1, where he first created ambient loops.
Despite initially possessing limited knowledge of modular synthesis, his eagerness to explore has
led to the development of a unique and atmospheric sound. dc11 is definitely an artist to watch!"
"This session was quite challenging. A VA synth, a rare digital chiptune drum machine and a small bare bone synth. Overall, I'm very happy with the result. The most fun part was playing the melody line live with the PO-16. Although you really have to concentrate to play everything correctly with the very small buttons.
The Setup was:
Synths: Modal Skulpt, VXXY DCM8, Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory
Effects: Oto Machines BOUM, Beetronics FX Seabee, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, Beetronics FX Swarm
Freely selectable effects: GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2
Recordings:
Drums: VXXY DCM8 - Beetronics FX Seabee - Oto Machines BOUM
Pads: Modal Skulpt - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2
Melody: Engineering PO-16 factory - Beetronics FX Swarm - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI Systems Specular Reverb 2
The Reason:
How do you deal with having too much gear (like me)? It can hamper creativity, but for me there is also a way to use it to boost creativity. Challenge yourself with it!
Here is my challenge:
1. Random selection of three sound generators to use (plus drums can be added with the EZdrummer and a rhythm sample)
2. Random selection of four effect devices to use (plus another two freely selectable effects can be used)
3. Everything has to be finished in one evening (after work until bedtime).
The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone."
