ROAD TEST
By Kevin Young
Roli Seaboard Rise 25 MIDI Controller
Although the Roli Seaboard Rise 25 is laid out and looks like a keyboard , the expression and articulation possibilities are more akin to those of an acoustic instrument than any digital keyboard . Put bluntly , the degree of control the Rise provides far exceeds that of a traditional keyboard .
First off , instead of moving parts – keys , which are essentially on / off switches – the playing surface is continuous , constructed of a silicon rubber compound with wedge-shaped “ keywaves ,” which respond to individual finger pressure and send MIDI on up to 10 channels simultaneously – roughly the same dimensions as regular keys , but designed to offer a level of expression far beyond what they usually provide .
First Contact The terms used to describe Polyphonic Multidimensional Controllers ( PMCs ) like the Rise are evolving as swiftly as the instruments themselves . Now , it ’ s more appropriate to refer to the technology at the root of the Rise 25 as Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression ( MPE ), which describes the instrument ’ s five multidimensions of “ touch ” – velocity , after touch , release velocity , and vertical and horizontal movement . In Roli ’ s lexicon , that ’ s Strike , Press , Lift , Slide , and Glide . The fact that each note responds to those dimensions independently and the gestures and articulation you would apply to an acoustic instrument ( vibrato , for example ) results in performances as unique as the players themselves .
Essentially , this means that when using the Rise 25 – also available in a 49-keywave version – the amount of pressure you apply , the way you utilize the spaces between key waves and the various effects , and the degree and type of articulation you can create are unparalleled . By sliding your fingers up and down the keywaves , you can achieve even more expression . Additionally , integrated into the playing surface above and below the keywaves are 3 / 4-in . wide pitch ribbons for even more nuanced performance possibilities .
Beyond the keywaves , to the left of the playing surface are buttons , assignable touch faders , and an x-y touch pad . Using these controllers , you can move up and down octaves , change presets , and , via the three faders in Expression mode , adjust the responsiveness of the keywaves ’ level of Glide , Slide , and Press and how they respond to your playing . These controllers , in MIDI mode , may also be assigned to any MIDI CC .
While the Rise has no dedicated display – which initially you might find a bit disconcerting – it adds to the feeling that you ’ re playing an acoustic instrument , with nothing to distract you from the experience .
Connectivity The Rise provides a 1 / 4-in . pedal jack ( for sustain , modulation , or whatever you require ) and USB A and B ports for connecting to a computer or mobile device . Built‐in MIDI over Bluetooth , in conjunction with the Rise ’ s onboard rechargeable battery , allows for wireless operation for up to eight hours of continuous usage .
Software No display means that in order to access sounds , you ’ ll need to connect to a computer ( Windows / Mac OS X ) or an iOS device . An Android app is in the works but has yet to be released .
In Roli ’ s Dashboard application , you can download software / firmware updates , deal with global and MIDI channel setting , CC assignments , and a variety of performance parameters .
Then there ’ s Roli ’ s soft synth , Equator , which can be run standalone or as a plug-in . While Equator can be used with other software / hardware instruments , it really shines when paired with Rise and its unique capabilities . It features two sample , three subtractive , and FM and noise generators that can be used simultaneously , 49 digital waveforms , 55 multi-samples , and stereo effects including bit crusher , distortion , EQ , chorus , delay , and reverb .
Equator provides three view options : Synth ( the default setting ), Mixer , and Global . There are 127 presets to choose from , or you can make your own , and Equator allows you to subtly or dramatically tweak the multiple touch possibilities of the Rise easily and quickly . Roli is also committed to opening up Equator so users can import third party libraries and their own samples in future updates .
As GUI ’ s go , Equator is highly transparent , responsive , and easy to use . Most importantly , it ’ s incredibly powerful . Another plus : Roli ’ s registration and download process is exceptionally transparent . Additionally , users can download the NOISE APP – the free MPE version of Equator for iOS – to experience an MPE sound engine , which can be paired via Bluetooth MIDI on their mobile device of choice .
Summary Other Roli gear includes the recently released Rise 49 and the Seaboard Grand 37- and 61-key models , which can be used with Equator but also have their own onboard sound engine . Regardless of the genre , style , or application – studio , songwriting , or live performance – Roli products are a lock , with crazy-ass sounds you won ’ t get any other way . Ultimately , the Seaboard , in any iteration , offers innumerable possibilities for expression right at your fingertips – or more importantly , at every fingertip individually .
After a short time with the Rise 25 , going back to augmenting performances via knobs , buttons , joysticks , and breath controllers seems a bit quaint . Roli ’ s instruments are truly game changers .
Granted , laying hands on them for the first time , you ’ ll find there ’ s a learning curve involved in transferring the skills and fluency you take for granted on a traditional keyboard , but you ’ ll also get lost in the instrument immediately – in a good way .
As MIDI specs are evolving to include this type of technology , we ’ ll likely see more MDCs from more manufacturers . There are a number out there already , but , being one of the easier to grasp out of the box , the Seaboard is the type of instrument that should maintain a wide appeal for both keyboardists and anyone looking to augment their music with truly unique atmospheric textures , hooks , and solos , regardless of their traditional keyboard chops .
Kevin Young is a musician and freelance writer based in Toronto .
20 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN