SONICWARE Lofi-12 Retro Sampler Groovebox User Manual

Retro Sampler Groovebox User Manual

FCC regulation warning (for USA)

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to  provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not  installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off  and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Legal disclaimers

Sonicware Inc. (hereafter, “SONICWARE” ) strives to assure that this document is as accurate and current as possible, but will bear no responsibility for any compensation claims or losses due to content included in this document. Moreover, information in this document could be changed without notice. SONICWARE retains the right to change product specifications and programs at any time. SONICWARE will bear no responsibility for any errors depicted in this document. SONICWARE will bear no responsibility for any losses resulting from the use of this information, functions or performance, regardless of contracts, lack of caution or other conduct.

Copyrights and registered trademarks

• SONICWARE is a registered trademark of Sonicware Inc.
• MIDI is a registered trademark of the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI).
• Other company names, product names, standard names and registered trademarks in this document are the property of their respective owners.
• All the trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are not intended to violate the copyrights of their owners, but rather are included for the purpose of identification only.
• Recording from copyrighted sources, including audio files, CDs, records, videos, tapes, broadcasts, streamed content and works of art, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibited by law.
• Sonicware Inc. will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

Important safety precautions

You must read the following precautions in order to use the product safely and prevent accidents.
WARNING : Failure to follow these precautions could result in serious harm to the user or even death.

• Operation using an AC adapter
  Do not do anything that could exceed the ratings of outlets and other electrical wiring equipment.
  Disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet when lightning occurs and when not using it for a long time.

• Operation using batteries
  Use-commercially available 1.5V AA batteries.
  Carefully read the precautions of the batteries being used.
  Be sure to insert the batteries with +/ − ends oriented correctly.
  Do not use new and old batteries together. Do not use batteries of different types together.
  Remove the batteries when they will not be used for a long time.
  If a leak occurs, thoroughly wipe the battery compartment and battery terminals to remove the leaked fluid.

• Do not open the case and disassemble or modify the product.

• Do not drop, strike or apply excessive force to the unit.

• Do not put liquid on or in the unit.

• Do not put foreign objects into the case.

• Do not use at a loud volume. Doing so could generate loud volumes that might lead to hearing loss.

• When transferring this unit, use the individual packing box and cushioning material that it came with when purchased new.

• When the unit is powered on, do not wrap it in cloth, plastic or other materials.

• Do not step on or apply pressure to the power cord.

• Do not use in the following environmental conditions. Doing so could cause malfunction.
  Locations in direct sunlight, environments that exceed 40°C, or near stoves and other heat sources
  Locations with extremely low or high temperatures
  Locations with extremely high humidity or where the product could become wet
  Locations with frequent vibrations or much dust or sand

• If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately turn the power off and stop using it.

Usage Precautions

Failure to follow these precautions could cause injury to the user and physical damage.

• When connecting cables or working with the power of the unit, minimize the input levels of connected devices or turn them off.
• Cleaning
  If the screen or the case become dirty, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.
  Do not use chemicals, including alcohol, benzene, thinner or cleansers.
  If this does not clean them, wipe them with a slightly damp cloth that has been wrung out well.
  Do not turn the power on until the product is completely dry.

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a SONICWARE LIVEN Lofi-12. The LIVEN Lofi-12 is a compact groovebox that features a retro sampling, including a 12-bit sampler mode that gives any sound a pleasing low-fidelity feel, and a 4-track step sequencer with independent effects for each track as well as a master reverb. The 16 physical knobs enable intuitive operation, while battery power and a builtin speaker make it ready for live performance in any situation. We hope you enjoy using it for many years.

Key features of the LIVEN Lofi-12

• Retro sampling gives any sound a lo-fi vibe
• Sampled sounds are automatically assigned to the keyboard and can be played with different pitches
• Powerful 4-track step sequencer developed with the LIVEN series
• The Laid-back knob can delay sound timing for a the drunk beats
• 11 types of effects independent for each track along with 8 types of master effects

Jam in any situation
Battery power and a built-in speaker enable producing and performing anywhere

Synchronize with all kinds of devices
Clock synchronization is possible with devices that have MIDI or SYNC connectors.
The audio SYNC function enables synchronization with Teenage.
Key features of the LIVEN Lofi-12 gineering Pocket Operator devices using the LINE jack. In addition, clock synchronization signals can be bridged between different connectors. For example, MIDI clock can be generated from an input SYNC clock signal.

Names of parts

Connection example

Note: Use connection cables that are 3 m or shorter.

Starting up and shutting down

Preparing a power supply
AC adapter (sold separately)

Only use AC adapters that conform to the specifications. Using an AC adapter with different specifications could cause damage.
AC adapter specifications
Voltage: 9V output
Current: 1A or higher
Connector: EIAJ-03 compliant (1.7mm inner diameter, 4.75mm outer diameter)
Polarity: center+
Equivalent to Korg Volca KA350 adapter

6 AA batteries

BT.LO will appear on the display if the remaining battery charge is low. Replace the batteries immediately.

When using nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium batteries, change the battery setting. ( → P. 86)

Starting up

1. Press and hold the POWER switch until LOFI (LIVEN Lofi-12) appears on the display.

Turning the unit off

1. Press and hold the POWER switch until the display turns off.

**** Recently made changes will be lost when the unit is turned off.
Save the changes if necessary.

Basic operations

This section explains basic operations.
Adjusting the overall volume
The volume from the speaker, headphones and the LINE OUT can be adjusted.

Volume

0 – 127
This can be adjusted from −∞ to +6 dB with 0 dB as the middle value (63–64).

Turning on/off the speaker
The built-in speaker can be turned off manually if you want to mute it without connecting headphones (when only using the LINE OUT, for example).

Speaker

MUTE| Speaker off
SPK| Speaker on

Using the func button
Some Lofi-12 buttons have two functions.

In the example above, the secondary functions of the and buttons are “save” and “FX”. Pressing these buttons while pressing the button will activate their secondary functions.
In this manual, operations while pressing the button will be shown as follows.

Using the shift button
Many Lofi-12 knobs have both uppercase and lowercase names.

Turning a knob alone will adjust the uppercase parameter. Turning the knob while pressing the button will adjust the lowercase parameter. In this manual, operations while pressing the button will be shown as follows.

Using the shift button hold function
By pressing the button while pressing the button, the button hold function can be activated. (The button lights orange.) When the hold function is activated, lowercase parameters can be adjusted without pressing the button. Press the button again to deactivate the hold function.

Tracks and patterns

Track overview
The LIVEN Lofi-12 groovebox has a 4-track sequencer. Tracks contain both sound settings and sequences (performance data). The four tracks of the LIVEN Lofi-12 can  each have different sounds and individual sequences created for them.

Pattern overview
A pattern is a combination of the four tracks described above. With lengths of 1–4 bars, patterns can be used as the smallest units in making songs.

Patterns and banks
16 patterns can be stored together in a single bank.
The LIVEN Lofi-12 has 4 banks enabling 64 patterns to be saved in total.

• BANK 1 contains present patterns. Following the instructions

Basic pattern operation

Selecting patterns

1. Press

2. Press
   → This selects a pattern.
   (STEP 1 for pattern 1… STEP 16 for pattern 16)
   Playing patterns

3. Press .
   Press it again to stop.

Selecting pattern 17 and higher
Press after procedure 1 to change the bank, enabling selec-tion of pattern 17 and higher.

• If a different pattern is selected during pattern playback, it will be readied but will not start playing immediately.
  Playback will switch to the selected pattern after the playing pattern completes.

• After pressing , can also be used to select patterns.

Changing the tempo

PTN – BPM

40 – 250
When the tempo is shown on the display, the knob can be turned to change it in 0.1beat increments.

Reloading patterns

1. Press
2. Press
   This is useful for restoring sounds to their original states during live performances, for example.

Pattern chain playback

Selecting multiple patterns and playing them in order (chain playback)

1. Press twice (lights orange) .
2. Press. Select patterns in the order that you want them to play. Press – again to deselect.
3. Press .
   The patterns will play in the selected order.

• Press again to end chain playback.
• Stutter mode ( → P. 64) cannot be used during chain playback.

Adjusting the volume of individual patterns

1. Turn + .

Pattern Level

Pattern Level
Pattern levels can be set in a range of −∞ – +6 dB.

Track selection and basic adjustments
Switch between the 4 tracks of the Lofi-12 to work with them.

Selecting tracks

1. Press for the track you want to select.
   The selected TRACK button will light red and its track number will be shown on the display. (The unselected TRACK buttons will light green.)
   The parameters shown in the dark gray areas on the top of the unit can be controlled separately for each track.

Muting tracks

1. Press for the track you want to select.
   The muted TRACK buttons will light orange.
   Press + the button that is lit orange to unmute the track.

Adjusting track levels

1. Turn +
   The level of the selected track can be set in a range of 0 – 127 ( −∞ – +6 dB).

Adjusting track panning

1. Turn +
   The panning of the selected track can be set in a range of L63 CNTR – R63.

Performing with the keyboard and voice modes

Performing

1. Play the keyboard.

Holding keyboard notes
Press + keys to hold them.

• Press the same key again to stop holding it.
• Press+ to stop holding all keys.

Changing the velocity
The velocity value used when playing keys can be set.

VELO

Velocity

0–127
The higher the value, the louder the notes will be played.

Changing the octave range

1. Press .
   This lowers/raises the range by an octave.

Changing the voice mode

1. Press
   This selects the voice mode

Voice Mode

| Polyphonic| Up to 10 voices can be output simultaneously in this mode
---|---|---
| Monophonic| In this single voice mode, each note retriggers the sound.
| Legato| In this single voice mode, notes do not retrigger the sound.
| Arpeggiator| Pressed keyboard keys are played one at a time in this mode.

Changing the glide (in MONO/LEGATO mode)

1. Press
2. Use VALUE to set the speed.

Glide

0 – 127
The time can be changed in a range of 0 – 10000 ms.

Changing the arpeggiator type (in ARP mode)

1. Press  .
2. Use VALUE to select the arpeggiator type.

Arpeggiator

| UP|
---|---|---
| DOWN|
| UP DOWN|
| DOWN UP|
| UP & DOWN|
| DOWN & UP|
|  RANDOM|
| UP +1|
| UP +2|
| DOWN − 1|
| DOWN − 2|
| PLAY ORDER| Notes are sounded in the order played
on the keyboard

Sample selection **

**

Overview
The Lofi-12 can store a total of 128 recorded samples in 8 banks with 16 slots each.

Selecting samples

1. Turn BANK and SAMPLE to select samples.
   Sounds can be checked by playing the keys on the keyboard.
   Play this key to hear the sample with its original pitch and length.

12-bit sampler mode
The Lofi-12 records samples at 16-bit/12kHz or 16-bit/24kHz, but it also has a mode that drops the bit rate to 12-bit and re-create the sound of vintage samplers.

1. Press +
   Turning this on enables 12-bit sampler mode.

Changing the pitches of samples

In addition to changing pitches in semitones using the keyboard
keys, the Lofi-12 has other ways of changing pitches.

Changing track pitch

1. Press +
   Press this button to change the pitch 100 cents (1 semitone) at a time from − 600 – +600.
   Use VALUE  to adjust it 1 cent at a time.

• Each sample pitch can be changed in SAMPLE & EDIT mode.
  ( → P. 40)

Changing track pitch by semitone (transposing)

1. Press +
   Use VALUE to change the pitch in a range of − 12 – +12 semitones.

• If the key is changed during pattern playback, the actual change of key will occur the next time the pattern begins.

Adjusting how samples sound

Adjusting sample start positions

1. Turn + +
   The sample start position can be set from 0 – 127.

Adjusting sample attack and release
Use the envelope generator to adjust the attack that affects the beginning of the sound and the release that affects how the sound fades out.

1. Turn +   attack or RELEASE & GATE.

.attack (EG)

0 – 127
The attack time can be changed in a range of 0 – 4000 ms.

RELEASE & GATE

RELEASE & GATE (EG)

0 – 127
The release time can be changedin a range of 0 – 4000 ms.

Filters

Changing the filter type

1. Press to select the type.

Filter type

LPF./| LP/| This filter cuts high frequencies using an envelope with attack and decay.
---|---|---
LPF.￨\| LP1\_| This filter cuts high frequencies using an envelope with decay.
LPF./￨| LP/1| This filter cuts high frequencies using an envelope with attack.
HPF./| HP/| This filter cuts low frequencies using an envelope with attack and decay.
HPF.￨\| HP1\| This filter cuts low frequencies using an envelope with decay.
HPF./￨| HP/1| This filter cuts low frequencies using an envelope with attack.
BPF./| BP/| This filter only allows frequencies in a specific range to pass using an
envelope with attack and decay.
BPF./￨| BP/1| This filter only allows frequencies in a specific range to pass using an
envelope with decay.
BPF.￨| BP1\_| This filter only allows frequencies in a specific range to pass using an
envelope with attack.

Changing the filter cutoff frequency

| Cutoff
---|---
0 – 127
The cutoff frequency can be changed in a range of 70 – 21600 Hz.

Adjusting the filter resonance

| Resonance
---|---
0 – 127
The resonance can be changed in a range of 0.1 – 10.
For BPF, the bandwidth can be changed in a 0.1 – 2.0 octave range.

Adjusting the filter envelope

| Filter EG Depth
---|---
− 63 – 63
The envelope depth can be set from −100 – 100%.
| Filter EG Time
---|---
0 – 127
The time can be changed in a range of 13 ms – 20 s.

For LPF./\, HPF/\ and BPF./\, TIME changes the attack and the decay.
For LPF.|\, HPF.|\ and BPF.|\, TIME changes the decay.
Filters of the same type (e.g. LPF./\ and LPF.|\) share DEPTH and TIME settings.

LFO

Overview
Each track of the Lofi-12 has one LFO that can be used to modulate the pitch and the cutoff frequency.

Adjusting the LFO speed

| Rate – LFO
---|---
0 – 127
The frequency of the LFO can be changed in a range of 0 – 30 Hz.

Adjusting the amount of LFO effect on pitch

| Pitch Depth – LFO
---|---
0 – 127
This changes it in a range of 0 – 2 octaves.

Adjusting the amount of LFO effect on filter cutoff

| Filter Cutoff Depth – LFO
---|---
0 – 127
The higher the value is, the greater the amount of change. Set to 0 for no change.

Sweep

Overview
The Lofi-12 has a sweep sound function that changes the pitch at a set speed.

Sweeping notes while playing

• Press  again to disable the sweep function.

| |
---|---|---
Speed| Range| Curve
Sweep speed| Sweep amount| Curve type
0-31
The higher the value is, the slower the speed be- comes.| 1- 11| 1- 11 semi- tones| LINE| Linear
After input, the note changes linearly to the range amount.
1OCT| 1 octave
EXP| Exponential
After input, the note changes gradually at first and then rapidly in the latter half until it reaches the range amount.
2OCT| 2 octaves
LOG| Logarithmic
After input, the note changes rapidly at first and then gradually slows until it reaches the range amount.

Effects

Effects can be set for each track of the Lofi-12.

Adjusting effects

1. Press   to select an effect.
2. Use SPEED – FX and AMOUNT – FX to adjust the parameters.

|

SPEED – FX

| AMOUNT – FX
---|---|---
OFF| Off| —-| —-
CHRS| Chorus| Rate| Amount
FLNG| Flanger| Speed| Amount
DLY| Delay| Time| Amount
CRSH| Crush| Sample rate| LPF cutoff
DIST| Distortion| Gain| Tone
LPF| Low pass filter| Cutoff| Resonance
HPF| High pass filter| Cutoff| Resonance
ISO| Isolator| Frequency| Balance
TILT| Tilt EQ| Frequency| Balance
TRML| Tremolo| Rate| Amount
COMP| Compressor| Ratio| Threshold

• In step 1, can also be used to select the effect type.

Reverb

The Lofi-12 has a single high quality reverb effect.
The send levels for this reverb can be set individually for each track.

Adjusting the reverb

1. Press to select the effect.
2. Use REVERB to adjust the parameter.

|
---|---
OFF| Off| —-
HALL| Hall| Mix
ROOM| Room| Mix
ARNA| Arena| Mix
PLAT| Plate| Mix
TNNL| Tunnel| Mix
INF| Infinity| Mix
TAPE| Cassette Tape Simulator| Noise + wow flutter
VNYL| Vinyl Simulator| Noise + wow flutter

3. Use + → reverb to set the reverb send level for individual tracks.
Use + line in to set the reverb send level for LINE IN input.

Quick sampling – Recording

Connecting equipment to the LINE IN Enable recording

1. Connect the output of the equipment you want to record to the Lofi-12 LINE IN.
• Mics and guitars cannot be connected directly. Use a mixer or other equipment to convert their outputs to line signals.

Select the recording slot
2. Use BANK and SAMPLE to select the slot where the sample will be recorded.

Start recording
4. Press again. will light red and recording will automatically start when a signal is input.

The step keys show the recording progress.
When step 16 lights, recording will stop automatically.
5. Press twice.
This saves the sample.

• Press to cancel the operation.
• Use SAMPLE & EDIT mode to rename and edit samples. ( → P. 36)

Sampling settings

The following settings are used for quick sampling.

Setting auto recording

1. Press to select A.R.LV.

2. Turn .
   This can be set to OFF or the input signal level that starts recording automatically ( − 60 – − 20 dB).
   If auto recording is off, press when in recording standby to start recording.

Setting the sampling frequency

1. Press , and select S.FRQ 12K or 24K.
2. Turn to select one.

• Use func + LINE IN to adjust the LINE IN input gain.
• After recording completes, the volume of the sample will be normalized automatically.

LINE IN settings

Changing the gain

1. Press to select GAIN.
2. Turn to change the gain.

| Gain
---|---
MUTE – 127

Setting mono/stereo

1. Press to select MONO.
2. Turn to switch between ON and OFF.

| Monophonic
---|---
ON| Mono
OFF| Stereo

Activating and deactivating SAMPLE & EDIT mode

Activating SAMPLE & EDIT mode (slot selection)

1. Press SAMPLE .

Selecting slots
2. Turn to select a slot and press . → This activates SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing).
3. Press .

Place the included SAMPLE & EDIT overlay on the unit.

• When a slot is selected, the sample can be auditioned by playing the keyboard.

Deactivating SAMPLE & EDIT mode (returning to Regular mode)

1. Press .
   This returns to slot selection.

2. Press again.
   This returns to regular mode.

SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing) Preparing to record

Connecting equipment Select the recording

to the LINE IN

1. Connect the output of the equipment you want to record to the Lofi-12 LINE IN.
   • Mics and guitars cannot be connected directly. Use a mixer or other equipment to convert their outputs to line signals.
   • The Lofi-12 records in mono. Stereo signals input to the LINE IN are mixed in mono by default.
   slot

2. In SAMPLE & EDIT mode, press .
   will light red.

3. Turn to select the slot where you want to record the sample.
   • When a slot is selected, the sample can be auditioned by playing the keyboard.

4. Press to enable editing.
   will light red.

Enable recording

1. Press .
It will blink red.
Use the step keys to check the recording level.
Press to cancel.
• Use LINE IN LEVEL to adjust the input level.

Set the sample quality

2. Press to select the sampling frequency.
When is lit red, the setting is 24kHz (2 seconds of recording). When it is unlit, the setting is 12kHz (4 seconds of recording).

Start recording
3. Press again.
It will light and automatically start recording when a signal is input.

The step keys show the recording progress.
When step 16 lights, recording will stop automatically.
4. Press twice.
This saves the sample.
• AUTO REC LVL can be set to OFF or the input signal level that starts recording automatically ( − 60 – 20 dB).
If AUTO REC LVL is OFF, pressing will start recording.
• After recording completes, the volume of the sample will be normalized automatically.

Adjust parameters
1. Turn a knob.

Adjust parameters precisely
2. Turn   while the parameter is shown.

Start position in
sample| End position in
sample| Pitch adjustment| Level
0 – 9998| 1 – 9999| − 999 – +999*| 0 – 127
| | |

Parameters that allow precise adjustment
*100 = 1 semitone

Save settings
3. Press twice.
It will be saved and return to slot selection.

Discard settings
Press .
This will return to slot selection without saving.

Setting Sustain loops
The Lofi-12 has a sustain loop function that can play the desired interval in a sample as a loop.
Set a sustain loop if you want to have a sound play continuously like an organ as long as you press a key on the keyboard.

START-LOOP

| END-LOOP| ENABLE
---|---|---
Loop Start| Loop End| Loop Enable
Start position of sustain loop| End position of sustain loop| Sustain loop activation
0 – 9776| 420 – 9999| ON/OFF
Set the position of the 9,999 divisions of the sample in increments of 100.| Set the position of the 9,999 divisions of the sample in increments of 100.| This turns the sustain loop on/off.
| |
Adjust the position in increments of 1.| Adjust the position in increments of 1.|

The Loop Start and Loop End are connected by a crossfade.
Set an interval that does not have volume or tone changes in order to make the loop sound natural. Setting a natural-sounding sustain loop might not be possible for some waveforms.

SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing)  Basic operation
Reversing sample playback

REVERSE

Reverse

This turns reverse playback on/off.
OFF| Played  in  regular  direc tion
ON| Played in reverse

Setting sample fade out
The entire length of a sample is shown by the lit .

1. Press the step at the position where you want to start the fadeout.
   For example, press if you want to start to fade out in the middle of the sample.
   Steps will blink for the length that is being faded out.
   Press to set no fadeout.

2. Press twice.
   This applies the fadeout to the sample.

• Fade-outs can only be set when LOOP ENABLE is off.

Chacking the attack, release, and velocity of the sound

ATTACK – EG

|

RELEASE – EG

|

VELO

---|---|---
Time for sample to reach full volume after note is turned on| Time until sample be- comes silent after note is turned off| Volume triggered when note is turned on
0–127| 0–127| 0–127

SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing)
— Renaming and copying

Renaming samples

1. In editing mode, press.
2. Use and to move the cursor left and right, and turn to select characters.
3. Press.
   This completes the setting.
   DONE will appear on the display.

• During slot selection, can be pressed to rename a bank in the same way.

Copying samples

1. Use slot selection to select an empty slot
2. Press to enable editing.
3. Press.
4. Turn to select the sample you want to copy.
5. Press.
   The sample will be copied and DONE will be shown on the display.

• After completing a procedure, press twice to save the changes.
• Press during a procedure to cancel it.

SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing) Clearing

Clearing samples

1. In editing mode, press.
   This clears the sample.

• After completing a procedure, press twice to save the changes.
• Press ****during a procedure to cancel it.

SAMPLE & EDIT mode (editing)
Exporting/importing samples
Recorded samples can be exported to or imported from a PC, Mac or similar device by MIDI. See page 81 for details about connection.

Exporting a single sample

1. Use slot selection to select the sample you want to export.
2. Press to enable editing.
3. Press.
4. Set your PC to receive MIDI data.
5. Press .
   This starts sample data transmission.
   The step LEDs will show the progress. When finished, DONE will appear on the display.

Importing a single sample

1. Use slot selection to select the slot you want to import to.
2. Press to enable editing.
3. Start transmitting data from the transmitting device.
4. After receiving data has completed, press twice to save it.

Exporting sample banks

1. In the slot selection, press to select the bank you want to export.
2. Press
3. Set your PC to receive MIDI data.
4. Press .
   This starts sample data transmission.
   The step LEDs will show the progress. When finished, DONE will appear on the display.

Importing sample banks

1. In the slot selection, press to select the bank you want to export.
2. Press
3. Start transmitting data from the transmitting device.
4. When BK.SV is shown, press

Step sequencer overview

Overview
The Lofi-12 step sequencer can play multiple steps in order (a sequence) with performance and parameter data.

Lofi-12 step sequencer features
The sequencer in the Lofi-12 has the following features.
Three input methods
Step recording
Record notes to each step with the sequencer stopped
Real-time recording
Record notes to steps by playing the keyboard
Direct recording
Record notes to steps directly during sequencer playback
Flexible sequencing
Sequences with up to 64 steps
The number of steps can be set from 1 – 64 as desired for each track
Support for various note lengths
The length of each step can be set from 1/32nd note to 1 bar.

Creating sequences – Preparation

Selecting tracks and setting sounds

1. Press one button to select the track for sequence creation.
2. Turn and to select the sound to use.

• The LIVEN Lofi-12 can generate a maximum of 10 notes simultaneously (10-voice polyphony).
• If the maximum polyphony is exceeded, notes will be turned off starting with notes on the lowest priority track. (The track priority is from 4 to 1 in order. However, sounds that are being released will be turned off first in track priority order.)
• The LIVEN Lofi-12 includes 8 banks of 16 sounds, allowing selection of up to 128 sounds.

Creating sequences – Settings
Setting the note length of one step

1. Press
2. Use to select the note length.

Note

1/1| Whole note
1/2| Half note
1/.4| Dotted quarter note
1/4| Quarter note
1/.8| Dotted 8th note
1/2T| Half note triplet
1/8| 8th note
1/.16| Dotted 16th note
1/4T| Quarter note triplet
1/16| 16th note
1/32| 32nd note

Changing the sequence length

1. Press +.
2. Use to set the sequence length.

Length

1 – 64 (steps)

Creating sequences – Step recording
Using step recording, sequences can be created carefully while playback is stopped.

Basic operations

1. When stopped, press (lights red).

2. Press – at the step where you want to input a note.
   The LED for the current step will blink. The LEDs for steps that already have notes will light.

3. Play a note on the keyboard to input it at the step.
   Press the same note again on the keyboard to remove it from the step.
   Repeat steps 2 – 3 to create the sequence.

4. Press to end step recording.

Creating sequences　– Step recording

Selecting steps 17 and higher
After procedure number one, press and to select steps 17 and higher.

| To select steps 1–16, press the 1/3 button.
---|---
| To select steps 17–32, press the 2/4 button.
| To select steps 33–48, press the 1/3 button twice.
| To select steps 49–64, press the 2/4 button twice.

• In procedure 2, pressing – will cause the stored note to sound continuously. This is by design.
• can also be used to move between steps.
• Page buttons are enabled or disabled according to the length of the sequence.

Creating sequences　– Step recording
Clearing steps

Press .
During step recording, only the note information for that step will be cleared.

Copying steps

1. During step recording, press – to select the step to copy.
2. Press
3. Press – to select the paste destination step.
4. Press .
5. The note and parameter lock data from the copy source step will be pasted to the destination step.

Automatically advancing steps during step recording (Auto Step mode)
In step recording mode, the step can be advanced automatically each time a key of the keyboard is pressed.

1. Press + to turn this mode on/off.

Creating sequences　– Step recording
Tied-notes (long sounds) can be input with the Lofi-12.

Enabling tied-note (long sound) input

1. Press +.
   The button will light red, and tied-note input will be enabled.

Inputting tied-notes (long sounds)

1. When stopped, press (lights red) to start step recording.
2. Press at the step where you want to start note input.
3. Press and hold a key on the keyboard.
4. Press at the step where you want to stop the note.
   This inputs a tied-note from the starting step to the stopping step.

In the example above, a note (A) is input that starts on step 3 and ends on step 7.

• By pressing and during procedure 4, tied-notes that span pages can be input.

Creating sequences – Real-time recording
Sequences can be created in real time while playing the keyboard.

Basic operations

1. After pressing, press .

2. The pattern will start playing, so play the keyboard  when you want to input notes.
   Clearing notes

3. Press at the time when you want to clear notes.
   Notes will be cleared while this is being pressed.

• By pressing to enable the input of tied-notes, long notes that span steps can be input.

Creating sequences Real-time recording

1. Press  to select MTRO.
2. Use to adjust the metronome volume.

Metronome

0 – 15

Setting a pre-count

1. Press +to select PR.CT.
2. Use to change the pre-count

Metronome

OFF, 1 – 8

• When a pre-count is set, recording and playback will start after the pre-count.

Creating sequences Direct recording

With direct recording, notes can be input on steps directly when both stopped and playing back.
This is particularly suitable for building up sequences while performing by directly inputting notes during playback.

Basic operations

1. Press and hold for the position where you want to input a note
2. Play a note on the keyboard to input it at the step.
   Notes can also be input if procedures 1 and 2 are done in reverse order.

Creating sequences – Direct recording
By pressing and before procedure 1, pages with steps 17 and higher can be selected.

| To select steps 1–16, press the 1/3 button.
---|---
| To select steps 17–32, press the 2/4 button.
| To select steps 17–32, press the 2/4 button.
| To select steps 49–64, press the 2/4 button twice.

• During playback, pressing or will lock the page shown.
  Press to unlock the page.

Creating sequences Groove settings

The Lofi-12 includes a swing function for creating offset rhythms and a laid- back function for delaying the timing of sample sounds.

Setting the swing

1. Turn + to adjust it.
   Every even step (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) will be delayed.

 This setting can be made separately for each track.

Setting the laid-back function
Turn + to adjust it.
This delays the timings of entire samples for the selected track.

• The timings of sounds can be changed independently for each step using the parameter locking function.
  The sound locking function can be used to create a drum track that has multiple samples on a single track, and these functions can be used to freely set the timing of bass drum and snare sounds, for example.

Parameter locking

The Lofi-12 has a parameter locking function that can record knob operations to steps.
This allows sounds to be changed over time and is useful for creating patterns with great expressiveness.
Parameter locking data can be input in the following three ways.

Direct input
Turn knobs while pressing – in this fundamental method of direct input.
Real-time input
Record the operation of knobs during playback in real-time in this method.
Sound locking input
When recording notes to steps by pressing keys on the keyboard, the state of the sound currently playing is simultaneously recorded to the step as parameter lock data in this input method.

Basic parameter locking operations

Turning parameter locking on

1. Press .
   Pressing   cycles through the following states.

parameter lock data
PRM LOCK| Sound locking on| Sound lock recording enabled ( → P. 62)

Clearing parameter lock data

1. Press.
   This clears parameter lock data.

Parameter locking – Direct input
Turning parameter locking on

1. Press (lights green).
   Recording knob operations

2. While pressing , turn knobs.

• By pressing and before procedure 2, pages with steps 17 and higher can be selected.
• Parameter locking cannot be used on REVERB, line in ↑ , ptn level, PTN BPM, global BPM and VOL.

Parameter locking – Real-time input
Inputting in real time (parameter recording)

1. Press + (lights red).
2. Press to play the pattern.
3. Turn  knobs and record the changes.
4. Press, making it light green, to end real-time input.

Parameter locking – Sound locking input
Turning sound locking on

1. Press twice (lights orange).
   Recording note input and parameter lock data at the same time

2.  While pressing , play the keyboard.

• In procedure 2, direct recording is used for note input. The sound locking function can also be used with step recording and real-time recording in the same manner.
• The parameter lock data that is recorded using the sound locking function includes BANK, SAMPLE, start, RELEASE & GATE and attack.

Sequence effects

The Lofi-12 has sequence effect functions, including Dice that sets the probability of notes sounding, Random that can randomize phrases, and Stutter that repeats playback  of pressed steps.

Random
Random settings
The smallest unit used for randomization during random playback can be set (for example, 1 step or 4 steps).

1. Press , and use to adjust.

Random step unit

OFF, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 (steps)
If set to OFF, randomization will not occur even if the random playback function is on.

The random on/off setting is saved with the pattern, but random unit settings can be saved per track.

Dice

1. Turn +.
   The probability of a note sounding can be set from 25 – 100％ .

• The probability of notes sounding can be set independently for each step using the parameter locking function.

Stutter

1. Press +.
   Turning this on enables stutter mode.

2. Press .
   Only the pressed steps will be played.

Press again to turn stutter mode off.

Deleting sequences

Clearing steps
Press
The note and parameter lock data from that step will be cleared.

• While pressing , steps that have parameter lock data blink red.
• When recording notes (REC button lit red), only note data will be cleared.
• When parameter recording ( lit red), only parameter lock data will be cleared.
• Normally, when and buttons are lit red, both note and parameter data will be cleared.

Clearing all note data in a sequence
Press  for the track with the sequence to be cleared.
Use to select NOTE, and press . This clears all notes on all steps of the sequence.

Restoring only track sounds to the last saved state

1. Press for the track with the sound to be re-stored.
2. Turn to select SND, and press .

Copying tracks

1. Press  to select the track of the pattern to be copied.
2. Press . ****
3. Press to select the track for the pattern to be past- ed.
4. Press  .

Pattern saving
Sequences created on every track can be saved as patterns.
1 Press .
2 Press .
DONE will appear, and it will be saved. Changing the save destination or copying the pattern

1. Press .
2. Use to select the save destination bank.
3. to select the save destination pattern.
   DONE will appear, and it will be saved.

• In procedure 2, can also be used to select the save destination (execute with ) .
• Press during a procedure to cancel it.

Initializing patterns

1. Select the pattern to be initialized.( → P. 15)
2. Press + .  will be shown, and pattern settings along with note and parameter lock data will all be cleared.
3. Save the pattern.

Pattern renaming
Renaming patterns

1.  Press multiple times to select P.N.ED (pattern name editing).
2. Use to select the pattern for renaming, and press .
3. Use and to move the cursor left  and right, and turnto select characters. Cursor position blinks
4. Press . This saves the name and returns to pattern selection. To rename other patterns,repeat from procedure 2. To end renaming, press .

Tempo overview
The Lofi-12 has two BPM modes.
Pattern BPM mode
Whenever a different pattern is selected, the BPM is reset using the tempo saved in that pattern.
Global BPM mode
The current global BPM value will continue to be used even when a different pattern is selected.
Select global BPM mode to maintain a consistent tempo during the jam session. Use pattern BPM mode when you want the tempo to change with each pattern.
Setting the BPM mode

1.  Press .
2. Use to select the BPM mode.

BPM

BPM mode
| Pattern BPM mode
| Global BPM mode

Setting the pattern BPM
Turn .

Pattern BPM
40 – 250
When the tempo is shown on the display, can be turned to change it in 0.1-beat increments.
Tempo overview
Setting the global BPM
Press .

Global BPM
40 – 250
When the tempo is shown on the display, can be turned to change it in 0.1-beat increments.
Clock synchronization with external devices — Clock settings
Overview
The Lofi-12 has the following synchronization capabilities.
SYNC
Use the SYNC IN/OUT jacks to connect and synchronize with devices that support SYNC (including the Korg Volca series).
MIDI
Use the MIDI IN/OUT jacks to connect and synchronize with devices that support MIDI.
Audio Sync
Use the LINE IN and headphone jacks to connect and synchronize with devices that support Audio Sync (including the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator series).
When using Audio Sync, the audio exchanged will be mono.
The Lofi-12 can act as a clock master or receive clock from an external device.
Clock synchronization with external devices — Clock settings
Setting the clock source
When set to INT (internal), the Lofi-12 acts as a clock master.
When not set to INT, the external device will be treated as the clock master.

1. Press to select SRC.
2. Turn to set the clock source.

Clock Source

| Use internal clock of LIVEN Lofi-12
| Use clock from MIDI IN
| Use clock from SYNC IN
| Use clock from LINE IN

Setting Audio Sync output
Audio Sync output uses the headphone jack.
For this purpose, make the following setting to use Audio Sync output.

1. Press and select A.OUT.
2. Turn to select ON.

• The sync signal will be output from the left channel and a mono mix of the audio will be output from the right channel of the headphone jack.

Setting SYNC IN polarity

1. Press and select S.I.PO.
2. Turn to set the polarity.

Polarity – Sync In

| Synchronize with falling of sync signal
| Synchronize with rising of sync signal

Setting SYNC OUT polarity

1.  Press and select S.O.PO.
2. Turn to set the polarity.

Polarity – Sync In

| Synchronize with falling of sync signal
| Synchronize with rising of sync signal

• See P. 78 for details about setting MIDI clock.

Clock synchronization with external devices — Connection examples
Lofi-12 as clock master External device as clock master Bridging clock signals to a different connector from an external device acting as the clock master Using the bridging function, it is possible to synchronize devices with different connectors. For example, a Pocket Operator acting as a clock master can be used to  zxynchronize a Volca or MIDI device connected to the Lofi-12.
MIDI
Setting channels for transmitting and receiving MIDI

1. Press , and select the track for which you want to set the MIDI channel.

2. Turn to set the channel.

MIDI Channel

OFF, CH.01 – CH.16

Setting the MIDI channel for pattern parameters

1. Press and select PT.CH.
2. Turn to set the channel.

MIDI Channel

OFF, CH.01 – CH.16

Setting the MIDI channel for accessing the selected track (automatic channel)

1. Press and select AT.CH.
2.  Turn to set the channel.

MIDI Channel

OFF, CH.01 – CH.16

Setting the MIDI channel used to output keyboard playing

1. Press and select O.CH.
2. Turn to set it.

MIDI Channel

TRCK (track), AUTO

Turning control change transmission on/off

1. Press and select TX.CC.
2. Turn to set it to on/off.

Control Change

ON, OFF

• Control change reception is always enabled.

Turning MIDI clock output on/off

1. Press   and select TX.CK.
2. Turn to set it to on/off.

MIDI Clock

ON, OFF

Setting MIDI OUT

1.  Press and select M.OUT.
2.  Turn  to set MIDI OUT.

MIDI OUT

OUT, THRU

Setting MIDI command transmitting and receiving

1.  Press   and select M.CMD.
2. Turn to set MIDI command transmitting and receiving.

MIDI Commands

| receive
| Only receive
| Only transmit
| Transmit and receive

Turning active sensing transmission on/off

1. Press and select TX.AS.

2. Turn to set it to on/off.

Active Sensing – Transmit

ON, OFF

Turning on/off active sensing reception

1. Press   and select RX.AS.

2. Turn to set it to on/off.

Active Sensing – Receive

ON, OFF

Setting the channel for transmitting and receiving program changes

1. Press and select PC.CH.

2. Turn to set the program change channel.

Program Change – Channel

AUTO, CH.01 – CH.16

Turning on/off program change transmission

1. Press and select TX.PC.

2. Turn to set it to on/off.

Program Change – Transmit

ON, OFF

Turning on/off program change reception

1. Press and select RX.PC.

2. Turn to set it to on/off.

Program Change – Receive

ON, OFF

Exporting/importing user data

Connecting – Exporting/importing to/from a PC/Mac Connecting – Exporting/importing to/from another Lofi-12

Exporting a single pattern

1. Select the pattern you want to export. ( → P. 15)

2. Press and select P.EXP.

3. Set your PC to receive MIDI data.

4. Press .

•  Press to cancel.

Importing a single pattern

1. Put the unit into regular mode, and start transmitting data from the transmitting device.

• The received pattern will not be saved automatically. Save the pattern as necessary. ( → P. 67)

Backing up all user data at once

1. Press + the POWER switch to turn on the Lofi-12.
2. Turn to select EXPT.
3. Press .

• The step LEDs show the progress. (They light from in order. Transmission is complete when have all lit.)
• Press to cancel.
• The size of the backup data is 69,908 messages – 16.7MB.
• If the size of the data is different, the backup might have failed. If this occurs, before step ③ , while pressing , turn to increase the transmission interval. (The default value is 0.)

Restoring (importing) user data

1. Press + the POWER switch to turn on the Lofi-12.

2. Turn to select IMPT.

3.  Press . This makes the unit ready to receive data.  Start exporting from the sending device.

4. When SAVE appears on the display after receiving completes,  press to restore (load)  the received data.

• The step LEDs show the progress. (They light from in order. Transmission is complete when have all lit.)
• Press to cancel.

System settings

Setting the battery type

1. Press   to select BATT.

2. Turn to select the battery type.

Battery

| Alkaline dry cell
| Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
| Lithium dry cell

• Please set this correctly because it effects operation time.
• The remaining charge shown could be higher than the actual amount depending on the type of rechargeable battery.

Setting the automatic power down function

1. Press and select A.PWR.
2. Turn to select the automatic power down time.

Automatic power down time

| Automatic power down is disabled.
| Power will turn off automatically after 30 minutes without operation.
| Power will turn off automatically after 1 hour without operation.
| Power will turn off automatically after 3 hours  without operation.
| Power will turn off automatically after 6 hours without operation.

1. Press .

Headphone Gain

| Louder output
| Factory default
| Quieter output

Setting the master tuning

1. Press to select TUNE.

2. Turn to set the master tuning.

Master Tuning

− 75 – 0 – +75 (cents)

Setting knob movement behavior

1. Press   to set whether or not latching is used for knob operation.

Latching

| Jump| When a knob is moved, the parameter changes immediately.
| Latch| The knob does not affect the parameter value until its position reaches that value. Then, the value follows the
knob.

• When set to Latch, the dots on the display will be animated to show how much the knob position and parameter value differs to the left or right.
  The dots will appear to flow to the left when the parameter value is lower than the knob position and to the right when the value is higher than the position. The flow will be faster for higher values.

Restoring to factory default settings (factory reset)

1.  Press and hold 3 + the POWER switch to turn on the Lofi-12.

2. Press . The step LEDs will show the progress.When finished, OK will appear on the display.

• Press to cancel.
• This will not restore sample waveform data to the factory default. To restore the sample waveform data, download it from the SONICWARE website and import it.

Checking the system versions

1. Press and hold 2 + the POWER switch to turn on the Lofi-12.

2. Press  and to check the versions.

Firmware Versions

| | System version
| | Boot version
| | Preset version

• Press the same  or again to show the build number.

Updating the firmware

1. Press and hold + the POWER switch to 　 turn on the Lofi-12.

2. Transmit the firmware (Sys Ex data) from a PC/Mac.

• The step LEDs show the progress of data transmission. (They light from in order. Transmission is complete when – have all lit.)

After transmission completes, press to execute the update.

• If the update occurred properly, OK will be shown. ( If a problem occurred, an error code will be shown.)

Restart the unit.

• Use new batteries or an AC adapter.
• Never interrupt the power during a firmware update.
• Press to cancel the update and start up normally.

Error codes

| System error
---|---
| Low battery
| Data receiving error
| Invalid data
| No need to update (Boot)
| Update Failed

Appendix

Figure1.　Sound architecture

Documents / Resources

| SONICWARE Lofi-12 Retro Sampler Groovebox [pdf] User Manual
Lofi-12 Retro Sampler Groovebox, Lofi-12, Retro Sampler Groovebox, Sampler Groovebox, Groovebox
---|---

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