EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021) — VS — Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler
EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021)
The EMU SP-1200 is a legendary sampler and drum machine, reissued in 2021 by Rossum Electro-Music, the company founded by its original designer, Dave Rossum. Revered for its gritty 12-bit sound and 26.04 kHz sampling rate, the reissue preserves the iconic character of the original while adding modern updates like an SD card slot, metal chassis, and doubled sampling time (20 seconds total). With new filter controls on channels 1 and 2 and local production in the U.S., the SP-1200 reissue is a faithful, rugged revival of one of hip-hop and electronic music’s most influential instruments.
Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler
The EP-133 K.O. II is Teenage Engineering's next-gen portable sampler. It features punchy pads, step sequencing, powerful FX, and sample warping—all in a stylish and compact design. It's a fantastic upgrade from the original PO-33 for musicians looking for portability and hands-on performance.
| Spec | EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021) | Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | EMU | Teenage Engineering |
| Year Released | 2021 | 2023 |
| Polyphony | 12 | Polyphonic (unspecified) |
| Sample Rate | 26.04kHz | 16-bit / 46.875kHz |
| Storage | Internal memory | Internal + microSD |
| Pads | No pads | 16 velocity-sensitive pads |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Lo-fi effects | Filter, Delay, Reverb, Compression |
| I/O | Audio In/Out | USB-C, Line In/Out, MIDI via TRS |
| Screen | No screen | OLED display |
| Software Integration | No | Minimal, plug-and-play |
| Build | Classic hardware reissue | Durable plastic housing with step sequencer |
| Price | $1500 | $299 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Buy the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler on Amazon.com
Buy Now On AmazonSummary: The EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021) and the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler are two fascinating samplers that cater to different types of music creators. The SP-1200 offers a classic, gritty sound with a focus on nostalgia, while the EP-133 is a modern, portable device with advanced features.
Exploring the World of Samplers: EMU SP-1200 vs. Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II
If you love making music, you might know about samplers. Samplers are tools that let you record, change, and play sounds. Today, we’re going to look at two cool samplers: the EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021) and the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler. These samplers are like treasure boxes for music lovers, each with its own special sounds and features.
The EMU SP-1200: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Features and Build
The EMU SP-1200 is like a time machine. It takes us back to the gritty days of hip-hop and electronic music. Made by Rossum Electro-Music, this sampler is a reissue of the original, which was loved by many music legends. Even though it’s new, it keeps the old-school vibes with a 12-bit sound and a sampling rate of 26.04kHz.
The SP-1200 is built to last. It has a metal chassis, which makes it tough. Unlike many modern samplers, it doesn’t have pads or a screen, which may sound strange, but it was normal back in the day. Instead, it focuses on sound quality and unique lo-fi effects.
Sound and Effects
The SP-1200 is famous for its gritty, lo-fi sound. It’s perfect for people who love that classic, raw feel. It doesn’t have fancy effects, but it offers lo-fi effects that add character to the sounds. Plus, it comes with a sequencer, so you can create patterns and loops.
Storage and Connectivity
This sampler stores everything in its internal memory, but it also has an SD card slot, which is a new addition for more storage. It connects through Audio In/Out, which keeps it simple and straightforward.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Classic and gritty sound
- Durable metal build
- Simple and straightforward
Cons:
- No pads or screen
- Limited effects
- High price ($1500)
The Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II: Modern and Portable
Features and Build
Now, let’s talk about the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II. This sampler is the opposite of the SP-1200. It’s modern, portable, and packed with features. It has 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which means you can tap them harder or softer for different sounds. This is great for playing music live.
The EP-133 is made of durable plastic, making it light and easy to carry. It has a step sequencer and an OLED display, so you can see what you’re doing.
Sound and Effects
This sampler has a higher sample rate of 46.875kHz and 16-bit sound, which means it can capture more details. It also has many effects like filter, delay, reverb, and compression. These effects let you shape your sounds in cool ways.
Storage and Connectivity
For storage, it has internal memory and a microSD slot, so you can save lots of sounds. It connects using USB-C, Line In/Out, and MIDI via TRS, which gives you many options to connect with other devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- Lots of effects and features
- Affordable price ($299)
Cons:
- Sound may lack the classic grit
- Limited software integration
Final Thoughts: Which Sampler Is Right For You?
In summary, both samplers are amazing in their own ways. If you love classic hip-hop and want that gritty, old-school sound, the EMU SP-1200 (reissued in 2021) might be for you. It’s perfect for those who want to relive the golden age of music production with a reliable and durable machine.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something modern, portable, and full of features, the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II Sampler is a fantastic choice. It’s great for musicians on the go who want to experiment with different effects and sounds.
In the end, the best sampler depends on what you need and the kind of music you want to create. Whether you choose the classic vibe of the SP-1200 or the modern flair of the EP-133, both will open up a world of sound for you to explore!