The Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval is a unique and highly creative device designed for both the historically inclined and experimental producers. Its blend of medieval sound design with modern sequencing tools makes it a standout product, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its specialized theme and relatively high price. However, for those looking to explore new sonic territories or inject a playful medieval flair into their music, the EP–1320 offers something truly one-of-a-kind.

The Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval is a bold and creative dive into the world of medieval music production. Whether you want to evoke the charm of courtly serenades or stir the raw energy of battlefield rhythms, this device arms you with a treasure trove of sounds and features, blending the archaic with the futuristic.

At the heart of the EP–1320 is a vast collection of meticulously crafted medieval instruments and sounds. With hundreds of built-in samples, you can immerse yourself in the rich sonic tapestry of the Middle Ages. 

 Among its instrumental offerings are stringed marvels like the hurdy-gurdy, citole, bowed harp, and gittern, alongside the haunting notes of bagpipes, shawms, and flutes. Whether you're triggering these instruments on the pressure-sensitive pads or playing them through an external MIDI keyboard, the EP–1320 lets you seamlessly summon the soundscapes of a medieval court or battlefield.

In addition to traditional instruments, you'll find drums and percussion such as frame drums, tambourines, battle toms, and even quirky samples like coconut horse hooves for that authentic equestrian sound. Foley and sound effects complete the medieval immersion with swords clashing, arrows flying, and a selection of unusual characters like witches, rowdy peasants, and even a dragon. The attention to detail in these samples sets the EP–1320 apart, allowing producers to create an atmosphere filled with both authenticity and humor.

The EP–1320 isn't just a sample player – it's a highly capable production tool. It offers a redesigned set of send effects and the unique punch-in FX system that lets you transform your performances in real-time. Adding "punch-in pocus" (Teenage Engineering’s playful term for instant effects) like Torture Chamber Reverb or Dungeon Echo can make your beats sound both gritty and magical.

Sampling is another area where the EP–1320 shines. Thanks to the built-in microphone and stereo line input, sampling your own sounds is a breeze. With just a few taps, you can capture the sounds of your environment, blending modern and ancient worlds into a personal sonic collage. With 128 MB of total memory (96 MB for ROM sounds and 32 MB for user samples), there’s plenty of space for creativity.

While the EP–1320 immerses you in the past, its sequencer and workflow tools are anything but dated. It features a high-resolution sequencer with up to 99 patterns per group and 12 tracks per pattern, allowing you to create complex arrangements. The 12 tracks can be either mono or stereo, offering flexible voice management, while the 32-bit float signal chain ensures your sounds are clean and dynamic. The addition of a brand-new arpeggiator and multi-sampled instruments further enhances your production options. Whether you’re crafting a medieval dance tune or something entirely experimental, the EP–1320’s tools give you freedom to push the boundaries of traditional sound.

For those who want to dive into medieval rhythms immediately, the EP–1320’s Demus Mode includes nine medieval songs that you can jam along with using the onboard sounds and effects. Each of these songs is divided into segments like “Harvest Dance” or “Banquet of Fools,” letting you jump into the heart of a medieval celebration with just a few taps. Add punch-in FX for live manipulation, and you've got the power to turn any performance into a lively spectacle fit for a banquet or festival.

With MIDI in/out and sync capabilities, the EP–1320 works similar to the EP-133 KO II sampler so, it can be integrated into larger studio setups or serve as a standalone instrument. The inclusion of USB-C allows for both power and data transfer, meaning you can use it on the go with AAA batteries or connect it directly to your computer for more serious production work.

Despite its immense capabilities, the EP–1320 remains ultra-portable, with a slim profile (just 16mm thick) and a weight of only 620 grams. Its pressure-sensitive pads, compact 10-inch box, and cocoa-scented pads all add to the tactile, playful experience of using this instrument. With a sampling frequency of 46.875 kHz at 16-bit, it strikes a perfect balance between high-quality audio and ease of use.

Selling points

• Extensive medieval sound library with authentic instruments and effects.

• Innovative punch-in FX for real-time sound manipulation.

• Easy sampling via built-in microphone and line input.

• Portable and lightweight, powered by AAA batteries or USB-C.

• Advanced sequencing with 99 patterns per group and 12 tracks per pattern.

• Pre-built medieval songs ("Demus Mode") for instant jamming.

• Full MIDI and sync connectivity.

• Unique design elements (cocoa-scented pads, sticker set).

Potential deal breakers

• Limited 32MB user sample memory.

• Basic built-in speaker quality.

• Relies on AAA batteries, which may require frequent replacements.

• Medieval theme might have niche appeal.

• High price point for a specialized device (£299).

• Limited polyphony (6 stereo / 12 mono voices).

• Compact size may feel cramped for some users.

The Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval offers an extraordinary journey into both medieval history and cutting-edge music production. Its sound library alone makes it worth exploring, but when combined with its innovative features, punch-in FX, and sampling capabilities, the EP–1320 becomes a truly unique tool for producers. From sultry serenades to bubonic beats, it has everything you need to craft something timeless, whimsical, or completely new. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just a fan of medieval sounds, the EP–1320 is your gateway to the past—without ever losing touch with the future. You can buy the EP-1320 from Teenage Engineering.