Roli – the British digital music startup – has developed a modular keyboard surface designed to connect with a full suite of compatible music programs. Whether you want to create your next digital masterpiece in a local café or bring the Seaboard’s portable setup on stage, the affordable keyboard is an action-packed player equipped with NOISE, Equator Player, BLOCKS Dashboard, and MaxMSP software program.
Compatibility
So how does Seaboard compare to its portable music cousins that normally retail for around $800? Seaboard separates itself from the pack with its extensive compatibility with other production programs and its never-ending library of built-in songs. Capable of connecting to other blocks, the super powered keyboard is a budget-friendly way of expanding your music production for under $300.
Armed with over 200+ free sounds, two-octave playing surfaces, and Icon SoundSpeaker system, and proprietary Icon 5DTouch technology, the Seaboard Block is a powerful editor poised to democratize digital music. Whether you’re looking for new-age solos, cinematic soundscapes, or simple starter beats, the easy-to-use Seaboard begins to start with a touch. Users are able to mesh their music creations with Five Dimensions of Touch (5D Touch) on a uniquely responsive surface. The creative process is only limited by one’s imagination.
Innovative Design
Both wireless and portable, users can take an extensive library of sounds with them that range from string orchestra pieces to R&B riffs. Save your last creation through Seaboard’s intuitive software program and access your latest ensemble by connecting through your smartphone or desktop. If you need a little musical inspiration, the Seaboard Block allows users to purchase soundpacks from recording artists like Steve Aoki, RZA, and WondaGurl – add a little of your own musical talents to the mix and voila – your own digital masterpiece.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced music production editor, there is something for everyone. From electric pianos, basslines, kalimba riffs, or harp bridges, ROLI designed a user interface that’s limited only to one’s creative prowess. According to ROLI, Every Seaboard Block comes with four high-powered music production programs and a NOISE app that includes an ever-changing library of sounds.
Here is a list of some of Seaboard’s innovative software features:
Noise – a free app that includes hundreds of sounds. It pairs wirelessly with Seaboard Block, so you can play anywhere you have a connected device.
Equator Player – browse 100+ free sounds on a desktop sound player based on Equator, ROLI’s flagship soft synth and sound engine.
BLOCKS Dashboard – control music software programs outside the NOISE and Equator environment. Seaboard Block becomes a versatile controller for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and other plug-ins and programs.
Max MSP – an open-ended environment for plug-in development. Three-month free trial with Seaboard Block.
Compatible with Ableton, Live, FXpansion, Strobe2, Native Instruments, Kontakt, Massive, Bitwig, Studio, Apple, Logic Pro, Garageband, SampleModeling, SWAM, Cycling ’74, the possibilities are limitless and the Seaboard Block is only a starting point for one’s creativity. The best part: you can throw the Seaboard Block into your backpack and take it anywhere – making it one of the most versatile digital keyboards on the market.
Expandibility
Connect two Seaboard Blocks together through ROLI’s magnetic BLOCKS DNA connectors. Or connect Seaboard Block to Lightpad Blocks, Live Blocks, Loop Blocks, or Touch Blocks — the other musical building blocks in the modular BLOCKS system. Seaboard Block is one piece of an instrument that grows with you.
Advanced Technology
Seaboard Block is the newest, smallest, most portable Seaboard, an award-winning family of instruments hailed as “the future of the keyboard.” Seaboard Block features ROLI’s signature SEA interface technology, which integrates sensors and a silicone surface and makes every moment of touch musical.