“A restrained update to the Seaboard Block”: Roli Seaboard Block M review

Roli Seaboard Block M review: What is it?

UK brand Roli has a lot invested in the MPE game. Since the introduction of the Seaboard and its “squishy” keys, it seemed to be Roli who was pushing most for the standard to be adopted into the official MIDI specification, which did eventually happen. Despite experiencing a financial rise and fall, the company continues to sell its Seaboard Rise and Grand instruments, as well as the Block, which is the smallest and cheapest of the line, at 24 keys.

Don’t underestimate the Block though. You can chain them together to make larger keyboard setups, and integrate them with Roli’s Lightpad Block and other controllers in the Blocks ecosystem. So how does the new Block M model fare as a Block and as a standalone small-form MPE controller?

Roli Seaboard Block M review: Performance and verdict

On first play, the Seaboard Block M feels very intuitive. Even if the experience is new, the ability to bend notes and vary a factor like pressure just feels like you’d imagine it to – there’s no recalibrating needed in your head, handling is all very intuitive. There are slide pads above and below the ranks of keys, giving you another way to bend pitch other than with the key itself, which is appreciated when moving beyond vibrato into full-on THX chord-bending territory.

Compared to other Roli controllers, the Block M’s keys now feel a more akin to its higher-range models. It’s not that your brain will be tricked into thinking you’re playing a Seaboard Grand, but it’s easier to slip back into the Block M than it was to the original model.

New connections

The Seaboard Block M is now equipped with MIDI Out, meaning that if you’ve got any MPE-capable hardware synths, you can now get the most out of them. Not everyone will get much out of this addition, but for those who integrate hardware into their setup, this makes the Seaboard Block an option, and it means that for manufacturers thinking of releasing small form factor MPE synths, there’ll now be a base of players ready and waiting.

The Seaboard Block M now has more control options available. While holding the Mode button, you can press the Octave selector buttons to change presets in Roli Player Studio, a valuable workflow addition and nod to continuing creativity. That Mode button also helps select modes, between MPE, multichannel and single channel.

You can customise your playing response using the Roli Dashboard app, and access all Roli synths with patch-level browsing through Roli Studio Player, which is simple to download for Seaboard owners.

The Seaboard Block continues to be an easy and relatively affordable entry point into MPE music-making. Any owners of the original will probably be happy to keep what they’ve got, but those wishing to connect it up with hardware should be more convinced by the M.

It’s good to see improvements and continued commitment to the entry-level product line, which gives us that bit confidence that it’s here to stay.

MusicRadar verdict: Roli has made a restrained update to the Seaboard Block. New users will appreciate the M more than the original, not that everyone will be clamouring to upgrade.

Roli Seaboard Block M review: The web says

"The future of MPE-based MIDI control has never looked brighter and, with the Seaboard BLOCK M, ROLI is making access to a new world of creative performance and control more affordable than ever."
MusicTech

Roli Seaboard Block M review: Hands-on demos

ROLI

Introducing Seaboard BLOCK M: Infinite Expression. Anywhere. - YouTube

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Doctor Mix

The Roli Seaboard Block M | Full Demo - YouTube

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Obleo Creates Stuff

Roli Block M Unbox Review - YouTube

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Roli Seaboard Block M review: Specifications

• KEY FEATURES: Redesigned keywaves (aka Keys), built for more expressive play. Changing presets and play modes is now possible from the device. i/0: MIDI Out (five-pin DIN via adapter cable).
• CONTACT: Roli