Radio has always had a certain magic: live broadcasts, curated playlists, and spontaneous discoveries that connect us to the wider world. The Teenage Engineering OB-4 Radio revives that magic with a bold design aesthetic, universal multi-band reception, and modern connectivity features—all packed into a palm-sized package.
In this article, we’ll explore the OB-4’s distinctive design and build quality, dive into its comprehensive reception capabilities (FM, AM, DAB+, and more), highlight its Bluetooth streaming and audio performance, outline practical use scenarios, and share expert tips to maximize your radio experience. By the end, you’ll understand why the OB-4 is the ultimate companion for music lovers, news junkies, and style enthusiasts alike.
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A Masterclass in Scandinavian Design
From the moment you hold the OB-4, it’s clear this isn’t just another cookie-cutter radio. The minimalist form factor—measuring 110 × 85 × 30 mm and weighing just 300 grams—balances geometric precision with approachable curves. Its CNC-machined aluminum shell feels robust in hand, while the anodized finish resists scratches and fingerprints. A soft-touch silicone band wraps around the sides, providing both grip and a pop of color, available in several limited-edition hues.
Every detail embodies Teenage Engineering’s design ethos: physical controls that reward tactile interaction. A chunky aluminum tuning knob on top offers smooth, precise scrolling through frequencies or Bluetooth pairing menus. Below it, a row of rubberized push-buttons for mode selection, presets, and power feels satisfyingly clicky. A bright, high-contrast OLED display shows station information, signal strength, and battery status with crisp clarity. Even the antenna—the cleverly integrated braided stainless-steel cable—unwinds effortlessly and retracts neatly, maintaining the OB-4’s clean silhouette.
This harmonious blend of form and function turns the OB-4 into more than a gadget—it’s a conversation piece that elevates any bookshelf, countertop, or office desk.
Universal Reception: FM, AM, DAB+, and Web Radio
Gone are the days of single-band radios. The OB-4 captures virtually every terrestrial broadcast format:
- FM Stereo (87.5–108 MHz): Enjoy clear stereo sound from local music stations, community radio, and regional broadcasters.
- AM Medium Wave (520–1 710 kHz): Tune into talk radio, news, sports commentary, and long-distance signals under the evening sky.
- DAB+ Digital Radio: Access crystal-clear, interference-free digital stations (where available) with automatic station list updates. The OB-4’s efficient DSP tuner locks onto DAB+ multiplexes quickly, minimizing dropouts.
- Internet Radio Streaming: Pair via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi hotspot (through a paired phone) to access thousands of global web radio stations, podcasts, and curated streams through the OB-4’s intuitive presets system.
Switching between modes is seamless—press the mode button to cycle through FM, AM, DAB+, Bluetooth, and Internet. Station presets (ten per band) are saved with a long-press on the numbered buttons, allowing quick recall of favorites. The OLED auto-adjusts brightness in low light, and a handy signal-strength meter guides you toward optimal reception.
Whether you crave local flavor or distant broadcasts, the OB-4 delivers a world of audio at your fingertips.
Modern Connectivity & Audio Performance
While the OB-4 excels at classic radio, it also embraces today’s wireless world:
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX: Stream high-quality audio from your smartphone or tablet. Pairing is instant—hold the tuning knob for two seconds, select “OB-4” on your device, and enjoy gapless playback.
- Aux-In & Headphone Out: A 3.5 mm stereo input lets you connect any external audio source, from MP3 players to portable DACs. A matching headphone jack offers private listening with low-impedance earbuds or headphones.
- Dual Speaker System: A built-in 1.5-inch full-range driver and passive radiator deliver surprisingly punchy, balanced sound for a device this size. DSP-tuned audio processing ensures clear mids, crisp highs, and respectable low-end resonance without distortion.
- Custom EQ Presets: Toggle between “Voice” mode—boosting midrange clarity for talk radio and podcasts—and “Music” mode for fuller, more dynamic playback. A third “Flat” setting provides neutral, unaltered audio for critical listening.
These modern additions mean the OB-4 isn’t limited to radio—it doubles as a high-quality portable speaker for playlists and podcasts, making it the perfect companion for work breaks, small gatherings, or outdoor adventures.
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Battery Life & Power Management
Pocket-size convenience meets practical power. The OB-4 houses a 1 000 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery, delivering up to 10 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume. Whether you’re camping, commuting, or simply moving around the house, the OB-4 stays on air without tethering you to a wall outlet.
Recharging takes just 2 hours via USB-C, and the included braided cable complements the radio’s premium feel. An intelligent power-saving mode automatically dims the display and mutes audio after two minutes of inactivity in radio mode—perfect for preserving battery during extended listening with periodic station hopping. For critical use, a quick 15-minute charge adds roughly 2 hours of listening time, keeping you connected when it matters most.
Practical Usage Scenarios
The OB-4 shines in a variety of settings:
- Home Office Companion: Fill your workspace with news updates, talk shows, or curated music mixes without the clutter of multiple devices—tactile controls let you tweak stations without breaking focus.
- Kitchen Stereo: Mount the OB-4 on a counter hook or rest it on a spice rack shelf; its heat-resistant aluminum housing handles kitchen conditions with ease. Listen to cooking podcasts or radio recipes hands-free via the speakerphone feature.
- Travel Essentials: Slip it into a small bag or jacket pocket for reliable reception on motel stays, train stations, or beachside cabanas. The collapsible antenna and robust build ensure consistent performance on the go.
- Outdoor Gatherings: Bring the OB-4 to picnics, barbecues, or tailgates—its shock-resistant body and clear audio cut through ambient noise, making it a versatile alternative to larger speakers.
- Emergency Preparedness: In power outages or severe weather, access vital AM weather alerts, local FM bulletins, or DAB+ emergency broadcasts. Preset your trusted stations in advance and rely on the OB-4’s battery-powered tuner.
These real-world examples demonstrate the OB-4’s adaptability—whether stationary or mobile, it brings radio back into daily life with style and substance.
Expert Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
To unlock the full potential of your Teenage Engineering OB-4, consider these insider recommendations:
- Optimize Antenna Length: Fully extend the antenna when tuning FM or AM stations. Rotate or reposition the device slightly to improve reception in fringe areas.
- Use Voice EQ for Clarity: Engage the “Voice” preset when listening to spoken-word content—NPR, podcasts, or talk shows—to enhance intelligibility in noisy environments.
- Clean Tuning Knob Contacts: If you notice slight tuning jitter over time, power off the device and rotate the knob repeatedly to clean internal contacts; this restores smooth frequency scanning.
- Leverage Dual Presets: Save both terrestrial and Internet radio favorites; switch instantly between your local FM café station and a global web jazz stream with numbered buttons.
- Pair with Quality Earbuds: A high-fidelity set of in-ear monitors reveals the OB-4’s full audio range, especially useful for critical listening of streamed content over Bluetooth.
- Store in Protective Case: While the OB-4 is robust, using a slim padded pouch prevents scratches during travel and preserves its finish.
- Firmware Awareness: Teenage Engineering periodically releases firmware improvements—check their website for updates to enhance reception stability and feature set.
These tips ensure your OB-4 remains a reliable, high-performance companion for years to come.
Conclusion
The Teenage Engineering OB-4 Radio stands as a triumph of form and function—melding Scandinavian design finesse with universal multi-band reception, modern streaming capabilities, and robust audio performance. Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of live radio, streaming global stations, or enjoying your personal playlists, the OB-4 delivers every experience with style and clarity. Compact yet comprehensive, this pocket-sized powerhouse elevates radio to a modern art form—making it the ultimate gadget for enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
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FAQ
- What bands does the OB-4 support?
It supports FM stereo (87.5–108 MHz), AM medium wave (520–1 710 kHz), DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth streaming, and Internet radio via a paired device. - How do I save station presets?
Tune to the desired station, then long-press one of the numbered buttons until the display flashes—your station is saved. - What is the battery life?
Up to 10 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume, with a fast-charge option delivering 2 hours of listening after a 15-minute charge. - Can I stream from my phone?
Yes—Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX ensures high-quality wireless audio from any paired smartphone or tablet. - Does the OB-4 have a display?
A high-contrast OLED shows station name, frequency, signal strength, volume level, and battery status. - Is there a headphone jack?
Yes—a 3.5 mm headphone output offers private listening with wired headphones or earbuds. - How is Internet radio accessed?
Pair the OB-4 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi hotspot to your phone running a radio-streaming app; use presets to cycle through your favorite streams. - What EQ modes are available?
Three presets: “Voice” for speech clarity, “Music” for enhanced dynamics, and “Flat” for neutral, unaltered sound. - Any firmware updates?
Visit Teenage Engineering’s website for the latest firmware downloads and installation instructions. - Does it include an antenna?
Yes—an integrated braided stainless-steel antenna extends for improved reception and retracts neatly when not in use.
