Synthstrom Deluge vs. Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler: A Fun Battle of Sound Tools

When it comes to making music, there are so many cool gadgets out there to help you create awesome sounds. Today, we’re going to compare two exciting sound machines: the Synthstrom Deluge and the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler. Both are unique in their own way and offer different features for music makers. Let’s dive in and see what each one has to offer!

Introduction

Music is like a magical world where anything is possible. With the right tools, you can create anything from a simple beat to a full-blown symphony. Samplers are one of those magical tools that help you capture and manipulate sounds to create music. In this blog post, we will explore two fascinating samplers: the Synthstrom Deluge and the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler. Each one has its strengths and quirks, making them perfect for different types of music creators. Let’s see how they compare!

The Synthstrom Deluge: A Music Powerhouse

The Synthstrom Deluge, released in 2017, is like a Swiss Army knife for music makers. It’s a powerful all-in-one workstation that combines a synthesizer, sampler, sequencer, and audio looper. This means you can do almost everything you need to create music with just this one device. It’s compact and portable, making it perfect for both studio work and live performances.

Features of the Deluge

One of the most impressive features of the Deluge is its polyphony. With 128 voices, it can play many notes at the same time, allowing for rich and complex musical pieces. It has a sample rate of 44.1kHz, which is great for high-quality sound. You can store your sounds on a MicroSD card, so you have lots of space for your music projects.

The Deluge doesn’t have traditional pads but uses buttons and a keyboard for input. This might take some getting used to, but it allows for piano-roll-style sequencing, which many musicians love. The sequencer is robust, offering options like Euclidean sequencing and probability, which can make your music sound more dynamic and interesting.

Another cool thing about the Deluge is its effects. You can add multiple effects to your sound, making it more exciting and professional. The device offers MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out connections, giving you flexibility in how you want to integrate it with other gear.

While it doesn’t have software integration, which might be a downside for some, it makes up for it by being a standalone unit. This means you can take it anywhere and make music without needing a computer.

Pros and Cons of the Deluge

Pros:

• Powerful all-in-one music workstation
• High polyphony and quality sound
• Extensive sequencing options
• Portable and standalone operation
• Wide range of connectivity options

Cons:

• No traditional pads, uses buttons and keyboard
• No software integration
• Higher price point at $1529

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler: A Whimsical Sound Adventure

On the other hand, we have the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler. Scheduled for release in 2024, this sampler is all about creativity and fun. It’s a boutique novelty sampler with a playful medieval theme, perfect for those who love to experiment with sound and enjoy quirky designs.

Features of the Medieval Sampler

While details about the Medieval Sampler are still a bit mysterious, it promises to be a creative tool for experimental sound design. It features keys and knobs for input, which could offer a more tactile experience compared to the Deluge’s buttons.

The sampler includes a sequencer and effects, which means you can still create layered and textured sounds. However, many of its other specifications, like polyphony, sample rate, and storage, remain unknown. This could be exciting for some, as it adds an element of surprise and discovery.

The build of the Medieval Sampler is described as a boutique novelty, making it a unique addition to any musician’s toolkit. Although the exact connectivity options are unknown, it likely includes USB or a companion app for software integration. This could make it easier to use alongside other digital tools.

Pros and Cons of the Medieval Sampler

Pros:

• Creative and fun design with a medieval theme
• Keys and knobs for a tactile experience
• Includes effects and sequencer
• Likely to have software integration
• More affordable price at $499 (estimated)

Cons:

• Unknown specifications for polyphony, sample rate, and storage
• Limited detailed information available
• Might be more of a novelty than a serious music production tool

The Battle of the Samplers: Deluge vs. Medieval

When comparing these two samplers, it becomes clear that they cater to different types of music creators. The Synthstrom Deluge is perfect for serious musicians who need a powerful and versatile tool for both studio work and live performances. Its extensive features and high-quality sound make it a great choice for professional music production.

In contrast, the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler seems to be aimed at those who enjoy experimenting with sound and want a creative outlet. Its playful design and potential for software integration make it a fun option for hobbyists and those looking to add a quirky touch to their music-making process.

Final Verdict: Who Are They Best For?

If you’re a serious musician looking for a comprehensive music production tool, the Synthstrom Deluge is the right choice for you. It offers everything you need to create professional-quality music and perform live.

On the other hand, if you’re a hobbyist or someone who loves to experiment with sound, the Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler might be the perfect fit. Its whimsical design and creative potential make it a fun addition to any music maker’s collection.

In conclusion, both samplers have their unique strengths and are designed to appeal to different audiences. Whether you’re crafting a masterpiece or just having fun with sound, there’s a sampler out there for you!