Sonicware Liven Series & SmplTrek Are Ridiculously Affordable (& Powerful!) Grooveboxes and Samplers

video upload by Reverb

"Looking for high-quality, affordable electronic production gear that's also portable? Look no further than Sonicware.

Renowned for their budget-friendly synthesizers, grooveboxes, and samplers, Sonicware has everything you need, now available on Reverb.

Shop Sonicware now at Reverb.com

#sonicware #groovebox #synthesizer

Filmed at Narwhal Studios in Chicago.
https://narwhalchicago.com/"

Super Lazy Sci Fi Soundtrack 3 - SmplTrek Liven MEGA Korg Volca Keys NTS1

video upload by ChrisLody

https://chrislody.bandcamp.com
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SymetriC...

"The Synth Tray 2 saga continues. It's now grown a little to include a battery bank to power the NTS-1 that you can see tucked under the cables behind the SmlpTrek. This has 2 outputs so it's also able to power my handmade midi thru box now I've made a cable for it, you can see it at the top right. I've also added a Little Bear MC5 mixer which is sat behind the ELZ_1 play. This is really just a temporary fix because I plan to replace it with a Bastl Bestie when I can justify dropping £200 on one.

So a bit about how this is all setup. The SmplTrek is controlling all the midi in this setup with multiple midi tracks set to different channels. The midi out goes to the midi thru splitter box which then connects into the Liven MEGA and Korg Volca Keys. The SmplTrek is also playing the deep pad from the beginning which was sampled out of the ELZ_1 play into it, and the drum loop. When I'm using this in a sofa session I mix the external gear on the Little Bear MC5 and monitor all the audio through the SmplTrek and usually add a little of my send effect to the output, but this time when I recorded it for this video I connected all the separate instrument outputs to my audio interface instead to give me a greater level of control over the final mix.

The Korg Volca connects through the NTS1 in this jam and I'm using the Hammond Eggs Music - Haze reverb. It contains a high pass filter so it's great for making top end pad/string type sounds. I checked this list of available plugins for the NTS1 recently and found loads of new stuff I didn't know about. Mine is absolutely full now :)

I'm using the ELZ_1 play to play the Liven MEGA here and using the LFO set to a speed of zero as a upward pitch bend. The current firmware of the ELZ_1 play has no 'local control off' function which makes it hard to use as a controller and sound module while composing in a setup like this as playing external midi channels also triggers the internal sound engine. I've suggested adding 'local control off' as an option, so fingers crossed for that one.

The MiniDisc player isn't really part of the setup I've been using, but it was nice to see it fit neatly with everything else :) I was planning to record the output down a global track on the SmplTrek, but they're mono so the ambience lost something when I did that, so I resorted to just playing it live and looping the track. The ambient recording is of my home town of Boston, Lincolnshire, UK.

The NTS1 is being used as an insert effect here (the Volca Keys is passing straight through) but once I buy a Bastl Bestie there is a way to use that in a send/return configuration which will be very useful from such a smaller mixer."

Protolody - Song-a-day 2024 - SmplTrek Liven MEGA ELZ_1 play Volca Keys NTS1

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

So just recently I've been a down about my musical output to be honest, mostly the quality of my jams that I've been putting up on YouTube. This came to a head last weekend when I got talking to someone about my 2014 album, listened to some of it and had the realisation that the contents of that album is better than my work now. I imagined I'd grown as an artist but that was not the case. The main culprit was that I was actually making decent arrangement back then, taking my time to build something over at least a few day. Here's the album in question: https://chrislody.bandcamp.com/album/...

Due to my recent workload I've been favouring making jams, recording them and uploading them immediately. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that can be learned from this approach, but carry on too long and it's like eating a bag a crisps everyday for your main meal, not satisfying.

A lot of the album above was created on the Nintendo DS and PSP using Nitrotracker, Korg Ds10 and Beaterator. These are nice little closed systems and have the benefit of running on something you can sit with on the sofa and really dig in to get the most from the software and finesse your work. I don't really want to return to using those though as I've just about rinsed them and they're not easy to integrate with other gear as they have no midi capability.

So my thoughts turned to something I kind of made as a joke video but actually turned out to be really useful, the Synth Tray. My original one of these was made from a bit of scrap ply so it wasn't very big and I want to cram on my gear so now I've made a new one, 'Synth Tray 2 - Dawless Evolved'"

240127 - Jamuary2024 - Kawai K4 Multi Mode Demo

video upload by ChrisLody

"Time for a bit of cheeeeese! Is this new age music? Something like that.

This is something I've been meaning to try for a while, the multi-timbral mode on my fairly recent accusation, the Kawai K4.

I really wanted to make a Sonicware free jam because I've been using their a hell of a lot across the channel recently, but the SmplTrek just seemed like the perfect fit for sequencing the K4. It's multi mode can be set up with 8 different channels for instruments plus one for drums and the SmplTrek has 10 slots which can all be loaded with midi tracks for sequencing. The K4 has an effects section which allows different send amounts per instrument in multi mode so all the audio is coming from the K4 here, nothing is being produced or effected by the SmplTrek.

All I'm using on the K4 are presets but even they are nice, it has a very nice tone for a synth that came out in 1989!

I'm using an overlay on the SmplTrek kindly sent to me by https://cremacaffe.shop/"

SmplTrek Ocarina Jam

video upload by SONICWARE

"Portable Production Sampler | SmplTrek V3 is now available!

Anytime Anywhere, Create and Stream Your Music!
● Easy Sampling
● Flexible Song making
● Effortless Music Streaming
● Massive Sample Libraries
● Versatile Connectivity

#SONICWARE #SmplTrek #sampler #dawless"

Lofi-12 XT [Cyberpunk Demo with modulating test]

video upload by SONICWARE

"Lofi-12 XT Kickstarter Campaign Ends 5th Nov. FREE BONUS CASE to All Backers!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

I tested with modulating the end point of the sample using the Parameter Locking, and modulating the filter frequency with an LFO. I used only one LFO, but you can use two for more complex modulation.
I was using both 24kHz and 12kHz sampling sounds mixed together, but that's fun too.

Yu Endo

The Lofi-12 XT is an advanced model of the Liven Lofi-12, newly developed based on hardware of the SmplTrek. The Lofi-12 XT inherits the retro sampling engine of the Liven Lofi-12 but is redesigned and redeveloped as an even more user-friendly and fun Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler."

Lofi-12 XT [Vintage Drum Machine Sounds & Parameter Locking TEST]

video upload by SONICWARE

"Lofi-12 XT Kickstarter Campaign Ends 5th Nov. FREE BONUS CASE to All Backers! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

The Lofi-12 XT is an advanced model of the Liven Lofi-12, newly developed based on hardware of the SmplTrek. The Lofi-12 XT inherits the retro sampling engine of the Liven Lofi-12 but is redesigned and redeveloped as an even more user-friendly and fun Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler.

The Lofi-12 XT comes with numerous samples of Vintage Drum Machines including TR-808/909, LM-1, linndrum, DMX, Drumulator, SP-12, Drumtraks and TOM.

*The samples of vintage drum machines are licensed from BULLYFINGER (https://bullyfinger.com/)

With Parameter Locking, dynamic parameter recording is a breeze – simply press the REC button and tweak the knobs. You can also input exact values directly using the step buttons."

Lofi-12 XT [Explore the capabilities of 24kHz sampling]

video upload by SONICWARE

"The Lofi-12 XT is an advanced model of the Liven Lofi-12, newly developed based on hardware of the SmplTrek. The Lofi-12 XT inherits the retro sampling engine of the Liven Lofi-12 but is redesigned and redeveloped as an even more user-friendly and fun Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler."

Lofi-12 XT - Limited Retro Color [Synthwave Demo]

video upload by SONICWARE

"Lofi-12 XT - Limited Retro Color

The Lofi-12 XT is an advanced model of the Liven Lofi-12, newly developed based on hardware of the SmplTrek. The Lofi-12 XT inherits the retro sampling engine of the Liven Lofi-12 but is redesigned and redeveloped as an even more user-friendly and fun Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler."

New SONICWARE Lofi-12 XT | Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler - Advanced Model Comes to Kickstarter

video uploads by SONICWARE

"We are pleased to announce the launch of our new product, "Lofi-12 XT" on Kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

The Lofi-12 XT is an advanced model of the Liven Lofi-12, newly developed based on hardware of the SmplTrek. The Lofi-12 XT inherits the retro sampling engine of the Liven Lofi-12 but is redesigned and redeveloped as an even more user-friendly and fun Lo-fi Groovebox Sampler.

Please support this project on Kickstarter.

Rewards:
Super Early Bird (Only 100 units): under $379 [save $120+]
Early Bird (The first 5 days): under $399 [save $100+]
Kickstarter Price (Special price): $429 [save $70+]

- Limited Retro Color -
Super Early Bird (Only 100 units): under $399 [save $160+]
Early Bird (The first 5 days): under $429 [save $130+]

For more Information:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
日本語の紹介：https://ja.sonicware.jp/pages/lofi12xt

*The USD prices are calculated as of October 23, 2023. The pledge amount displayed will change depending on the USD-JPY exchange rate."

Click the pics for full size shots.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SmplTrek version 3.0 is now available!

video upload by SONICWARE

New features of version 3.0
- Added Performance mode that allows you to play on the home screen
- Loop playback of a project
- Mono mode and legato mode are added to the INST track
- Add transpose to INST / MIDI tracks
- Auto-step recording function added to INST / DRUM / MIDI tracks
- Clip copy to another track
- Improvements to the track EQ
- Metronome on/off while editing a clip
and numerous improvements and bug fixes have been made, including the return of the scene switching function using MIDI Program Change.

Sonicware SmplTrek v3.0 Quick Guide

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 video manuals like this. Any other shorter videos on my channel containing Sonicware products are not paid content.

If you'd like to know more about the Smpltrek then please visit the Sonicware website: https://sonicware.jp/
SmplTrek update guide: https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/SmplTr...
SmplTrek v3.0 firmware: https://sonicware.jp/pages/downloads

0:00 Teaser bit
0:16 Intro
1:14 Performance mode
4:17 Project looping
5:45 Mono and legato instrument modes
6:54 Clip copy improvements
7:35 Transpose feature
8:55 Auto step sequencing
9:40 Easy metronome access
10:10 Select clips using midi
10:25 Outro

- Added Performance mode that allows you to play on the home screen

Press func + left selection button (under the screen) to play INST / DRUM / LOOP track.
Track selection is made with the up/down keys on the D-pad, and the following controls are also available using knobs A to D.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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."

The Musical Gameboy // Sonicware SMPLTREK with V2.0 update

video upload by Starsky Carr

"GREAT FUN.. The SMPLTREK is now on firmware V2.0 and it's a very welcome update. I've had the Smpltrek for a while now, and have waited to demo it as although it was a great little unit I needed time to understand how it worked, which was not mean feat with a 186 page manual, and to be perfectly honest I thought it was a little clumsy in some places.

The V2 firmware update tipped it over the edge into being much more fun and useable. I've now been really enjoying it - particularly its portability. A few evenings sitting in the garden with just this and a glass of something cool.. very nice.

Although it looks like a throwback to 1980's handheld games the smpltrek's got great connectivity options for the studio, with full sized MIDI, 6.35mm Jack ins and outs, plus its a USB audio interface. All very useful."

SmplTrek v2.0

video upload by SONICWARE

- Quick sampling
- Unquantized recording using Micro Timing
- Versatile Drum Tracks
- Easy-to-use Instrument tracks
- Enhanced workflow
and more...

SmplTrek v2.0 [New features : Quick Sampling]

video upload by ChrisLody

"If you'd like to know more about the Smpltrek then please visit the Sonicware website: https://sonicware.jp/
SmplTrek v2.0 update guide: https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/SmplTrek/DOC/SmplTrek_v2_upgrade_guide_en.pdf
SmplTrek v2.0 firmware: https://sonicware.jp/pages/downloads

The new features of SmplTrek v2.0:

Quick sampling
By putting pressure on the track pad, you can easily record a sample and then use that sample in a new track.
⁃ The new sampling procedure has made sampling faster by allowing the user to set the normalize, save location, and auto saving settings in advance.
⁃ The monitor output method has been revised so that the speaker can be used even when the built-in microphone is selected on the REC source.

Unquantized recording using real-time recording of micro timing
The micro timing of finger drumming and instrument playing with the pads can be recorded in real time in the sequencer to allow unquantized recording. (72 ppqn)
⁃ Micro timing can now be edited for each note.
⁃ Note-off timing can also be recorded and edited on Instrument tracks.

Swing functions
Swing can be set per track or clip. (0-75%)

Duplication of a sequence
A sequence created on the Drum, Inst, MIDI, and Shot track can be duplicated by pressing the DUP(C) button, doubling the length of the sequence.

Further Drum track improvements
⁃ Level, Pan, Pitch, and Effect Send for each instrument in the drum kit can be adjusted while the Drum track is playing.
⁃ The tempo can be changed on the Drum track (tap tempo can be achieved by pressing the knob).
⁃ Over 300 basic drum patterns to choose from.
⁃ 3 new drum kits have been added.
- “Ski Beatz” Smack pack selection kit
- Cinematic Indian Percussion kit
- GB Drum kit

Global Audio track has been optimized
⁃ The waveform display is now easier to read.
- Input level meter has been added.
(To delete the switching point of the virtual tracks, press the REC key twice and press CLR in recording standby.)
- You can replace the Global audio files in the SD card.

1) Delete the virtual track files (.wav and .wdt files) you want to replace in the SmplTrek/Project/(project name)/Audio/Global folder on the SD card. (Example: global1-1.wav, global1-1.wdt)

2) Rename the new .wav file (16bit-48kHz mono, up to 2GB) you want to replace with the same name as the deleted file and place it in the same folder. (Example: global1-1.wav)

When you load the project on SmplTrek, the replacement will be reflected.

Effects Improvements
⁃ Revised parameters for ‘Vinyl’ and ‘Cassette’.
⁃ Added bit crush to ‘Crusher’.

Other improvements
⁃ Pitch of the Instrument track can be adjusted while playing.
⁃ You can switch the display between the tracks while keeping the edit screen open. (press the func+TRK pad)
⁃ When loading a sample into the Loop track, you can set start and end points and select the number of bars in that range to see the exact BPM.
⁃ Sample selection for each instrument in the Drum Kit Edit can now be easily auditioned and selected from the folder by simply turning the A knob.
⁃ Program change messages can now be transmitted from the MIDI track automation. (The switching Scene has been changed to CC31:SCENE PLAYBACK)
⁃ And several bug fixes and improvements."

SmplTrek No Mixer Input Feedback - Experimental Extreme Noise

video upload by ChrisLody

"These videos use the 'No Mixer Input' technique. The idea is that signal output of a mixer or device is routed back to it's input and then controls on the device are used to shape the resultant feedback. The results are almost always extreme, and extremely unpredictable. As you can see from the yellow cable used here that's what I'm doing on the SmplTrek and it turns out it's really quite good at it! I was just using level and fx in this jam to mess with the signal but it also has filters in it's mixer that can shape the signal. I'm sure I'll be using this on a soundtrack somewhere :)"

90s (ish) Ambient DnB - Nord Lead 12 Voice, Zoom 1201, FAB Echo, SmplTrek

video upload by ChrisLody

"In the spirit of trying something new here's an attempt at a genre I've never tried before, Ambient DnB. This is something I've always admired when it's pulled off well, frantic background beats with smooth foreground sounds. Not bad for a first go this I think

The SmplTrek is doing most of the heavy lifting here. I used it's 'chop to drumkit' feature to chop up one of my own drum breaks, pitch it up and sequence it into a few variations.

I'm running the output in a kind of parallel processing sort of set up with two channels of the drum breaks hard panned, one high pass filtered and routed to my external reverb on the Zoom 1201 to give me tweaking control of the high frequencies and the other left drum and low pass filtered. Bass and strings also come from the output that is not routed to reverb but these use the internal reverb.

I then play some occasionally successful staccato lead sounds from the Nord Lead through a modded Fab Echo and that's about it."

https://chrislody.bandcamp.com

Sneak preview of SmplTrek v1.4 (7 features for improved usability)

video upload by SONICWARE

"Hi! Today I’m testing 7 features that contribute mainly to usability, which will be included in the next version 1.4.x. 😃

Yu Endo

SmplTrek details: https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek"

Sneak preview of SmplTrek v1.4 (Quick Copy & Erase feature on Home screen)

video upload by SONICWARE

"I’m checking out the comfort of the Quick Copy & Erase feature on the home screen, which will be included in the next version of SmplTrek. I think it is a feature that will increase productivity considerably☺️🎶

Yu Endo

SmplTrek details: https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek

--------------
SmplTrek 次のバージョンで搭載予定のホーム画面でのクイックコピー＆イレース機能の使い心地などをチェックしています。かなり良い感じに仕上がっており、生産性が高まる機能だと思います。

遠藤 祐

SmplTrek製品紹介: https://ja.sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek"

230124 - Jamuary 2023 - SmplTrek + MicroFreak

video upload by ChrisLody

"I started messing around with this last night after I decided the MicroFreak would be a good companion for the SmplTrek. The MicroFreak has no effects and is monotimbral so a multitrack recorder with fx is a nice pairing for it.

I've got a pretty basic jam going on here. I'm triggering a couple of drum tracks I've programmed, then a bass part I recorded from the MF, recording another part using the real-time looper function and then improvising another wonky lead layer over the top. The SmplTrek can midi sequence too but I didn't attempt that here"