Sonicware has introduced a new instrument in its Liven line, the Mega Synthesis Retro Game Music Composer.
The Mega Synthesis is designed to be an all-in-one chiptune system, inspired by the Sega Mega Drive from the 1988, aka the Sega Genesis. Sonicware says that it has “faithfully recreated the 4-operator FM sound module, the 8-bit PCM sound module, and the “SN76489″ PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound module used by the original console.”
Features:
- 6-Track Sequencer
- 10 Types of Effects.
- YM2612 FM synth x 3 tracks (6 voices)
- SN76489 PSG synth x 2 tracks (4 voices)
- 8-bit PCM sampler x 1 track (3 voices)
- 320 FM game sounds
- 64 drum kits
- Sound banks by composer Yuzo Koshiro
Yuzo Koshiro Preset Pattern Demos:
Mega Synthesis Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability:
The Mega Synthesis is available to pre-order for $239, and is expected to ship starting Jan 11, 2024.
Anyone else overwhelmed with the different versions on these machines? Almost feels like a version 2.0 of their 8 bit warps. I still don’t own any liven. They do seem to be different than the volcas or moog mini modulars, in that, these machines can be connected together, but have enough depth to write songs on their own. I’ve also seen comments of the theme of, synth companies won’t release products with too much overlap. The livens seem to be specialized, but with some overlap. We have a few 8 bit synths, a few fms, different versions of lo fi samplers. I still don’t own any….it almost seems like if I’m interested in 1, a better version 2.0 will be along in 3 to 6 months. It is pretty exciting to have new products that break the mold.
While I’m not entirely sold on the design – they are packed with features and capability compared with anything similarly priced. You didn’t mention the granular sampler – the Texture Lab. That as far as I can tell is entirely unique. Outside of eurorack there aren’t that many hands on granular hardware instruments. And for €239 I can’t see any good reason to not buy one. Same goes for the rest of these Sonicware instruments. If it seems even remotely interesting to your needs then why not. I’d go so far as to say nothing out there has as much bang for buck as these do
I’m starting to think that the Sonic Ware products are algorithmically generated based on what’s trending on google searches.
Existing Hardware Framework + Trending Sound Topology = Quick Release with negative soul.
I am shocked they didn’t shoe-horn the word “Chroma” into it somehow.
NINTENDO VINTAGE SEGA RETRO ATARI BIT CART MEMORY
Yuor comment is reductive and poorly made. Sonicware have released quite a collection of instruments in small amount of time. Cheaply designed and executed maybe but ultimately all very capable of producing usable music. So far there are 7 sonicwares in this format. They are €200-300. Why would someone complain about this? Would you rather they didn’t bother and that we had less things?
8bit Warps – a multitrack 8 bit chiptune groovebox
Mega Synthesis – multitrack 16 bit game console groovebox
XFM – a multitrack FM synth groovebox
Bass & Beats – multitrack Wavetable synth groovebox
LoFi-12 – multitrack 12 bit Sampling groovebox
LoFi-6 – multitrack 6 KHz Sampling Groovebox
Texture Lab – multitrack Granular Sampling groovebox
Technically the 8 bit warps isn’t multitrack (not counting the looper). I literally bought one used the day before this was announced. Oh well it happens. Super interested in the texture lab for all the reasons you listed.
Admin: Personal attack deleted.
Keep comments on topic and constructive.
I learned today that Sonicware has fanboys too.
Note that the Japanese price is closer to $200. I will definitely be picking one up!
Very nice, will be getting 4 of these
Texture Lab seems like everything I wished the MicroGranny was. Somehow I don’t want it. If they fixed their branding they could take over the world