SONICWARE return with a new groovebox concept that is LIVEN adjacent yet utterly its own thing. Welcome to the deconstruct MINIMAL.
It’s been rather quiet over at SONICWARE recently, which either meant they’d run out of ideas or were working on something new and exciting. Luckily for us, it was the latter as they announce a new product in their lineup, the deconstruct MINIMAL.
SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL at a Glance
10 Track Drum Machine
4 Track Drum Machine Integrated Sampler with Loop Track
Fluid Analog-modelling bass synth
Performance-oriented real-time effects
Imbued with legendary groove DNA from classic drum machines
USB-C for Audio/MIDI
All You Need To Know About The SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMALSONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL at a GlanceWhat Is deconstruct MINIMAL?New VA Bass SynthOther SpecificationsPrice and Availability
Minimal in every way bar its name, the deconstruct MINIMAL is billed as a hypnotic groove machine that features a drum machine, sampler, bass synth and real-time effects. It claims to draw inspiration from legendary drum machines, expanding on their subtle rhythmic and pitch drift characteristics.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was another addition to the LIVEN series of groove boxes that SONICWARE are best known for, but whilst it does clearly share some physical design DNA, there are subtle and important differences.
What Is deconstruct MINIMAL?
So what is it and what does it do? I guess we should start with the drum machine element, which is a 10-track affair with per-track accents, random velocity, swing and phrase rotation. There are two kicks, snare, clap, closed and open hi-hats and sample elements, plus a dedicated drum loop track.
SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL · Source: Sonicware
You can use any of the supplied kits, of which there are 16, plus 10 banks of instruments featuring 130 sounds. You can also sample your own sounds via the built-in 48kHz/16bit mono or stereo sampler which also features time-stretching. Samples can be imported directly or sampled into the unit via the Line In or USB.
Yes! That’s right! SONICWARE have finally adopted USB into their groove boxes. This is a very welcome addition and will really help when updating firmware. The drum machine element can also be shaped via a ‘Feel’ mode that adds 808 or 909 groove to your drum track.
SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL · Source: Sonicware
New VA Bass Synth
The bass synth element features a brand new analogue modelling synth specifically designed for this unit, and very clearly being inspired by the 303. There are dedicated controls for the 4-pole low pass filter, envelope and overdrive, so expect lots of bite and squelchiness.
Finally, there’s the effects section which includes the usual suspects, but also a dedicated drum track isolator and some performance-ready master FX, such as a DJ-style Sweep Filter, phaser, snip loop and ducking compressor.
SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL · Source: Sonicware
The sequencer features 11 tracks with the ability to chain up to 64 steps per pattern, of which there are also 64. You can record in real time or by step programming, and there are variation modes that can be inserted live during playback. BPM can also be set per pattern and globally.
Other Specifications
Just like the LIVEN series, the deconstruct MINIMAL can be powered by a 9V Volca-style PSU or via 6x AA batteries. Audio connections comprise a stereo Line In and Line Out, as well as via the new USB-C port, with the deconstruct MINIMAL also functions as an audio interface. MIDI is capable via the USB-C connection, as well as via TRS MIDI In and Out.
The deconstruct MINIMAL looks like it will be another fun tabletop machine to use, and you can get up close and personal with it at Superbooth 26, booth W317, where you will find Mr SONICWARE himself, Dr Yu Endo, with long-time collaborator, Chris Dodsworth (aka Chris Lody), providing demonstrations!
SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL · Source: Sonicware
Price and Availability
The SONICWARE deconstruct MINIMAL will initially retail for an introductory price of $299/€299/£269 for a limited time, before going back up to its RRP of $399/€399/£359. That’s a decent discount, so get in quick if you want to grab a bargain!
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