©2012 Teenage Engineering. All rights reserved.

Oplab Operators Manual Port specifications

Version 1.03
USB device port
運営マニュアル • Benutzer Handbuch • Opérateurs Manuel
Plugs into computer and shows up as a standard
Midi Device Class for MIDI IN/OUT data over USB.
What’s in the Box? USB Host port A / B
• Oplab Board Acts as a host controller for “Class Compliant”
• 5V, 2A Universal Power supply USB MIDI devices. Useful for connecting OP-1's,
pads, controllers, fader boards, etc.
• 4x Adhesive rubber feet
‣ Can supply a maximum of 500 mA (5V) each.
Introduction Power, DC-plug
A
1.5
5V DC, standard plug 5.5/2.1mm
C

USB HOSTfor
Thanks B buying
HOST A Musical Experimental
the Oplab
D

‣ Voltage 5V (±5%)
5V

Board. The Oplab will allow you to interconnect

virtually any electronic musical instruments. ‣ Min. current 1.5A
Before using this unit, carefully read the section CV1 & CV2 IN
entitled: “Warnings & Important Notes”.
Stereo jacks where tip is CV input, ring is +5V
power supply, sleeve is ground.
Connection overview CV1
‣ Voltage range accepted: -5V to +5V

Connect analog outputs from your modular gear to

A
1.5

CV2 IN
C

USB HOST B HOST A

D

CV IN to generate MIDI notes. CV1 is note data. It

5V

is read by Oplab each time GATE IN goes high (5V)

and the voltage is translated into a MIDI note.
CV1 GATE
It’s always in V/Oct mode (see CV OUT section), so
MIDI IN Oplab can be used as a V/Oct to Hz/V converter.
CV2 IN

Oplab CV2 is for modulation data and translates into "Mod

GATE CV1
wheel" MIDI data.
Oplab
MIDI OUT CV1 While both channels are electrically identical and
can be used to read any signal you like, only CV1
CV2 OUT CV2 OUT
has internal calibration and will therefore generate
more exact MIDI data.
SYNC 24 GATE

GATE
If a stereo plug is connected, the ring will carry a
low-current +5V power supply. This allows sensors
(in the form of a variable resistor) to be connected
USER with no external power supply. To
to the CV inputs
A B LEDS MODE
SE

U
V/ R
G T
AT / H
SE
LE

V/OCT and your sensors from short-

protect the Oplab
C
E z/
CT

/S V

Hz/V
-T

circuit, a 470 ohmGATEresistor is located between the

RI
G

power supply and the connector. Only positive

S-TRIG

Below follows information and electrical input voltages can be generated in this way.
specifications for each input and output port. A large variable resistor (>10 kOhm) works best.USER
A BPlease spendLEDS
a momentMODE
reading through this to
SE

U
V/ R
G T
AT / H
SE
LE

avoid any operational difficulties. V/OCT

C

GATE INPUT
E z/
CT

/S V

Stereo jacks where tip is GATE input, ring is +5V Hz/V

-T
RI

Maximum ratings (marked with ‣) indicate limits GATE

G

power supply, sleeve is ground.

beyond which damage may occur. Always make
sure to check the voltage levels of external ‣ Voltage range accepted: 0 to 5V S-TRIG

equipment before connecting it to the Oplab board.

The GATE input is connected to the Gate or Trig
HOT TIP ! output on your synth. It turns a MIDI note on (5V)
or off (0V). The pitch of the note is determined by
• For quick-reference, all jacks and buttons also the CV1 input.
have their info printed on the back of the board.
If a stereo plug is connected, the ring will carry a
• Avoid bending the board when connecting and low-current +5V power supply. This allows a GATE
disconnecting plugs to the jacks. signal to be generated by a simple switch between
tip and ring, with no external power supply. To
protect the Oplab from short-circuit, a 1 kOhm
resistor is located between the power supply and
the connector.

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 ©2012 Teenage Engineering. All rights reserved.

CV1 & CV2 OUT Buttons, switches & LED’s

Mono jack where tip is CV, sleeve is Ground.
‣ Output voltage range 0-10V Buttons: A, B, Select
These act as basic function buttons or input select
Connect outputs CV1 and CV2 to any analog input depending on mode. Functions described in the
on your synth. CV1 is note data from MIDI, and “Oplab Modes” section.
should be connected to a pitch control input on
your synth. LED’s
CV2 is modulation data from MIDI "Mod wheel"
parameter and can control for example a filter. There is one LED for each input/output port/jack.
These normally indicates if these is signal or data
While both channels are electrically identical and currently sent or received. The 4x LED’s in the
can be used to control any analog input you like, front shows the current mode in binary form.
only CV1 has internal calibration and will therefore
more exactly follow MIDI data. MODE
This rotary switch is how you select which mode
CV1 has two types of scale, selectable with the the Oplab currently runs.
"Hz/V V/Oct" switch. It has 10 positions and the mode can be changed
at any time by just turning this knob.
• V/Oct: Increasing the note by one octave
increases CV1 by 1V.
Flip switches: User, CV-type, Trig-type
• Hz/V: Increasing the note by one octave will
double CV1 voltage. The first switch is reserved for future user-
Try which one works best with your synth! functions. The second and third switch is used to
set the behavior of the CV and GATE Outputs.
GATE (S-Trig) OUTPUT Refer to these sections for details.
Mono jack where tip is GATE, sleeve is Ground.
‣ Output voltage range 0-10V
Oplab Modes
Connect GATE output to the gate or trigger input 0. Single Source
on your synth (usually marked "GATE" or "TRIG"). It One source sent to all other destinations.
indicates to your synth whether a note is on or off - Key A & B to cycle input.
and is active for the duration of a played note. - Key C to visualize input.
• GATE: in this mode, GATE output is 10V for note
on and 0V for note off. This is common for most 1. Single Destination
synths. All sources sent to one destination.
• S-trig: in this mode, Oplab will act as a switch, - Key A & B to cycle output.
connecting GATE to ground for note on, and - Key C to visualize output.
disconnecting it for note off.
2. USB Frenzy
NOTE
All USB cross connected. All USB merged and sent
In version 1.0 (see bottom of PCB), GATE OUT is 0-5V. From on MIDI Out and CV Out. MIDI In and CV In
version 1.1, it is 0-10V. The output impedance is 2200 ohm. merged and sent to all USB.
- Key A & B to change note.
MIDI IN - Key C to play note.
This is a MIDI input. Note, sync and modulation
data is read and sent to the Oplab's outputs. 3. Dual Mode
CV, Modulation, Gate In & Out connected to USB
MIDI OUT Host 1. MIDI In & Out connected to USB Host 2 &
This is a MIDI output. Note and modulation data is USB Device.
transmitted from the Oplab's inputs. - Key A & B to change note.
- Key C to play note.
DIN SYNC 24
Connect to an input marked SYNC 24 or DIN SYNC 4. Clock Maker
to synchronize the clock of a device which uses Oplab is MIDI clock master. Sync is generated and
this system (e.g. the Roland TB-303, TR-606, sent to MIDI OUT, SYNC24 OUT and USB.
sequencers). - Key A & B to send Stop & Start.
EXPANSION PORTS
- Tap key C rhythmically to set tempo.
The 8-pin and 34-pin connection headers is for 5 - 9. TBD
future expansion and DIY labs. A future version of
this manual will reveal how they work. Stay tuned. We will release more modes along the way.

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 ©2012 Teenage Engineering. All rights reserved.

Firmware upgrade Store small parts out of the reach of children and
infants. If accidentally swallowed, contact a doctor
The latest firmware is available for download at: immediately.
http://teenageengineering.com/library/

How to upgrade the OS-firmware Warranty and return policy

1) Hold down the “Select” button during power-up.
This will enter the “firmware upgrade mode” The Oplab board is fully factory tested and comes
and will be indicated by the 4x LED’s flashing. with a 12 month (from purchase date) warranty.
2) Connect the board to a computer using the mini- This does not include malfunction due to misuse of
USB port. (This can actually be done during step the device, such as being dropped, crushed or use
1 and power the board via USB-only.) in an application of inappropriate voltages to the
device’s connectors or improperly designed or
3) Launch a SysEx transfer tool like “SysEx executed modifications. In particular, you are the
Librarian” on Mac or “MIDI-OX” on PC or the sole responsible for damage caused by a power
very neat pc/mac tool C6 from elektron. supply adapter other than provided. Units
4) Load the latest “oplab-os.syx” and hit play/send.
The Oplab will indicate the transfer by cycling As the Oplab is sold as an experimental board,
the 4x LED’s one by one. make sure avoiding touching sensitive components
5) Once done, the Oplab will automatically restart. and be aware of static discharge (ESD). The
general guarantee policy does not cover ESD
damaged products due to improper handling.
Warnings & Important Notes The warranty does not cover shipping charges.
Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn
off the power to all units. This will help prevent Make sure to read the Terms & Conditions here:
http://teenageengineering.com/terms-and-conditions
malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other
devices.

If you need to connect/disconnect wires during

use, ALWAYS make sure to connect the cable to
the Oplab first!

Never connect the 3.5mm plugs coming from CV

IN or CV OUT jacks to any mic or line-level audio
equipment such as inputs or outputs on sound
cards, mixers and synthesizers. For example:
• Phantom power coming from a mic-input on a
sound cards could destroy the ports on the
Oplab.
• The voltage coming from Oplab’s CV Out or +5V
supply on CV In (ring) could damage a line input
or line output stage.

Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with

the unit.

Make sure you always have the board placed so it

is level and sure to remain stable. Since there are
sensitive electronics mounted on the bottom-side
of the board, please never place it on metal or
conductive surfaces such as:
• Stainless steel or any metal table like sinks etc.
• Keyboards or laptops made out of aluminium.
• Avoid having loose objects like keys, tools or
jewelry that can cause short circuit if coming in
contact with the bottom side of the Oplab board.
• Touching the board with wet fingers.

Never install or use the unit in any of the following

locations:
• Humid environments or baths and washrooms.
• Safety-critical applications.
• Nuclear facilities and weapons systems.
• Aerospace applications or environments for
automotive installations.

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