@@AveMcree Yeah, that's answer a). Answer b): They took the Kickstarter money from SmplTrek to develop SmplTrek AND LoFi-12. Answer c) They knew LoFi-12 will have a market, unlike SmplTrek. I'm very surprised that Sonicware has released both devices during such a short time.
Brother, I feel your pain. G.A.S. is real. I used to make fun of it.....until I looked around my room and realize that I'm the butt of my own laughter.
Inspiring demo, Ave. This box sounds wonderful. I went and copped one right after watching your presentation. You cooked up that joint real quick and this thing looks very simple and straightforward. That's the type of stuff I like. This box doesn't need AIR Flavor Pro but I'm gonna be recording hella beats from this into the MPC so I might as well use it on some of em.
It looks like a serious learning curve. Like almost going back to making beats in the zoom 224. But like you said, Some times less is more and it’ll take you back to the raw essence which is good.
Fortunately we have TH-cam videos these days that show tutorials on pretty much any machine you could ever want to use including most of Avee's videos here. So the learning curves are greatly reduced for any device really. Back before TH-cam you would have had to read the manual on any of these complex groove boxes and it likely would have taken you months to learn, now you can get it done in a day or two. I went from never sampling ever on any device to learning the MPC within a week or two just from watching videos on this channel and others.
The st224 doesn't have a sequencer though. The playlist thing is basically useless. I mean, you can make a beat on it but it's annoying, you can't even program it to play through the playlists in a sequence. I'm thinking to sell my zoom and get this.
It’s internal sounds remind of the old Yamaha DJX iib boombox, PHAT. Was such a fun thing, I think the keyboard version could actually sample in a limited way and let you play the internal sounds without having to use an external keyboard too.
i have all of the livens and I actually really like the workflow on them - once you get the hang of where things are it is super intuitive (except the bass n beats - it takes a little to get into) - this one looks like it is more similar in layou t to the 8 bit and the xfm
This is great to work with the ASR 10. Resample in the ASR 10. I'm actually excited to do this. I have both machines and I usually have to take half the studio down at Christmas time. I have got a lot of gear from here to there and I must say, I love this sampler. I like that I can keep a sampler in my bed!!😂😂😂 With all being said, this is a great machine. I'm actually surprised its not even more lofi. Hahaha The speaker is just the icing on this thing too. I like it has a bit crusher, Tape, and Vinyl effects to get that much dirty. Resample into an Mpc or ASR 10, and you have some new sounds. I mean your ASR 10, can get you anywhere anyway, but, it's a dif sonic
Yeah fair you can still use a midi cable to get access to full keys and it matches the form factor of 8bit warpz which is nice they will go well together
My only issue with all these Liven units is that once you create an awesome groove, besides recording the audio out, there is no way to offload all the components to save it and later reuse. Why not a Volca Sample 2 at a fraction of the cost; at least it has a desktop app and USB port to manage stuff...... Or am I missing the point? Great review though!
Can’t see how this is anything like an asr-10. ASR-10 was notably 16-bit, like the short-lived eps plus before it. I mean, the 16-bit was the biggest selling point. Even the OG eps was 13-bit, and that was notable at the time too (that extra bit mattered to many). This is more like Roland w-30, 12-bit that had some grunge. I had all those samplers, and while asr-10 was the best, it was the best because of its high fidelity (and dsp effects). Never had asr-x though, switched to akai.😊
It's a cool machine but once you've used something like an MPC I just can't see going backwards. This thing isn't bad for its price but I think I would just spend the extra couple hundred and get the SP 404 Roland if I didn't already own an MPC.
I really don't need this since I already have two 12-bit samplers and various sequencers but for $239 I couldn't resist, bought it before I finished watching the first video the other day. No USB and apparently no way of backing up samples is kind of harsh but again, $239.
Hi. So when you edit the sample start and end point, what happens if you move the start? will the end move with it or do you have to set both independently? plus there are two loop points, what about them? it's not clear from the manual...thanks!
Wow, seems like I found the right device for mobile composing! Can I record chords with this sequencer? When I'm done, can I export all tracks as MIDI?
@@AveMcree The online manual says, "patterns" are available for MIDI import / export. Not sure whether that means just samples, or all user data, which includes MIDI sequencer data. 🤔
Is there any of that vintage "crunch" to you to any of the sounds after speeding up a record, sampling, and then pitching it down in the unit? I most def am thinking of picking one up. It's not an SP-1200 but compared to software emulations, I think this may be a winner. So far, most of that vintage lo-fi sound seems to be there and from what I can hear, it sounds more authentic than a software plug-in.
@@sooperheep Right? Of all of the people that even reviewed it so far, this guy's video is the BEST ONE. Most of the other people that have videos up seem to have no actual clue of what lo-fi is (you can tell when they start adding instruments) and they also don't seem to understand the sampling and production side of things as if to them, it is more of a box that makes sounds. That almost makes me scared to buy one but this guys video kinda makes me think it may be worth it.
@@AveMcree LOL. I've been listening to Breakbeat Hardcore / Jungle / Drum & Bass since the early 90s, ever since Pirate Radio in the UK started playing it, then began buying vinyl from stores like the legendary Black Market Records (R.I.P.) in Soho... I personally think that loop would sound a lot better if you pitched those drums down. What are some of your fav D&B artists?
lol,.. but Ave,.. you can buy the PO KO sampler,.. for $99 and get busy on the beats though,.. way more sampling time and you can sample chop on it,.. man it would be cool to get the KO just with a warranty on it, so it doesn't break,. Vinnie Paz's new album has a song that was produced entirely on the KO,.. it's the song that features Thirstin Howl the 3rd,.
Just to clarify the Lofi-12 has 128 slots for samples which can be up to 4 seconds each, so that's a total of 8m 32s sampling time. The two would make an awesome combination as the Lofi-12 has a pocket operator style sync mode which can send a click and audio via the headphone socket
I hope it’s not like a asr10 not in a mean way..used to have a redface asr and took it apart to refurb..man those pads were cray.. Unlike the mpc pads which are elegant..but I reckon those buttons are more solid than the asr 10..kewl sampla
@@Badasswolfshirt wow thank you yeah!elegant sampler with utilized with external midi controller is sick..woah sick..I just assumed that the pro had updated stuff but same pads my bad..the asr is rad!
Now we're talking Sonicware!!!! I like it a lot!!!
Why didn’t they just kickstarter this🤷🏽♂️
@@teddybearasaurus Because it was in the works and groove boxes take more money to develop
What's up Ave? Whats the difference between the 6teen level University Tuition 2 semesters $77.77 and One time $77.77?
@@AveMcree Yeah, that's answer a). Answer b): They took the Kickstarter money from SmplTrek to develop SmplTrek AND LoFi-12. Answer c) They knew LoFi-12 will have a market, unlike SmplTrek. I'm very surprised that Sonicware has released both devices during such a short time.
@@gsc677 Multiple choice is allowed among a), b), c). 😛
Thank you for the Shout-out Ave 🙌🏼
Finally someone actually did it hahaha. A modern lofi sampler that smells vintage. They even got the color scheme right haha.
First device I've been excited about in awhile.
Tell me about it
me yesterday: i don't need new gear
me today: take my money!
Brother, I feel your pain.
G.A.S. is real. I used to make fun of it.....until I looked around my room and realize that I'm the butt of my own laughter.
I need this. I now wish I hadn't pledged to the Smpltrek kickstarter. This one speaks to me. This is more for me.
The Smpltrek will be fine next update. Well, at least for chopping samples. Everything else is decent.
Care to detail Ave? Except chop to kit will they add more sound shaping options?
@@AveMcree lets hope they learn from this and update with some lofi effects or sampling
Wow nice! I still have my ASR
Lucky you. I had to sell mine for poverty reasons.
Bought the last one from Perfect Circuit last night!!!! Can't wait!!!
Damn!!! They have um on deck???!!??? Imma buy another lol
@@AveMcree they HAD THEM!!, guy told me I got the last one
This thing, my SU200, and MPC ONE, I’m GUCCI!!!!!
Damn nice! I didn't even know PC had them in stock like that!
Inspiring demo, Ave. This box sounds wonderful. I went and copped one right after watching your presentation. You cooked up that joint real quick and this thing looks very simple and straightforward. That's the type of stuff I like. This box doesn't need AIR Flavor Pro but I'm gonna be recording hella beats from this into the MPC so I might as well use it on some of em.
I'm copping too and going to the same. Record into my mpc one
@@AJWise That's what's up. Gonna be a dope combo for sure.
Hope you enjoy it!
Got mine inbound. A PO-33 on steroids was a no-brainer for me. I'll wear this thing out.
Mannnnn you and Malo Beats always find the best gear 💯💯💯💯
It looks like a serious learning curve. Like almost going back to making beats in the zoom 224. But like you said, Some times less is more and it’ll take you back to the raw essence which is good.
Only hard thing is beat matching your drum breaks. After that, you’ll be on cloud nine.
Fortunately we have TH-cam videos these days that show tutorials on pretty much any machine you could ever want to use including most of Avee's videos here. So the learning curves are greatly reduced for any device really. Back before TH-cam you would have had to read the manual on any of these complex groove boxes and it likely would have taken you months to learn, now you can get it done in a day or two. I went from never sampling ever on any device to learning the MPC within a week or two just from watching videos on this channel and others.
The st224 doesn't have a sequencer though. The playlist thing is basically useless. I mean, you can make a beat on it but it's annoying, you can't even program it to play through the playlists in a sequence. I'm thinking to sell my zoom and get this.
I love the sound and the straight forward workflow. It would be awesome if they added tap tempo
I think it has tap but forgot to check
Doesn’t appear to have any in the manual online just a dedicated knob which is okay for me
I see a vid on this from Bo Beats and thought "Ave would be all over this" thought and here We go.
Yeah, I didn't feel like dropping a video without having more fun with it.
@@AveMcree Could definitely see this idea you made expanded in a DAW, I had a few ideas while listening.
@@HOLLASOUNDS I'll probably use it with the MPC more likely and sound designing.
@@AveMcree That would be good.
DOPE!!!!
Indeed!!!!!!
It’s internal sounds remind of the old Yamaha DJX iib boombox, PHAT. Was such a fun thing, I think the keyboard version could actually sample in a limited way and let you play the internal sounds without having to use an external keyboard too.
I had one of those. The lofi on this Liven is softer feeling. The ASR-10 had more of a cut thru heavier high end.
Yamaha djx 1 & 2 we're awesome keyboards.. I still got the second one
Always a solid video.
I can’t get down with their layouts and workflows for some reason.
Stay rockin tho, brudda!
was gonna say that workflow looks like itll have me starin off into space lol sounds good tho and the price is right
i have all of the livens and I actually really like the workflow on them - once you get the hang of where things are it is super intuitive (except the bass n beats - it takes a little to get into) - this one looks like it is more similar in layou t to the 8 bit and the xfm
Production skills 🔥🔥💯👍
Thanks! I thought it could be better but wanted to do some DnB for a change.
11:00 this review was very helpful 👍
Very exciting machine!!
this is a old heads dream lol
This is great to work with the ASR 10. Resample in the ASR 10. I'm actually excited to do this. I have both machines and I usually have to take half the studio down at Christmas time. I have got a lot of gear from here to there and I must say, I love this sampler. I like that I can keep a sampler in my bed!!😂😂😂 With all being said, this is a great machine. I'm actually surprised its not even more lofi. Hahaha The speaker is just the icing on this thing too. I like it has a bit crusher, Tape, and Vinyl effects to get that much dirty. Resample into an Mpc or ASR 10, and you have some new sounds. I mean your ASR 10, can get you anywhere anyway, but, it's a dif sonic
This has replaced my gas for the Sonicware box. Thanks for the brealdown
Drum machine sound source for the FORCE!
Outro Beat Smackin
I fw it. 👀
same
I think this is ultimately better then the smpltrek
Planning on getting one
alright alright alright alright alright...🎉
this is sick
I use FL & MPC I love how this thing sounds 🔥
I'd pay $350 for some regular piano keys & a display with more information.
Yeah fair you can still use a midi cable to get access to full keys and it matches the form factor of 8bit warpz which is nice they will go well together
@@VitaEx Yeah true. It's still think its dope as is. I'm stuck on what it does for drums though. Ave gotta give us a full session lol
I think I prefer this over the Smpltrek!
it's absolute fire!
Thanks..
i wish this was out last year, sheesh, i bought a 404, this thing looks old school but feature packed
now I can get the 12bit sampling of the machinedrum I sold without having to buy it back for 3k. Kinda looks like the md too
reminds me of the Korg microsampler….if it had a pitch mod wheel it would be legit
This is def the coolest one of these boxes. Very cool and a reasonable price that puts it in reach of almost everybody.
I made a joke once that Livens were like roided out Volcas, but after seeing this and comparing it to a Volca Sample, that really is kinda true lol
They're around the same price point
I did not like all their other boxes… but I do very much like this one… and it’s cheap 😊
My only issue with all these Liven units is that once you create an awesome groove, besides recording the audio out, there is no way to offload all the components to save it and later reuse. Why not a Volca Sample 2 at a fraction of the cost; at least it has a desktop app and USB port to manage stuff...... Or am I missing the point? Great review though!
Please do some boombap/trad hiphop demos on this machine. Thanks in advance.
Marlow Digs video is in the description. That's tribe so check um out.
@@AveMcree Already seen and enjoyed - I just want more of the same.
This is what they need to stick with. This. Sampletrek misses the mark.
The constant need for "more" has pushed lofi into "blurry". Not with it. Just my two cents
Can’t see how this is anything like an asr-10. ASR-10 was notably 16-bit, like the short-lived eps plus before it. I mean, the 16-bit was the biggest selling point. Even the OG eps was 13-bit, and that was notable at the time too (that extra bit mattered to many). This is more like Roland w-30, 12-bit that had some grunge. I had all those samplers, and while asr-10 was the best, it was the best because of its high fidelity (and dsp effects). Never had asr-x though, switched to akai.😊
It's a cool machine but once you've used something like an MPC I just can't see going backwards. This thing isn't bad for its price but I think I would just spend the extra couple hundred and get the SP 404 Roland if I didn't already own an MPC.
I really don't need this since I already have two 12-bit samplers and various sequencers but for $239 I couldn't resist, bought it before I finished watching the first video the other day. No USB and apparently no way of backing up samples is kind of harsh but again, $239.
you might be able to back up samples with Sysex. This is how the Liven XFM works at least
@@DylanFerno yeah, that's true
I looked at the manual after I made that comment.
ASR is blasphemy this a budget friendly digitakt, nah this a mini akai s612
$239.00?
Not a bad price. they're already sold out of the first 100
Yeah second batch ships nov 30th I think I bought from the first 100 unsure it was yesterday
Hi. So when you edit the sample start and end point, what happens if you move the start? will the end move with it or do you have to set both independently? plus there are two loop points, what about them? it's not clear from the manual...thanks!
Cool
Can you chop the drums aswell as the samples on this?
Wow, seems like I found the right device for mobile composing! Can I record chords with this sequencer? When I'm done, can I export all tracks as MIDI?
I think it has MIDI export. Could be wrong but the Smpltrek can do that very well.
@@AveMcree The online manual says, "patterns" are available for MIDI import / export. Not sure whether that means just samples, or all user data, which includes MIDI sequencer data. 🤔
You won't need any lofi ssmpler if you scratch have up that vinyl any more.
It's nothing like an ASR-10
Seems like a complicated hardware version of Koala Sampler, yes?
Hmmmm between this and the Sp404Mk2 which would you go for?
It sounded cool when the limited polyphony killed the drums abruptly every other measure. Happy accidents :)?
Overlap with smpltrck ?😮
That does not sound like an asr 10 🤨
I get the Old School thing but they could at least put a resample feature in there come on! my SU 200 has it!
Is there any of that vintage "crunch" to you to any of the sounds after speeding up a record, sampling, and then pitching it down in the unit? I most def am thinking of picking one up. It's not an SP-1200 but compared to software emulations, I think this may be a winner. So far, most of that vintage lo-fi sound seems to be there and from what I can hear, it sounds more authentic than a software plug-in.
thats what I wanna hear too, why can't any of these reviewers show that character of the 12 bit sampling?
@@sooperheep Right? Of all of the people that even reviewed it so far, this guy's video is the BEST ONE. Most of the other people that have videos up seem to have no actual clue of what lo-fi is (you can tell when they start adding instruments) and they also don't seem to understand the sampling and production side of things as if to them, it is more of a box that makes sounds. That almost makes me scared to buy one but this guys video kinda makes me think it may be worth it.
Thats what i was thinking no one has sampled something 44rpm and pitched it down with this device
Those drums sounded way to fast / high pitched
It’s called Drum and Bass
@@AveMcree LOL.
I've been listening to Breakbeat Hardcore / Jungle / Drum & Bass since the early 90s, ever since Pirate Radio in the UK started playing it, then began buying vinyl from stores like the legendary Black Market Records (R.I.P.) in Soho...
I personally think that loop would sound a lot better if you pitched those drums down.
What are some of your fav D&B artists?
showing us the chromatic pitch while playing a stupid kick drum, oh man
lol,..
but Ave,..
you can buy the PO KO sampler,.. for $99 and get busy on the beats though,..
way more sampling time and you can sample chop on it,.. man it would be cool to get the KO just with a warranty on it, so it doesn't break,. Vinnie Paz's new album has a song that was produced entirely on the KO,.. it's the song that features Thirstin Howl the 3rd,.
true
HPotta a PO. Boom Bap GOAT!!! 🤘🏾😤🤘🏾
Just to clarify the Lofi-12 has 128 slots for samples which can be up to 4 seconds each, so that's a total of 8m 32s sampling time.
The two would make an awesome combination as the Lofi-12 has a pocket operator style sync mode which can send a click and audio via the headphone socket
Where did you see that the Vinnie Paz track was produced on a PO 33? that's dope
I hope it’s not like a asr10 not in a mean way..used to have a redface asr and took it apart to refurb..man those pads were cray..
Unlike the mpc pads which are elegant..but I reckon those buttons are more solid than the asr 10..kewl sampla
You're talking about the ASR-X Pro
@@Badasswolfshirt wow thank you yeah!elegant sampler with utilized with external midi controller
is sick..woah sick..I just assumed that the pro had updated stuff but same pads my bad..the asr is rad!
do you think this device has akai s20 vibes on it
first
Your 3rd actuall, not including Aves comment.
3rd
i don't understand why anyone would choose to work this way when machine and push exist...
horrible