My 2 cents and a disclaimer: I've been part of the sound design team for the Ambient Ø, so you might perceive my feedback as a bit biased (and it may well be). Ambient Ø, as the name implies, is a synth/groovebox crafted for ambient music in its different variations. It doesn't come as a surprise that it's capable of creating great pads. You can choose from different processing algorithms such as wave shaping, FM, wavetable, and subtractive synthesis. It is mainly a wavetable synth, though, but features also a fourth track for sample import to include your field recordings. The build quality is okay but plastic. Having had several Sonicware units for quite a while now, I can tell you that these are sturdier than you'd expect at first sight. It runs on 6 AA batteries or alternatively with an external PSU. Get a quality pack of rechargeable batteries, and you're good for 3-4 hours of work. Downsides for me are the lack of a complex modulation matrix, and I wish there were more modulation sources. However, with an AMP envelope, 2 LFOs, plus an additional Modulation LFO, you already get a very solid base. As with the other LIVEN models, I would have appreciated individual outs or at least an EQ for each track-but I guess that's the price for offering a low budget synth. My EQ recommendation is to lower the mids at 300-500 Hz, as it can become too dominant quickly when layering several pads. You will need some time to learn the different wavetables by heart and how they interact with the different synthesis algorithms. TLDR: Solid device and a recommendation for ambient productions on a budget or for those who want to travel light. You can do longer ambient sessions just with one unit. My advice would be to invest in a good external effect pedal to layer different hall algorithms.
Thanks for the video! Awesome sounds as always. Do you have a recommendation for an ambient machine which can do similar things but has a nicer UI without too much menu diving?
The other day I woke up thinking "why doesn't someone make a standalone box dedicated to lush pads and soundscapes?" An article about this device popped up, as if someone was peering into my dreams. Preordered instantly. Thanks for sharing some of these amazing noises you've created with it. Can't wait to get mine!
Me also, but I do suffer from chronic GAS. Still, it's very affordable - to me at least. I want to experience hopefully hours of getting lost in exploring the limits of this synth.
Me too - I didn’t talk about it to anyone but was dreaming of such a device then it just popped up. I can’t wait to get mine! This is such a fantastic demo of the unit too! Many thanks!!!
@@303machine Yeah, I checked both of those out, when the 50 was released, and more recently the 42. Something about the sound palette doesn't do it for me.
my dream synth for this kind of sounds is the elta solar 42, but it is well above the reasonable budget that I can invest in a device, this one seems to be an affordable alternative
I was just going to comment that Sonicware now just need to invent a time machine to go back to the late 90s and sell these to all of the Atmospheric Jungle / DnB producers everywhere - you beat me to it
@@eddievanheinous666 or bring all those classic early digital rack synths & romplers back into modern interfaces! The Liven workflow seems pretty divisive, but I bet they could come up with a different funky format for desktop synth modules focused on specific patch structures.
@@OPdbxi thought the same when I had a couple of them in the past, but decided to give them another shot recently to try out the Mega Synthesis. The workflow grows on you after a bit and feels logical once you've spent some extended time with it. I think it's worth giving another try to see if it grows on you.
Always impressed when people can get so mutch out of these litt fun boxes using only sync and the built in sequencers. Shows why you should always try to get to know your gear well.
I'm surprised they still manage to create so many different digital synths and samplers with the same workflow. They feel like the evolution of Volcas with more features overall. I hope they can someday dip their toes on analog gear.
@@minimal3734 Maybe they can release another line of synthesizers with similar casing but with analog circuitry. I wouldn't mind if they don't do analog but it would be a pleasant surprise. I think I'm gonna keep buying more Livens in the meantime. I'm interested in Texture Lab atm.
I think it would be super-cool if they released a higher-end product capable of switching between their different devices, maybe with a touch screen to show parameters and a more advanced multi-part sequencer.
@@ShamazMusic There was a time when Volcas where ok for what they offered, now the competition has catched up and there's a lot more affordable and capable options. I would sell my only Volca (OG Sample), but Its a hard sell even with the original box. I might just keep it as a one shot sample player. I'm thinking of getting the Texture Lab. I love granular synthesis.
This might be the fourth time I listen to this! I keep coming back to hear how the Ambient ø sounds! I’d say this is the best performance on TH-cam for this device.
Man, I need one of these for my music… In-between tracks, or even some sections of my music… it would just work Thanks so much for the awesome display here 🙏🏼💜
Ok, That's it! I ordered one ! Not a musician. Never had a synth, But I couldn't resist it anymore 😃 Hope it's not too complicated to absolute begginers
I've been close to pulling trigger on so many but ended up going with other gear. i am buying this though. I have a wavestate and that is like this kinda... but way beefier... however.. i can't power it by batteries. this thing is just what i want to take on the go. it sounds great too. just by sound alone it is punching above its price point.
Doesn't dissimilar to an Elektron Monomachine with different digiwaves loaded (I use a Moog wavetable set in mine) - particularly the dubby chord and oddball ambience stuff. I'd imagine they'd play rather well together. Nice.
It's fascinating to me how there's so many mini-synths now. I guess Dave Smith was just ahead of his time with the first form-factor of the Evolver and everything. Though these modern ones all have some kind of basic input built-in, rather than assuming MIDI like those early DSI boxes. I was thinking that about the Volcas years ago, but these Liven boxes are even more similar to the early DSI ones.
Dave Smith (RIP) was definitely ahead of his time. I had the good fortune to work with him as a sound designer when he was a co-founder of Seer Systems and put out the "Reality" software synth. Got a chance to see the "Evolver" prototype just before the 2001 NAMM show at his warehouse in Northern California. At the time, he said he wanted to leave software instruments to go back to analog hardware so he could "obtain the higher quality of analog amps and filters without being limited by a SoundBlaster computer sound card." Few people know that he also helped to develop MIDI. Great person who was iconic.
@@vstpluginsonicxtc so cool that you got to work with him! I absolutely agree about high quality VCAs and VCFs. A real VCF just sounds special against a simulation, even with a good sound interface. MIDI is probably the number one thing I’m grateful to him for :) being able to just plug one synth into another, versus the configuration and host requirement of USB MIDI, is a godsend to my ADHD.
If I can give some unsolicited advice; I only started buying sound packs in recent years because I've been a typical hard-headed purist about making my own sounds for decades. But what got me into buying some sample sets was a free set or two from someone... Which is asking a lot, but I have bought sets and regretted it because of sound quality or bad file formatting. So a free set or two can go a long way to give me confidence that I am spending my money well on the paid content. I love what you do! Keep it up either way.
Thanks for your comment! Yes, the ambient Ø certainly triggered some dark ambient memories here and there ;). Looking forward to your contribution, too!
This is a brilliant idea surprisingly well executed. Preorders just don’t work for me due to travel. I need something to be in stock and ready to ship when I’m home long enough to receive it. Can’t wait to for something with an unknown shipping date and I may not be home when it does ship.
Preordered it straight away. I don't know anything about ambient music/sound design but if this is even half as fun and addictive as Liven XFM, Texture Lab or Mega Synthesis, I'm in for a great time. I like the Liven form factor and build quality. Decksaver make really good protective covers for the Liven range (and a bunch of other devices) so I'd recommend getting them. I still really need sonicware to bring out a Liven drumsynth. Also, a Liven Bass with two instances of the wavetable synth replacing that crappy PCM drum machine would be awesome too. Anybody got any recommendations for a cheap (6-8 stereo channel) mixer to pull my Liven instruments together? Nothing fancy, just with DJ style low/high pass controls per channel and aux sends for FX.
Got it yesterday, and man how cool was my evening. It was instantly fun to create on. I made so much stuff I had to start writing notes down of things I found and wanted to do for future tracks.
Still waiting for my ELZ1 Play to be dispatched and Sonicware delivers another Liven that I might have to get my hands on, as well as the Texture Lab. This company is on it right now.
Factor in two extra items to purchase if any of these Japanese based Sonicware synths are wanted. Firstly a PSU, it would not cost any more than $10 for them to supply one as standard but you'll likely end up scuttling around paying $20 to $30 to even power on one of these units. THEN of cause notice there is no direct USB to computer socket, so you won't be fixing it up to a DAW or even downloading updates UNLESS you go out and secure a Midi Interface unit. A decent one of those such as a ESI M4U is over $100. Though of cause there are cheaper ones around $50. If you do purchase cheaper ones you may also have to flaff around installing a ASIO4ALL USB Audio Driver on to your computer as well. Like how difficult would it have been for them to add a USB to computer socket?, even $100 cheapo no name keyboards these days have them. Maybe $10 to fit one as standard, but yet again Sonicware want you all have to run around buying up extra gadgets, (unless you already have a Midi Interface), to even update the synths firmware. From what I can see out of all the Sonicware models only the $430 Sonicware SmplTrek sampler/drum machine has a USB socket. This Sonicware Liven Ambient 0 only has 5 pin din midi in/out, there is no USB socket. It seems to me then there is quite a bit of INDIFFERENCE from the start with this Japanese based outfit.
sonicware are the most innovative company in the scene, I have three of the Liven series and the price to performance ratio is incredible!! Please make a mlti timbral VA synth!
I was tempted by this, then I realized my trusty Roland MC-101 can be configured in the exact same manner as this device, except it has USB, more FX and sample time. I forgot that I even bought some ambient and drone soundpacks a couple of years ago, so I already have presets to start with. Lesson learned...check your old gear every time you start lusting over new stuff.
I find it more fun to make ambient sounds from scratch with all the weird gear I have. That is part of the fun of exploration with ambient music. But I don't begrudge anyone who finds this compelling because it sounds amazing.
Beautiful demo pieces. Like all Sonicware this is a slick little package offering a good range of sounds with a relatively friendly & approachable interface. Still, I see only 3 possible reasons to get this or any of their kit. 1) A person is unaware less than $35 more = new iPad + 4 apps covers all this (and all of Texture Lab) plus a lot more; that reason is now gone... 2) A person absolutely refuses to spend the 30 minutes with that new iPad and 4 apps setting up the same workflow then simply saving the configuration. If pulling it out of the box and immediately making ambient is an absolute requirement then Sonicware has you covered. 3) You positively MUST have a tactile control surface. That I get and if it is the case you will have to pony up another $116 for a nanokey studio. If having 2 portable devices instead of just 1 is a no go then again Sonicware has you covered. If 2 is fine then $390 = Ambient 0 + Texture Lab + same easy workflow + a TON more. Like the other Sonicware kit? Add everything else they make and then some with 5 more apps for $67. None of that changes this being a cool synth clearly with great sounds - just an alternative way to get there some may not have considered and might prefer...
@@SparklesofGold KB-1 if you are OK using a touchscreen as your controller and like the extra capabilities of it. AUM for mixing. Neon sequencer. Butter Synth covers Ambient 0 and Texture Lab plus a lot more. To then cover all the Sonicware kit add Nambu for XFM, Pure Acid for Bass & Beats, and Koala for 8 bit Warps/Lofi 6 & 12/Mega Synthesis. Then throw in Hilda, ShockWave, and Harmonicer because why not? $345 for all of it. If you must have a tactile control surface Nanokey Studio take it to about $460 total.
@@klstay I already have some of those apps so thank you for replying. I completely forgot about Hilda when it came out. That could sum up my collection. My next step is to try to understand setting up hardware through the iPad. Again I appreciate your reply thank you!
4) I really don't like music making with an iPad as I can't stand touch displays for music making, especially when it comes to sound design without a tactile controller.
@@limbicbits I get that - sound and music creation depends on getting "in the zone" and a tactile control surface is a must for many/most folks. Once you add a controller(s) it is more than just a single device you can just flip on and immediately go. My thoughts are more applicable to adding their kit to a larger studio type setup where you perhaps already have your control surfaces the way you like them vs. adding an iPad using those controllers.
@@noodlingaround2023 You'd propably have to add a right size barrel adapter. From the website: EIAJ3 Standard, Inner Diameter: 1.7mm, Outer Diameter: 4.75mm, Polarity: Center + - Compatible with power supplies designed for the Korg Volca1.
I guess there will be more in-depth demos by other users and collaborators such as @chrislodymusic that will cover your questions and do a way better job than I would when it comes to tutorials.
Was recommended this today, and I placed my order. It will be my first piece of music tech. My question is, is there anything else I’ll need for this? Worried cause I have absolutely no clue how I’m gonna navigate this. I’m extremely excited for it tho.
How sensitive are the pads, and is the sensitivity consistent on all of them? I have a Push 2, which is ok but the sensitivity is not that great and not too consistent (but better that the Push 1 that I returned)
@@limbicbits What you did with Ambient 0 is super impressive! It would be great if you could make a sound pack for it (including DUB sounds of course 😉).
![Ambient Ø Beginner's Guide [#1 Basic Operations & Playing Techniques (without using the sequencer)]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3glp_V_lfTQ/mqdefault.jpg)
▶ Subscribe: th-cam.com/users/limbicbits
Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø Sound Demo (no talking)
▶ Purchase Link* Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø (Thomann):
www.thomann.de/intl/sonicware_liven_ambient.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ Purchase Link* Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø (Perfect Circuit):
link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fsonicware-liven-ambient.html
▶ Sound Packs for Synths: limbicbits.com
▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/
▶ sonicware.jp/pages/liven-ambient
My 2 cents and a disclaimer: I've been part of the sound design team for the Ambient Ø, so you might perceive my feedback as a bit biased (and it may well be).
Ambient Ø, as the name implies, is a synth/groovebox crafted for ambient music in its different variations. It doesn't come as a surprise that it's capable of creating great pads. You can choose from different processing algorithms such as wave shaping, FM, wavetable, and subtractive synthesis. It is mainly a wavetable synth, though, but features also a fourth track for sample import to include your field recordings.
The build quality is okay but plastic. Having had several Sonicware units for quite a while now, I can tell you that these are sturdier than you'd expect at first sight. It runs on 6 AA batteries or alternatively with an external PSU. Get a quality pack of rechargeable batteries, and you're good for 3-4 hours of work.
Downsides for me are the lack of a complex modulation matrix, and I wish there were more modulation sources. However, with an AMP envelope, 2 LFOs, plus an additional Modulation LFO, you already get a very solid base. As with the other LIVEN models, I would have appreciated individual outs or at least an EQ for each track-but I guess that's the price for offering a low budget synth. My EQ recommendation is to lower the mids at 300-500 Hz, as it can become too dominant quickly when layering several pads.
You will need some time to learn the different wavetables by heart and how they interact with the different synthesis algorithms.
TLDR: Solid device and a recommendation for ambient productions on a budget or for those who want to travel light. You can do longer ambient sessions just with one unit. My advice would be to invest in a good external effect pedal to layer different hall algorithms.
Thanks for the video! Awesome sounds as always. Do you have a recommendation for an ambient machine which can do similar things but has a nicer UI without too much menu diving?
Great video and review!
Some of the Elektron boxes? @@DrLaemmerbein
@@brokengadget7519 I have a few of them :D Sure, you could get into this terrain with a Digitone for example but it would be more work.
What external effect pedal would be perfect ?..for that?…in your vision?
The other day I woke up thinking "why doesn't someone make a standalone box dedicated to lush pads and soundscapes?" An article about this device popped up, as if someone was peering into my dreams. Preordered instantly. Thanks for sharing some of these amazing noises you've created with it. Can't wait to get mine!
Me also, but I do suffer from chronic GAS. Still, it's very affordable - to me at least. I want to experience hopefully hours of getting lost in exploring the limits of this synth.
Me too - I didn’t talk about it to anyone but was dreaming of such a device then it just popped up. I can’t wait to get mine! This is such a fantastic demo of the unit too! Many thanks!!!
Solar 50 and 42 but way beyond Sonicware LIVEN Ambient Ø price range.
@@303machine Yeah, I checked both of those out, when the 50 was released, and more recently the 42. Something about the sound palette doesn't do it for me.
Google is tracking your dreams now. Be afraid.
Just stubbed my toe walking up the hall as this notification made me double-take. Clever Sonicwarers, quietly cornering every niche
my dream synth for this kind of sounds is the elta solar 42, but it is well above the reasonable budget that I can invest in a device, this one seems to be an affordable alternative
Yeah, it gorgeous, but the difference in two grand versus $250 is biiiig.
This would make a VERY good early-00's jungle/atmospheric DnB box, for sure.
Couldn’t agree more. A nice spacey dub chord and some amen breaks and you are cookin’.
Absolutely. LTJ Bukem dream machine.
I was just going to comment that Sonicware now just need to invent a time machine to go back to the late 90s and sell these to all of the Atmospheric Jungle / DnB producers everywhere - you beat me to it
@@eddievanheinous666 or bring all those classic early digital rack synths & romplers back into modern interfaces!
The Liven workflow seems pretty divisive, but I bet they could come up with a different funky format for desktop synth modules focused on specific patch structures.
@@eddievanheinous666 absa fucking lutely
The sound team at Liven is on another level and so creative. I’ve had a hard time getting on with their gear in the past however
Why’s that?
@@andywatts8654 I found the workflow to be awkward and hard to remember with lots of button combos and shortcuts.
@@OPdbx it's true, it's the price you pay for a low cost and small footprint
@@OPdbxi thought the same when I had a couple of them in the past, but decided to give them another shot recently to try out the Mega Synthesis. The workflow grows on you after a bit and feels logical once you've spent some extended time with it. I think it's worth giving another try to see if it grows on you.
Nice homage to Aphex Twin's "Stone In Focus" towards the end.
You beat me to it, I recognized it as sounding like an Aphex Twin song, but I couldn’t find the name
Always impressed when people can get so mutch out of these litt fun boxes using only sync and the built in sequencers. Shows why you should always try to get to know your gear well.
I'm surprised they still manage to create so many different digital synths and samplers with the same workflow. They feel like the evolution of Volcas with more features overall. I hope they can someday dip their toes on analog gear.
I assume it is the same hardware with different software and printing on the case. Clever approach, but wouldn't work with analog.
@@minimal3734 Maybe they can release another line of synthesizers with similar casing but with analog circuitry. I wouldn't mind if they don't do analog but it would be a pleasant surprise. I think I'm gonna keep buying more Livens in the meantime. I'm interested in Texture Lab atm.
I think it would be super-cool if they released a higher-end product capable of switching between their different devices, maybe with a touch screen to show parameters and a more advanced multi-part sequencer.
Ha! I traded all my volca for Sonicware products. Definitely a big upgrade. I’m actually Selling my NTS-1 to get the Ambient 0 😅
@@ShamazMusic There was a time when Volcas where ok for what they offered, now the competition has catched up and there's a lot more affordable and capable options. I would sell my only Volca (OG Sample), but Its a hard sell even with the original box. I might just keep it as a one shot sample player. I'm thinking of getting the Texture Lab. I love granular synthesis.
First jam sounds like a less intense Lyra-8. And you nailed the Berlin techno chord wash in the second. Bravo!
One hell of a company
Indeed. Their customer service is fantastic.
This might be the fourth time I listen to this! I keep coming back to hear how the Ambient ø sounds! I’d say this is the best performance on TH-cam for this device.
Very tempting because of its small size, quick and easy workflow, quality sounds and samples, and an affordable price.
Man, I need one of these for my music… In-between tracks, or even some sections of my music… it would just work
Thanks so much for the awesome display here 🙏🏼💜
Ok, That's it! I ordered one ! Not a musician. Never had a synth, But I couldn't resist it anymore 😃 Hope it's not too complicated to absolute begginers
10:50. Just when everything was making sense.... you took away all my self-confidence...
Nine inch nails deep cut..
ELZ aside, this may be the best sounding Liven yet.
I found myself just listening to the presets and forgot it was on. So pleasant to hear.
Earlier releases didn't do the thing for me to be honest, but wow this thing will be part of my set up, what a character!❤
I've been close to pulling trigger on so many but ended up going with other gear. i am buying this though. I have a wavestate and that is like this kinda... but way beefier... however.. i can't power it by batteries. this thing is just what i want to take on the go. it sounds great too. just by sound alone it is punching above its price point.
Loving your samples on the lofi 12 XT! Almost didn’t order the ambient 0 bc of how great the sounds preloaded in lofi unit came .
Thanks for your nice comment! I'm happy you find them useful.
Gorgeous, man. I would totally listen to this as an album while I paint or work on something not sound related. Beautiful.
Doesn't dissimilar to an Elektron Monomachine with different digiwaves loaded (I use a Moog wavetable set in mine) - particularly the dubby chord and oddball ambience stuff. I'd imagine they'd play rather well together. Nice.
This has great prospects and with my liven and samplers, my ambient future looks rosy
Three videos in, GAS is very real. Ya’ll are going to crush with this release 💪🏼
It's fascinating to me how there's so many mini-synths now. I guess Dave Smith was just ahead of his time with the first form-factor of the Evolver and everything. Though these modern ones all have some kind of basic input built-in, rather than assuming MIDI like those early DSI boxes.
I was thinking that about the Volcas years ago, but these Liven boxes are even more similar to the early DSI ones.
Dave Smith (RIP) was definitely ahead of his time. I had the good fortune to work with him as a sound designer when he was a co-founder of Seer Systems and put out the "Reality" software synth. Got a chance to see the "Evolver" prototype just before the 2001 NAMM show at his warehouse in Northern California. At the time, he said he wanted to leave software instruments to go back to analog hardware so he could "obtain the higher quality of analog amps and filters without being limited by a SoundBlaster computer sound card." Few people know that he also helped to develop MIDI. Great person who was iconic.
@@vstpluginsonicxtc so cool that you got to work with him! I absolutely agree about high quality VCAs and VCFs. A real VCF just sounds special against a simulation, even with a good sound interface.
MIDI is probably the number one thing I’m grateful to him for :) being able to just plug one synth into another, versus the configuration and host requirement of USB MIDI, is a godsend to my ADHD.
This is NICE. Also i'm waiting for dancehall groovebox from you guys.
I am not Sonicware, so I can't give you an answer to that. Maybe you'd like to ask them directly.
Pleasantly surprised by the variety of those tracks.
If I can give some unsolicited advice; I only started buying sound packs in recent years because I've been a typical hard-headed purist about making my own sounds for decades. But what got me into buying some sample sets was a free set or two from someone... Which is asking a lot, but I have bought sets and regretted it because of sound quality or bad file formatting. So a free set or two can go a long way to give me confidence that I am spending my money well on the paid content.
I love what you do! Keep it up either way.
You can find more of my presets (DUB.1) in the just published artist series on the Sonicware website :): sonicware.jp/pages/downloads
@limbicbits waiting for your 2 cents, from the sounds alone I'd think you love this thing
Later that day, I promise
wonderful demo! sounds like some of my favorite ambient artists like Larajji and Woob!!!
if this gets more people making music vs other nefarious things humans do, I'm down.
Nice demo.
Nice to hear you went nice and dark on some of the sound design 👌 Picking up some BoC - Geogaddi \ Tomorrow's Harvest here and there, I like 😁
Thanks for your comment! Yes, the ambient Ø certainly triggered some dark ambient memories here and there ;). Looking forward to your contribution, too!
Fantastic demo, thanks. I'm sold.
This is a brilliant idea surprisingly well executed.
Preorders just don’t work for me due to travel. I need something to be in stock and ready to ship when I’m home long enough to receive it. Can’t wait to for something with an unknown shipping date and I may not be home when it does ship.
This sounds crazy good. Hyped! Amazing introduction, LB!
Pre-ordered before hearing actual sounds... now I'm even more excited! What the actual **** is this monster!?
12 minutes ago I had no idea that this thing existed. Now it’s all I want ❤❤❤
I think TH-cam got so good that it can read my mind. I just had a though about an instrument like this that I can travel and make ambient tracks.
It’s coming out strong with that Bladerunner style intro track
This one was made specifically for Limbic Bits.
Preordered it straight away. I don't know anything about ambient music/sound design but if this is even half as fun and addictive as Liven XFM, Texture Lab or Mega Synthesis, I'm in for a great time.
I like the Liven form factor and build quality. Decksaver make really good protective covers for the Liven range (and a bunch of other devices) so I'd recommend getting them.
I still really need sonicware to bring out a Liven drumsynth. Also, a Liven Bass with two instances of the wavetable synth replacing that crappy PCM drum machine would be awesome too.
Anybody got any recommendations for a cheap (6-8 stereo channel) mixer to pull my Liven instruments together? Nothing fancy, just with DJ style low/high pass controls per channel and aux sends for FX.
Yamaha MG102 is a good soundimg decent mixer
@@totalSLACK Thanks. I'll look into that.
Thanks for covering this. I just ordered mine, love it!
Got it yesterday, and man how cool was my evening. It was instantly fun to create on. I made so much stuff I had to start writing notes down of things I found and wanted to do for future tracks.
Still waiting for my ELZ1 Play to be dispatched and Sonicware delivers another Liven that I might have to get my hands on, as well as the Texture Lab. This company is on it right now.
Factor in two extra items to purchase if any of these Japanese based Sonicware synths are wanted.
Firstly a PSU, it would not cost any more than $10 for them to supply one as standard but you'll likely end up scuttling around paying $20 to $30 to even power on one of these units.
THEN of cause notice there is no direct USB to computer socket, so you won't be fixing it up to a DAW or even downloading updates UNLESS you go out and secure a Midi Interface unit.
A decent one of those such as a ESI M4U is over $100.
Though of cause there are cheaper ones around $50.
If you do purchase cheaper ones you may also have to flaff around installing a ASIO4ALL USB Audio Driver on to your computer as well.
Like how difficult would it have been for them to add a USB to computer socket?, even $100 cheapo no name keyboards these days have them.
Maybe $10 to fit one as standard, but yet again Sonicware want you all have to run around buying up extra gadgets, (unless you already have a Midi Interface), to even update the synths firmware.
From what I can see out of all the Sonicware models only the $430 Sonicware SmplTrek sampler/drum machine has a USB socket.
This Sonicware Liven Ambient 0 only has 5 pin din midi in/out, there is no USB socket.
It seems to me then there is quite a bit of INDIFFERENCE from the start with this Japanese based outfit.
Perhaps that’s why it’s v.0? 😎
Brother u got the best topdown videos in the galaxy. Amazing. Plus ur demoes are top of the food chain
great ambient demo ! the sounds are very nice
O man the gas ⛽️ is real
sonicware are the most innovative company in the scene, I have three of the Liven series and the price to performance ratio is incredible!! Please make a mlti timbral VA synth!
The siren first made me lie down on the floor. Damn war outside the window... 😢
Sorry for that - it's actually a flood alert recording from my home town and I haven't thought of a possible different perception
I love it… I’m definitely getting one of these, sign me up
This thing sounds huge. Great job
Excellent machine!
And the demo, a delight! ❤
Great sounding device and an awesome presentation! 🤩🙌
I was tempted by this, then I realized my trusty Roland MC-101 can be configured in the exact same manner as this device, except it has USB, more FX and sample time. I forgot that I even bought some ambient and drone soundpacks a couple of years ago, so I already have presets to start with. Lesson learned...check your old gear every time you start lusting over new stuff.
🤔
20 bucks says your Roland stays gathering dust
@@ManKinder I was thinking of getting this too for a quick synth. but then I remembered I have a dusty mc-707.
I find it more fun to make ambient sounds from scratch with all the weird gear I have. That is part of the fun of exploration with ambient music. But I don't begrudge anyone who finds this compelling because it sounds amazing.
Fantastic demo. Thank you.
3:22 beautiful … do i sample or buy ?? A jungle beast
"Lime" is golden!
I already pre-ordered one. But! Why no USB connectivity?
This sound great ! Thanks for the vidéo 🙂
They’re really milking that box
Nice bit of afex at the end
excellent demo!
stone in focus at the end
Amazing sounds!
Very cool sounds
Really lovely sounds!
Cool machine. Lots of nice sounds!
Beautiful demo pieces. Like all Sonicware this is a slick little package offering a good range of sounds with a relatively friendly & approachable interface. Still, I see only 3 possible reasons to get this or any of their kit. 1) A person is unaware less than $35 more = new iPad + 4 apps covers all this (and all of Texture Lab) plus a lot more; that reason is now gone... 2) A person absolutely refuses to spend the 30 minutes with that new iPad and 4 apps setting up the same workflow then simply saving the configuration. If pulling it out of the box and immediately making ambient is an absolute requirement then Sonicware has you covered. 3) You positively MUST have a tactile control surface. That I get and if it is the case you will have to pony up another $116 for a nanokey studio. If having 2 portable devices instead of just 1 is a no go then again Sonicware has you covered. If 2 is fine then $390 = Ambient 0 + Texture Lab + same easy workflow + a TON more. Like the other Sonicware kit? Add everything else they make and then some with 5 more apps for $67. None of that changes this being a cool synth clearly with great sounds - just an alternative way to get there some may not have considered and might prefer...
I'm curious. which iOS apps?
@@SparklesofGold KB-1 if you are OK using a touchscreen as your controller and like the extra capabilities of it. AUM for mixing. Neon sequencer. Butter Synth covers Ambient 0 and Texture Lab plus a lot more. To then cover all the Sonicware kit add Nambu for XFM, Pure Acid for Bass & Beats, and Koala for 8 bit Warps/Lofi 6 & 12/Mega Synthesis. Then throw in Hilda, ShockWave, and Harmonicer because why not? $345 for all of it. If you must have a tactile control surface Nanokey Studio take it to about $460 total.
@@klstay I already have some of those apps so thank you for replying. I completely forgot about Hilda when it came out. That could sum up my collection. My next step is to try to understand setting up hardware through the iPad. Again I appreciate your reply thank you!
4) I really don't like music making with an iPad as I can't stand touch displays for music making, especially when it comes to sound design without a tactile controller.
@@limbicbits I get that - sound and music creation depends on getting "in the zone" and a tactile control surface is a must for many/most folks. Once you add a controller(s) it is more than just a single device you can just flip on and immediately go. My thoughts are more applicable to adding their kit to a larger studio type setup where you perhaps already have your control surfaces the way you like them vs. adding an iPad using those controllers.
9:28 OH NO YOU DIDN'T!!!! 😃😃😃
🪨
😂😂
Beautiful performances. The LIME one really reminds me of Boards of Canada. How long can each phrase and loop be?
awesome sounds. Really interested in getting this, can they be saved as presets or don you have to build the sound each time?
The sounds can be stored in patterns. There are three synth tracks and one noise track per pattern. And there is storage for 16 patterns in 8 banks
@@limbicbits thanks for the quick response, much appreciated. I just placed a preorder. So cool
If you do 1 hour videos on youtube with this with a visualizer youd make bank
I feel that a Boards of Canada track was made with one of these
Well, at least, this demo got inspired by BOC as I really enjoy their music.
Omggggg Right up my alley
What a surprise!
Sounds really nice.. Can't get my head round the power supply though. Would it work with a myVolts Ripcord 9V DC to USB power?
It should (good idea, btw)
Yeah I can't see why not.. Thanks..
Arghhh, just sold mine!@@limbicbits
@@noodlingaround2023 You'd propably have to add a right size barrel adapter. From the website: EIAJ3 Standard, Inner Diameter: 1.7mm, Outer Diameter: 4.75mm, Polarity: Center + - Compatible with power supplies designed for the Korg Volca1.
Please More demo...sample import, presets, workflow...gas is rising but....
I guess there will be more in-depth demos by other users and collaborators such as @chrislodymusic that will cover your questions and do a way better job than I would when it comes to tutorials.
so are you guys going to release a new box for every subgenre of electronic music or what
actually, I am not Sonicware, so they might have a better answer for you.
Georgeous!
Was recommended this today, and I placed my order. It will be my first piece of music tech.
My question is, is there anything else I’ll need for this? Worried cause I have absolutely no clue how I’m gonna navigate this. I’m extremely excited for it tho.
Theoretically, this synth provides you with everything for a great start. You might want to add external effects or another synth some day
@@limbicbits any external effects you can suggest?
Excellent
@MartinStuertzer die hast bestimmt schon oder?
I was wondering how do you record what you do, do you use an aux to plug cable?
Stereo Minijack splitter to 2 x 6,3 Line. The signal went straight into an Edirol R44 recorder
GAS is very real. 😲
I keep seeing this. What does it mean?
How sensitive are the pads, and is the sensitivity consistent on all of them?
I have a Push 2, which is ok but the sensitivity is not that great and not too consistent (but better that the Push 1 that I returned)
The pads are not sensitive
Can you play all 4 sounds at the same time on the keys… like layered??
quantum distortion!
Question is the ambient Dub sound one of the factor presets???please let me know
That one didn't make it to the final selection. Maybe I'll release a sound pack for the Ambient Ø in future, but that might take a while.
@@limbicbits What you did with Ambient 0 is super impressive! It would be great if you could make a sound pack for it (including DUB sounds of course 😉).
I want this machine 😋
What is the proper name for this? Is it Ambient Naught, Ambient Euu (like the scandinavian letter ø) or something else?
Ambient 0
“Ambient Zero” I believe.
Zero
Typically in recording, Ø means “phase”
Ambient Phi
are these preset sounds ? magnificent !
These are my contribution to the factory library. Not all of them made it to the final selection, though.
interesting :)
What kind of processing does this have? Straight out of the box?
Straight out of the box but with some minimal EQing on two of the seven clips (lowering down the mids at 300-500 hz a bit)
@@limbicbits Thanks! Wow it sounds good, 👍 to you and sonicware
Amazing demo. Can the ambient be tuned to 432hz?
maybe interesting: th-cam.com/video/Q3LVijzZAe4/w-d-xo.html
@@limbicbitslove this information. Doesn't answer my question though
@@customerman8871 You can tune most oscillators to 432 hz if you like. Just lower done the finetune 8hz and you should be good to go.
Thanks very much for your response. Very helpful indeed, and I really enjoyed watching the link you provided as well
Kangaroo paws?
Yes! Good catch
Want
EVE online ㇱ