Tested Teenage OB-4

T E ST E D T E E N AG E E N G I N E E R I N G O B - 4

Let it spree You can update the OB-4 via TE’s app, with new features promised and the disk function designated a ‘public research space’ .

I’m looping through you

The disk function is an addictive sampling device and general mayhem-maker. You can create a short loop of whatever you’re listening to then manipulate the frequency to produce all sorts of alien soundscapes.

Doctor knob-it

After its appearance in Stuff’s coveted Icon slot, we’ve finally got our hands on the ‘magic radio’ with its mind-bending motorised dial

from£599/stuff.tv/OB4

The TE OB-4 is a hyper-stylised hybrid audio box combining the warm buzz of an old wireless with modern tech and Kraftwerk styling. In its simplest form it’s a high-fidelity loudspeaker with twin 4in bass drivers and neodymium tweeters; in its most complex, it’s a little black box of weirdness.

Treat it as a speaker and the OB-4 reaches around 100dB, but blaring out crisp sounds isn’t the only party trick here. Behind the amorphous exterior is a core of gadgetry that turns this radio into an ambient-noise-emitting drone wizard.

Aside from its awesome motorised user interface, the OB-4 can record live FM radio, Bluetooth audio or a line input for two hours on a continuous loop, meaning you can rewind a big tune, catch up on the news headlines or repeat one of Jeremy Vine’s ridiculous phone-ins.

The Bluetooth inputs are great for producing clear, natural tones just about anywhere – and TE says the OB-4 is designed ‘to be played outdoors, in public spaces and at high volume’ .

Hipster picnics aside, you’ll soon find yourself idly jabbing buttons to see what happens. Cycle through inputs and scan the radio waves… but things get really creepy when you start messing with the ‘disk’ function – more on that to the left.

This bird has drone

Disk also includes a metronome and some mantras for joss-stick sessions, but our favourite is the ambient mode that takes radio snippets and creates a wave-like drone that can be altered using the motorised dial. It’s truly eerie. Techspecs

Audio 2x 4in bass drivers, 2x tweeters, 76W stereo Connectivity Bluetooth AAC, Bluetooth 5 LE, FM radio, 3.5mm Battery life 72hrs FM, 8hrs Bluetooth Dimensions 284x233x58mm, 1.7kg

STUFF SAYS An immense loudspeaker with whimsical sound-warping powers

The magical mystery player is waiting to take you away Leon Poultney

The OB-4 is a slightly unhinged purchase, to be made when you want something weird and cool. Sound quality is utterly fantastic, battery life excellent, and there’s nothing else like it to look at. Yes, it’s pricey, but there’s a lot going on under that avant-garde shell… and while the extra features might seem a bit pointless, they can be highly addictive and loveable, leaving you feeling like you’ve joined some kind of synthesizer cult.