TABLE OF CONTENTS


What do I need to use the Seaboard Block?

You can use the Seaboard Block with our free mobile app NOISE (available for iOS only), as well as desktop apps like ROLI Studio Player, a MacOS and Windows app bundled with the Seaboard Block. You can also use the Seaboard Block with many other digital audio workstations, software synthesizers, and hardware synthesizers. This page lists compatible DAWs and synthesizers. See this page for minimum system requirements.


Is the Seaboard Block different to the Seaboard Block Studio Edition?

The Seaboard Block Studio Edition now includes the full version license of Strobe2 and ROLI Studio by default - the new software suite comprised of ROLI Studio Player and ROLI Studio Drums. The Seaboard Block included the Player versions of Equator, Strobe2 and Cypher2 which have now been discontinued. In terms of hardware, both editions are identical. 


How does the Seaboard Block differ from the Seaboard RISE?

  • The Seaboard Block is about half the size of a Seaboard RISE 25.
  • Its 24 keywaves are smaller – about 80% the size of the RISE's – so the playing experience is a little different (see keywave surface comparison above).
  • BLOCKS DNA connectors are on three sides of the Seaboard Block, so you can connect it to other Seaboard Blocks and other Blocks.
  • The Seaboard Block has no built-in Touch Faders, XY Touchpad, or other Seaboard RISE controls. However, the Seaboard Block includes octave switches, which combined with the Mode button can also change presets, and the Touch Block provides the same functions as the Touch Faders, allowing you to adjust the response of the five dimensions of touch. And with ROLI Dashboard you can configure a Lightpad Block to behave just like the RISE's XY Touchpad or Touch Faders.
  • The Seaboard Block does not have pedal inputs. Instead, you may use the Live Block's sustain button to replace a sustain pedal's functionality, or you may use another MIDI device with a pedal input.
  • The Seaboard Block Studio Edition is bundled with Strobe2, ROLI Studio, Tracktion Waveform 8, Ableton Live Lite and a 6-month Max/MSP license, while the Seaboard RISE includes the full version of Equator, Strobe2, ROLI Studio Tracktion Waveform 8, and Bitwig 8-Track.

For more details, see this comparison of the Seaboard Block and RISE.


Does the Seaboard Block work with desktop applications?

Yes! You can use the Seaboard Block with many popular digital audio workstations and plugins, including Logic Pro, Garageband, Bitwig, Ableton Live, and many more. By default, Seaboard Blocks will transmit MPE data with a channel range of 2–16 and channel 1 as the global channel. With ROLI Dashboard, Seaboard Blocks can be customized to easily work with the DAW, software synthesizer, or hardware synthesizer of your choice. This page lists some compatible applications. The Seaboard Block Studio Edition also comes with the DAW Tracktion Waveform 8 as well as the software synthesizers ROLI Studio Player and Strobe2.


Can I use multiple Seaboard Blocks as a single controller in NOISE?

Yes, when connected together side-by-side via DNA connectors the Seaboard Blocks will be merged in NOISE to form an extended playing surface.


Can I use multiple Seaboard Blocks as a single controller with desktop apps like digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software synthesizers?

When used with desktop apps, multiple Seaboard Blocks connected together will function as a single controller with an extended playing range. The Seaboard Blocks will transmit MPE data with a channel range of 2–16 and channel 1 as the global channel. With ROLI Dashboard, Seaboard Blocks can be customized to easily work with the DAW, software synthesizer, or hardware synthesizer of your choice.


How many Seaboard Blocks can I connect together to form a single surface?

Up to five Seaboard Blocks can be connected together to form a single extended-range surface.


Can I Glide across two Seaboard Blocks?

Glides across multiple Seaboard Blocks will trigger a new note, so to ensure smooth Glide gestures we recommend limiting Glide gestures to the range of one Seaboard Block.


Does the Seaboard Block have a pedal input?

The Seaboard Block, unlike the Seaboard RISE, does not have a pedal input. Instead, you may use the Live Block's sustain button to replace a sustain pedal's functionality, or you may use another MIDI device with a pedal input.


Can I use a Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block at the same time?

Yes! You can connect the Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block and use them simultaneously in NOISE, and you may also use ROLI Dashboard to use the Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block with any compatible DAW or soft synth to use them both at the same time.


Can I use multiple Seaboard Blocks to control different NOISE instruments?

Yes – in NOISE simply go to the Studio view to assign the Seaboard Blocks to the instruments of your choice.


Can I use a Seaboard Block to control NOISE's drums?

Yes – ensure in the Studio view ensure that Mirror Mode is off, and then use the Seaboard Block's Mode button to select which of the four instrument tracks you are controlling.


Does the Seaboard Block come with Equator?

The Seaboard Block comes with ROLI Studio Player - featuring the Equator, Equator2, Strobe2 and Cypher2 sound engines - which includes over 200 presets optimized for the Seaboard's 5D touch. ROLI Studio Player also allows you to control the most important aspects of each preset. ROLI Studio Player is compatible with MacOS and Windows and can be used as a plugin or a standalone application. 


How many sounds does ROLI Studio Player come with?

ROLI Studio Player has over 500 sounds, 300+ of which are specifically designed to work with the Seaboard's 5 dimensions of touch. 


What happened to Equator Player?

Equator Player has become part of ROLI Studio Player, with new features like Smart Chords and a multi-layered Arpeggiator, as well as combining the Strobe2 and Cypher2 Players into one, unified plugin. Think of ROLI Studio Player as the next generation of the older Players!


Can I upgrade from ROLI Studio Player to the full version of Equator, Cypher2 or Equator2?

Yes – to upgrade from ROLI Studio Player to the full version of any of these synths, simply go to the Software page and from the dropdown menus, select "Upgrade" and add the software to your cart.


Can I use Seaboard Blocks simultaneously with the Seaboard RISE?

You may use Seaboard Blocks simultaneously with the Seaboard RISE. To have them control different sounds you'll want to use a digital audio workstation (like Logic Pro, Mainstage, Reaper, etc.) that can accept different MIDI inputs for each channel strip.


How do I charge multiple Seaboard Blocks?

For best results, use one charger for each Seaboard Block. Connect each Seaboard Block via the included USB-C cable to a compatible USB 3 charger, like an iPad charger or a Macbook USB 3 port.


Can I change presets with the Seaboard Block?

Yes – the Octave Switch buttons double as preset switches. Simply hold the Mode button and press the lower or upper Octave Switch button.