Bendy keyboard firm ROLI has launched a new model of its Lightpad Block and a series of upgrades to its Noise app.
Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI and inventor of the Blocks system, said: “In the last 10 months since we launched Blocks, we have continuously evolved the system with software and firmware updates as well as new hardware components like the Seaboard Block. Today with the release of the Lightpad Block M and Noise 3.0, we are even more firmly establishing Blocks as the most powerful way to create music on the go. You can configure an endless number of production workflows and enjoy a range and depth of expression that was hard to imagine just a few years ago.”
The Lightpad Block M is the next generation of the Lightpad Block, a surface for sonic control, that launched in November 2016. Music-makers can recreate the sounds of drums, cellos, flutes, uplifting synths, and other instruments just by touching the Lightpad Block, which is both a palm-sized music-making device in its own right and a piece of the expandable Blocks system. The Lightpad M is designed to create a more sensitive and precise playing experience that is on par with ROLI’s premium instruments like the Seaboard Rise.
New features of the Lightpad M include Microkeywaves, inspired by the wave-like undulation of keywaves on the surface of ROLI’s Seaboard instruments, the microkeywaves of the Lightpad M provide additional tactile feedback on an already sensitive surface. They mark a major revision from the flat surface of the original Lightpad Block. There’s also a redesigned silicone surface layer. A deeper, softer silicone layer — topped with 225 microkeywaves — enhances the pressure-responsive control of sound that defines the Lightpad Block and brighter surface illumination. The Lightpad M is 50 per cent brighter than the original Lightpad Block. It features a higher contrast display and a much richer range of colour definition.
Noise and the software ecosystem supporting Blocks have also been added to. Highlights include Noise 3.0, which is the newest version of ROLI’s free app introduces improvements to clip launching, clip editing, and user-interface navigation as well as new acoustic sounds. Together with the recent introduction of Seaboard View and Mixer Mode, the updates make Noise 3.0 a versatile sketchpad for making music on the go.
Acoustic instrumental soundpacks: Realistic cello, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and other acoustic instrumental sounds are now available in Noise. Treble Quartet and Bass Quartet are two new soundpacks created with the SWAM engine by master sound designers at Audio Modeling. Bass Quartet is now bundled with the Lightpad M, and Treble Quartet is bundled with the Seaboard Block. Also available for $9.99 in the Noise Soundpack Store.
Noise Audio Unit for GarageBand: Over 400 polyphonic sounds from Noise are now available to play and edit in GarageBand. Music-makers can bring their favourite Noise sounds directly into their GarageBand workflows with the new Noise Audio Unit plug-in for iOS.
Ableton Live Lite: A customised version of Ableton Live, the acclaimed digital audio workstation (DAW), is now included with every Lightpad Block. Integration with Ableton Live Lite transforms the Lightpad Block into a versatile control surface for launching clips, controlling instruments, and creating tracks within Ableton Live. Coming soon to all Lightpad Block owners.
Strobe2 Player: A desktop sound player version of the acclaimed polysynth from FXpansion. Strobe2 Player is fully compatible with MIDI Polyphonic Expression controllers like the Lightpad M. Explore 50 presets and 3 macros from Strobe2 — and upgrade to the complete Strobe2 synth for $79. Now available to all Lightpad Block and Seaboard Block owners.
The Lightpad M will be available in October 2017 priced at £189 inc VAT.
