NAMM 2020: Sonicware is following up its first portable synth, the OP-1-esque ELZ_1, with the Liven 8bit Warps, an 8-bit wave memory synthesizer. Designed with live performance in mind, this specialises in retro chiptune sounds, but its creators claim that its sonic potential is wide enough for it to be used in all manner of electronic music genres.
The Liven 8bit Warps comes with a built-in step sequencer, meaning that it’s a self-contained groove creation tool, and comes with four wave memory synth engines (Warp, Attack, Morph and FM). You can use it in Poly, Mono, Legato and Unison modes, and there are arpeggiators, too.
Other features include filters and effects, and there are 16 knobs for hands-on control. The sequencer, meanwhile, offers parameter locks for each step, and there’s also a looper. Connectivity includes MIDI and sync I/O and stereo audio I/O, and there’s a built-in speaker. The Liven 8bit Warps runs on mains or battery power.
The Liven 8bit Warps is currently being pitched on Kickstarter, with a pledge of ¥18,000 or more (which equates to around £126) potentially securing you a unit in June.
“Now I realize how little you really need to create good music when you just pick the right sounds - whether that’s on purpose or by accident”: How Darude created Sandstorm, the meme-worthy trance anthem named after a synth preset
“We’ve never thought we have made the perfect record. We are always on the lookout to discover new ways of doing things, new sounds”: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith on Tears For Fears’ restless creativity, artistic independence and the search for surprise
