Teenage Engineering’s New Sampler: From Gregorian Chants to Lute Solos, Does It Really Do It All?

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A Medieval Music Revolution: Teenage Engineering’s EP-1320 Sampler

In a world saturated with sleek, digital music production tools, Teenage Engineering has carved a niche for itself by offering unique, whimsical, and often surprisingly powerful devices. Their latest offering, the EP-1320 medieval sampler, takes this approach to a new level, inviting users to step back in time and explore a world of bards, dragons, and beatmaking.

At first glance, the EP-1320 might appear to be a whimsical novelty item. Its chunky, textured plastic evokes the aesthetics of early personal computers, and the medieval-inspired typography across its buttons adds a touch of whimsical charm. But beneath this quirky exterior lies a surprisingly versatile music-making tool that could potentially revolutionize the way we approach medieval-themed soundscapes.

A Sampler for the Ages

The EP-1320 is essentially a reskinned version of the EP-133 K.O. II, Teenage Engineering’s previous compact sampler. However, the medieval theme extends beyond aesthetics, with a curated library of sounds designed specifically for creating authentic-sounding medieval music.

Imagine the possibilities:

  • Authentic Instruments: Sample from a selection of instruments like the citole, shawn, flute, trumpets, and the ever-popular hurdy-gurdy.
  • Medieval Foley: The EP-1320 features foley effects that bring the medieval world to life, including the clashing of swords, the whir of arrows, and even the roar of a dragon.
  • Fantasy Sound Design: Nine onboard demo songs provide a starting point, offering inspiration for creating personalized medieval music.

Medieval Sound Design

Teenage Engineering has included a suite of punch-in effects that are perfectly suited for medieval music. "Torture chamber reverb," "dungeon echo," and "bardic ensemble" are just a few of the effects that can be used to add depth and texture to your compositions.

The inclusion of these effects further elevates the EP-1320 beyond just a sampler. It becomes a tool for creating evocative soundscapes that transport listeners to a time of knights, castles, and mythical creatures.

A Modern Maker’s Tool

While the EP-1320 is undoubtedly steeped in medieval aesthetics, it doesn’t forsake modern functionalities. Pressure and velocity-sensitive keys along with a multi-function fader slider offer a level of control and expressiveness that belies its minimalist form factor. It also comes with a "Medieval quilt bag", showcasing Teenage Engineering’s commitment to the theme.

The 128 MB of memory is divided into 96 MB of ROM sounds and 32 MB for user samples, making it a potent tool for those who want to create their own medieval soundscapes.

The Monk on the Throne

One of the most charming design features is the small monk figure sitting on a throne. This whimsical touch adds to the overall medieval aesthetic and serves as a reminder that this isn’t your average sampler.

The EP-1320’s design is not merely about aesthetics. It conveys a message – that music is a universal language that transcends time and culture.

More Than a Toy

The EP-1320 sits within the context of Teenage Engineering’s legacy of creating unique and functional music making tools. The EP-133 K.O. II, upon which the EP-1320 is based, is a testament to their commitment to creating powerful devices in compact packages. The PO-33 K.O., their earlier micro-sampler, has been lauded for its capabilities despite its diminutive size.

The EP-1320, with its $300 price tag, sits right between the price points of these two devices, offering a middle ground between affordability and feature-richness. It’s a device that is both playful and powerful, offering a unique blend of retro charm and modern functionality.

Beyond "Dungeons and Dragons"

While the EP-1320 is perfectly poised to enrich Dungeons and Dragons sessions or to create evocative soundscapes for medieval-themed media, it can reach far beyond this niche.

Its unique features make it an intriguing tool for:

  • Composers: For composers seeking to add a unique flavor to their scores or to explore new sonic possibilities, the EP-1320 offers a collection of unusual sounds and creative effects.
  • Electronic Music Producers: For adventurous electronic music producers, the EP-1320 offers a fresh palette of sounds and textures to experiment with.
  • Sound Designers: This sampler’s medieval-inspired sounds provide a unique starting point for sound designers to create a wide range of soundscapes.

A Testament to Creativity

The EP-1320 is a potent reminder that music creation can be a joyous and whimsical experience. It champions the idea that innovation and creativity can flourish even within the constraints of a specific theme. The device successfully bridges the gap between the past and the present, offering a glimpse into a world of medieval music that is both nostalgic and exciting.

Perhaps most importantly, the EP-1320 reminds us that music doesn’t have to be serious, it can be a source of joy, exploration, and creative expression. In a world increasingly obsessed with perfection and technical prowess, the EP-1320 invites us to embrace our inner child and experience the sheer pleasure of making music for its own sake.

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Alex Parker
Alex Parker
Alex Parker is a tech-savvy writer who delves into the world of gadgets, science, and digital culture. Known for his engaging style and detailed reviews, Alex provides readers with a deep understanding of the latest trends and innovations in the digital world.