A question: how do DAWs interpret performance data in 5 axis dimensions. For example, if I am a user of Logic X and want to edit the glide or bend of notes, is there a way to do so?
Always love your videos, can you tell me if this works well with the medusa synthesizer? I'm considering one, but am not interested in virtual instruments. It seems like it could pair well with medusa. Thank you!!
Thanks for that cool vid. I wonder if the keyboard can be transposed by semitones. For non keyboarders like me it is so much easier to dial in +5 semitones to play F Major using the white keys only. Well, the white keys aren't white on the Seabord, but you know what I mean.
Master MIDI thanks ... and yes - you can transpose by semitones using the configuration app (Blocks Dashboard). Uploading a video that shows where right now ... stay tuned tomorrow ;)
loopop , wow that was a fast answer. But that means, that feature is not available when playing iOS synths. For example Alchemy, which is built in to GarageBand, or Animoog. Or do you also know a way to pitch up when connected to iOS ?
Master MIDI if I'm around my pleasure ;) yes it will work with soft synths too - you just need to configure the semitone transposition on your PC or MAC using the blocks dashboard. I don't think there a way to configure semitone transposition on an iOS device currently
loopop , thanks for taking the time and answering my question. I wonder, if transposing by semitones when used with an iOS app would be possible with the Seaboard Rise, but as far as I can see from the documentation, it isn't possible either.
Tim Ferguson yes it works - though it doesn't hook up directly to the Deluge - you need to route its midi thru an iOS device, USB midi host or computer. Deluge doesn't support MPE, though you could probably make multi channel workarounds for that. Haven't tried it yet
Good review, I'm was already pretty excited about getting one! Where do you get them right now? Not seeing stock :( You should probably go into the software limitations on the different platforms, MPE isn't really well supported by much yet from what I can tell. I'm guessing that two blocks wouldn't allow a glide between them, be interesting to see someone explore that.
Adam Logghe thanks! I ordered it off their site. It did indeed take a while for them to ship; indeed MPE is currently not supported by all DAWs (most annoyingly for me Ableton....) and while I don't have two of these you're right that you can't glide from one to the other
I think the feel of the surface and experience is very similar, so a review would be a bit repetitive - I'm not saying never but it's difficult to prioritize in light of other instruments
There's no sustain or expression pedal input on the block right? There doesn't seem to be any good bluetooth alternatives for that either. Or do you know about any?
@@loopop I see. Would you say that even the ContinuuMini is better? Or only the big ones? I'm asking cause I can actually afford the ContinuuMini, the bigger ones are insanely expansive.
@@loopop Ok fair enough. There is just one thing I wasn't able to fully understand (both from your videos and others). Some people were saying the gliding function on the Roli is quantized to quarter tones (even on the top and bottom ribbons), and thus it's not really continuous like the Continuum. Is this true? Is gliding from note to note much smoother on the Continuum?
MPC supports the seaboard on a single channel (single finger), but it doesn't have MPE mode. So you've got to duplicate the track for each copy of MPE that you're using (I chose 8, since I'm unlikely to use more than 8 fingers at once). You can do this for just about any multi-timbral device.
Excellent video. How much pressure is needed to articulate the keys? I have chronic hand pain that keeps me from using a normal piano, or mechanical keyboard/mouse.
Matt P. Thanks very much. I highly recommend you try them out in a store before you purchase it. It does require a certain degree of force. The LinnStrument is easier and the Continuum even easier, but much more expensive.
Benny Damien I don’t recommend it as a first choice without trying it - it doesn’t feel like a regular piano at all, and there are other controllers that give you more knobs and pads for control. A regular midi controller however will never create things like this....
loopop The point is that the block dashboard program works with Windows 10 only, as stated in minimum requirements specs (that is a difference with Seaboard Rise models which are fully compatible with Windows 7). Said this, I have a problem with drivers recognizement in Windows 7. The block turns off after 5 mins as if it was not connected, even though it is signaled among the connected periferals. The initial driver installation in the different usb ports often fails, so it is not clear if it has been succesfully completed. I dont have this problem in Windows 10. If you could check what I say, it would be great ! Thanks for your answer anyway!
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So I just got Equator and it's excellent. It doesn't seem to complicated but I'm sure your video on it would be illuminating.
Great video, Thanks for the info loopop
David Robot thanks!
Fantastic review! Thanks very much.
Red Agent thanks;)
A question: how do DAWs interpret performance data in 5 axis dimensions. For example, if I am a user of Logic X and want to edit the glide or bend of notes, is there a way to do so?
Just make sure your DAW can translate MPE or MIDI 2.0 like cubase, they don't all offer it still.
Great review - I love your channel!
Clayton Wakefield thanks, Clayton!
What app u using thanks great reviev
Always love your videos, can you tell me if this works well with the medusa synthesizer? I'm considering one, but am not interested in virtual instruments. It seems like it could pair well with medusa. Thank you!!
That beginning song was dope
Thanks for that cool vid. I wonder if the keyboard can be transposed by semitones. For non keyboarders like me it is so much easier to dial in +5 semitones to play F Major using the white keys only. Well, the white keys aren't white on the Seabord, but you know what I mean.
Master MIDI thanks ... and yes - you can transpose by semitones using the configuration app (Blocks Dashboard). Uploading a video that shows where right now ... stay tuned tomorrow ;)
loopop , wow that was a fast answer. But that means, that feature is not available when playing iOS synths. For example Alchemy, which is built in to GarageBand, or Animoog. Or do you also know a way to pitch up when connected to iOS ?
Master MIDI if I'm around my pleasure ;) yes it will work with soft synths too - you just need to configure the semitone transposition on your PC or MAC using the blocks dashboard. I don't think there a way to configure semitone transposition on an iOS device currently
loopop , thanks for taking the time and answering my question. I wonder, if transposing by semitones when used with an iOS app would be possible with the Seaboard Rise, but as far as I can see from the documentation, it isn't possible either.
Master MIDI actually the RISE dashboard app seems to allow this in the UI, but I don't have one so I can't say for sure that it carries on to iOS.
Have you tried this with the Deluge yet? Intrigued to see how well the Deluge is able to play / learn from expressive controllers like this.
Tim Ferguson yes it works - though it doesn't hook up directly to the Deluge - you need to route its midi thru an iOS device, USB midi host or computer. Deluge doesn't support MPE, though you could probably make multi channel workarounds for that. Haven't tried it yet
Can you please do a review on the newer mk2 version?
Good review, I'm was already pretty excited about getting one!
Where do you get them right now? Not seeing stock :(
You should probably go into the software limitations on the different platforms, MPE isn't really well supported by much yet from what I can tell.
I'm guessing that two blocks wouldn't allow a glide between them, be interesting to see someone explore that.
Adam Logghe thanks! I ordered it off their site. It did indeed take a while for them to ship; indeed MPE is currently not supported by all DAWs (most annoyingly for me Ableton....) and while I don't have two of these you're right that you can't glide from one to the other
2025
Ain't it time for a Seaboard Rise 2 review? :)
I think the feel of the surface and experience is very similar, so a review would be a bit repetitive - I'm not saying never but it's difficult to prioritize in light of other instruments
I got one on the way
Do you find the key-trigger areas _too small_ or is it not an issue?
Aleatoriac I actually find the ones on the full size ROLI too big, despite my fat fingers. But you should really try before you buy if you can
There's no sustain or expression pedal input on the block right? There doesn't seem to be any good bluetooth alternatives for that either. Or do you know about any?
Henrik Petersson right - no inputs at all. I am thinking of getting the softstep but haven't made the leap yet - that might solve the problem
How does this instrument compare to the Haken in your opinion? Does gliding from note to note work as well as it does on the Haken?
The Continuum is better in every way IMHO, but this is better than nothing if you're interesting in exploring expressive controllers
@@loopop I see. Would you say that even the ContinuuMini is better? Or only the big ones? I'm asking cause I can actually afford the ContinuuMini, the bigger ones are insanely expansive.
Danny Blue that comparison would take more than a comment response - but just watch both my videos and decide for yourself
@@loopop Ok fair enough. There is just one thing I wasn't able to fully understand (both from your videos and others). Some people were saying the gliding function on the Roli is quantized to quarter tones (even on the top and bottom ribbons), and thus it's not really continuous like the Continuum. Is this true? Is gliding from note to note much smoother on the Continuum?
Danny Blue they’re so far apart on other things I never compared that
Can I use this with MPC Live? Does the MPC LIve have MPE to support it>?
Are you ready for a very late reply? Yes, it works.
MPC supports the seaboard on a single channel (single finger), but it doesn't have MPE mode. So you've got to duplicate the track for each copy of MPE that you're using (I chose 8, since I'm unlikely to use more than 8 fingers at once). You can do this for just about any multi-timbral device.
Excellent video.
How much pressure is needed to articulate the keys? I have chronic hand pain that keeps me from using a normal piano, or mechanical keyboard/mouse.
Matt P. Thanks very much. I highly recommend you try them out in a store before you purchase it. It does require a certain degree of force. The LinnStrument is easier and the Continuum even easier, but much more expensive.
How is using it with a DAW like Logic ? Is it a pain in the ass to setup with a DAW?
Benny Damien I don’t have logic but I actually think it supports MPE
Thank you , btw is it a option for me as a first midi controller ? I didn't own any btw , but I'm a keyboard player as well
Benny Damien I don’t recommend it as a first choice without trying it - it doesn’t feel like a regular piano at all, and there are other controllers that give you more knobs and pads for control. A regular midi controller however will never create things like this....
loopop ya I know , because I’m looking for something with more mobility and portable .. to use it on the go
loopop I’ve a synth actually , sometimes use it as a midi controller only
What about little stick-on rubber feet like you'd put on a guitar pedal to help prevent it sliding?
Eric Morello that might work too - I should try it because what I did here isn't a permanent solution
it works with Windows 10?
San P yes of course
ok.. thanks a lot..
loopop my question is different: can you use the Block with *Windows 7* usb cable connection? Thanks in advance for any answer !
HaroldDemura I haven’t tried it but no reason why it shouldn’t work
loopop The point is that the block dashboard program works with Windows 10 only, as stated in minimum requirements specs (that is a difference with Seaboard Rise models which are fully compatible with Windows 7). Said this, I have a problem with drivers recognizement in Windows 7. The block turns off after 5 mins as if it was not connected, even though it is signaled among the connected periferals. The initial driver installation in the different usb ports often fails, so it is not clear if it has been succesfully completed. I dont have this problem in Windows 10. If you could check what I say, it would be great ! Thanks for your answer anyway!