My Love and Hate relation with the Lofi 12 Sampler 

Thank you so much again for reviewing the Lofi-12! 🙏 We will review your suggestions with the LIVEN development team! 🥰

I think the best and easiest way to resolve the drum workflow would be to add a merge tracks function into the settings menu. -Track 1 : kick, Track 2 : snare, Track 3 : hihat -Settings > Merge [mrg]>track 2 to track 1 [2-1]>okay. Merge track 3 to track 1 [3-1]>ok. Bam all three on track 1 in seconds. Than you can clear track 2 and reuse it for percussion and track 3 for cymbal> repeat the process...

Kudos for giving the makers of this machine a constructive feedback!

What you describe would be essentially setting a "keygroup", as older samplers call it, i.e. mapping a sound to a key. Great suggestion.

So picked this up today I was so wrong this workflow seemed convoluted, but I got along with this machine instantly and my gosh the sound is perfect just hit the parameter lock 🔒 button then change the sound it’s epic then mess with laid back and the knob left of it play modes and magic starts to happen I edit more after a base beat is made and it works better for me

Very interesting! The only problem I could see with this change in workflow is that you would then loose the ability to quickly change a sound that has been programmed in using the current method. i.e., program a kick loop, tweak Sample to change the kick sample for the whole track is also a nice workflow. But, as an alternative to the current Sound Locking feature it would be excellent. I'm not a coder or anything, but it seems to me this would require the Lofi-12 currently having enough spare ram to hold a whole extra sample at all times to make a kind of buffer track. I'll wait to see if the engineers think this is possible or if it's already pushed to the limit.

If you tap the parameter lock key until it goes orange it lets you load a different sample per step. It took a while to figure out but now I can have kicks and snares on the same track.

I think what you're asking maybe possible, smpltrek just got update, went from 1 drum track and 3 instruments to 4 drums and 4 instruments. I know all liven stuff workflow is bit odd or complex but gotta say (owning mpc, you taught me everything about😉) the smpltrek is the most intuitive instrument I've got and as fast to make stuff on as a circuit.

This thing would be awesome if they just kept it simple and copied the SP1200 work flow. Sounds great.

Word.. excellent as always Marlow

Great video! I didn't knew there's a new update. Thanks for the Tip.

I love my LoFi 12 but I don't really feel a need to use it as a standalone device. I mostly use mine to sample, make individual sequences played and then resample into my MPC. I have made a couple of beats where I've done the reverse with great results too. It's also KILLER if you sample a single Rhodes note and play with a MIDI keyboard.

Having a drum track mode where you can assign different samples to different keys would solve this I think. I still use my Zoom Sampletrak alot because the workflow for assigning samples and chopping, pitching etc is so quick and easy.

I've been waiting for you to drop this vid! I still need to download the update. Like we talked about the other day, it may be limited, but the sound is amazing.

Not sure if this helps...the new 2.0 update includes a new mode called drum which spilts a single sample of hits into individual hits per key, so you could put your entire drum kit (KD, SD, HH) on one track, or slice up a drum break across the keys. And it's polyphonic so you can have KD and HH hits on the same step. And using the resample feature bounce tracks to samples, to free up tracks. Check out ChrisLody's "Quick guide for LIVEN Lofi-12 v2.0" video, he goes into detail on the new 2.0 features.

I’m not telling anyone what to do with what I’m about to say. I’ve got an MPC1000. It’s got a 128 GB HD. It’s loaded with samples, sample sets, loops, etc… I connected the stereo outs of the 1000 to the Line In on my LoFi-12. I can record anything the MPC has on it. I also have the four mono outs on the MPC connected to a 1010BlueBox. I use those outs to play my Kick, Snare, and HH’s. The line out from my LoFi-12 goes to the BlueBox too. I use the LF-12’s four tracks for Bass, Chords, Lead, Foley/Drone/Atmosphere… I have line 2 out on my BlueBox go to my SP-555 line in. The Line out on the SP-555 is connected to the BlueBox. Whenever I need a good loop, or to effect a loop, I turn on Out2 on the BlueBox, and turn off the line in from the 555 (so there’s no ground loop). I work the 555 until I have what I need. Then I turn off the output from the BlueBox and turn the input from the 555 back on. Of course I can use the mic input from the 555 as well… I also have a QY70 attached to the MPC1000 line in so I can make lead or chords sounds. I can work the sound or pass it to the LF-12 if I want. I don’t have any ground loops. I feel I have a workflow here that works for me. YMMV.

Hi mate. I'm a recent subscriber and enjoying your content a great deal. I just wondered if there had been any improvement with the workflow issues you were hitting back when you made this video? Looked like Sonicware were taking your comments on board. Or did you find a viable workaround so you can enjoy it like you wanted? I was about to buy one but worrying I would hit the same wall as you did

Thanks for posting a link to all your gear 👍

Few thoughts: [re sample layering]: Create a sample with your kick, snare and hats evenly spaced and you can then play them as a kit on a single track. Also, you can use preset record to flip between multiple kit or chopped samples (polyphony permitting). [re sequencing on the fly]: Yeh. You can either sequence or you can perform. You can't do both at the same time on any of the Livens. [re previewing samples]: Not sure how this could be done on a machine with only one main output and one headphone socket (maybe the ability to assign headphone to preview? but that would be a massive loss of the headphones jsut to pick 1 of 128 samples)). [re tracks having a fixed default sample] Agreed. [proposal]: How about adding a "bank" mode that lets one play all 16 samples in a given bank across the keyboard?

That’s true. 1 move makes a lot of questions

Nice video, love the honesty in the review. Beat sounded good!

Another great video full of information as always. I recently bought just about all of your sample packs and I have been having a good time today creating a cool lofi groove with some of your sax and vocal chop using some of the tricks I picked up from you. Really liking the vocal chops that are in what I assume is Portuguese. I like making phases sync. Thanks again for being you. And I'm still looking forward to your vinyls being re release.

I wouldn't use this as a keyboard function sampler but get the ideas down, transfer to my boss looper and drop it into the daw. I see no limitations because other gear can fill the necessary task. Midi helps.😊

I've been using a vst sampler for that 12bit sound but this looks great for the price.

They went more the Digitakt sample flip route than the MPC or Circuit Rhythm sample flip route. I agree that putting multiple samples into a key group for a single track would be ideal. Not sure I'd say there's no way around that. The drum part of the Liven Bass & Bass allows you to assign samples to a 'group' and play those different sounds polyphonically on a single track. So I guess we can say the Liven platform is capable of it. Now whether or not this box still has enough horsepower to pull that off, I have no idea but it does seem possible. Nice video. Good thoughts.

I think it is a great sampler, just use it for flavor but along side of another sampler. I dont tbink it is meant to be a workhorse like a MPC. I mean its only like $230.

I think you will get laidback ahead, as smpltrek has it, hopefully we will get some of the performance tricks on smpltrek that you have on lofi 😊

Wait…. It has a chop mode now?!!😮

It has the trick that the Digitakt is known for (parameter locks). The one thing I’d request is MPC’s 16 levels.

Really enjoy your videos. Always informative and enjoyable to watch. Have you ever used a K.O Pocket Operator for making a beat on?

Have you tried the KO2 workflow? Very intuitive. (Different device but worth checking out if you haven’t already) cheers

I think the sound lock function might help if I understand your issues (press param lock until it lights orange). I too find the workflow difficult and not very inspiring

Just don't feel a need for the 12, but the texture lab sounds interesting.

"My iPhone has better bass than this.." haha! that got me by surprise..

that workflow seems to be quite awkward especially when ur coming from other samplers also, i swear your low end just sounds so amazing i cant get over it big up!

I get the workflow contstraints but I think your solution is not doable because there is only RAM for 16sec (4 tracks x 4sec). May this workaround helps: Track 1 for drums, track 2 for chords, track 3 for adding oneshots. If you want to add more than one oneshot load it to track 4. If you like your oneshot add the sample to track 3 via paramlock. Use the same technique for further oneshots. Use track 4 for the bass. What do you think?

Hey Marlow, did they change anything about this?

Would love to see a video on the Yamaha SU700

🔥🔥🔥

Sonicware please listen to his suggestions if you can make these things possible in the next update this machine will be awesome

Question, how does the “lo-fi” ness sound against your other bits of kit/samplers? 👍🏽✌🏽✊🏽🇬🇧

Nice video really eye opening how would you say the ad da converters are on it do they have punch weight thin ?

I feel the exact same, it sounds great but I'm basically limited to 4-tracks, I think the update with being able to chop is a real step up but the sequencer is just not user friendly

Qualifying it greatness to 2023 kinda diminishes it. We’re only 3 months into 2023. I don’t think that’s what you mean to do, but I get what your saying. But has there been a couple samplers released this year 🤔…maybe. so maybe I’m wrong in determining your meaning. But your review is helpful. Maybe this thing just needs more tracks. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Have you tried the SMPLTREK from the same company, would love to see you work with this sampler.

Thanks man. How 'bout a USB port for talking to PCs and DAWs?

Get 2 of em

Please get the XT and do a video

I cosign your request for the ability to dial in negative "Laidback."

What’s a good hiphop drum sample pack ? I’m working with the same ol mpc live 2 sounds for months ! I need new sounds , I feel I’m limiting myself so bad now

... had exactly the same issues with that ... i love and hate it. The effects to me are completly useless. It could have been a killer sampler like old SP1200 / MPC60 ... They really should have consulting producers that appeals to sample digging and used lofi samplers for decades first. Like us. But i keept it anyways because it's so much fun and sounds great. Good Review

How do you get to the upate, is it there already or do I have to go online???

hmm maybe just use a looper to test your sound against the loop?...i know this thing requires you to do some tricky stuff with the samples and getting more out of it...and there may be some trick for your solution...i don't have one yet but I'm still kinda wanting it...eventually for the price point we just have to accept that it can't do everything and it's just meant more as a pallet for sampled grooves. ..I was kind of surprised on how fast the update came out, so, they are listening and working on it, it seems like....still would like to see you using it and coming up with new stuff.

soo. is it a good bet for simply sound engineering lo fi sounds? my sp404 just gets used for that now solely .might i regret it i wonder ?

Do you still have the minibrute 2s? I've got one and I love it

I want to buy one but i have a question, if i understand you Can load a New sample only if you have an empty track? I think that thé problèm is that you own New mpc, live or x. You Can t think with your lofi 12 liké you think with your mpc live, if you got an ému sp 1200 you ré not going to throw it because you have only one track, one midi Channel , and you Can t load a sample when the séquencer is running. and you Say that you Can t load a sample when the séquencer is running in thé lofy 12 when you have an mpc 2000xl next , which have thé same problèm. Think differently

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Too many limitations it looks like but, it may work better as a supplementary sampler alongside an MPC midi controlled.

Correct me if I’m wrong but couldn’t you just layer all the drums on one track leaving three empty for laying samples?

marlow, i would LOVe to see what you would do with a OP-1. i dont know if you;re familiar with it much but i find it really fun and versatily for sample chopping and beat playing. one wouldn';t think so but it;s probably as fun to use as a MPC for me.

I like the lo-fi sound of Volca sample 2 more and way more user friendly and way cheaper personally, smpltrek has a horrible workflow as well.

Its just a casio sk1 on steroid And there is not a single keyboard sampler out there So it has the place to be in every setup

The limitations are what makes it work better 😂

Koala

All these RU-vidrs doing 10 min algorithm satisfying videos but not actually using the device. Like, isn’t it supposed to make sound? Music? I could read the manual if I wanted what was presented here.

i dont f wit it rather use an old sampler