The SONICWARE LIVEN Ambient Ø is the next unit in a range of instruments that continues to innovate and inspire without breaking the bank.
The SONICWARE LIVEN Ambient Ø
The SONICWARE LIVEN range has truly established itself as a suite of tools that deliver powerful functionality, focused on a particular ability and all for a very reasonable price. The new Ambient Ø (zero) continues this trend with a unique and immersive ambient generator.
Blendwave Modulation
Ambient Ø benefits from a new method of synthesis based on wavetables which SONICWARE call Blendwave Modulation Synthesis. I was instantly reminded of FM algorithms when reading through the blurb and it’s easy to see why. Blendwave Modulation appears to use a form of algorithms, two for each of the Drone, Pad and Atmos structures.
Eight elements of these structures have individual controls such as harmonics, pitch, modulation, detune, depth and structure. These are complemented by eight specially curated ‘nature sounds’ in the Noise section. These too can be tweaked to suit your mood.
User Sampling
Interestingly, you can also sample directly into the unit via its line input to really put your own stamp on your creation. Sampling time is 8 seconds of stereo. With all of these sounds sources combined, it’s easy to see (and hear) how organic this unit can sound.
As you might expect, there is a comprehensive effects section with the star of the show being the reverb. I mean, this is an ambient machine after all! There are nine reverbs available including the obligatory shimmer. There’s also delay effects and four master effects including Overdrive, Bit/Rate Crush, Tilt EQ and a Stereo Chorus.
Sequencing and Polyphony
Each of the four layers has its own 64 step sequencer along with parameter recording so you can record your adjustments live, including things like pan and filter movement. The unit is 10 note polyphonic and also features mono, legato and unison modes. There’s also an arpeggiator with multiple modes.
Is This For You?
The SONICWARE LIVEN Ambient Ø is another superb addition to this ever-expanding range of digital instruments and this one is probably the most simple yet effective of the lot, if you ask me. I can envisage hours sitting at my desk creating lush soundscapes and getting lost in the ambience. Best of all, as with all the LIVENs, it can be battery-powered so is great for being inspired on the move.
Ambient Ø is available to order now for €279, with the first batch of units expected to ship from July 24th, 2024.
Check out the rest of the SONICWARE range here.
