Tags: Keyboard synthesisers

Notes: Part of Sonicware's excellent Liven series of compact groove boxes, the Mega Synthesis draws on the unique sound of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis games console to create characterful 80s/90s synths.

Supplier's Notes:
Revive the SONIC sensation of the golden era!

Create Diverse Game Music with a Sophisticated 6-Track Sequencer and 10 Types of Effects

You too must have fallen under the spell of the extraordinary visuals and sounds of the groundbreaking 16-bit video game console that once dominated the world! It was powered by the iconic "YM2612" sound chip, a legacy that endures even today.

The MEGA SYNTHESIS has resurrected the sound engine of this chip. Sonicware have faithfully recreated the 4-operator FM sound module, the 8-bit PCM sound module, and the "SN76489" PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound module used by the original console.

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.

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

And the 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: up to 8 seconds / 24kHz: 4 seconds / 48kHz: 2 seconds, 96 stored samples)

Legacy Mode to faithfully replicate the sound of the era

This feature simulates the characteristically grungy sounding quirks of the YM2612 sound and can be turned on/off for each track.

In the FM tracks, you can separately configure FILTER [frequency response simulation] and LADDER [replication of the unique 9-bit DAC]. And the PCM track can also be played back in 4BIT, allowing you to create the sound to your preferences.

Create Diverse Game Music with a Sophisticated 6-Track Sequencer and 10 Types of Effects

Creating game music is a breeze with this intuitive sequencer, featuring a straightforward 6-track layout comprising 3 FM synthesis tracks, 2 PSG synthesis tracks, and 1 PCM sample track. woo
Specifications

Synthesiser


FM sound module [Tracks 1, 2, 3]
- 4 operators - 8 algorithms
- Maximum polyphony: 6 voices
- Sound editing in FM Edit mode

- Polyphonic mode
- Mono mode with adjustable glide time
- Legato mode with adjustable glide time
- Arpeggiator modes (Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, Up&Down, Down&Up, Up+1, Up+2, Down-1, Down-2, Random, Play Order)

PSG sound module [Tracks 4, 5]

- 11 types
Square wave
Noise (Low/Mid/High) -> Square wave
Pulse Wave
Noise (Low/Mid/High) -> Pulse Wave
Noise (Low/Mid/High)
- Maximum polyphony: 4 voices

- Polyphonic mode
- Mono mode with adjustable glide time
- Legato mode with adjustable glide time
- Arpeggiator modes (Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, Up&Down, Down&Up, Up+1, Up+2, Down-1, Down-2, Random, Play Order)

PCM sound module [Track 6]

- 8bit - 12/24/48kHz (switchable) linear PCM sampling (mono)
- Up to 8 seconds of sampling per sample (12kHz), 4 seconds (24kHz) or 2 seconds (48kHz)
- Auto start sampling function with the input level (input level can be set)
- Auto-slice function (equal division by number of slices or length of one slice)
- Maximum polyphony: 3 voices (1 voice in One-shot mode)?- 96 sample memory slots (16 x 6 banks)
- Import and export of a slot or banks of samples (via MIDI)
*Import of audio files from PC/Mac is not supported.

- Drum mode (Drum kit performance)
- One-shot mode (Sample playback or chromatic performance)

- Sweep with adjustable speed, range, and curve
- Switchable between sweep envelope and LFO

[Effects]

Effect send amount can be set independently for each track

- Send Delay
- Insert Delay
- Reverb
- Crusher
- Distortion
- Compressor
- Low pass filter
- High pass filter
- Isolator
- Remix Performance effect

[Sequencer]

- 6 tracks
- Up to 128 steps per pattern
- 128 patterns
- Step length can be set from 1/1 to 1/32
- Real-time recording
- Directly enter notes for each step when playback is on or off
- Enter longer notes (Tied notes)
- Metronome and pre-count function
- Step copy and paste function
- Track copy and paste function
- Duplicate to extend a sequence
- Transpose function
- Swing function
- Pattern BPM / Global BPM can be set
- Pattern chain function (Loop playback possible)
- Track level and pan can be set independently
- Parameter Lock function to record parameter settings for each step
- Sound Lock function to record sound settings for each step
- Note playback probability can be set from 25 to 100% for each step
- RANDOM function to play back steps in random order
- STUTTER function to play back only the step being pressed

[MIDI]

- Notes, control changes, clock input/output
- Import and export user data
- Firmware update via Sysex

[Unit]


27 keys (with a hold function)

- 15 physical control knobs
- Optional LATCH function prevents jumps in value when knob position and parameter values do not match.
- One physical encoder for fine adjustments.
- LCD dot indicates when a parameter value matches the saved value, or when the value has been changed.

Notes: Part of Sonicware's Liven groovebox series, the 8bit Warps draws on retro 80s chiptune vibes to create a mini instrument with huge character and surprising range.

*** Update: New features of the version 3.0 firmware September 2023 ***

Added 6 effect types:
- Distortion
- Phaser
- Tremolo
- Ring Modulator
- Auto Wah
- Reverse Delay

Added the Sound Locking features

A sequence can be duplicated to double the length

Looping of chain playback is now possible

New preset 29 drum sounds that can be easily made drum patterns with the sound locking feature

And several bug fixes and improvements

Supplier's Notes:
The LIVEN 8bit warps combines an 8-bit waveform memory synthesizer with a step sequencer.

Carefully selected preset waveforms and editable user waveforms along with high-quality filters and effects can be used freely to create a wide spectrum of sounds. The LIVEN 8bit warps can generate classic retro game sounds of course, but its unique 8-bit sound can also be used in a range of music genres, including EDM, hip-hop, techno and rock.

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.

All these powerful functions are in a device that weighs only 790 g. Play it anywhere at any time.

Size : 11.7 inch (W) x 6.92 inch (D) x 1.89 inch (H), 297mm (W) x 176mm (D) x 48mm (H)

Weight : 1.74lb., 790g

Accessories: Warranty

Power supply: AA batteries x 6, or 9V DC output AC adapter (1A or higher, EIAJ3 standard inner diameter 1.7mm outer diameter 4.75mm, center +)

Notes: Part of Sonicware's excellent Liven groovebox series, the XFM is a modern take on classic digital FM sounds, offering a choice of intuitive and quick sounds or logical and deep programming.

Supplier's Notes:
Classic FM sounds, effortlessly merged with FM FUSION.

Using the 4-track sequencer and presets, you can construct an entire song.

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.

Two approaches to FM sound design

Intuitive and Quick
Merge and sculpt FM sounds with a single, intuitive, knob turn.

The X-Lab engine merges two FM sounds by smoothly blending their envelopes, modulation routing, and feedback. The X-Lab algorithm can merge sounds with radically different FM structures and overtones, all without losing the fundamental tuning of the sound. Pitch locking can also be turned off to create brilliant atonal transitions between FM sounds.

Merged sound can then be saved, recalled, and merged with additional FM sounds. This is called merging process FUSION FM.

Logical and Deep

For those who want to dive into the FM Engine, the EDIT mode and included overlay provide full access to the innovative 4-OP XFM engine.

15 knobs and 30 buttons provide quick and intuitive access to all FM parameters.

Explore FM synthesis without the conventional menu diving and head scratching.

4-Track Step Sequencer

Perfect for song production and live performance

Manage lead, bass, rhythm, and more, each on separate tracks.

Sequence up to 64 steps per pattern.

Save up to 128 patterns.

The parameter locking function allows you to record knob changes into your patterns. This automation function can be recorded live, or programmed in step by step.

Sub-divide the tempo down to 32nd notes for higher resolution sequencing.

Sequence longer notes across several steps, AKA Tied Notes.

Specifications:

Size
297mm (W) x 176mm (D) x 48mm (H)
11.7 in (W) x 6.92 in (D) x 1.89 in (H)

Weight:
790g/1.74lb.

Keyboard:
27 keys (with a hold function)

Knob:
15 physical control knobs
Optional LATCH function prevents jumps in value when knob position and parameter values do not match. LCD dot indicates when a parameter value matches the saved value, or when the value has been changed.
One physical encoder

Audio output:
Stereo line out (stereo 3.5mm mini jack)
Headphone out (stereo 3.5mm mini jack)
Compatible with Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator2 Series SYNC OUT
Speaker

Audio in:
LINE IN (stereo 3.5mm mini-jack)
Compatible with Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator 2 Series SYNC IN

Interfaces:
MIDI IN connector (5-Pin DIN type)
MIDI OUT connector (5-Pin DIN type)
SYNC IN jack (monaural 3.5mm mini jack)
SYNC OUT jack (monaural 3.5mm mini jack)

Power supply:
9V DC output AC adapter
Current: 1A or greater
Plug Type: EIAJ3 Standard
Inner Diameter: 1.7mm
Outer Diameter: 4.75mm,
Polarity: Center +
Compatible with power supplies designed for the Korg Volca 1 .
6 AA batteries

Synth Engine:
Four FM synth engines, X-LAB, XFORM, X-LFO, and LIBRARY

Voice mode:
6-note polyphonic mode
Mono mode
Legato mode with adjustable glide time
Arpeggiator modes (Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, Up&Down, Down&Up, Up+1, Up+2, Down-1, Down-
2, Random, Play Order)

Sweep:
Sweep with adjustable speed, range, and curve

Filter
Low Pass
High Pass
Band Pass
Each track has its own filter envelope.

Effects:
Chorus
Flanger
Send Delay
Insert Delay
Bit Crusher
Reverb
Distortion
Low Pass
High Pass
Isolator

LFO:
Each track has one LFO which can affect both pitch and filter cutoff.
Adjustable LFO Shapes.
Adjustable start time delay for each LFO.

Sound memory:
512 FM sound memory slots (16 x 32 banks)

Sequencer:
4 tracks
Up to 64 steps per pattern
128 patterns
Step length can be set from 1/1 to 1/32
Enter longer notes (Tie)
Track level and pan can be set independently
FX send amount can be set independently for each track
Pattern BPM / Global BPM can be set
Step copy and paste function
Track copy and paste function
Transpose function
Real-time recording
Directly enter notes for each step when sequencer is on or off
Parameter lock function
Random playback function (Playback step size can be set)
Stutter function
Note Trigger probability can be set between 25% and 100%
Pattern chain function
Metronome and pre-count function
Swing function

MIDI:
Notes, control changes, clock input/output
IMPORT/EXPORT of user data
Firmware update via Sysex

Accessories:
FM sound editing overlay
Warranty

The AC adapter is not included.
Please use 9V DC output AC adapter (1A or higher, EIAJ3 standard inner diameter 1.7mm outer diameter 4.75mm, center +).
Compatible with power supplies designed for the Korg Volca 1.