Super Lazy Sci-Fi Soundtrack 2 - Sonicware ELZ_1 Only

video upload by ChrisLody

"I finally got round to recording something in my new studio! Just the amount of work I've had to do in my spare time to get my studio up and running was enough to wear me out but I've also been suffering from some pretty bad hay-fever so I've spent quite a lot of time just hanging out in here and refining things without really having the time or energy to use it for anything.

A week or so ago though a package arrived at my house completely unexpectedly. Sonicware had managed to find me an old back stock ELZ_1. This was a very nice surprise as I didn't think I'd ever get to try one out. They are currently not being manufactured but they are still being supported, both from Sonicware directly and through the Facebook group so I now have the chance to learn how it functions so I can help out out and answer questions where necessary.

What better way to test it and my new studio than a quick and dirty jam that explores the ELZ_1's cinematic potential then. This jam uses the Dig oscillator algorithm that generates tones from a single sample by looping and shifting along a small section that the user can define. So far it seems like a pretty unique way to design sounds. It also has quite a few built in effects that can be stacked so here I'm altering the cutoff envelope depth at the start and then tweaking a bit crusher with chorus and reverb added onboard. No external FX were used. The ELZ_1 has a lot of potential it seems :)"

Additonal Sonicware ELZ_1 posts

SonicWare Liven Mega Synthesis - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Sonicware Liven Mega Synthesis is inspired by and emulates the classic sound of the Sega Mega Drive from gaming's yesteryear. many people will have a fondness for the crunchy PCM , FM and reduced bandwidth of those cartridge games. @SONICWARE have been n a roll with their specialized groovboxes and this one takes that sound world and fully inhabits it.

With input from legendary game soundtrack composer Yuzo Koshiro, the Renowned Composer known for the "Ys", "The Streets of Rage" and "Etrian Odyssey", who has Contributed Sound Banks and Patterns.

Who better to look at this than @magicalsynthadventure3216 who's deep into retro digital synthesis? Thanks to @Kim_Justice for the game footage

The Mega Synthesis is battery powered or PSU,has 320 FM game sounds, sorted into 20 categories, and 64 diverse drum kits for the PCM track.

- 128 patterns - Up to 128 steps per pattern
- Step length can be set from 1/1 to 1/32
- Real-time recording

Sound Engines:
4-operator & 8-algorithm FM sound module with precise sound editing in Edit Mode
Including extra features like fine-tuning operator ratios, which was impossible at the time.

8-bit PCM sound part of YM2612
Recreate the sound of PCM playback controlled by the Z80 microprocessor used at the time. Sampling capabilities (8-bit - 12kHz: upto 8 secounds / 24kHz: 4 seconds / 48kHz: 2 seconds, 96 stored samples)

PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound module
Synthesize basic waveforms and white noise to recreate iconic retro-game-sounds.

Available for pre-order in batches priced at $329

https://sonicware.jp/pages/liven-mega..."

Image of the Beast (Sonicware Elz_1)

Holy Moonlight Crusader

"Enjoy this Chiptune and 8-bit styled track made with a Sonicware Elz_1, Korg Volca Kick, and Korg Volca FM. These tabletop synthesizers are a lot of fun! The Sonicware Fm 8bit synth makes great electronic music, and so do the Korg Volcas.#EDM #8Bit #Chiptune #ElectronicMusic #Korg #Volca #KorgVolca #SonicwareELZ1 #Sonicware #Synthwave #Synth #Synthesizer #FMsynthesis #Synthesismusic"

Sonicware LIVEN 8bit warps - "Dynamic" Soundbank

video upload by LFOstore

"Sonicware LIVEN 8bit warps 'Dynamic' Soundbank 40 patches 'MEM' and 40 patterns 'PTN'

Buy: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/sonicware-...

Sonicware LIVEN 8bit warps is a great synth with its own sound and great sequencer, but with controls that take some getting used to.

'Dynamic' - This sound bank contains 40 patches "MEM" and 40 patterns "PTN" and we hope it will add some good patches to your library.

Rhythmic, digital synthesizer, effects, synth bass.

The demo tune was recorded in real time and does not contain external effects or any processing, at the end of the demo LIVEN 8bit warps is combined with liven Bass & Beats.

Made by Alexander Kav"

How to Use the SONICWARE Liven XFM - FM Synthesizer Full Tutorial

video upload by ChrisLody

Demos in previous posts here.

"This video is a full tutorial for the Sonicware Liven XFM but I have only tried to cover each option on the device quickly while showing brief examples. It is intended to supplement the PDF manual that you can find on the Sonicware website here: https://sonicware.jp/pages/download

During the tutorial I'll try to explain each feature while building a short pattern.

00:00 Intro

00:49 Overview of the Liven XFM
A description of the physical construction and connectors

02:18 Getting Started
Powering up the device
Using Headphones or Line Out
Playing patterns
Shift and Func buttons, muting the speaker, changing headphone gain
Changing Tempo, Pattern Tempo and global tempo
Shift Lock function
Pattern, Bank and step buttons to load patterns, Pattern Chaining
Pattern page buttons, knob latch

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sonicware SmplTrek User Overview Videos

SmplTrek Basic Guide video upload by ChrisLody

"So here's the long awaited SONICWARE Smpltrek quick start guide.

This tutorial is intended as a primer tutorial with a deeper tutorial coming soon.

*Please note the realtime loop recording feature has been temporarily removed from the v1.0 of the firmware due to a bug. It will be added back into the SmplTrek in a future update*

0:00 Intro
1:50 Overview
7:21 Track Types
8:59 Loop Tracks & Record Source
20:08 Instrument Tracks & Sampling
30:10 Mixer & Effects
35:59 Shot Tracks & USB Source
38:58 Drum Tracks
42:17 Midi Tracks
44:54 Global Tracks"

Sonicware SmplTrek // Jack of many trades, but does it master any? // SampleTrek Review & tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Overview
3:05 This setup
5:40 Track scope
7:05 Workflow
8:35 Connectivity
10:05 Memory
10:25 Build
11:25 Song v launch
12:20 Pool v project
13:35 Editing samples
15:25 Sampling
16:20 Chop/slice
16:50 Looping?
17:15 Loop tracks
17:55 Shot tracks
20:15 Inst tracks
22:30 Kit tracks
23:55 MIDI tracks
24:25 Global tracks
25:40 Mixer
26:55 Insert FX
28:05 Send FX
29:15 Master FX
30:25 Export?
30:40 Pros & cons
34:35 Outro

ELZ_1 play - Synth Engine & Looper Showcase

video upload by ChrisLody

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text and videos like this. Any other shorter videos on my channel containing Sonicware products are not paid content.

So the ELZ_1 play is now shipping to its backers and will also go on general sale. Please see the following link for more information about that: https://sonicware.jp/products/pre-ord...

The black keys edition is shown here but is also available with white keys."

Sonicware LIVEN 8 bit warps // ***4K*** // Factory Presets // Part TWO / / No Talking

video upload by LESINDES

"Since my SONICWARE LIVEN 8BIT WARPS was broken (LED N16 of the sequencer was not lit) I had to return it fast to the shop. I could not dive deep into the unit. So I am giving only a short impression of the capabilities of the synth playing some FACTORY PRESET PATTERNS.

PART ONE as the preceeding video will be published soon. And there will be also a PART THREE that is dedicated to the DRUM PATTERNS that the machine is able to provide."

LESINDES Sonicware posts

Superbooth 2023: SonicWare Texturelab Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

"No talking just a quick sound demo of the new Sonicware Textruelab.

The Sonicware Texturelab is a sound design instrument. It offers a range of sonic capabilities, to create unique textures, ambient soundscapes, and complex musical compositions.

One of the standout features of the Texturelab is its multi-engine design. It combines multiple synthesis methods, including granular synthesis, wavetable synthesis, FM synthesis, and more. This diverse set of sound engines enables users to explore a vast array of sonic possibilities and create intricate, layered sounds.

The instrument also includes a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, providing intuitive ways to program and manipulate patterns and melodies. It offers a comprehensive set of controls, including knobs, buttons, and a touch-sensitive XY pad, allowing for expressive and hands-on sound manipulation."

240107 - Jamuary2024 - Liven MEGA Synthesis Jam

video upload by ChrisLody

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text, video manuals etc. This video wasn't paid for directly but as a result of my work with Sonicware it is marked as Paid Promotion

7 days into Jamuary 2024 and I've only managed 2, not really what I'd planned! But at least now the reveal of the Liven MEGA Synthesis is out of the way I can upload some jams using it. Plus this isn't an official Sonicware video, so I can mention the fact that it's designed to emulate the experience of making music on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis hardware unlike in my last video, hopefully to the surprise of almost nobody 😄

I didn't create any fresh patches for this jam, it's all just presets and there's plenty to choose from (including my work of course).

From this video you should be able to hear that the general lo-fi vibe of the YM2612 has been replicated nicely. Part of that is due to a design flaw in it's 9 bit DAC which distorted the sound at quite volumes, often called the Ladder Effect. You can turn that on and off per track on the MEGA.

Apart from the delay on the lead sound I'm not using any effects here, the distorted guitar lead sound is created using just FM synthesis. On the original Mega Drive/Genesis adding delay would have had to be done by duplicating notes onto another channel of the chip using up polyphony, but the MEGA has an effects section so this is a regular guitar pedal like delay effect."

Liven Lofi-12 as a Synth - Free Oscillator Banks

video upload by ChrisLody

"Just a quickie this time. The Lofi-12 is quite a useful mini synth with oscillator shapes loaded into it's slots so you can download 2 banks here in the Sysex Files/Sonicware/ Liven Lofi-12 folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l6c592egul...

Don' worry if you accidently overwrite any of the factory sound as they can be restored from the download section on Sonicware's website in the Lofi-12 tab: https://sonicware.jp/pages/downloads"

Analog Style Kicks & Claps on the SONICWARE Liven 8Bit Warps

video upload by ChrisLody

"How To Make Analog Style Kicks & Claps on the Sonicware 8Bit Warps

"I'm gradually working my way towards a full chip tune style drum tutorial for the 8Bit Warps, but in the meantime here is a couple of different percussive sounds for you to try, an analog like kick and clap sound. Unlike the more general tutorial I have planned these are kind of 'one trick pony' sounds, i.e. they work for this but not much more.

The synthesis method used is slightly unusual on each too. Normally a sweeping sine or resonant filter would be used to make a kick drum but here it's done by 'pinging' the filter with a pulse. Also for clap sounds we normally need to synthesize each 'pop' of the clap one after another but here the peaks are created using a flanger.

The Sonicware Wave Edit tutorial I mentioned is here:" [posted here]

Liven MEGA SYNTHESIS - Tutorial Part 2 - FM Edit Deep Dive

video upload by ChrisLody

Part 1 here

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text and videos like this. Any other shorter videos on my channel containing Sonicware products are not paid content.

As promised, here is part 2 of the tutorial for the Sonicware Liven MEGA Synthesis, this time covering everything you need to know about using the FM Eit mode with a bit of FM theory thrown in to get you going.

CLICK FOR MORE »

1010music Bluebox Sonicware Liven First Meet

Dj Puzzle

"Finally dropped my Sonicware Liven into the portable mix. Got a cute little groove developing here. Was stoked to show you my progress. 1010Music Bluebox at the hub of everything. Bluebox is running OS ver .8.6 still in beta testing/ dev mode. Also in the mix Pocket Operator PO-28, Volca Bass, Volca Kick, Volca Modular, 1010music Blackbox. A couple guitar pedals in the mix including WMD Geigger Counter 2. Technically everything you see here can run on battery power so this could be completely portable. I'm absolutely amazed with how well everything is syncing up. #dawless #1010music #Sonicware"

Sonicware ELZ_1 @ NAMM 2018

Published on Jan 25, 2018 Bedroom Producers Blog

"Checking out the impressive Sonicware ELZ_1 portable synthesizer at the 2018 NAMM Show."

See this post for full details on the Sonicware ELZ_1.

Funny side note / trivia: It is ELZ_1, and not ELZ-1. Curious if it's the first synth to use an underscore rather than dash in the model number or name.

Sonicware ELZ_1 play - Zstrings Patches

video upload by ChrisLody

"Full Disclosure: I occasionally take on freelance work at Sonicware on an hourly rate producing synth & sample sound design, beta testing, checking English text, video manuals etc. This video wasn't paid for directly but as a result of my work with Sonicware it is marked as Paid Promotion

It's a short one this! So it's been a while since my last ELZ_1 play patch video and the Zstrings engine in now a lot more developed so I've made some patches for that too. A couple of viewers from before were interested in hearing what it sounds like and I'm glad to oblige :)

Zstrings is a physical modelling synth engine for making plucked/stuck string sounds and I think it's rather nice. It really comes alive when it's combined with the ELZ_1 play's other features like it's 4 part unison, arpeggiator, effects section etc so I've made liberal use of those here.

The next job for me is to practice using the looper so I can show how it works!"

Sonicware LoFi-6 Relaxing Ambient Glitch Jam

video upload by Dj Puzzle

"Sonicware Lofi-6 in the mix. As well as 1010music Razzmatazz ( the box I made presets for ), Sonicware SmplTrek, Pocket Operator Sub, and AUM on my iPad for mixing and Turnado effects."

NAMM 2020: Sonicware Liven 8bit Warps

Published on Jan 18, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"Sonicware's Liven 8bit Warps is their newest instrument, providing a complete solution for making chiptune on the go.

Following in the footsteps of the popular ELZ_1 synthesizer, Liven 8bit Warps provides a different approach to synthesis and an integrated step sequencer. And while it is geared toward chiptune music, it is capable of creating much more. If you're looking for a powerful portable synth with integrated sequencer and a distinct focus on vintage digital synth aesthetics, the Liven 8bit Warps might just be for you.

Sonicware products available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/sonicw..."

[ELZ_1 play] CUSTOM OSC - An experiment switching between two waveforms at arbitrary period

video upload by SONICWARE

"Today I experimented with SONICWARE's own sound engine, CUSTOM OSC.

The CUSTOM OSC engine can play sounds while switching between two different waveforms at arbitrary period.

For example, it is easy to "switch between a sine wave and a square wave every 1.5 cycles," and the unique "undulation" and "overtone" sound is interesting.

You can also adjust the DUTY of the waveform.

As is common with all ELZ_1 play engines, you can control the synth engine parameters with LFO and ENVELOPE.

In the case of CUSTOM OSC, you can experiment with a variety of sounds by modulating the switching cycle between two waveforms, waveform type, DUTY, PITCH, and more.

In today's experiment, I created a sound that would be suitable for nostalgic, chill music, chiptune, and dance music.

Depending on the settings, it may be suitable for various genres of music. Please take a look.

Yu Endo

---------------
今日は二つの異なる波形を任意の周期ごとに切り替えて鳴らすことのできるSONICWARE独自のサウンドエンジン「CUSTOM OSC」の実験をしました。

例えば「正弦波と矩形波を1.5周期ごとに切り替える」といったことが簡単に出来て、独特の「うねり」や「倍音感」が面白いです。

また、波形のDUTYを調整することもできます。

ELZ_1 playのどのエンジンも共通なのですが、LFOやENVELOPEでシンセエンジンパラメータをコントロールできます。

CUSTOM OSCの場合、２つの波形の切り替え周期や波形タイプ、DUTY、PITCHなどをモジュレーションして多彩なサウンド実験ができます。

今日の実験では、ノスタルジックでチルな音楽や、チップチューン、ダンスミュージックなどに合いそうなサウンドができました。

設定によっては様々なジャンルの音楽に合いそうです。ぜひご覧になってください。

遠藤　祐"

SONICWARE Introduces LIVEN XFM Multi-Track FM Synthesizer and Groove Box

video by SONICWARE

Multi-Track FM Synthesizer and Groove Box "LIVEN XFM"

4 FM synth engines / 4-Tracks sequencer / Filter / Effects

LIVEN XFM is combined a FM fusion synthesizer with a 4-track sequencer, that we are designing with a focus on live electronic performance.

THREE FUSION FM ENGINES
X-LAB Engine
Merge two FM sounds with a single knob to create a completely new sound.

XFORM Engine
Transform one FM sound into another over a specific period of time.

X-LFO Engine
Continuously transform between two FM sounds using an LFO.


OVER 300 INSPIRING PRESET SOUNDS
Ready-to-use presets including, leads, keyboards, strings, winds, basses, pads, chords, drums, and sound effects.


IDEAL FOR LIVE ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE
Powerful functions for live electronic music performance include 16 physical control knobs, parameter locking for each sequencer step, a looper, and SYNC IN/OUT and MIDI IN/OUT connectors to make synchronized performance with other equipment easy.


LIGHT AND BATTERY-POWERED WITH A BUILT-IN SPEAKER
All these powerful functions are in a device that weighs only 790 g. Play it anywhere at any time.

More detail info:
https://sonicware.jp/