Teenage Engineering, based mostly in Sweden, makes merchandise for a really, very particular viewers. Take this firm for instance $250 toy automotive or its TP-7 recorder with a Spin the wheel to trace recordings. What pursuits me essentially the most is its newest challenge, a medieval-themed sampler board known as EP-1320. From the appears and sounds of it, it’d provide Greatest alternative to convey immediate model music to me Dungeons and Dragons Assembly.
I by no means thought there can be a sound product that may get me pumped up the way in which a mid-century sound sampler and moveable, streamlined groove field does. The $300 EP-1320 is certainly $300 EP-133 KO II, nevertheless it appeared designed to present me an opportunity to pattern scores on Renaissance rejects. If I by no means cease my lazy tendencies, be taught to play the lute and reenact scenes from the courtroom of King Edward II of England within the 14th century, perhaps it is the following smartest thing.
There are samples of some basic devices from the previous, specifically sitters, shawns, flutes, trumpets, and my private favourite, the hurdy-gurdy. The board additionally consists of Foley results, together with the sound of swords clashing or arrows streaking throughout the battlefield. Teenage Engineering says it features a prepare of sound results which you could layer on prime of the 9 onboard demo songs.
The machine ought to have a redesigned set of hole-punch FX. different prescribed sound traits Contains Torture Chamber Echoes, Dungeon Echoes and Bard Ensemble. It is no exaggeration to say that the corporate’s video promoting its new product could also be wilder than the machine itself.
If you happen to consider a sampler as only a musical toy, it is costly, however when you’re utilizing it as your major moveable sampler system, it is low cost. The EP-133 KO II is the follow-up to the Swedish firm’s $100 PO-33 KO microsampler, itself identified for its tiny measurement but highly effective performance. The most recent Medieval Sampler comprises solely 128 MB of reminiscence, together with 96 MB of ROM sounds and the remaining 32 MB for person samples. Strain- and velocity-sensitive keys and a multi-function fader slider ought to enable for loads of versatility in pitch modifications, results, and timing changes.
The Medieval Sampler’s design is manufactured from thick, textured plastic that is equally historic, much like a few of the earliest Mac computer systems or sport consoles just like the NES. The textual content on the button additionally suits the theme. Every letter tie is styled in a Carolingian type, as if Charlemagne himself was getting ready to ship a savage blow to some pagan Saxons. You utilize “fædr” as an alternative of “fader”. Different buttons have been equally re-themed, reminiscent of “tempus” for velocity or “codex” as an alternative of recording. Teenage Engineering sells this board with a “mid-century quilt bag,” in comparison with the KO II’s shoulder strap bag.
Maybe my favourite ornament is the lone monk sitting on a small throne, like an digital marginalia. Monk sits subsequent to a reasonably easy LED UI that reveals you your selection of devices and numerous tracks. If something, it’d tempt me to go to the barber and provides him a shaved look, if nothing else, to finish the look.
