Medieval

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Product & concept

  • EP-1320 “Medieval” is seen as a themed variant of the EP-133 K.O. II: a medieval‑instrument sampler/groovebox aimed at bardcore/dungeon synth rather than historically accurate medieval music.
  • Many find the idea joyfully absurd and unnecessary yet delightful; others view it as pure gimmickry and unnecessary consumerism.

Hardware / firmware vs EP-133

  • Reported differences: 128 MB memory (96 MB factory medieval samples + 32 MB user space) vs 64 MB/999 samples on EP‑133.
  • New firmware: arpeggiator, new punch‑in and send effects; otherwise largely the same engine.
  • Some ask whether there’s any reason to prefer the original purely on capability; answer in thread leans “no,” aside from personal taste and sample set.

Design, website, and manual

  • Strong praise for industrial design, medievalized 10‑segment display, and overall art direction; some call the display “attention to detail” and likely expensive.
  • Website and SVG manual are admired but criticized for zoom limitations and all‑caps body text.

Usability, UX, and reliability

  • Mixed experiences: some find the KO/EP series fun and inspiring; others describe the KO II as frustrating, with limited time signatures, single FX at a time, no real project save, unpredictable pad velocities.
  • Prior EP‑133 hardware issues (“slidergate”) are said to be fixed, but a few report dead keys, non‑booting units, or unresolved knob problems and weak support.
  • Several characterize TE interfaces as whimsical and obfuscating compared to more “instrument‑first” brands.

Target market, pricing, and consumerism

  • Common view: TE sells high‑margin, design‑forward “toys” or interactive sculptures to well‑heeled enthusiasts and collectors, not primarily working musicians.
  • Others counter that many real musicians do use TE gear, and that “fun,” inspiration, and hobbyist enjoyment are valid ends in themselves.
  • Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) and parallels to audiophiles, Eurorack, and luxury cars/watches are extensively discussed.

Teenage Engineering ethos & Rabbit R1

  • Some distrust TE after the Rabbit R1 episode and see deep ties beyond a simple design contract.
  • Critics argue TE prioritizes aesthetics over user feedback and basic functionality; defenders say their products are still capable instruments, just highly styled.

Musical context & tuning

  • Thread links bardcore, dungeon synth, and neo‑medieval trends; several resources shared.
  • Discussion notes Medieval supports modal scales in 12‑tone equal temperament but not historically medieval temperaments (meantone, Pythagorean), seen as a missed opportunity for authenticity.

Marketing video, LEDs, and DIY

  • Promo video draws comparisons to surreal/arthouse cinema; some briefly wonder if it’s AI‑generated but others confirm it’s real footage and on‑brand for TE.
  • Technical curiosity around the curved “7‑segment” numerals leads to speculation about custom 10‑segment LED modules plus masks/light‑pipes and DIY techniques to mimic them.