NAMM 2020 VIDEO: Sonicware’s Liven 8bit Warps is a portable retro synth for chiptune on the go

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.

Sonicware Liven 8bit Warps

(Image credit: Sonicware)
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

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