2017 NAMM Show: ROLI has announced an enhancement to its BLOCKS modular music controller platform, BLOCKS Dashboard, which is designed to enable integration with a wide range of music programs, including Logic, Ableton, Cubase, Omnisphere, and Kontakt.
BLOCKS Dashboard will make the Lightpad Block a versatile controller for a range of OS X and Windows programs. It will allow musicians to configure their workflow, by uploading preprogrammed scripts and editing the parameters of those scripts. Fader Mode, a new display mode on the Lightpad Block’s LED-illuminated, touch-sensitive surface, makes it even easier to control parameters at the touch of a finger.
“BLOCKS Dashboard unlocks new modular possibilities by connecting each Block to a huge range of software tools, making it more customizable for any workflow,” notes ROLI founder Roland Lamb.
BLOCKS Dashboard integrates BLOCKS with a variety of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), plug-ins, and other software programs. These include:
- Logic Pro X
- Ableton Live
- Native Instruments Kontakt, Massive
- Steinberg Cubase
- Bitwig Studio
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere
- FXpansion Strobe2, Synth Squad
- SampleModeling Swam
- Cycling ‘74 Max MSP
BLOCKS Dashboard also enables programmers to write their own scripts and design their own applications for BLOCKS.
The modular music creation system launched in November 2016 with the Lightpad Block, Live Block, and Loop Block, three devices with complementary musical functions that connect together to create expandable kits. The system is powered by NOISE, a free music creation app for iPhones and iPads that is also the software engine of BLOCKS. The palette of sounds available on NOISE and BLOCKS expanded this month with the introduction of nine soundpacks including Expressive Electronic and Spoonful of Grit by RZA.
Pricing and Availability
BLOCKS is currently available at ROLI.com, Apple.com, and Apple Stores around the world. BLOCKS will be available at GuitarCenter, Sam Ash, and B&H from February 16. The Lightpad Block is priced at US $179.95, other Blocks are $79.95.
The bundled application will be available to all BLOCKS creators on February 16.
I need something like that for iOS. There are so many synths on that platform that would work perfect with the blocks…
glad they did this!… with this update i feel like the blocks are now ready as a consumer product. I just hope they also adjust the velocity sensitivity
FINALLY!!! This should’ve rolled out with the blocks day 1. Reason why I returned mine.
I returned mine too but for other reasons. I had two LightPad Blocks plus the Live Block and Loop Block and they would constantly drop the Bluetooth connection for no reason. I really wanted to like these but they aren’t a stable product and do not work as advertised.
Truth to that. Same problem.
Yeah, I use my RISE via USB and only occasionally over Bluetooth. Wireless tech usually has this problem so it wasn’t a surprise. Go USB.
USB isn’t an option when using the app for which the Blocks were created. The main allure of the Blocks is that they are supposed to be a portable music creation tool that is accessible to anyone. It’s a shame that they don’t work.
Hilarious pricing on theses little things.