Sonicware Liven LOFI-12

A Lo-Fi Sampler Designed as a Compact Beat Machine

The LIVEN Lofi-12 follows the spirit of late 1980s samplers: low resolution and low sampling rate for a musically "gritty" sound that goes beyond simple bitcrushing effects. Within the LIVEN family, it adopts a performance-oriented approach (sequencer, step automation, immediate workflow) and clearly targets lo-fi, hip-hop, and beatmaking production.

Who Is It For, and Which Styles?

Ideal for beginner to advanced producers who want to sample quickly and compose without a computer, as well as for live musicians seeking a compact groovebox. Perfect for lo-fi hip-hop, boom bap, trip-hop, ambient, synthwave, or soundtrack music, thanks to its "cassette/vinyl" textures and timing variations. In the studio, it serves as a chops, drums, and resampling engine; on stage, its locks and Remix effect encourage improvisation.

Features and New Additions

The sampling engine offers 16-bit linear PCM (12 kHz or 24 kHz) and a 12-bit mode to instantly age your sources. Each slot provides up to 4 seconds in mono (12 kHz) or 2 seconds (24 kHz), with trimming, attack/release settings, pitch shifting, reverse playback, sustain loop, filter, and LFO modulation. Samples are automatically assigned to the keyboard for fast chromatic play, and 88 lo-fi presets are included. The 4-track sequencer (up to 64 steps and 64 patterns) combines real-time recording, step input, tied notes, swing, chaining, random, stutter, and probability (DICE), with step automation via Parameter Lock and sample changes via Sound Lock. The Laid-back button shifts triggering for relaxed grooves. Effects include one effect per track chosen from 12 types, plus a master effect (6 reverbs, cassette simulator, vinyl simulator, Remix). In v2, internal resampling, chopping (Downbeat Divider), and Drum/Chop modes speed up kit creation and off-grid performances.

Technical specifications

Category	groovebox	Number of Midi tracks	4
Sampler	Yes	MIDI I/O	IN, OUT (DIN)
Max polyphony	10	USB to Host port	No
Technology	digital	Inputs	Midi, minijack line, sync in
Synthesis type	Digital, sampling, PCM	Outputs	Midi, headphone/line, sync out
Number of audio tracks	4

Sampling	16-bit linear PCM, 12 kHz or 24 kHz (switchable), mono	Polyphonic mode	10 notes
Sampler mode	12-bit	Mono mode	adjustable glide time
Maximum sampling length	4 seconds per sample at 12 kHz or 2 seconds per sample at 24 kHz	Legato mode	adjustable glide time
Automatic sampling start	triggered by the input level, adjustable level	Arpeggiator modes	Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, Up&Down, Down&Up, Up+1, Up+2, Down-1, Down-2, Random, Play Order
Sample settings	start/end point, attack, release, pitch and level	Drum mode	polyphonic playback, adjustable slice length with Downbeat Divider
Reverse playback	yes	Chop mode	Mono/Choke playback, adjustable slice length with Downbeat Divider
Sustain loop	adjustable	Filter types	Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass
Resampling	yes	Filter and envelope	dedicated to each track
Chopping	with Downbeat Divider	LFO	one per track, simultaneous modulation of pitch and filter cutoff with separate adjustable levels
Maximum polyphony	10 voices	LFO shapes	adjustable
Sample memory	128 slots (16 x 8 banks)	LFO start Delay	adjustable for each LFO
Sample import and export	slot or banks via MIDI	Sweep settings	speed, range and curve
Importing audio files from a PC/Mac	not supported