Comparison
Reel vs OP-1 Field
Teenage Engineering's portable synthesizer, sampler and 4-track tape recorder.
Visit the OP-1 Field site ↗The short answer
The OP-1 Field and Reel are not really rivals. One is a $1,999 synth and sampler with a tape recorder built in. The other is an app on the phone you already carry. What they share is the tape workflow. Reel cannot make the OP-1's sounds, but it does record its four tracks over USB in 32-bit float, which is why a lot of people use Reel as the tape deck for their OP-1 Field. If you want that tape feel without the hardware price, this is as close as software gets.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Reel | OP-1 Field |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous tracks | 4 (stereo, 8 ch) | 4 (tape) |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float | Not stated |
| Max sample rate | 96kHz | Not stated |
| Overdub | ||
| Punch-in recording | ||
| Looping | ||
| Variable-speed playback | ||
| Tactile transport (jog wheel or scrub) | ||
| Built-in microphones | iPhone mic | |
| XLR inputs with phantom power | ||
| Records from a USB audio interface | ||
| Works as a USB audio interface | ||
| Runs standalone, no phone or computer | ||
| Price | $14.99 one-time | $1,999 |
| Platform | iOS 18+ | Standalone device |
Every value is researched per product against manufacturer sources and may change over time. Verify current details with each maker.
Where Reel wins
- +Costs a fraction of the OP-1 Field and runs on hardware you already own
- +Records 32-bit float at up to 96kHz with any USB interface
- +Records the OP-1 Field's 4 stems directly over USB (8-channel mode)
- +Exports standard WAV, AIFF and M4A files with no transfer step
Where OP-1 Field wins
- +Built-in synthesizer, sampler and sequencer engines Reel does not have
- +Dedicated physical device with its own speaker, keys and encoders
- +Runs completely standalone with no phone required
Frequently asked questions
Can Reel record the OP-1 Field?
Yes. Set the OP-1 Field to 8-channel USB mode and connect it to your iPhone. Reel detects it automatically and can record all four tracks as separate stems in 32-bit float.
Is Reel a replacement for the OP-1 Field?
Not entirely. Reel replicates the OP-1's 4-track tape recording and scrubbing workflow, but it does not include the OP-1's built-in synthesizers or sampler. Many people use Reel alongside an OP-1 Field as an affordable multitrack recorder.
Try Reel on your iPhone
A portable 4-track recorder with 32-bit float audio and a hardware-inspired workflow.
Download on the App Store