
SBAM by Tomavatars
SHAPE YOUR SOUND WITH A POWERFUL, MULTI-SEQUENCER SAMPLE ENGINE FOR EXPERIMENTAL AND RHYTHMIC CREATIVITY IN ABLETON LIVE.
SBAM by Tomavatars is a MaxforLive instrument that merges slicing, sampling, and sequencing into one dynamic toolkit. Designed for producers who thrive on creative control, it features four sample engines, advanced step modulation, and up to 10 parallel sequencers for precise sound manipulation. Load your own samples or use the included library, and explore experimental rhythms, glitch textures, and movement with ease.
Features:
- 4 parallel sampler engines with automatic slicing
- Up to 10 sequencers: Players, Slices, Pitch, Pan, Velocity, Envelopes, Ratchet & Reverse, Stretch, Swing…
- Want to use external effects? No problem as you can sequence Mapped parameter modulation as well!!
- MIDI pattern switching, Note Step mode, and behavior settings
- Load your own samples and save custom presets
- Comes with a curated sample library
- Includes PDF manual with setup instructions
Unlock new rhythmic and textural possibilities—SBAM is a playground for bold sonic exploration.
USER GUIDE: SBAM M4l Manual
SBAM by Tomavatars
SHAPE YOUR SOUND WITH A POWERFUL, MULTI-SEQUENCER SAMPLE ENGINE FOR EXPERIMENTAL AND RHYTHMIC CREATIVITY IN ABLETON LIVE.
SBAM by Tomavatars is a MaxforLive instrument that merges slicing, sampling, and sequencing into one dynamic toolkit. Designed for producers who thrive on creative control, it features four sample engines, advanced step modulation, and up to 10 parallel sequencers for precise sound manipulation. Load your own samples or use the included library, and explore experimental rhythms, glitch textures, and movement with ease.
Features:
- 4 parallel sampler engines with automatic slicing
- Up to 10 sequencers: Players, Slices, Pitch, Pan, Velocity, Envelopes, Ratchet & Reverse, Stretch, Swing…
- Want to use external effects? No problem as you can sequence Mapped parameter modulation as well!!
- MIDI pattern switching, Note Step mode, and behavior settings
- Load your own samples and save custom presets
- Comes with a curated sample library
- Includes PDF manual with setup instructions
Unlock new rhythmic and textural possibilities—SBAM is a playground for bold sonic exploration.
USER GUIDE: SBAM M4l Manual
Additional information
| MaxforLive | MIDI Devices, Sequencers |
|---|---|
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live 12 with MaxforLive Installed |
Product reviews
One of the best sampler plugins
It was a bit confusing at first, but after watching the walkthrough, I produced so many glitchy sound design when importing keys and piano. Works best for jungle and breaks, but all genres are welcome. Recommended if you like the Akaizer or those 90s sampler emulations
Sequencer options for time and stretch aren't seen in most plugins
A bit confusing at first
SBAM by Tomavatars
A Sampler That Thinks in Sequences
SBAM by Tomavatars is a MaxforLive instrument that merges slicing, sampling, and sequencing into one dynamic toolkit. Originally conceived as a script for UVI Falcon, SBAM has been reimagined from the ground up for Ableton Live—bringing playful yet precision-focused control to every nuance of sample playback. Load up to four samples, slice them automatically, and unleash ten parallel sequencers to shape pitch, panning, envelopes, ratchets, stretch, and more. SBAM is built for producers who thrive on creative control and experimental sound design.
Ten Sequencers Working in Parallel
At the heart of SBAM is a sprawling multi-sequencer architecture. The Players sequencer triggers which sample plays on which step. The Slices sequencer determines which slice of that sample fires. Then, eight additional sequencers run simultaneously: Pitch, Pan, Velocity, Attack/Decay/Gate envelopes, Ratchet patterns with nine different types, Reverse triggering, Time stretching with window control, Swing with exponential shaping, and four assignable Mod sequencers for mapping external device parameters. Each sequencer can have its own length, resolution, and behavior—creating polymetric and polyrhythmic possibilities that evolve organically over time.
Advanced Modulation Beyond the Device
The four Mod sequencers let you map parameters from any device in your Live set—synths, effects, delays, filters—and control them with per-step precision. Choose between modulation mode (where base values remain adjustable) or remote mode (for absolute parameter takeover). Set bipolar or unipolar ranges, adjust modulation depth, and use the slope parameter to smooth transitions between steps. This turns SBAM into a creative sequencer hub that can drive your entire session, syncing parameter movement to the rhythmic structure of your samples.
Performance-Ready Tools
SBAM includes three MIDI play modes: Auto mode for standard sequential playback, Note Step Select mode (C4-E5) for triggering individual steps directly, and Pattern Select mode (C6-E7) for switching between eight stored patterns on the fly. Use the built-in randomizer to generate instant variations across values and settings, batch-edit entire parameter lanes at once, and copy/paste steps for rapid workflow. Pattern interpolation lets you morph smoothly between all eight patterns, creating evolving textures perfect for live performance or automation recording.
Inside you’ll find:
- Four parallel sampler engines – Load your own samples with automatic slicing based on slice count
- Players & Slices sequencers – Control which sample and which slice play on each step (up to 64 slices)
- Ten parallel sequencers – Pitch, Pan, Velocity, Envelopes (ADSR + Transient), Ratchet (9 types), Reverse, Stretch, Swing, and 4 Mod sequencers
- Advanced ratcheting – Nine ratchet types including pitch ramping, amplitude fades, and speed modulation
- Time stretching – Real-time time compression/expansion with window size control
- Swing & timing control – Per-step swing offset with exponential shaper and morph control
- Four Mod sequencers – Map any Live parameter with modulation or remote modes, bipolar/unipolar ranges
- Eight pattern slots – Store and recall complete sequencer states, switch via MIDI or interpolate between patterns
- MIDI pattern switching – Trigger patterns from C6-E7, select steps from C4-E5, or play normally from C-2-E3
- Batch editing tools – Edit entire parameter lanes at once, copy/paste steps, randomize with granular control
- Polymeter/Polyrhythm modes – Set independent sequencer lengths for evolving rhythmic complexity
- Curated sample library – Included samples to get started immediately
- Comprehensive PDF manual – Detailed documentation with setup and workflow instructions
SBAM is designed for producers crafting glitchy beats and experimental textures, sound designers building evolving rhythmic mosaics, performers who need hands-on sample manipulation, and anyone looking to transform loops into dynamic, sequenced soundscapes.
Explore More from Tomavatars:
Visit Tomavatars to discover more innovative tools for playful sound design.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: SBAM is a MaxforLive instrument that combines slicing, sequencing, and modulation into a deep yet playful sampler environment. It’s designed for sound designers and producers who want to push loops and samples beyond the ordinary.
A: Yes, SBAM is a MaxforLive device.
A: To use this product, ensure the following requirements are met:
Ableton Live 12
Max for Live
Windows or Mac OS
A: MaxforLive is a platform that integrates the visual programming environment Max with Ableton Live, allowing users to create and use custom audio, MIDI, and control devices.
A: You can explore more of Tomavatars tools and devices here:
Important Information
V1.03 – Released September 2025
Improvements:
- Improved clicks with non noisy samples. Change the value of clicks/envelope with Click Softener in settings
- Improved the last two ratchets algos
Bug fixes:
- Sample speed is now saved with Ableton session. Auto speed used to override user adjustments
- Various fixes engaging sound clicks
Initial Release – August 2025
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.
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