I’ve had mine for a few weeks and I’m thrilled with it. The sounds and sample options are great, but it’s the sequencing and song mode that really blow me away. It’s so easy and intuitive, great UI and flexibility. The bigger manufacturers who make grooveboxes or integrate sequencing into their synths could learn a lot from this. Much more satisfying than, say, my Roland SH-4d or Elektron Digitone. You do raise a good point about the separate FM sound design experience, though. Great demo and review!
Those were some really sweet demo tracks. I'm not that attached to those "old school videogames" sounds but i enjoyed a lot of the tones that you Paulee created with this thing. Great review of a really funny kit.
That jam was fantastic. Definitely gonna enjoy this machine when it finally arrives. I can already hear the dungeon synth, industrial and 16 bit metal it can likely pump out.
21:25 (re polyphony): The three FM tracks share 6 voice polyphony. The two PSG voices share 4 voice polyphony. The PCM track has 3 sound polyphony. I'm not sure if FX affect/reduce this as I've encountered unforeseen voice stealing when noodling with the machine. As with the original game system, you've got to be creative and drop all unnecessary note duplication or redundant 5ths or whatnot.
That’s one of the reasons why I loved the Genesis’ sound chip. It forces you to be creative with the limited voices available. The Mega synthesis is actually a bit generous as it offers a few more voices than the actual ym2612 chip did.
While you can’t use feedback while jamming, we at least have the distortion and bit crush effects to make up for that. It’s not exactly the same thing but you can get some pretty gnarly sounds out of it with these effects.
Could you not link feedback on operator 1 to velocity (while in FM edit mode) and then use the velocity knob (in performance mode) to get your desired effect? Also, have you tried Sonicware's Liven XFM? That has worlds of feedback and other weirdness for all 4 operators.
I LOVE this groovebox. So much fun. I hope Sonicware revamp their original Liven 8bit warps and bring out a Liven Gameboy or Liven SNES Synthesis. (basically drop the looper from the L8BW and replace it with a four engine sequencer). Sonicware make such fun and interesting budget rrooveboxes (The Texture Lab granular groovebox is amazing).
4:56 How can you get "lost" in a Liven UI? It'ss basically 2 functions per knob and the occasional cycling option on buttons/keys. There's no menu diving or anywhere to get "lost" in.
I was ok, but I know that there’s a lot of people (maybe the majority of synthesists) who get lost if it’s not knob per function, so I said that sentence for those people 😊
Wonderful review. Can you provide a link to your channel? Love your style and music. I want to hear more. I’d love to see more reviews from the host. Really fun and informative vid
I had the Liven XFM and dammit if it wasn't absolutely inscrutable. So much menu diving and the whole thing was so unintuitive compared to the Korg Volcas, I ended up selling it after just a few months. But I've gotta say this video may have sold me on the Mega Synthesis - and not just for my Mega Drive nostalgia, but because you really did make it look like a lot of fun.
I'm struggling to find the right adaptor, mine didn't have the adaptor included when I ordered with amazon, can someone advise or send me a link to buy one please 🙏
$250 cheaper than the twisted electrons megafm. although that ones for more traditional fm stuff and looks more typical semi modular desktop style. this would be great to experiment with. i could recycle my whole loop library again lol. awesome review
Even just as a sequencer alone it's a pretty good deal. Polyphonic, battery powered, 128 steps per pattern, and a full sized midi port. I think it can do parameter locks with midi as well, but I don't think the cc values are customizable... Not sure about that one.
The MegaFM is great. I have one but yea, it’s probably a tad bit over priced when you consider it has no sequencer and no effects. But being that it has 2 ACTUAL YM2612 chips inside, it’s the most authentic way to get That Sega sound. Still, the Mega Synthesis is pretty damn close, sound wise and then some. I’ve ordered one today and I can’t wait to get it in my hands!
Great review, Paulee! 😎 Looks and sounds great! Was surprised to learn of the ‘video game’ sounds that can be had out of the B Cat this week, as well. You might want to check that one out, if you haven’t already. Cheers!
I really dislike your lack of basic decency and respect! This was such a high-quality review, probably took a lot of effort and included top notch music, yet you had to make a comment about looks… grow up please!
I love your comment, so honest. You gotta remember, with all people… it is a package deal. Personally, I think it is ok if their look makes you uncomfortable. Sexy Hyperspace Electro Dungeon isn’t for everyone. Well, at least not on the first listen… See you next time!
Great presentation and enjoyable musical examples. Thanks Paulee!
I’ve had mine for a few weeks and I’m thrilled with it. The sounds and sample options are great, but it’s the sequencing and song mode that really blow me away. It’s so easy and intuitive, great UI and flexibility. The bigger manufacturers who make grooveboxes or integrate sequencing into their synths could learn a lot from this. Much more satisfying than, say, my Roland SH-4d or Elektron Digitone. You do raise a good point about the separate FM sound design experience, though. Great demo and review!
Wow, you really got a lot out of that synth, Paulee! Great review and musical examples!
One thing I like on previous Liven grooveboxes and do miss on this Liven Megasynthesis is the ability to delay the onset of LFO/sweep.
Those were some really sweet demo tracks. I'm not that attached to those "old school videogames" sounds but i enjoyed a lot of the tones that you Paulee created with this thing.
Great review of a really funny kit.
That jam was fantastic. Definitely gonna enjoy this machine when it finally arrives. I can already hear the dungeon synth, industrial and 16 bit metal it can likely pump out.
Thanks for posting this, I just got one and am loving it so far :)
Flashback and Streets of Rage's music is sooo good.
I promise I haven’t sampled you doing your FM growl impression. Nope.
I bought this device for the Sega. Thank you for showing me how to use it. Also... Killer songs! I will subscribe.
21:25 (re polyphony): The three FM tracks share 6 voice polyphony. The two PSG voices share 4 voice polyphony. The PCM track has 3 sound polyphony. I'm not sure if FX affect/reduce this as I've encountered unforeseen voice stealing when noodling with the machine. As with the original game system, you've got to be creative and drop all unnecessary note duplication or redundant 5ths or whatnot.
That’s one of the reasons why I loved the Genesis’ sound chip. It forces you to be creative with the limited voices available. The Mega synthesis is actually a bit generous as it offers a few more voices than the actual ym2612 chip did.
Excited to see this can do more than video game sounds.
Very cool and refreshing kind of review, great demo songs!
While you can’t use feedback while jamming, we at least have the distortion and bit crush effects to make up for that. It’s not exactly the same thing but you can get some pretty gnarly sounds out of it with these effects.
Could you not link feedback on operator 1 to velocity (while in FM edit mode) and then use the velocity knob (in performance mode) to get your desired effect? Also, have you tried Sonicware's Liven XFM? That has worlds of feedback and other weirdness for all 4 operators.
I believe the velocity knob only effects each new note, it’s not a continuous controller IIRC 😊
You make it look way too easy! Another fab video, Paulee.
Super presentation! You hit some real sweet spots Paulee... 👏👍
... and music on this review is pure joy. "Magical Synth Adventure". Subscribed.
Well done fella. , great demo.
I LOVE this groovebox. So much fun. I hope Sonicware revamp their original Liven 8bit warps and bring out a Liven Gameboy or Liven SNES Synthesis. (basically drop the looper from the L8BW and replace it with a four engine sequencer). Sonicware make such fun and interesting budget rrooveboxes (The Texture Lab granular groovebox is amazing).
Top review! Enjoyed what you got out of it. 🙂
Absolutely top class knob chatter.
4:56 How can you get "lost" in a Liven UI? It'ss basically 2 functions per knob and the occasional cycling option on buttons/keys. There's no menu diving or anywhere to get "lost" in.
I was ok, but I know that there’s a lot of people (maybe the majority of synthesists) who get lost if it’s not knob per function, so I said that sentence for those people 😊
Wonderful review. Can you provide a link to your channel? Love your style and music. I want to hear more. I’d love to see more reviews from the host. Really fun and informative vid
Hi, thanks! I have two channels. “Vogue Renege” is music, “Magical Synth Adventure” is more a standard RUclips channel 😊
The song was absolutely brilliant! Some 🔥 going there!
Very cool. I love my digitone but this one seems more user friendly.
Wow this was top notch… you convinced me to get one 🎉
Super demo ‼️ thanks
Oh man I'd forgotten that game Flashback! I loved that as a kid
Aaaaaa ! Shinobi on the table !!
Cheers 🥂
I had the Liven XFM and dammit if it wasn't absolutely inscrutable. So much menu diving and the whole thing was so unintuitive compared to the Korg Volcas, I ended up selling it after just a few months. But I've gotta say this video may have sold me on the Mega Synthesis - and not just for my Mega Drive nostalgia, but because you really did make it look like a lot of fun.
Yeah sonicware synths are annoying to use
I'm struggling to find the right adaptor, mine didn't have the adaptor included when I ordered with amazon, can someone advise or send me a link to buy one please 🙏
Ebay
Good review, thanks.
Too bad it can't do fx per track. That's a bit disappointing.
Suzanne Mega...nice!
Sounds good. It's currently sold out.
But…….does it PWM????
Could do with the right operator settings!
@@magicalsynthadventure3216 but...did you get the joke!?
nice track bro
$250 cheaper than the twisted electrons megafm. although that ones for more traditional fm stuff and looks more typical semi modular desktop style. this would be great to experiment with. i could recycle my whole loop library again lol. awesome review
Even just as a sequencer alone it's a pretty good deal. Polyphonic, battery powered, 128 steps per pattern, and a full sized midi port. I think it can do parameter locks with midi as well, but I don't think the cc values are customizable... Not sure about that one.
The MegaFM is great. I have one but yea, it’s probably a tad bit over priced when you consider it has no sequencer and no effects. But being that it has 2 ACTUAL YM2612 chips inside, it’s the most authentic way to get That Sega sound. Still, the Mega Synthesis is pretty damn close, sound wise and then some. I’ve ordered one today and I can’t wait to get it in my hands!
Oh! So now I have to sell some synths to free space on my desk and fill my wallet :)
Shwifty!
I aoooo don't need this groovebox but I MUST HAVE IT!!!!!
great review :)
Great review, Paulee! 😎 Looks and sounds great!
Was surprised to learn of the ‘video game’ sounds that can be had out of the B Cat this week, as well. You might want to check that one out, if you haven’t already. Cheers!
It has ladder effect so I want one! The only thing i think it needs is the ability to make a ROM to play on the real hardware like Deflemask 👍
darn the keys are still clacky. Dealbreaker for me.
So nice!!!
Wow sounding great! ❤️
Excellent review! 👍
Very good, very good.
Sweeet review!!!
I must admit...l really dislike your
"look". But your demo's were *very*
cool ! Nice !
I really dislike your lack of basic decency and respect! This was such a high-quality review, probably took a lot of effort and included top notch music, yet you had to make a comment about looks… grow up please!
Projection.
I love your comment, so honest. You gotta remember, with all people… it is a package deal.
Personally, I think it is ok if their look makes you uncomfortable. Sexy Hyperspace Electro Dungeon isn’t for everyone. Well, at least not on the first listen…
See you next time!
@@AlchemicalAudio Well said. You don't have to like anyone's "look". Just keep it friendly, and if you can't manage that, be polite. Cheers folks!
@@AlchemicalAudioyou “love” that they’re insulting a disabled person? Wow 😂🤣