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LIVEN XFM Digital Synthesizer & Groovebox - Image 1

LIVEN XFM Digital Synthesizer & Groovebox

KeyboardDigitalPolyphonic

Ever since Sonicware started packing big synth ideas into tiny, battery-powered boxes, the Liven series has been a game-changer for bedroom producers and live tinkerers who want FM synthesis without the complexity.

This compact groovebox runs a 4-operator FM engine with three fusion modes—X-LAB for blending two sounds' envelopes and modulation on the fly, XFORM for classic FM tweaks, and X-LFO for rhythmic twists—delivering 6-voice polyphony across four tracks. Play via the 27 mini-keys, switch between poly, mono/legato with glide, or 12-pattern arpeggiator, and sequence up to 64 steps per pattern with parameter locks for per-step automation of filters, effects, and more. Hands-on controls include 15 knobs and 30 buttons for direct FM editing, plus thick LPF/HPF/BPF filters with their own LFO and envelope, and 10 effects like chorus, flanger, delay, bitcrusher, reverb, and isolator. At 11.7 x 6.9 x 1.9 inches and just 1.74 lbs, it slips into a backpack with 6 AA batteries or optional 9V adapter, MIDI I/O, sync jacks, stereo in/out, headphones, and a built-in speaker for instant jams.

Users love its bold, brash FM tones and morphing tricks for quick inspiration, though some note the shift-key workflow and build feel a bit basic for heavy touring.

Released

2021

Status

In Production

Synthesizer
Format
Keyboard, Workstation
Type
FM
Internal Battery
Yes
Voice
A/D
Digital
Polyphony
Polyphonic
Oscillators
4
Oscillator Type
FM Operators
Voices
6
Tracks
4
Filter
Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass
Envelopes
-
LFO
4
Effects
Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Bit Crusher, Reverb, Distortion, LPF, HPF, Isolator
Expression
Aftertouch
No
Velocity
No
MPE
No
Additional
4-operator FM engine, 3 fusion FM engines (X-LAB, XFORM, X-LFO), 300 factory presets, EDIT mode for deep FM control, 3 voice modes (6-voice poly, mono, arpeggiator), 4-track sequencer with parameter locking, pattern chaining, battery powered (6x AA)
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
1x 3.5mm stereo
Audio Out
1x 3.5mm stereo
Headphone
1x 3.5mm stereo
MIDI
In, Out
MIDI Type
DIN (5-pin)
Ports
Clock In, Clock Out
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
Yes
Sequencer
Yes
Mod Matrix
No
Memory
512 presets, 128 patterns
Measurements
Dimensions
11.7" x 6.92" x 1.89"
Weight
1.74 lbs
Last updated Mar 22, 2026