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by Anders Johanson November 22, 2020 9 min read
SeaboardSeveral years ago, individuals were uncertain about the appropriate way to perceive it.
ROLI introduces the Seaboard, a cutting-edge musical instrument that seamlessly combines the best of acoustic and digital music. With its innovative design, this keyboard allows users to control pitch, volume, and timbre with the touch of their fingertips. Initially, the idea of a touch-sensitive keyboard seemed unconventional, but as time passed, more and more individuals recognized the ingenuity of this product. Consequently, the Seaboard gained popularity, prompting the release of new versions and expanding ROLI's product line. While the Seaboard may initially puzzle some individuals with its membrane-like keybed, it draws inspiration from the timeless elegance and familiarity of traditional piano keys.
Originally presented as a product in a KickStarter campaign ROLI released a groundbreaking solution that enables individuals to acquire musical skills by incorporating color-coded cues directly onto the keyboard, complemented by a complementary application. LUMI Keysfunds for a keyboard that would be used in conjunction with an app for music instruction. However, the keyboard is now being promoted as a studio equipment rather than a tool for music learning. While the keyboard is undoubtedly impressive and functional, this shift in marketing has stirred up some discontent among campaign supporters. They feel frustrated that their contributions did not go towards what was initially promised. This is just another example of a KickStarter campaign that either failed or took a different direction. Although the LUMI Keys still offers a unique product, it is expected to face more criticism in the future. Many people now feel betrayed or deceived as it seems that there will be no accompanying app or instructional features available for purchase. The intention of the KickStarter campaign was to raise funds for a keyboard that would enhance music education, but the current outcome is far from what was expected. £100,000, or $132,949.90 USD,However, they managed to surpass that figure and managed to raise an impressive sum of. £1,629,014, or $betrayal of trust. It's a substantial amount of money, and it's disheartening to see someone veer off course and deliver something that falls short of expectations. It's essential to uphold your word and deliver on what you initially set out to create. Anything less is a letdown to those who believed in your vision and trusted in your ability to deliver. differentThis particular decision is, to put it mildly, a type of choice that stands out.
However, ROLI has not stopped innovating, as they have recently announced a brand new product. Despite some controversy surrounding its release, this product showcases remarkable adaptability and creativity, all within a stylish and compact design. If you are already familiar with the ROLI Seaboard and its unique interaction capabilities, this new product will feel like a seamless continuation of that experience. On the other hand, if you have never used the Seaboard before, this new offering from ROLI will introduce you to a whole new world of possibilities as a keyboard player.
LUMI Keys, the latest keyboard innovation by ROLI, retains the fundamental concept of parameter control introduced in the renowned Seaboard, yet now presents it in a more compact design, featuring a keyboard that evokes a sense of authenticity.
piano keysthe traditional keyboard. The Seaboard's keybed appears as a seamless continuation of the instrument, representing the ongoing connection between music and artistry. On the other hand, the LUMI Keys stays true to the timeless aesthetics and tactile sensation of the conventional keyboard design.
synthesizer keyboardsLUMI Keys provides a more familiar interface for you to work with. It features a backlit keyboard with vibrant colors that represent various functions and features of the controller. Alternatively, you can assign lights to the keys simply for aesthetic purposes. ROLI refers to it as an expressive dimension that enhances your playing and how the keyboard interacts with your software instruments. Each key has pitch bend and aftertouch capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate pitch or modulation wheel. While you can connect it to ROLI's BLOCKS line for added functionality, all the necessary components are included in the box. ROLI has incorporated the magnetic linking technology from their modular BLOCKS into the new LUMI Keys. This means that if you have multiple LUMI Keys units, you can easily connect them just by placing them next to each other. Your digital audio workstation will automatically recognize the number of active keys without requiring any additional calibration or customization. Each unit consists of 24 keys, or two octaves, allowing you to create a larger keyboard by chaining multiple units together. The design ensures a seamless transition between the smaller keyboards, making it nearly imperceptible.
With a variety of keyboard interactions available across different touch capabilities and visual instructions, ROLI is promoting the LUMI Keys as the world's inaugural four-dimensional keyboard. The simplicity and intuitiveness of the controls can be clearly seen through video demonstrations, making the marketing strategy for this product highly effective. As for the physical unit, it doesn't provide an abundance of knobs or sliders but rather offers precisely what is necessary for seamless plug-and-play usage.
The LUMI Keys boast four distinct functions, each with their own unique qualities and persona. Despite being a fresh addition to ROLI's lineup, the LUMI Keys still embody the iconic design and capabilities that define their Seaboard and BLOCKS collections. Engaging with this keyboard brings forth an inventive interaction that will propel your creative endeavors to unprecedented heights, taking you on a journey you never anticipated. Immerse yourself in the following concise summaries of the LUMI Keys' four functions.
By utilizing the keyboard in Glide mode, you can achieve a unique and expressive playing technique reminiscent of a stringed instrument's vibrato. This feature adds a dynamic touch to live performances, making each rendition distinct. Moreover, its value extends beyond the stage as it proves invaluable in the recording studio.
With the Glide function, you can effortlessly shape your patches to match your desired sound without resorting to painstaking automation or pitch-altering plugins. Simply play the keys as you envision them sounding and seamlessly transition to the next task at hand. Say goodbye to unnecessary complications and embrace a more streamlined creative process.
If you opt for utilizing the LUMI Keys in the Press mode, the act of pressing the keys at various positions and with different amounts of force will modify the timbre of the produced sound. The Press mode enables you to infuse the sound of your synthesizer with a wide range of variations, ranging from delicate and airy to powerful and intense, or anything in between. Moreover, you have the ability to manipulate multiple keys concurrently, employing distinct techniques for each key. This allows for a softer expression in one chord note while others express a more aggressive and louder tone, and then smoothly transitioning that note to match the overall velocity of the remaining keys. Thanks to the Press functionality, every time you play a note, there is ample room for creative exploration and sonic diversity.
By enabling the Lift function on the LUMI Keys, you unlock an exceptional and individualized response. When you lift your finger from the keys, the note will be retriggered, but at a setting of your choice. This unique setting has the potential to add intriguing dynamics and percussive components to any track, depending on your playing style and programmed release parameters. Transitioning from soft to sudden loudness, or vice versa, can infuse your composition with a distinctive character that would be otherwise unattainable.
Strike, the fourth and ultimate mode of the LUMI Keys, offers a familiar keyboard experience. All you have to do is press the keys and enjoy the sound! Including this option alongside the more distinctive alternatives adds to the sense of familiarity with the LUMI Keys. It's not just a gimmicky novelty, but a fully functional keyboard that can be used in a traditional manner (which you'll undoubtedly find useful).
At present, ROLI is giving customers the chance to pre-order their keyboard unit at an introductory price of $269.00. However, once the pre-order period comes to a close, the price will increase to its regular rate of $299.00. Alongside the keyboard itself, ROLI is offering a Limited Time Launch Bundle, which comprises a ROLI Snap carrying case for convenient protection while being transported in a backpack or other storage area. Additionally, customers will receive a $50 voucher to use on ROLI's website, three ROLI Studio sound packs, and the ROLI Studio software suite, which functions as plugins in digital audio workstations and is optimized to be compatible with any of ROLI's product lines. This whole Bundle equates to a value of $247 in additional extras, which is almost equal to the value of an entire extra keyboard.
The ROLI LUMI Keys present a unique and immersive experience when it comes to playing the keyboard, surpassing any other device currently available in the market, except for the ROLI Seaboard. Its exceptional design features include pitch-altering capabilities and parameter modulation, allowing you to achieve things that are simply impossible with other units, unless you rely on post-production processing and automation. Despite its compact size, the LUMI Keys offer full functionality, making it superior to other smaller keyboards in its price range or lower. However, the asking price may influence your decision to explore other options. It is worth noting that the exclusive features and functions of the LUMI Keys distinguish it from any similar products available in different form factors or price ranges. The incorporation of pitch-bending and aftertouch technology in each key sets this unit apart from others in its class.
If you're in search of a satisfactory travel experience, MIDIIf you're in search of a MIDI keyboard, you may be in luck as the ROLI LUMI offers compatibility with both ROLI software and 3rd party software. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who need a portable MIDI keyboard. However, it's important to note that there have been conflicting reports regarding the durability and strength of the ROLI LUMI hardware, with some suggesting that it feels slightly cheaper. Nevertheless, considering its construction from a plastic polymer, it's no surprise that this keyboard may show signs of wear and tear if you're a frequent user. bedroom producerPlacing this inside a backpack...
said in the update and offer my support to those who are feeling let down. Perhaps it's important to remember that crowdfunding always carries a level of risk, and while it's disappointing when things don't turn out as expected, it's also an opportunity for learning and growth. Let's hope the team behind this campaign takes this feedback onboard and works towards improving their future projects. is releasing, and what theyareThe release of the ROLI LUMI Keys introduces an innovative and unparalleled product within its price range. Utilizing the HTML markup, this keyboard will serve as a distinctive addition to live performances, particularly when combined with other controllers from the BLOCKS series. While its specialized applications may not appeal to everyone unwilling to invest $300 for potentially unused features, the allure of this product lies in its exclusivity, as only the ROLI LUMI Keys and ROLI Seaboard can provide their unique functionalities. If the price aligns with your value perception and you envision utilizing this product, then it is certainly worth considering. It is undeniably a remarkable technological achievement, although its origin and backstory leave a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste.
by Anders Johanson January 30, 2021 11 min read
Read Moreby Anders Johanson January 18, 2021 9 min read
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