Sonicware has introduced the LIVEN Lofi-12 Lo-fi Sampling GrooveBox, a sampler that they say “turns everything into lo-fi”.
The LIVEN Lofi-12 has a 16bit – 12kHz/24kHz sampling engine, with a 12bit Sampler mode. Like the many samplers that were released in the late 80s, this creates a low-bit and low sampling frequency sound. Sample up to 4 seconds mono sampling per sample slot (2 seconds mono sampling at the 24kHz mode). Once you have your sample, start and end point trimming, pitch adjustment, reverse playback, sustain loop, filtering and LFO modulation are all available.
Sounds sampled by the LIVEN Lofi-12 are also automatically assigned to the keyboard, so they can be played chromatically.
Key Features:
- Retro sampling engine with 12bit Sampler mode
- Easily play samples chromatically across the keyboard
- Powerful 4-track sequencer with parameter and sound locking
- ‘Laid-back knob’ for creating drunk beats
- 11 types of Effects each track and 8 types of Master Effect
Specifications:
[Sampler]
– 16bit – 12kHz or 24kHz (switchable) linear PCM sampling (mono)
– 12bit Sampler mode
– Sampling up to 4 seconds per sample (12kHz) or 2 seconds per sample (24kHz)
– Auto start sampling function with the input level (input level can be set)
– Start/end point, attack, release, pitch, and level adjustment
– Reverse playback
– Sustain loop settings
– Maximum polyphony: 10 voices
– 128 sample memory slots (16 x 8 banks)
– Import and export of a slot or banks of samples (via MIDI)
*Import of audio files from PC/Mac is not supported.
<Voice mode>
– 10-note polyphonic mode
– Mono mode with adjustable glide time
– Legato mode with adjustable glide time
– Arpeggiator modes (Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, Up&Down, Down&Up, Up+1, Up+2, Down-1, Down-2, Random, Play Order)
<Filter>
– Low Pass
– High Pass
– Band Pass
Each track has its own filter and envelope
<LFO>
– Each track has one LFO which can affect both pitch and filter cutoff with separate adjustable levels
– Adjustable LFO Shapes
– Adjustable start time delay for each LFO
<SWEEP>
– Sweep with adjustable speed, range, and curve
[Effects]
?Track effects?
One effect per track
– Chorus
– Flanger
– Tremolo
– Delay
– Distortion
– Bit Crusher
– Low Pass Filter
– High Pass Filter
– Isolator
– Tilt EQ
– Compressor
?Master effects?
Reverb send amount can be set independently for each track
– Hall Reverb
– Room Reverb
– Arena Reverb
– Plate Reverb
– Tunnel Reverb
– Infinity Reverb
– Cassette Tape Simulator
– Vinyl Simulator
?[Sequencer]
– 4 tracks
– Up to 64 steps per pattern
– 64 patterns
– Step length can be set from 1/1 to 1/32
– Real-time recording
– Directly enter notes for each step when playback is on or off
– Enter longer notes (Tied notes)
– Metronome and pre-count function
– Step copy and paste function
– Track copy and paste function
– Transpose function
– Swing function
– Pattern BPM / Global BPM can be set
– Pattern chain function
– Track level and pan can be set independently
– Parameter Lock function to record parameter settings for each step
– Sound Lock function to record sound settings for each step
– RANDOM function to play back steps in random order
– STUTTER function to play back only the step being pressed
– DICE function to set the note playback probability from 25 to 100%
[MIDI]
– Notes, control changes, clock input/output
– Import and export user data
– Firmware update via Sysex
[Main unit]
<Keyboard>
27 keys (with a hold function)
<Knobs>
– 15 physical control knobs
– Optional LATCH function prevents jumps in value when knob position and parameter values do not match
– LCD dot indicates when a parameter value matches the saved value, or when the value has been changed
– One physical encoder for fine adjustments
<Audio in>
– LINE IN (stereo 3.5mm mini-jack)
*Compatible with Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Series 2 SYNC IN
<Audio out>
– Stereo line out (stereo 3.5mm mini jack)
– Headphone out (stereo 3.5mm mini jack)
*Compatible with Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Series 2 SYNC OUT
– Built in speaker
<Interfaces>
– MIDI IN connector (5-Pin DIN type)
– MIDI OUT connector (5-Pin DIN type)
– SYNC IN jack (monaural 3.5mm mini jack)
– SYNC OUT jack (monaural 3.5mm mini jack)
<Size>
297mm (W) x 176mm (D) x 48mm (H)
11.7 in (W) x 6.92 in (D) x 1.89 in (H)
<Weight>
790g
1.74lb.
<Power supply>
– 9V DC output AC adapter
Current: 1A or greater
Plug Type: EIAJ3 Standard
Inner Diameter: 1.7mm
Outer Diameter: 4.75mm,
Polarity: Center +
*Compatible with power supplies designed for the Korg Volca.1
– 6 AA batteries
*The AC adapter and batteries are not included.
[Accessories]
– Warranty
– Overlay sheet for sampling & editing
Here’s a demo of the Liven Lofi-12 in action:
Pricing and Availability
The Liven Lofi-12 is available now for $239.00 USD.
via Dave Makoun
Sonicware products make such an incredibly strong case for the importance of design but not in a way that does any favors for their brand.
Love the color design, reminds me of old Akai devices.
But the choice of limitation-design seems odd here?
I suppose the limitations force you to accept a more “lo-fi” approach. I don’t know, this is the kind of stuff that is easily done in software and there’s no real advantage to this particular piece of hardware, no analog filters or something like that. It’s relatively inexpensive though and I’m sure can be used for more than just lo-fi style music.
The filter Cutoff and Resonance share the same knob! Awful design.
I had the XFM and I really liked it apart from the Cutoff and Resonance thing.
That made it really awkward and clunky to use for me.
Sold it in under 2 weeks.
Shame, because everything else was pretty decent.
The liven has a separate knob for Cutoff & res 🙂
Sorry, but no it doesn’t.
The Liven XFM and this Lofi-12 both share the same knob.
Unless they changed it, I did pre order and get one of the first batch. I find that unlikely though.
ok this thing has my attention, i’ve been waiting for a company to finally do a 12 bit engine. looks like a fun box.
Finally? You mean like finally 30 years ago?
Nah, there actually is a lack of 12-bit samplers. There are still some things old EMU and AKAI samplers could do that nothing contemporary covers.
Like what?
like 12-bit sampling
https://www.islainstruments.com/product/s2400/
These budget samplers are missing a trick. Give them 8 outputs or the option to expand to 8 outputs and this will be a great thing for many of using analogue desks.
The missing link with all companies is that nobody cares enough to work together.
If they did we would’ve had plenty of USB mixers/interfaces (or another standard) and all these synths and drummachines on the market today would’ve been much more user friendly.
What we as a community need to do is push for more open standards and critique those that aren’t doing so.
One is better off buying a Korg Sampler 2 but Korg needs one thing the Emu trick, samples spread across all keys(yes there is ways you can do that aka a work around). and able to change midi channels, so if one needs only 4 midi channel one can set it up that way(like 3 samples channel2, 4 samples channel 10 and so on….). Now if this box can do multi channel midi aka Multitimbral, with samples spread across the keys its worth it alone. And final not the product videos SUCKS!