ROLI Support

Hey there,

The BLOCKS Studio Edition hardware models are the same as the current ones, but as a result of considerable firmware development since the original BLOCKS launch, they now offer more accurate finger tracking, and as a result better MPE, in addition to improved multi-block connectivity.

The ROLI Studio desktop software is more powerful, extensive, and deeply integrated than anything we've ever paired with BLOCKS. So we've reoriented BLOCKS around ROLI Studio. ROLI Studio is about to come out of a 6-month beta testing period, and we’re launching Studio Editions to coincide with the desktop software release. While you may have had access to RSP Beta for a little while, Studio Edition's will launch with ROLI Studio Drums, which offers MPE drums on desktop for the first time, and features a built-in groove generator. 

In addition to getting the latest Blocks and ROLI Studio software, buyers of the new editions get a full license to the Strobe2 synth. 

If you’re already a BLOCKS owner, you can access ROLI Studio for free. You can download the full software via ROLI Connect when it comes out of beta on October 31. 

Hope that clears things up,

Marcus

Hi René,

No problem. The BLOCKS Studio Edition hardware models are the same as the current ones, so there wouldn't be any difference in the hardware. 

1a) - The BLOCKS SE editions will launch on October 31st.

1b) - The name will reflect whatever package you bought. So if the product is called BLOCKS Studio Edition, it will be the Studio Edition etc. All retailers will be required to clearly state what product they are selling. If you don't see any mention of 'Studio Edition' then the listing will refer to the currently existing product packages and not the Studio Edition.

1c) - Again, the hardware is the same so existing BLOCKS owners have already benefitted from much improved firmware in comparison to when BLOCKS originally launched 3 years ago, and these improvements are what is referred to in the marketing material for the Studio Editions. Current BLOCKS owners will continue to get firmware updates and improvements.

1d) - The Seaboard RISE is fully compatible with ROLI Studio, Cypher2, Equator etc. just as BLOCKS are. The RISE also receives firmware updates periodically.

2a) - The mentionable additions to the ROLI Studio Player that you have been using previously would be the addition of ROLI Studio Drums, which is an entirely new piece of 5D drum software with the features I mentioned previously, as well as the addition of new sounds to RSP

2b) - ROLI Studio is the name of the suite, and includes ROLI Studio Player and ROLI Studio Drums. ROLI Studio Player is for 5D melodic content, and ROLI Studio Drums is focused solely on 5D drums and percussion. They will be available as separate plugins.

Hope that clears things up for you!

Marcus

Hi Armen,

That's correct, the hardware is exactly the same.

Thanks,

Marcus

Hi Corissa,

This refers to improvements made in each iteration of the firmware that offer much-improved performance from the hardware in comparison to when the units originally released.

To try and make this absolutely clear to everyone - The Studio Editions are a new package, with the Live Block replacing the Loop in the Studio Edition Songmaker Kit, and a revised software offering. There is no hardware difference between any of the BLOCKS that come with the Studio Edition products in comparison to the previous range.

All BLOCKS owners can update to the most recent version of BLOCKS firmware, and BLOCKS firmware will continue to be developed and improved. 

Thanks,

Marcus

I’m considering getting the songmaker kit, and after reading this thread I have just two questions, how will I benefit from getting the studio edition and not the regular one? 2 is; can I tell them apart from packaging or branding on the hardware?

So, if I were to buy a new Lightpad block M now, I would have the same hardware, firmware, and software as the studio edition and wouldn’t miss out on anything? I see a few of the older one for sale still at a lower price. Sorry to beat a dead horse. This would be my first ROLI product and wanted to check before spending the money. Thanks.