teenage engineering EP–133 K.O. II sampler, drum machine and sequencer with built-in microphone and effects

Mine arrived with the fader and encoder knobs missing, the box was also scratched up and dirty, didn't look like a new device

The Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval is easily the most absurd piece of gear I’ve put on my desk in years, and I mean that as a high compliment. While the rest of the industry is fighting over who can make the most sterile "studio-in-a-box," Teenage Engineering decided to build a dedicated Middle Age beat machine with weird Latin labeling and foley samples of clashing swords. The "Instrumentalis Electronicum" Essentially, this is a reskinned EP-133 K.O. II, but calling it a "reskin" undersells how committed they were to the bit. The interface is covered in Latin (think Ignito for power and Pocus for effects), and the segment display has been tweaked to fit the medieval aesthetic. The real draw here is the 96MB of hardwired ROM. It’s packed with expertly recorded hurdy-gurdys, lutes, Gregorian chants, and "punishing" percussive foley like farm animals and rowdy peasants. If you’ve ever wanted to make a boom-tap beat that sounds like it was produced in a 14th-century dungeon, this is your only option. Workflow and Playability • The Sequencer: It’s snappy and high-res, just like the K.O. II. You’ve got 12 tracks per pattern and the ability to automate the fader, which is great for adding movement to those dusty string samples. • The Arpeggiator: A new addition specifically for this model, and it works beautifully with the plucked instrument samples. • Punch-In FX: This is where the fun is. The "Pocus" effects include things like Dungeon Echo and Torture Chamber Reverb. They are velocity-sensitive, meaning you can "perform" the effects live as you sequence. The Limitations (The "Dark Ages") The most polarizing aspect is the storage. Out of the 128MB total memory, 96MB is locked for the factory medieval sounds. You only get 32MB for your own samples. In 2026, that feels intentionally restrictive—but then again, the whole device is a creative exercise in working within constraints. If you want a general-purpose sampler, get the standard K.O. II. You buy the 1320 specifically because you want that "bubonic beat" palette. The Verdict The EP-1320 is niche, weird, and arguably overpriced for what is essentially a themed sampler. But it’s also one of the most inspiring "toy-pro" instruments out there. It forces you out of your comfort zone and into a world of bagpipes and chainmail. Pros: • Incredibly unique, high-quality medieval sound library. • The "Latin" aesthetic is executed perfectly. • Fantastic, portable form factor (runs on AAA batteries). • The new arpeggiator is a huge win for melodic work. Cons: • Only 32MB left for user samples. • The "bit" might get old if you aren't actually into folk, dungeon synth, or weird experimental textures. • No internal rechargeable battery. Final Thought: It’s a collector's item that happens to be a very capable instrument. Perfect for anyone who thinks their music needs more dragons and fewer 808s.

I said what I said.

das teil macht einfach mega spass und läuft sogar mit batterien... man kann gemütlich vom sofa aus kreativ sein ✨ einfach traumhaft. ich liebe außerdem die limitations und das design. im video hab ich die punch in fx noch nicht gekannt... ;)

Produit reçu avec le nouvel emballage, aucun problème de casse ou quoi que ce soit comme le disent les commentaires plus vieux

One of the favourite toys in our household. The look is deceiving, the device is actually amazingly powerful