Teenage Engineering has designed a “Medieval” synth

Teenage Engineering released EP-1320, a Medieval version of its popular EP portable synthesizers. The new device comes in a beige tone reminiscent of an ancient scroll and is peppered with graphics and references to the Middle Ages, including Latin labels for each of the knobs and medieval-looking fonts for the UI. The device might look like a practical joke, but alas, it’s not. It’s indeed “the World’s first medieval electronic instrument,” apt at producing tones and tunes that will bring you back to the Middle Ages. “EP–1320 features hundreds of built-in medieval sounds. Go back in time and play along with the included magical melodies, sultry songs, and bubonic beats”, says Teenage Engineering in the product’s description.

The sound packs include instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, shawms, flutes, frame drums, and tambourines, plus useful fowley effects such as “swords, arrows, farm animals, no less than two separate witches, rowdy peasants, and actual dragon.” More than a device for producing actual medieval music, the EP-1320 looks like an exercise in marketing and design. Nonetheless, there is probably a good number of bardcore aficionados that might want to fork out the 349€ needed to buy one.