Sonicware Liven Mega Synthesis revives the Sega Genesis gaming console sound engine in a new portable Synthesizer/groovebox.
With the LIVEN series, the young Japanese company Sonicware offers a wide range of exciting portable budget-oriented synthesizers and samplers. The hardware features (MIDI, USB, form…) are the same, but each instrument has its own custom engine.
The latest entry goes into the fascinating world of retro SEGA gaming consoles. More precisely, that of the Genesis/Mega Drive.
Sonicware Liven Mega Synthesis
Liven Mega Synthesis is a new portable Synthesizer/groovebox that brings back the iconic YM2612-based 16-bit sound engine of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. It comprises three FM synthesis tracks, 2 PSG synthesis tracks, and a PCM sample track.
According to Sonicware, they recreated the 4-operator 8-algorithm FM engine, the 8-bit PCM sound module, and the “SN76489” PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) part of the original gaming console.
Three Engines
To make the engine authentic, they implemented a legacy mode that faithfully replicate specific sonic characteristics of the original console. For example, it simulates the grungy-sounding quirks of the YM2612 sound. Or the PCM can be played back in 4-bit.
The FM sound engine offers full editing mode, 6-voice polyphony, legato, and 11 arpeggiator modes. On tracks 4 and 5, you get the PSG engine with 4-voice polyphony, 11 types of a square wave, noise, and the same arpeggiator modes.
Then, on track 6, you get the PCM module with auto sampling functionality up to 8 seconds (12kHz) or 2 seconds (48kHz). It has an auto-slice function, 96 sample memory slots (16×6 banks), up to 3-voice polyphony and a one-shot mode. Unfortunately, you can’t import audio files from PC/Mac.
Each track can be refined with an effect. You can choose one from 10 types, including reverb, crusher, delay, lowpass/highpass filter, distortion, and more. There is also a sweep (envelope/LFO) with adjustable speed, range, and curve.
Sequencing
Sounds can be played classically with the keyboard or sequenced. This turns the Mega Synthesis synthesizer into a groovebox.
You have six tracks with up to 128 steps per pattern, 128 patterns, and independent step length (1/1 to 1/32). You can program the sequencer with real-time recording or manually by entering steps for each step.
Mega Synthesis’ sequencer offers various creative features. Elektron-style parameter lock allows you to record parameter settings for each step or sound lock to fix sound settings for each step. There is also note play probability, random, and a stutter function.
Others are tied notes, various copy/paste functions, transpose, swing, pattern chain, and more.
Connectivity
The connections are located on the top of the case. Sonicware doesn’t skimp on features here either. You can find full-size MIDI ports, 3.5mm sync jacks, line in and out, mains, and a headphone jack here. On top, you get a built-in speaker.
You can use a classic 9V DC plug or insert batteries on the back for power. So you can also use it as a portable synth groove box for the on-the-go.
On the interface, you can find 27 keys, a hold function, 15 physical control knobs, and more.
First Impression
At first glance, a nice expansion of the successful LIVEN series. Sounds with the Mega Drive/Genesis color are certainly a niche but exciting for 8/16-bit fans.
Sonicware Liven Mega Synthesis is available now for $239.
More information here: Sonicware
That’s pretty cheap really. There are a couple of DYI options using that sound chip out there, but this seems to make life a bit easier and is on par price wise. Granted those DYI options are more a generative synthesis kinda thing, which are a lot of fun.
While this thing sounds a bit “gamey”, I’d suspect there’d be a sweet spot or two where it shines. Glad people are looking outside the box a little, even if it’s into the past.
they’re too hard to use…i had an 8bit warps and sold it because it comes with no manual and no ac adapter….and it was annoying to play it because i just basically turned it on learn how to use it the whole time
There’s a quick start and a full manual out there for that one.
Dude, I got mine for Christmas, and it was very easy to figure out. Most of the operation feels streamlined, and you can get a 9V center-positive power supply that is known to be Volca-compatible. As the other guy said, there are manuals on the website. I also recommend videos like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKyyuodbxwQ&lc=Ugy4B2xcUhxakQIpfrF4AaABAg
They have manuals for all of them. And there is option to add a power supply for $20 when you buy. I have all the sonicware products. I they sound very good and I like that they are battery powered. I have already preordered this latest one.
There is already a YM2612 synth called the MEGAfm that packs two Sega Genesis sound chips into a synth. IIRC, the new version has the ability to put other chips so you can mix and match but that box is more expansive and has no sequencer. I also preordered the thing and will be looking forward the Yuzo Koshiro patches and put it thru a bunch of pedals.
I’ve got a MEGAfm and I think it’s my favorite polysynth ever. It’s super quirky and unique sounding. It has faders for every single parameter of each operator making sound design super fun. You can assign mod wheel, aftertouch, and velocity to the three LFOs making it very expressive, too. Those 2612 chips were no joke.