Battle of the Beat Machines: Elektron Model:Samples vs Sonicware Liven Lofi-12

Are you ready to make some awesome beats? Today, we’re comparing two fantastic music machines: the Elektron Model:Samples and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12. Both are super fun and perfect for creating music, but they have some differences. Let’s dive in and find out which one might be best for you!

Introduction

Making music is like painting a picture with sounds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beatmaker, having the right tools is super important. That’s why we’re looking at two popular samplers today: the Elektron Model:Samples and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12. Both of these devices can help you create amazing music, but they each have their special features. So, let’s see what makes each one unique!

Elektron Model:Samples

Features

The Elektron Model:Samples is a powerful little machine that was released in 2019. It comes with six sound tracks, which means you can layer six different sounds at once. This sampler is known for its high-quality sound, with a sample rate of 48kHz, ensuring your beats are crisp and clear. It also has cool built-in effects like distortion, filter effects, and a global delay and reverb send, which can make your music even more exciting.

One thing that makes the Elektron Model:Samples unique is that it doesn’t have traditional pads. Instead, it uses buttons to trigger sounds. Some might find this a bit different, but it’s quite easy to get used to. The device has a small LCD screen that shows you what you’re doing, and it integrates with Elektron’s software, Elektron Transfer, for easy sample management.

The Model:Samples is built for portability. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for making music on the go. With a price of $349, it’s a great investment for anyone serious about music production.

Pros

• High-Quality Sound: With a 48kHz sample rate, your music will sound professional.
• Built-In Effects: The distortion, filter effects, and delay and reverb send add depth to your beats.
• Portability: It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
• Software Integration: Works with Elektron Transfer for sample management.

Cons

• No Pads: Uses buttons instead of traditional pads, which might take some getting used to.
• Price: At $349, it’s more expensive than the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12.

Sonicware Liven Lofi-12

Features

The Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 is a groovebox that came out in 2022. It’s designed for people who love that vintage lo-fi sound. With 10-voice polyphony, you can create rich, layered tracks. It offers two different sample rates, 12kHz and 24kHz, for that classic lo-fi feel.

This sampler has a 4x4 pad matrix with 16 pads, which makes playing and sequencing your music feel natural and intuitive. It also includes a 64-step sequencer, allowing you to build complex patterns easily. The Lofi-12 comes with effects like Delay, Reverb, Bit Crusher, and EQ, which are perfect for crafting those dusty, retro vibes.

One standout feature is its storage system. Instead of internal storage, it uses an SD card, making it super easy to swap out samples. Priced at $239, the Lofi-12 is more affordable, making it a great option for beginners or those on a budget.

Pros

• Affordable: At $239, it’s budget-friendly.
• Lo-Fi Aesthetic: Perfect for those who love vintage sounds.
• 16 Pads: Offers a hands-on approach to making music.
• SD Card Storage: Easy to swap samples in and out.

Cons

• Lower Sample Rate: The 12kHz/24kHz sample rate might not suit everyone.
• No Software Integration: Lacks software for managing samples.

Feature Comparisons

Now that we know a bit about both samplers, let’s compare some of their key features side by side.

Sound Quality

The Elektron Model:Samples boasts a higher sample rate of 48kHz, which means it can produce clearer and more detailed sounds. This is perfect if you aim for pristine audio quality. On the other hand, the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 offers a lo-fi charm with its 12kHz/24kHz sample rates. This gives your music a vintage feel, ideal for those who love retro sounds.

Playability

When it comes to playability, the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 has a clear advantage with its 4x4 pad matrix. These 16 pads make it easy to create and perform music in a tactile way. In contrast, the Elektron Model:Samples uses buttons instead of pads, which might take some getting used to if you’re more accustomed to pad-based devices.

Effects and Sequencing

Both samplers offer a range of effects to enhance your music. The Elektron Model:Samples includes distortion, filter effects, and a global delay and reverb send, while the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 provides Delay, Reverb, Bit Crusher, and EQ. Sequencing is also strong on both devices, with the Model:Samples offering a flexible sequencer and the Lofi-12 providing a 64-step sequencer for detailed pattern creation.

Storage and Integration

Storage is another area where these samplers differ. The Model:Samples has internal storage, while the Lofi-12 uses an SD card, which can be more convenient for swapping samples. Additionally, the Model:Samples integrates with Elektron Transfer software, making sample management easier. The Lofi-12, however, does not have software integration, which might require a bit more manual work when managing your samples.

Final Verdict

Both the Elektron Model:Samples and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 are fantastic tools for making music, but they cater to different needs.

• Elektron Model:Samples: Best for those who prioritize sound quality and want a portable, high-quality sampler with software integration. If you don’t mind using buttons instead of pads and are willing to spend a bit more, this sampler is a great choice.

• Sonicware Liven Lofi-12: Perfect for beginners or those on a budget who love the lo-fi aesthetic. If you enjoy a hands-on approach with pads and don’t need software integration, this groovebox will suit you well.

In the end, both samplers have their unique strengths. Choose the one that fits your style and start making music today!