SEABOARD BLOCK - is it good?!? | ROLI Blocks Impressions

[@abhijithS7743]

Really superb instrument I think this seaboard will make a huge impact on western music I would like to buy this instrument

[@andrewdoubleu]

this is an amazing instrument and I used it for around a month for travel and portability. but personally, i have an ableton push 2 that i love dearly and this is just another toy that adds to the desk of other toys. i feel like komplete could do the job very well and, even though it is super expressive and the sounds are so unique, I returned it because it didn't add much to my production

[@1cecr3am71]

Did anyone else notice the reflection of random videos in the glass cabinet with star wars stuff in it?

[@gosh1514]

1CE CR3A

[@oren7969]

its a tech source video lol

[@Keefter78]

too busy admiring his ear rings to notice

[@Shivotheque]

Props to the xenomorph skull inside the cabinet

[@youtubecrap8955]

It was pewdipie

[@MrMonsterrally]

I'd love to see a full performance of a song with one of these, I can't really find anything good on KZbin for it

[@foljs5858]

Check for the Purple Rain seaboard video -- and many others...

[@voli293]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2uq2N3mtqspLs This one includes a bit of the Piano but also includes the blocks

[@ayy2193]

Monster rally This one is amazing with the rise kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJmQma2YfJp5sKs Little wing guitar cover on it, guy goes fully in

[@twitch.101]

Lucas Escobar Parisi does videos for them a ton now, I’d check him out if you haven’t already

[@schlonzschuppe4516]

its just for sliding. you cant play a straight note and its dark black und you dont find the keys unless you are stevie wonder.

[@anarchinzorig2286]

me making TENET music with my new seaboard block and having fun

[@ColeSlav]

I feel like this is what they used to produce the Blade Runner 2049 score.

[@HathorRa]

mine is getting delivered today, along with two light blocks, i'm excited.

[@pronavsandhu]

how was your experience about it , did you like it? do you still play it?

[@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.

[@wongusman]

aight thanks i was wondering how good the software is

[@jordi0m]

What I thought when it was announced is the same thing I think now, it looks like the best thing for emotional expressions in films. Not just that, obviously, but the feedback straight from touch allows you to do a lot by "emotion" without having to worry about knobs, like you said.

[@MrGeoffashley]

Can't wait to see you use the Seaboard with the other Blocks

[@jdigital1]

I agree, a totally new level of expression, I'm sold I need one!

[@heathgillies6687]

my favorite part was at 4:30 he just... picks it up finally I can forget about cables.

[@Taetro]

that's what I love THE MOST! thanks for watching :D

[@ashishamrao4229]

This seaboard is new and futuristic. It's awesome and expressive. It will take time to understand but will rock the world.

[@Taetro]

I agree!!

[@Vitico222]

I think that if you are a musician that are into that "expressive" electronic , new age kind of music is OK for them.

[@BlazinRiver1]

I am barely half way into this vid...bravo...!!!! In 3 minutes I have seen more info than some hour long vids. Good job!

[@Taetro]

Stoked I could be helpful!

[@mycooldjofficial]

This is the keyboard of my dreams. I bought one can't wait for it to arrive

[@jeromesuarez5293]

2:28 _you know the rules and so do I_

[@Docterrr]

Been waiting for this video since it was released!

[@jonathanpipicaca]

I absolutely love my seaboard block

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

I bought a rise 49.. im still planning to get a seabord block. in that way ill do play splits easily.

[@Taetro]

good idea!

[@RottenMechGaming]

Its three years on. Do you ever use it, or is it stuck in a draw or box somewhere?

[@ChargedOB]

I tried a Touch Block and Loop Block. Really disappointed in the software and bluetooth connection. Lots of delays when recording, and you have to be super pro to have great accuracy. Ended up returning it in two weeks.

[@sunflowerthebunbunbunny]

I'd love an 88 keyboard of this, but it's so expensive I'll have to start with this tiny one 😔

[@Taetro]

lol if you buy FOUR of these you get ONE HUNDRED!!!!! nah but I feel you!

[@danduffey8476]

they sold 88 of the 88 key ones, and each one was $8,888 dollars

[@spellerlittlewing]

I love my roli seaboard block and roli seaboard rise This is great for violin playing. Love. It

[@lusamine7925]

Please make a video that has just this music Need extended version 6:54

[@Martinbeef]

Great review. I just ordered a seaboard from amazon, and I’m looking forward to composing with it!

[@Taetro]

+Martin Newman awesomeeeee. Let me know how it goes!

[@GLITCH-ix2ng]

I was looking for a Seablock review on your channel day before yesterday And you uploaded it now :))

[@MrMonsterrally]

Been waiting for a vid for this, thanks!

[@bojames7841]

Very good I'm glad you added about the expressive capabilities because the is the strength of the roli line. Also I agree the price point puts it in the hands of the average person. Good Job

[@edrock26]

Awesome review! I am getting one...maybe two, eventually! Thank You!

[@Taetro]

awesome!! let me know when you do!

[@MarcyReg1]

Fabulous! Now curious to see you perform with the Seaboard Block and the Roli Bloc :) Cheers!

[@joeyvenal7304]

Taetro isn't bald anymore! Edit: it's been a while since I've seen taetro

[@DustinMillerPolyInnovator]

I am really considering the song making kit, any suggestions or advice? I'm completely new.

[@dangus7287]

As a newcomer to music technology, your videos have provided some great opinions, without so much back-scratching so many channels do for these companies. Moreover, its channels like yours that help me keep my wallet in my pants! I want this to program more expressive quartet and ensemble pieces! Until then, I'll have to focus on improving my skills with my existing tools. Toys won't make my music better, they'll only enhance my workflow... so I'll prepare. How well does the Seaboard work with various DAWs? Various patches and plug-ins? A quick overview on compatibility would be a crucial part of user opinion.

[@Taetro]

+Nathan Day With a DAW like logic that supports the full MPE, it’s easy but with Ableton there is a fair amount of setup to get it to work with full features. Thanks so much for those kind words for the channel Nathan, I really appreciate it. It keeps the channel going

[@Roboprogs]

I would love to see this paired up with a soft-synth like N/I's "Kontour". I like that synth, and it has a lot of "expression" options usually hooked to mod wheel/knob controllers.

[@Taetro]

+Roboprogs that would be dope!

[@Tonythebrowndude]

Where can i find that DANCE PLUCK Thing, i want it in my FL Studio

[@trebuchetbeats]

I'm rather fascinated by the seaboard. The video of the Purple Rain cover from NAMM was amazing.

[@williamroark]

I PICKED up a Seaboard Rise 49 a year ago There are things you can do on a SEABOARD that YOU CAN’T do on a “KEYboard” (it’s become my PRIMARY controller) GREAT “review” BTW!!!

[@Taetro]

Dope!! Thanks for the kind words

[@ombelle5284]

Really good product demonstration. It's not exactly what I am looking for, but that was very interesting. Nice video. :)

[@kevintyner2080]

I recently bought a Seaboard Block including the light pad and the loop block . I own a laptop and an iPhone . I tried both ways but I’m still having connection issues. Could you do a video on connecting all the components.?

[@DrDaab]

Excellent intro to Roli Blocks with intelligent comments. Does it only work w Bluetooth ? How about WiFi? How is the initial software setup ? Have you tried using samplemodeling or audiomodeling sounds to get virtual acoustic sounds ? Your review is so much better than most, no BS, and gets to the point. Thanks !

[@drsousaphonemusic]

It works with Bluetooth or the included USB cable. The initial setup is simple: enter your serial code on the website and download the bundled software. There is a selection of decent "acoustic" sounds available within both the Equator Player (the lite version of Equator that comes with the Blocks) and the full version of Equator. You can also configure most other VSTs (such as a sampled string library) to respond to the Seaboard's 5D controls if they do not support it natively. Your best bet is to research VSTs/Libraries that support MPE or specifically the Seaboards and go from there. I hope this is helpful!

[@joelmulder]

Could you do a tutorial-ish video for whatever desktop music software you use? I want to get into the desktop software and a little bit away from mobile apps, but i find those programs really confusing! But you seem like someone that could explain it really well!

[@Taetro]

+Joel sure I can try! I use Ableton Live. Search up Making Music with Ableton Live - there's a great video that is a little old but really let's you see when you can do

[@luddethoor]

The Seaboard looks really cool. But is it required to have all the other blocks if you want to utilize it to it's full poential?

[@crazi_wolf2434]

I always wanted to try the seaboard!!

[@nbuehster]

I'm guessing the answer would be yes. But if you're listening to an album on your iPad or computer, can you make it so it's like you're playing along with the music?

[@oscarcorpo1783]

Does it work only with Roli's sounds or I can use it with other sequencers' sounds too?

[@Taetro]

+Oscar Corpo you can use it as a midi controller with a lot of things. Check out my vid using it with groovebox!

[@oscarcorpo1783]

Thank you man

[@Kevin-finity]

I placed my order on July 10th. And just today I finally received an update email that tell me the Seaboard block has been shipped... Almost two months waiting. I am wondering how many people ordered it in the past few months.

[@EewToobin]

Kevin Xu I placed my order back on 8/2 and haven't received any notice of shipping yet only a brief note that it would be shipped in 3-4 weeks time in the order confirmation. I guess you need to be a reviewer to get premium shipping. Waiting waiting waiting

[@Taetro]

+Kevin Xu sorry to hear that. Have you got it yet??

[@truthbydesign5146]

If the linnstrument was less expensive, would definitely go with it over the seaboard. As it stands though, seaboard definitely looks like a little more bang for the buck.

[@Taetro]

+TruthBy Design I've just never really been into the linnstrument form factor

[@LAURITSlykke]

7:53 is that a preset? sounds really nice

[@terrybleakley7709]

Thanks for the review. My question is you use Ableton as you DAW. However Ableton is not MPE friendly. I am also an Ableton user....I don't really want to use/learn another DAW (Bitwig etc.). How do you adapt to use Ableton?

[@Taetro]

there are templates you can use, all are kind of a pain. I am in the same boat of not wanting to learn another DAW. The best way to go is to record audio in rather than trying to get all that MPE complicated midi data.

[@alley1020]

the best tutorial ever

[@Taetro]

thanks Alley!

[@passerby1553]

Love your vids dude.

[@sisstross]

Thnks for your video man ! I think i gonna buy some Roli's blocks, but there actualy is a few number of video made by some real users. I'd love to see more video about how do you use the seaboard over the long term.

[@Taetro]

gonna keep them coming! Thanks for watching Gwenael!

[@PapiCee]

That Smokey Rhodes sound pretty cool does it come with its own sounds?

[@raincastmusic]

Quick question, Can you play percussion pads with the seaboard? Like the trap kit?

[@alejandroh2409]

Obv

[@remyfammm]

Hi Nick , I would like to know how is it going after you bought it till now of the seaboard block ? Any issues so far ? They're some people say it has bluetooth issue of latency , air , bubble , firmware etc . I want to buy it but I need to confirm it is worth my penny ... using it with Logic Pro as a midi controller . There are no retailers in my country btw so I can only rely on the users like you . Thanks in advance !

[@Taetro]

mine is doing GREAT. no bubbles, no problems with latency. if you take care of it, it should be fine. It is a very sensitive surface that if it was just thrown in a bag could get punctured very easy. so you definitely need to handle with care!

[@estitt1973]

Hey Taetro, I'm looking to buy this for my 13 yo son who doesn't have much previous musical experience ( just a little elec guitar and some basic keyboard), and I have some questions for you. 1) Do you think this Seaboard Block is a good starter instrument? 2) I'm wondering if it only makes the sounds that you demonstrate in the beginning of the video straight out of the box? 3) around the 4:40 mark of the video, you start playing around with other sounds, did you have to download add'l packs in order to do that? Or can you play them directly from the Seaboard? 4) Do you have to connect the Block to your computer or phone in order to play it? Or will it power up on it's own and play without connection? I know that's a lot of questions, so if you have any links that have the answers, then I welcome that info as well. Thanks very much.

[@Taetro]

+Eric Stitt hey Eric, first THANK YOU for supporting your sons interest in beat making/electronic music. I wouldn't recommend this as a first controller, watch my video on MIDI controllers for clarity on some of your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH-yq6Z-hbiKfrM The controllers needs software, they make no sound on their own. My beginner recommendation is to go with a controller recommended on the above video + an iPad/iPhone Let me know if you have more questions. Feel free to email

[@BradlyTheRadly]

you could just buy two of them for 600 and boom you have the 45 key one thats normally 1200 I think

[@Taetro]

true!

[@V-A]

Bradly TheRadly except you can't slide from one to the other with blocks, only rise.

[@V-A]

@Watch it plus, you get £150 off the rise if you're a student (or if you have amazon prime)

[@painter08]

Yeah i got gear acquisition syndrome. Placed on my wish list..I enjoy the explanation of product.

[@Taetro]

lol my wish list is ALWAYS growing. thanks for watching as always Tomas - good to see you back!

[@jackaguirre8576]

Does it come with wires just in case? I'm not savvy with computers despite how much I try, I just hope I don't get issues with Bluetooth for Windows or Ableton. Also, I'm heavily considering buying this but it will be my first midi keyboard and I'm sure it won't be the easiest to pick up. That said I'm enthralled by how much it can do without any knobs or pads that take up extra space! Would it be a good first midi board?

[@ablethought]

What is setting it up to control other apps like? Is it plug and play or require programming to use with an third party iOS app?

[@Taetro]

plug and play! but a lot of other apps don't have MPE capabilities. However it has worked perfectly fine as a standard keyboard controller for me.

[@reubenandthenylonoverdrive4739]

Really want one. Just wondering, if I take this to your average venue to perform, how do I get the signal into a standard mixing desk? Cheers

[@cbgb3369]

Awesome informative video. Thanks.

[@Yeshuamusic1426]

Hi .. can you suggest me which one should I go for, MIDI Controller (Seaboard Rise) or Synthesizer (KORG PA1000)

[@macshock632]

Hi, nice! Do you think this can be used to play bass?

[@estitt1973]

Hey Taetro, question, I ended up buying the Seaboard Block, and I'm having a very simple but frustrating issue; are there indicator lights when the Seaboard Block is charging? I plugged it in to both my computer and to an iPad Mini charger, and the same thing happened with both of them, two green lights that flashed twice, then went out and nothing. How am I supposed to know when it's charged? As I said, it's a simple question, but I haven't figured it out, and appreciate any help you or another person can give me. Thanks.

[@Taetro]

I guess there’s no real way to tell unless you plug it in to your computer and view the percentage on Blocks Dashboard

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Does it act as a MIDI controller and drop notes into a DAW, or is the multi-dimensional aspect of it too complicated for that?

[@PThake]

I'd like to know this too.

[@colliemon]

Dan Weese I believe it depends on the daw

[@AKDanMusicMan]

@@colliemon Are you aware of any DAW's that will indeed take the full input of a Seaboard and translate it correctly as MIDI?

[@colliemon]

Dan Weese I know logic, bitwig, and cubase support it. Just look up what daws support mpe (midi polyphonic expression)

[@AKDanMusicMan]

@@colliemon Thanks for the info! I found this: support.roli.com/support/solutions/articles/36000037202-compatible-synths-daws-and-instruments

[@2mbst1]

I just got the OP-1 (finally) and I really would like to get some sort of seaboard. However I really want to get good at playing the keyboard firs. Otherwise these additional layers are another layer of complexity - at least for me.

[@joycem137]

I'm learning both the keyboard and seaboard at the same time. To be honest, I find it easier to deal with the Seaboard when jamming, especially with others. In part, it enables me to adjust the sound more dynamically to fit within the overall soundscape. It's easy to quickly adjust things like volume and add effects and such just by playing slightly differently. It can be a bit harder to play, though, since it's really easy to accidentally flat or sharp a note if you have the glide effects turned all the way up, and it sounds off.

[@amitnj8671]

Great Video !! Is there Transpose option in Seaboard Block, like in normal MIDI Keyboards ? Thanks again !!!

[@bharper1816b]

Teatro, that thing is dope. I'm in Barnes & Noble and I saw one on display, it looks so interesting that I had to KZbin it. Question, does it only do chords and melodies? Can you do percussion?

[@Taetro]

of course you can do percussion! it is dope!

[@madisonstage]

Is there a way to keep my logic x setup with my Komplete Kontrol keyboard in place and also have the seaboard? So both will play as opposed to having to switch back and forth in my audio midi or bluetooth setup to use one or the other?

[@smooth111012]

Hi, great review, is it easy enough when you are playing to actually record the tune?, and can you upload to Mac or Dropbox Cheers

[@Taetro]

+Steve C yes!

[@presjch]

Question, as a coming producer, I just start to basic production and prepare to get a MIDI controller. Should I buy this one as a kind of Utilimate solution or just choose the AKAI MKII?

[@Taetro]

for starting out I'd recommend you get the akai first.

[@emil-9432]

Keep in mind the difference between infinite and fixed knobs. If you restart a project the knobs will not restore position. I’m always amazed at how many *controllers* have fixed controls.

[@williamshaneblyth]

My biggest concern is this 80% the size of a standard keyboard unlike the rise 25. I live remotely so can’t get to try either out. How is it adapting to something small like this. It must be tricky?

[@Taetro]

I think it is fairly easy to get used to, but I have been using mini keyboards for some time now. there's an adjustment no mater what with this controller because of the texture, key layout, and just the way you interact with the surface.

[@williamshaneblyth]

Taetro thanks.have you tried the seaboard rise? its normal size keys... its a tough call cause i can't try b4 i buy.

[@aloharay]

can you use the seaboard block with apps other than noize, and do you lose the additional 5d controls? i believe the dashboard on pc/mac allows you to do this for your daw or vst instruments, but what about ios apps?

[@Imran0said]

Would you ever use it for just a plain wireless midi Keyboard or does it feel too weird for that?

[@void2258]

Does it work with a windows setup? I've heard the Roli is super apple-centric.

[@Taetro]

yes it does!

[@void2258]

I just looked on Roli. There are a ton of caveats and non-functional features. I would put it as "barely, if you are tech savy" rather than yes. I'm even hearing mixed reports about whether the bluetooth will work with windows; bluetooth is a universal standard so you have to actively break the thing to make it not compatible. The big one is apparently it cannot be updated without a mac, so who knows how functional it will be. Depending on what exactly is meant by some of this stuff, I may need to downgrade to "no"; some of it could mean you outright can't use it without also having a mac somewhere to do some things to it.

[@ryan7585]

Working fine for me. I haven't tried bluetooth but everything else is great. I did have to downgrade the firmware because a recent update made note-offs not submit... but that was easy with the dashboard. To say that you can't update it on Windows is definitely incorrect, though--- just drag the new firmware file onto the dashboard and you're good to go

[@void2258]

Ryan Stanley Roli's open website says you can't do updates via windows. If that has been fixed they need to update the site stat.

[@void2258]

Ryan Stanley see the note at the bottom of this page. support.roli.com/article/minimum-system-requirements/

[@BENZ007]

Can you attach 2 roli blocks together?

[@Taetro]

thank you!!! :)

[@BENZ007]

@@Taetro no read my question...thx

[@Taetro]

@@BENZ007 thanks BENZ!!

[@BENZ007]

@@Taetro Can I attach 2 Blocks together, my son has 1 and is asking for another,.,,...many thanks

[@Taetro]

@@BENZ007 YES

[@nortagnan2135]

Hey man, watched a couple of your vids now and they've been really informative so you've got yourself a subscriber. Was wondering, does the seaboard work well (or at all) with other soft synth plug ins for Ableton, specifically Sylenth?

[@Taetro]

Thanks so much for the sub! Ableton is really not ideal for any MPE situation. I’m not sure if Sylenth is meant for that but at any rate, you’ve got to set up multiple channels to get it to work with all the expression (beyond basic midi functionality) unlike in something like Logic where it’s just plug and play

[@nortagnan2135]

Taetro cheers buddy. Tbh, that's pretty much what I gathered from looking at support on their site and general scouting about, just thought I'd ask on the off chance, will probably end up getting the VI49, which is much more suited for my needs anyway. Cheers for getting back to me dude, appreciate it.

[@bca5251]

Seaboard floor session or gear grab please!

[@dougsam6341]

Is the seaboard good? I really want to get it. But i don't want to be ended up spending more on sound packs. Like the Lunchpro pad.

[@Taetro]

It is DOPE.

[@grandmasterjo1]

Hi grt video and very educative. The noise app allows you to choose the scale and only the relative keys are effected , something like Animoog. Can the Roli Keybed also do the same, as in only the relative keys get triggered. That way a wrong note is never played.

[@Taetro]

glad I could help. You cannot change the scale of the keyboard within the app but things like this can be done in ableton using MIDI tools/effects

[@thecloakedgamer2888]

I am new to this type of music. Should i buy this first or something else. I am kinda on a budget this is the most expensive thing I would buy for this music. This is going to be my hobby. Is this a good idea to buy or is there something else better to buy that is cheaper. I am also a newbie so i need something simple.

[@Taetro]

if you are new get a more traditional midi controller first.

[@sstelo]

That smokey rhodes sounded beautiful, bruh.

[@Taetro]

for reallllll

[@sstelo]

Taetro What a vibe and atmosphere you could create with this. The sound is so clean too! Gotta get this controller.

[@TheslothboyFunWtf]

Hi taetro ! Can you do a video on the midi controller nektar impact LX49+ ? It's a really good midi keyboard to begin with, and I wanted to buy it but I dont have seen a lot of reviews so... It could be a great idea !

[@consciouscoma85]

so its not a stand alone unit. can you use it with out a computer?

[@leocubiasmusiclifestyle7460]

So you didn’t make it to the Roli NAMM show huh?

[@discophone_6214]

What are the system requirements to connect this to computer. Which osx versions are supported?

[@Zukes454]

Does this work on its own or do you need to pair with an App/Software?

[@Taetro]

it is a midi controller so it needs to be paired.

[@zanedien]

Does the rise have the same features as the block, or more?

[@ViviPedraglio]

great!! thanks!

[@Taetro]

+Vivi Pedraglio np vivi!

[@society5155]

i died at the acid bass 😂😂

[@leorosner7536]

I’m only 11 but am fascinated in all kinds of music and I’ve played keyboard for 2 years and I might spend my holiday money on this I have and iPhone plus kind do you think this is a good option?

[@IAmUnderscore]

Bribe Rosner Depends on how much money you have and what features you want. I believe this is around 400$, but you can get a launchkey 25 that also has pads, a fader, 8 knobs, etc (however no 5d sound) for 200$. The seaboard also only has the 5d sounds with the ROLI software, otherwise it behaves as a standard midi keyboard. The launchkey can be used to its full potential in whatever DAW you use.

[@foljs5858]

> The seaboard also only has the 5d sounds with the ROLI software, otherwise it behaves as a standard midi Standard MIDI but you can map anything you like from a VST in the 5 "dimensions" of touch.

[@mattsmith6126]

Block 150$ at Apple store.

[@BradBakes]

saw your comment while clicking add to cart for $350. you, sir, are appreciated.

[@gamhacked]

Why is it half price there?

[@chantelberghan6379]

gamhacked probably different currency

[@gamhacked]

@@chantelberghan6379 Then why is less than half price there?

[@OK-mh2cr]

gamhacked if its different currency its the same price just in that countries currency value. 1000 yen is 9 US dollars. 10 euros is 11 US dollars. They’re the same equivalent just different currency.

[@fredyblast]

I'm using reason. 9.5 right now can I use this to play my instruments with those expressions in reason or do I have to bring it in as a vst and only used the sound bank that comes with it?

[@Taetro]

+Fredy Blast I'm not sure. Check if reason has support for MPE

[@RETRO-CONSOLE-GAMER]

I’ve just bought the c borad block. How does it connect to your PC do you have to download the software or does it come with the software

[@Taetro]

+MC Gadgetman you can connect via the USB came, yes you will need to install the included equator software and you can also use it with your DAW

[@clowncar9042]

cool video.... how ya doing? it's your boy jerry aka vog checking in!

[@samold1732]

Do i have to buy anything else with it?

[@dabobmarley]

Did you end up getting a travel case for it?

[@Taetro]

+dabobmarley yes! Check the next vid!

[@tychodevries7634]

Lightpad block or seaboard block? I want to bu one of these