Sonicware LIVEN XFM

12

Compact FM synthesiser

  • 27 Mini-keys (with hold function)
  • Four FM synth engines: X-LAB, XFORM, X-LFO and LIBRARY
  • 6-Voice polyphonic mode, mono mode, legato mode with adjustable glide time, arpeggiator modes
  • Integrated 4-track looper
  • 64-Step sequencer
  • 128 Patterns
  • Pattern chain function
  • Step length can be set from 1/1 to 1/32
  • Track level and pan can be independently adjusted
  • Stutter function
  • Jack sync in/out: 3.5 mm
  • MIDI in/out
  • Built-in loudspeaker
  • Filters: LPF / HPF / BPF
  • Effects: Chorus, flanger, delay, bit crusher, reverb, distortion and more
  • Power supply possible via 9 V DC mains adapter (not included) or via 6 x AA batteries
  • Dimensions: 297 x 176 x 48 mm
  • Weight: 0.79 kg
Available since October 2021
Item number 528899
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Number Of Keys 27
Touch-Sensitive No
Aftertouch No
Split Zones No
Modulation Wheel No
Number of simultaneous Voices 6
Sound Engine Digital
MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Out
Storage Medium None
USB-port No
Effects Multieffect processor
Arpeggiator Yes
Number of Analog Outputs 1
Digital Output No
Display No
Pedal Connections None
Dimensions 297 x 176 x 48 mm
Weight 0,8 kg
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$256
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12 Customer ratings

4.4 / 5

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quality

8 Reviews

B
Amazing potential, mediocre construction
BenNotBen 17.02.2022
My only criticism would be to say this synth does not play well with external effects. To get it to play through a Zoom MS70-CD-R, I have to use the headphone out with the preamp set to “soft”. At first I thought my synth was not working properly.

The build construction is not perfect, there are some minor flaws on the front panel where the screws meet the front plate from behind and there are some mould lines on some of the knobs. The paint on the rubber buttons isn’t perfect. It’s not comparable quality control to something like Korg or Roland.

However with the bad parts out of the way let’s focus on the good. Firstly the midi sequencing potential of this unit would make it a financially viable option as a controller alone.

The FM synth engine is absolutely one of the most powerful on the market owing to the fact that it allows you to create your own algorithms- no limits! You can make any or all operators feed back and place them in any order.

The sub bass is so clean and pure, truly speaker shaking beauty. The audio output is crisp in the high end and smooth in the lows.

The onboard effects are no better or worse than any other built in effects. Then inclusion of insert effects is great. Unlike many onboard effects units, you get two separate controls for each effect which is great.

You can save unlimited parameter locks on every step for each of the four tracks- the sequencing potential here is almost limitless.

The final icing on the cake is the 3 special XFM engines, where two patches can be blended in various ways to create truly new sonic possibilities.

You may think 4 operators and 6 voices isn’t a lot, but with every tool at your disposal on this amazing groove box, you’ll be lost with the possibilities available to you.

For anyone looking for something a little different from the main stream, for people who loved the arturia microfreak for instance, I highly, highly recommend this supremely creative little box.

It now occupies the centre of my synth set up, dedicating one channel to controlling a separate synth externally (who’s audio is routed into the line input of the XFM).

Not only can it produce wild and crazy audio that you won’t hear anywhere else, it offers one of the most powerful and expansive FM engines to date for recreating all of your favourite classic FM sounds. There isn’t anything this box of joy can’t handle (except separate pitch envelopes for each operator).

Highly, highly recommended for sonic adventurous or anyone needing a powerful sequencing “brain” for their DAW-less set up.
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An interesting, to say the least, workflow...
The Alert 24.05.2023
This Sonicware Liven synth brings an interesting take to FM synthesis by giving you the chance to morph and combine two four operator synth engines together. Sure, the workflow is an acquired taste, but after a few day-long sessions of programming things just seem to fall in place.
The sound is fairly dirty, which is what is expected of Livens. However, for the price you just can’t find anything similar with four separate tracks, six voices of polyphony, Elektron-style locking on the sequencer and more.
I do not regret my purchase.
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Best value FM synth in the market
@RatioFM 07.10.2023
Large scope FM engine based "little" groove box/synth. 4 part multitibral coped with a strong sequencer makes this machine the best value for money groove box fm synth in the market. Totally worth the learning curve, you'll have a machine for years of sound exploration and fun.
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C
Vraiment intéressant
CosmoFaisans 08.01.2022
Le Liven XFM est un ovni, trouvé par hasard sur le site lorsque j'étais à la recherche d'un synthé FM avec des caractéristiques bien précises (polyvalent, portable et résistant, possibilité d'alimentation via piles ou batterie).

Le packaging est soigné, le produit en lui-même est entièrement en plastique, mais c'est plus pour ce qu'il y a à l'intérieur de la bête que j'en suis devenu adepte.

Bien qu'il soit vendu comme une groobox, avec 4 pistes, son séquenceur et une banque de sons avec toute la palette pour produire un petit "morceau", on s'apperçoit rapidement que ce n'est pas son plus gros point fort (les kicks ne sont pas très profonds et les drums ont tendances à alterer les leads que l'on prends plaisir à construire)

Son atout, c'est la facilité avec laquelle on explore des univers sonores FM via des operateurs de fusions pré-établis (X-LFO, X-FM etc). Et si on veut aller encore plus loin, il y a un layer inclut pour partir de zero à travers l'edit mode, et la possibilité d'enregistrer dans la base de donnée ce que l'on obtient.

Perso, j'adore le séquenceur séparé du keyboard, les touches de ce dernier sont très agreable à jouer. J'en suis devenu fan même si cela ne plait pas à tout le monde, et ça reste assez résistant! Je le trimballe partout et il tient le choc.

Points positifs :
- la diversité des sons que l'on peut tirer de la machine est étonnante et très satisfaisante
- le séquenceur est pratique et fait le job
- le clavier est agreable pour ce qu'on lui demande
- léger et transportable

Points négatifs :
- les potards sont assez cheap
- le manuel en anglais n'est clairement pas destiné à des novices (un tuto en anglais est dispo sur yt et couvre le necessaire pour se faire la main dessus)
- la sortie stereo est en jack 3,5mm ce qui est dommage pour moi

Même si son workflow est un peu déroutant au début, j'ai très vite pris goût à sa sonorité, et le XFM a intégré mon setup de manière définitive !
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