DM-4 Drum Machine

SYNOPSIS
An exercise in design language analysis, hard surface CAD modeling, and visualization.

The DM-4 aims to bring high quality materials and studio-ready sound to the ultra-portable Pocket Operator.
TYPE
Passion Project
Hard Surface Modeling
Visualization
CREDITS
Teenage Engineering
DATE
Summer 2023 - Ongoing
Work In Progress

"With any kind of creative work you start disabling as much as possible and narrow it down only to the necessary tools you need, and from there start making the work. That’s what I believe makes you super creative."

Jesper Kouthoofd
Founder & CEO of Teenage Engineering

Teenage Engineering is a Swedish electronic design studio and manufacturer celebrated for its avant-garde approach to audio and music technology.

Passion Project Objective

Design a new music-making device designed to expand Teenage Engineering's Field line of ultra-portable audio products.

Teenage Engineering
Product Lineup

Pocket Operator
Teenage Engineering's calculator-sized drum machine, producing lo-fi sounds, meant for on-the-go beat making, starting at $99.
The Field Line
Teenage Engineering's professional line of ultra-portable sound recording and performance equipment
CM-15 Studio Microphone
CM-15 Field Recorder
TX-6 Field Mixer & Audio Interface
OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
Acting as the central nervous system, the OP-1 synthesizer seamlessly interfaces with additional hardware elements like the field microphone, mixer, and recorder.

When the Field line was released, I asked myself...

"How might they unite the portability and affordability of a Pocket Operator with the sophistication and durability of the Field line?"

Pocket Operator Flaws

Noticed consumer modification within the Pocket Operator space

Extensive case market opportunities - not sold by TE.
Current no-case issues against short circuits, adds rigidity, and protects AAA batteries.
No MIDI compatibility / great lengths to do so.
Midi mod by SoundMakers

'Field' Design Language

Teenage Engineering's standardized design, marked by a limited color palette, consistent typeface, and systematic sizing, defines the cohesive look of their field line products.

0.5 mm chamfers and fillets, knurled knobs
Glossy white buttons & textured knobs on OP-1 Field
A pop of color
Compatibility across devices
High quality informational displays
Premium anodized aluminum bodies
Consistent typeface & graphics

Sketch Ideation

exploring button layout, proportion, and features

3D Exploration

OP1 Field 3D modeled to reference scale & components

Testing button layout & form, received feedback from Teenage Engineering enthusiasts online.

Smaller radius on top for more buttons & screen space

45 degree chamfer for comfortable holding positions

Real-life USB C Port Measurement

a wall of sound in your pocket.

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