ROLI Seaboard BLOCK - SonicLAB Review

[@Psychlist1972]

"I don't really trust Bluetooth as a purely professional MIDI transport...or for anything." LMAO. Truer words were never spoken.

[@TynanCreations]

It's still a digital audio connection. . it shouldn't make a difference. 0's and 1's.

[@Keldor314]

@@TynanCreations The problem with Bluetooth is that it tends to turn into a digital audio DISconnection.

[@steadistone]

Thanks Nick. This is the most convincing demonstration I have seen by far showing the expressive functionality of the ROLI keyboard controller be it Blocks or Seaboard.

[@MrMargaretScratcher]

"It's like playing a keyboard, but quite different" Right, gotcha.. :D

[@steveelbows3797]

Hope you dont mind me filling in a couple of gaps that the video didnt fill (or I wasnt paying attention and missed it): It's only 24 keys, not 25, because you can buy more and snap them together to extend the octave range. There are a bunch of other iOS apps that work to various extents with MPE: Animoog, Model 15 (oh yay), various Wolfgang Palm apps, Garageband (MPE option in main iOS settings for Garageband), Thumb Jam, Drum Jam, Arctic Pro Synth, GeoShred and probably a few others I forgot. Most stuff works on windows too, with the apparent exception of updating the device firmware on windows as of the time of writing(!). Bluetooth midi can be made to work on windows with the right combination of hardware, os version, and other utility/bridge software, but its quite a pain. You can use wired connection to iOS device, but I think it draws too much power for the old camera connection kit so you either need to use a powered usb hub or the newer camera connection kit that allows lightning power at the same time as usb. If you are really into hacking it then you can write 'littlefoot' scripts which can run on the device. eg the default script is responsible for making the octave up and down 'buttons' work. When you snapped a lightpad block onto the seaboard block that was connected to a computer with usb, the lightpad block should have connected instantly and shown up in the dashboard app etc. Not sure why yours didnt, perhaps not aligned to the connectors 100% right, but the usb is not just for power for these extra attached blocks. On my rather shiny and slippery desk the device can slip a little with the slide gestures (finger moving towards and away from me). At last a use for my lightpad blocks (which I do not rate, in stark contrast to the seaboard block that I adore) - they are heavy so if I snap one on it anchors my seaboard nicely :D

[@plimtaku]

Great insights. Thanks

[@AnalogMonoxide]

Any links on how to get bluetooth MIDI to work in Windows?

[@solaryzer]

Sounds fab .. especially the orchestral patches ,, bass sounds like a fretless bass with the slide ,, overall i think it sounds excellent . Great review .

[@kiranhargarter2878]

The size and the phone compatibility make it appealing for traveling.

[@julian73de]

Its incredible how far the technology has come in the last 40 years. Thanks for your review

[@-l5905]

I hate that they don't include a full version of Equator or Strobe2. This stops from making the purchase, that software is way too expensive.

[@isoldeisobelle552]

This form of expressive technology will, in time, mature and become more affordable. In some form it will be built in to all the DAW's, soft and many hard synths. Back in the day, some dreamed that the future would be flying cars whilst others dreamed of MPE...

[@Powhart]

4:26 nooo!!! You Didn’t snap it!!! Its in a wrong place!!!

[@c3ro]

It is very *uncomforting* indeed

[@6pin66]

Next I wanna see a Sea-tar about twice the range of this and the squishy Roli goop in the mod controls on the neck .

[@GamingAuthorityVideo]

Does this work w the mpc live?

[@halcyondaystunes]

Great review Nick...I wasn't that interested in this tech but watching what you are doing with it has got me tempted.

[@AJL200]

So could you use this to trigger/control the different articulations for instruments in orchestral libraries, pls? Apols but I'm not an expert on their use but like the idea. Thks

[@PaulMabley]

I demoed one of these a little while ago at PMT in Newcastle. It reminded me of typing on the original Sinclair ZX Spectrum, and not in a good way.

[@ValveSpecial]

Ouch. Those were days of pain.

[@zachm5136]

Was surprised to hear such a groovy tune made by him. He does look musically talented.

[@Oper8Music]

He is indeed ! He was part of the DNA dance act (in the golden 1990s), and he also wrote, arranged or performed on Goldfrapp albums : www.discogs.com/fr/artist/150728-Nick-Batt

[@dddux]

I don't think I've seen a better reviewer than you, NIck. [Dan Worrall is good, too] Thank you for all the wonderful, to the point and truthful reviews. This looks like a great solo instrument and possibly for drums, too. A bit on the expensive side, though, especially when you consider having a "classic" MIDI keyboard around that can do 90% of everything anyway. To me it looks like a one trick pony, but the trick it does, it does really well. I simply love the glide. Playing synths with a glide make them sound more natural.

[@mattsynth]

I just purchased Seaboard Block and was surprised when I opened the box to find mini keys. This keyboard is very different to play in the first place and with mini keys it makes it very difficult to play. It also came with a water down version of Equator. You can only play presets so sound creation in none existent without spending more money for a full version of Equator. My block controller was returned for a refund, completely not what I expected.

[@TheJKiller95]

THis is just what I was searching for. So you can't use any different sound in the version of sw they gives you?

[@mattsynth]

Alessandro Stefanato correct the block version has only a light version called Equator player. You have to invest another $200.00 for a full version. You might as well get the Rise version with full size keys an a full version of Equator.

[@TheJKiller95]

Actually, if you have purchased th Seabord Block, it's "just" 79€ for the full version. The fact is, as a beginner, I found this device very funny to play with, but it feels pricey to me, I'm the only one?

[@alexh783]

This sort of thing really put me off. You don't even get the full software and it's a right faff to get it set up with Kontakt and the like. Doesn't even have a pedal input or midi ports...

[@gatelord]

After doing research on this it didnt take me long to find out that you can upgrade the Equator player for around 50 pounds to full if you already have the player. Watch some KZbin videos before you purchase. This thing is amazing.

[@heltutrolig7645]

I play my Roli Seaboard Rise via Mainstage. There I can use either of the two software synths included with the Rise...

[@TRFrench]

A LOT of really beautiful sounds there. Makes me want to focus on commiting to learning as RIch appears to be.

[@AnthonyJones-zo7dy]

...great review... can you link the Seaboard Block with a digital keyboard... like a Yamaha DGX... either direct or via a DAW to expand the capability, especially in developing songs that include the Yamaha's grand piano sound? All the VERY BEST!

[@MeAlexSenna]

How to use this with hardware synth such as a Virus Ti or Nord Lead, perhaps a moog sub37 or a Voyager, I know is quite complex, but is it possible? The gadget would have plenty of limitations if we can only use it with their equator app.

[@ChurchWorshipandvideo]

Alexandra Senna it works with any daw but some daws don’t support multidirectional midi so mileage will vary. I’ve seen people use the Roli on a Korg Kronos so it may work with other workstation keyboards but I doubt it works with analog synths as it’s nov a CV Controller.

[@brianbrill]

I love this thing, it's very fun to play. Pretty much have to get the full version of Equator, or you're missing out. I think they do need to come out with a CV block, so much potential there.

[@carlosloor88]

Could you do a demo with analog gear? Much appreciated!!!

[@Lovenpain]

The cable is USBc with usb3.0 end.

[@RadicalCaveman]

Given that it's 5D, can a lowly 3-dimensional being play it?

[@rbjstudio]

Great video, thank you, question? I love music, love, pure love, I’m not a pro or know music notes I have a good ear and are able to finger to finger a few of my favorite songs, try several iPad apps and create a few songs on Garage Band would be worth it to buy it in just to have fun and play around with some cool sounds? I just have a some powerful Mac iOS, thank you in advance for your advice

[@dsha2006]

I am looking to replace my wife's full length Roland that she uses for live gigs with a Roli instrument that is more portable. Could I get away with connecting a couple Seaboard Blocks or the Seaboard Rise 49? I know it wont be exactly the same as a typical keyboard, but we would value the portability and the ability to play more sounds significantly. It would really add to her solo set of keyboard and vocals.

[@sonicstate]

Hmm, not sure about that, I would get her to try it first. She will need quite a lot of practice time to get used to it. In a live situation, your going to want to be fluent before you put yourself out there I would say

[@emil-9432]

Thank you! Great comprehensive review!

[@nyanko2077]

The accuracy is not an issue cause you can set it up as a regular piano if you want, without slide.

[@Psychlist1972]

Nice review, Nick.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Beautiful sound I own one now have to learn to use it

[@TheAudioDabbler]

Seems like they took what the Quneo tried to do and made it somewhat better. I really wanted to enjoy my Quneo but couldnt because it didnt seemlessly integrate with anything. If they continue with adding integration support for more stuff I think it will stay. I want one but not completely sold. I played on at guitar center and it was kind of weird at first. Its like learning a new instrument.

[@bobbryce8674]

Thanks Nick. That was a really useful review and has helped decide me to buy one! As for the review I would have liked to get your view on using this in a Windows environment. I guess it must be possible via usb/midi, but looks like I would not get access to the Noise App (unless I bought an iPad just for this purpose) which would be a big downside. Your subscribers will want to know that the product now seems to come with a copy of Tracktion 8 which can handle the rich MPE data (but unclear if this is a 'Lite' version or not). I would have liked to see you interface the Lightblock M and explore the functionality of that - seen some videos where it can be switched between an input pad and a control pad with faders - that seems highly useful but how is that done in practice and is this more magic that can only be achieved in an Apple world (because that ain't ever gonna happen!) . :-)

[@musella974]

Well done. Can I use Seaboard Blocks on Windows 7 x64 ? It's, for me, very obscure because I read the system requirement but I don't understand WHAT ARE the softs I can use Under Windows 7 and if I have 3 Seaboard Blocks linked together could I select a different sounds for each Seaboard Blocks ? I have NO Ipad, no Apple machine, just a PC with Win 7 x64. Could you help me please ?

[@samold1732]

Question: do you have to spend more money to get sounds or is it a done deal?

[@zachlloyd]

Obviously this is a year late, but you get 200 sounds with the free equator software, and you can upgrade to the full equator software for $80 usd, which gets you 500 additional sounds on top of the original 200 sounds.

[@uhldev]

Hey nick, what about this with Analog gear, any luck?

[@sonicstate]

It is possible, but does require a more complex setup, there are USB midi to CV hosts (Expert Sleepers, Endorphin ES Shuttle) which would work but does require some complex

[@zaynelumpkin]

The new Deckard's Dream (CS-80 clone) is going to support it. I don't know of any MPE-supporting analog synths that are out yet.

[@smooth111012]

One of these review videos I have ever seen, well done 👍

[@stormcrow70]

I would be interested if it had a 5 pin midi output.

[@MrKirinren]

Nope. You would need a USB to MIDI converter like the 'Kenton MIDI USB Host MkII'. Unfortunately there's some work (and $$$) involved to make it handle older gear like vintage synths.

[@SPAZZOID100]

MrKirinren deal breaker.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

Like he said at the end of the review. It's not just another MIDI-controller. The software you use is what makes it shine really.

[@templemu]

I rather fancy having one of these and Sample Modelling Strings, the SWARM engine is of course MPE ready. I guess you would have to practice to get a different strings playing technique on a solo violin, for example, and so this is a new instrument as such.

[@phantazzor]

big question, I have tried the seaboard with equator, and I really love it but this Roli SeaBoard is turning me on much more but Is it possible somehow to buy the full equator software and play with the Roli seaboard ?

[@RamaAviananda]

after getting the lite version you can upgrade to full equator software

[@brothertimoneal]

reaper! love that daw.

[@DigitalStains]

Nice track at the outro Nick!

[@aurora-a1901]

What did you used for USB HUB

[@mod3l]

you should make a beatstep pro review after all the recent patches.... :)

[@dillpickle1340]

Two of these or the rise 49? What are the differences?

[@SamHocking]

This is what i'm debating too. It looks like if you just get 2x Seaboard blocks and a touch block & £50 Equator upgrade, that's almost giving the same features as Seaboard Rise 49 for £300 less. I can't work out if the Seaboard Block and Seaboard Rise have the same size keys though? They look the same to me?

[@hiltonius]

bravo, nick! well done!

[@GaitaPonto]

Actually now it comes with the FULL version of Equator.

[@rendermanpro]

Do not mislead people. Did you have it? Equator player to full version is paid upgrade option.

[@NN-sp9tu]

To echo the other reply, absolutely false

[@TenisDimants]

Great that they made these at more accessible price. This is something for me. Thank you

[@anandsunku]

How to shift octaves in the block

[@SPAZZOID100]

No MIDI??

[@jamesstirling3644]

does it have c.v for modular.

[@alakovideo]

Couldn't really see the keys in this video, a bit dark. Good review nonetheless, though :)

[@CyReNiUsX]

0:00 sounds like something from an X-files episode

[@SangPGadgetGuru]

It works with Windows 10?

[@milk_bath]

Lovely beat @ 8:20 Nick.

[@WxkR]

I'm sure the Seabord has its advantages but I cannot yet get into the trend of spending more on controllers than on sound sources. I'd rather add another synth to play with my old keyboard than sell a synth to get a new controller. I don't question this thing's beauty but I question its value. Is the gain in expressivity worth the price difference (compared to the less expensive alternatives?) I'd say "probably" for the full-sized models and dedicated keyboard performers. I'd say "no" for the smaller versions. The problem with this question is that expressivity greatly depends on the human, many times more than on her technological companion.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

I'd say it depends on the type of instruments you play and how you want to play it. I find that it does make it easier to get more organic sounding performances with it. But it's not suited for every instrument. Traditional key instruments are obviously better to play on a piano keyboard. The seaboard block might be the perfect traveling companion however as it can do so much more than other mini controllers.

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

That was my first impression. But now, i bought a seabord rise 49.. and trying to buy another seabord block as a secondary board to use. even the rise 49, has a nice feeling if i play the piano sounds, it makes me feel like im playing a semi-weighted keyboard. Also, im using a korg m3 module, and i can get all the layers and splits. The gliding and all the 5d

[@spellerlittlewing]

Yes I own this and the rise 25

[@thedeadpoet_33]

*But will it run on Windows 10?*

[@Contortionfan11]

Ré D'Arcy the specs say yes.

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

Is that Mick (Nick!) Karn on bass?

[@fukingvoodoomagicmani3606]

t3l3phasicworksh0p nick batt the one and only, SS gang gang!!

[@auctor11]

_Please Review __Endorphin.es__ Shuttle_

[@sonicstate]

+Mr Ravioli we have!

[@auctor11]

Oh my GOD! Thank you so much! It was amazing!!! Pretty please, explain how did you guys synced up your roli blocks with that beast!

[@SPAZZOID100]

This Roli stuff seems a bit gimmicky.

[@NN-sp9tu]

MPE is the important thing

[@Dogboy73]

Very cool having the seaboard rise in a nice small, affordable package. But that E Touche device has got my attention as well now. And it’s really bad for my OCD that the block has the USB cable coming out of the side and not the back. Noooooooooo!!!!!

[@Aliensynthesizer]

Ciekawa klawiaturka. Ale dwie wady. Pierwsza to nie ma gdzie kupić, a dotknąć i ograć tym bardziej. Więc trudno ocenić jakość, czy dobrą współpracę z podpiętymi urządzeniami. Druga to cena. Za tę cenę można kupić niezły hardwarowy pełny syntezator.

[@midnightmix2692]

No thanks, I like the touché more.

[@junglsmor]

both

[@MonstaMunch101]

They are completely different things. Not even comparable.

[@unkatom]

I wish Nick had touched on the "walled garden" aspect in iOS, ive heard this little Silicone keyboard can't send midi to all the apps i use :( I'm not sure if it's a technology thing ---or just bull headedness on their part, but it seems rather uncharitable (at least to me)

[@steveelbows3797]

Not sure what you have heard exactly. The roli stuff will send midi to any app that supports bluetooth le midi, or standard class compliant midi over usb if you use wires rather than wireless. Not all apps know how to handle MPE data fully, but you can use the roli dashboard to put the seaboard into non-MPE mode if thats what you want.

[@steveelbows3797]

And even the Roli NOISE app isnt in its own little universe anymore, since a recent update for it enables it to work as an AUv3 plugin on iOS.

[@unkatom]

Thx Steve Watkins , maybe i'll try one... the keyboard with a single block would be much less to drag around in my bag!

[@ItsPBUH]

The product itself is quite nice, but ROLI is trash. Their company is full of hacks, their software has huge limitations, they've done minimal work making the ROLI compatible with the thousands of Apps, synths, controllers, etc on the app store and after however many years of distribution (2?), they've updated their app about 3 times, making major changes without any real bug fixes or improvements. Avoid like the plague. Try the sensel morph, or the various other MPE controllers hitting the market. It's a portable block system, but on the app store, you can only use more than one block/ seaboard, with the official noise app. I'll just let that sink in...

[@iggswanna1248]

you cover the whole keyboard with the span of a hands lenght... sorry not for me... and the big ones cost a fortune un-fortune-aly

[@jumpingman8160]

way too expensive.

[@overseasterritory8983]

its the cheapest MPE keyboard out there at the moment

[@jumpingman8160]

I'll wait 10 years then