Polyend Play+ —  VS  — Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler

Sampler Showdown: Teenage Engineering EP-1320 vs. Polyend Play+

In the world of music production, samplers are magical tools that allow you to capture sounds and turn them into musical pieces. Today, we’re putting two exciting samplers head-to-head: the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler and the Polyend Play+. Whether you’re into creating whimsical soundscapes or powerful electronic beats, each of these samplers offers something unique. Let’s dive in and see which one might be your next musical companion!

Meet the Contenders

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler

The Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler is like something out of a fairytale. With its quirky medieval theme, it’s more than just a sampler—it’s a creative playground. While details are still a bit mysterious, this boutique novelty sampler promises to be a tool for fun and experimental sound design. It’s expected to be priced around $499, making it an affordable entry into the world of unique sound exploration.

Polyend Play+

On the other hand, the Polyend Play+ is a modern groovebox sampler built for serious music makers. Released in 2023, it’s packed with features for creative sequencing, live performance, and sample playback. With a price tag of $799, it’s a bit of an investment but offers a comprehensive set of tools for electronic producers and live performers.

Feature Face-Off

Design and Build

The EP-1320 takes you on a journey back in time with its medieval theme, offering keys and knobs for control. It’s a boutique product, which means it’s crafted with a unique design approach, perfect for those who appreciate novelty and creativity in their gear.

In contrast, the Polyend Play+ sports a sleek, modern look with an 8x8 velocity-sensitive pad grid. It’s built as a standalone groovebox, making it both portable and powerful. The high-res color display adds to its modern appeal, providing a clear interface for music production.

Sound and Polyphony

The sound capabilities of the EP-1320 remain shrouded in mystery, with details on polyphony and sample rate yet to be revealed. However, Teenage Engineering’s reputation suggests it will be a playful and imaginative instrument.

The Polyend Play+ offers clear specifications with 8 voices of polyphony and a sample rate of 44.1kHz at 16-bit. This makes it ideal for producing rich, detailed audio and handling complex sequences with ease.

Storage and Connectivity

With the EP-1320, storage and connectivity details are still unknown. However, it’s likely to have USB or a companion app for software integration, given Teenage Engineering’s history of innovative tech solutions.

The Polyend Play+ comes with a MicroSD card for storage, which is convenient for managing large sample libraries. It also features a comprehensive set of I/O options, including stereo inputs and outputs, MIDI connectivity, and USB-C for easy integration with other gear.

Sequencer and Effects

Both samplers include sequencers, but they cater to different needs. The EP-1320’s sequencer details remain a mystery, but it promises to be a fun tool for sound experimentation.

The Polyend Play+ shines with its 16-track pattern-based sequencer, offering per-step automation and advanced MIDI sequencing. It also boasts a range of effects, including reverb, delay, overdrive, EQ, and master FX, providing a robust platform for crafting intricate soundscapes.

Pros and Cons

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler

Pros:

• Unique, playful design
• Likely to inspire creativity and experimentation
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Limited information on specifications
• Unknown storage and connectivity options
• May not suit those looking for traditional sampler features

Polyend Play+

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set for professional use
• High-quality sound and polyphony
• Versatile connectivity and storage options
• Robust sequencer and effects

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May be overkill for casual users

Who Are They Best For?

The Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler is perfect for those who love quirky, creative tools. If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your music or enjoy experimenting with sound, this sampler offers a unique experience at an accessible price.

The Polyend Play+ is ideal for electronic music producers and live performers who need a powerful, feature-rich tool. If you want a sampler that can handle complex sequences and offers deep integration with other gear, the Play+ is a worthy investment.

Conclusion

In the end, both the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler and the Polyend Play+ have their own charm and capabilities. Your choice will depend on your musical needs and creative preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the playful medieval theme of the EP-1320 or the powerful performance features of the Play+, you’re sure to find a sampler that sparks your musical imagination.