Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 — VS — Sonicware Liven Lofi-12
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3
MASCHINE MIKRO Mk3 is a small, easy-to-use music tool that helps you make beats and songs with your computer. It works great with your favorite music software and gives you hands-on control with its 16 touch pads.</p><p class='text-gray-700 mb-4'>You can tap out drum beats, play melodies, build chords, or use the classic step-by-step method to create music. It comes with a bunch of built-in sounds—like drums, loops, and instruments—so you can start making tracks right away. MASCHINE MIKRO is powered by USB and works with all the major music programs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. It's a fun and powerful way to bring your music ideas to life.
Sonicware Liven Lofi-12
The Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 is a dedicated lo-fi sampling groovebox inspired by vintage samplers. It features 12-bit sampling, real-time performance effects, and a hands-on sequencer that makes building tracks intuitive and fun. It's ideal for beatmakers who love dusty textures and retro vibes.
| Spec | Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 | Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Native Instruments | Sonicware |
| Year Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Polyphony | 128 | 10 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz | 12kHz / 24kHz |
| Storage | Internal storage | SD card |
| Pads | 16 large velocity-sensitive pads | 4x4 pad matrix (16 pads) |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes, 64-step |
| Effects | EQ, Reverb, Delay | Delay, Reverb, Bit Crusher, EQ |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out, USB, Audio Out | Line In/Out, MIDI In/Out, Headphone, USB |
| Screen | Full color display | LED display |
| Software Integration | Maschine Software | None |
| Build | Controller | Compact lo-fi groovebox |
| Price | $269 | $239 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Buy the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 on Amazon.com
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Buy Now On AmazonSummary
In this blog post, we’ll explore two exciting samplers: the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12. Both offer unique features for music creators, with one focusing on modern, versatile music production and the other catering to fans of vintage lo-fi sounds.
Introduction
If you love making music, you know how important it is to have the right tools. Today, we’re diving into two amazing samplers that can help you create awesome beats and songs. Whether you are a budding producer or a seasoned musician, finding a sampler that fits your style is key. Let’s take a closer look at the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 to see which one might be your perfect match.
Feature Comparisons
Design and Build
The Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 is a sleek and modern music tool. It’s a controller that connects to your computer, giving you a hands-on way to create music. With 16 large, velocity-sensitive pads, you can tap out drum beats, melodies, and chords. It also has a full-color display, making it easy to see what you’re doing. The build is solid and designed for heavy use, which is perfect for musicians who work on their music all the time.
On the other hand, the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 is a compact lo-fi groovebox. It has a 4x4 pad matrix, giving you 16 pads to play with. The design is inspired by vintage samplers, which means it looks cool and retro. It’s compact, making it easy to carry around. The LED display is simple but effective for navigating its features.
Sound and Polyphony
Sound is where these two samplers really start to differ. The Maschine Mikro Mk3 offers a whopping 128-note polyphony with a sample rate of 44.1kHz. This means you can play a lot of sounds at once without any trouble, making it great for complex compositions.
The Liven Lofi-12 has a more limited 10-note polyphony and offers a choice between 12kHz and 24kHz sample rates. This lower fidelity is by design, giving your music a nostalgic, vintage feel. It’s perfect if you love that dusty, lo-fi sound.
Storage and Connectivity
When it comes to storage, the Maschine Mikro Mk3 has internal storage, which is convenient for storing your sounds and projects. It connects to your computer via USB and supports major music software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. This makes it a versatile choice for modern producers who work primarily on computers.
The Liven Lofi-12 uses an SD card for storage. This can be handy if you want to easily swap out sounds or projects. It has a variety of inputs and outputs, including Line In/Out, MIDI In/Out, a headphone jack, and USB. However, it lacks direct software integration, so it’s more standalone in nature.
Effects and Sequencing
Both samplers come with effects to enhance your music. The Maschine Mikro Mk3 offers EQ, reverb, and delay. These are great for adding depth and dimension to your tracks.
The Liven Lofi-12 includes delay, reverb, bit crusher, and EQ. The bit crusher is particularly exciting for those looking to add a gritty, lo-fi texture to their sounds. Both devices have sequencers, but the Liven Lofi-12 offers a 64-step sequencer, providing more room for complex patterns and arrangements.
Pros and Cons
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3
Pros:
- High polyphony (128 notes)
- Full color display for easy navigation
- Excellent software integration
- Large, responsive pads
Cons:
- Requires a computer to function
- Higher price point ($269)
Sonicware Liven Lofi-12
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Charming lo-fi sound quality
- Standalone operation with SD card storage
- Affordable price ($239)
Cons:
- Lower polyphony (10 notes)
- No software integration
Conclusion
Both the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3 and the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 offer unique features that cater to different types of music creators. The Maschine Mikro Mk3 is ideal for those looking for a versatile, high-tech music production tool that integrates seamlessly with computer software. Meanwhile, the Liven Lofi-12 is perfect for musicians who love the vintage sound of lo-fi music and want a portable, standalone device. Choose the one that best fits your music style and start creating!