Roli Blocks allows users to easily create music by emulating up to 128 instruments.
If you like creating music as much as you like listening to it but you could never get a handle on the whole music notes and other aspects involved in the process, then you should try the new Roli Blocks. The technology consists of a wireless modular Lightpad and a specialized app. With these, anyone can create a tune after a little practice.
Roli is a British company known for creating music technologies such as the Seaboard, meant to be a reimaging of the classic piano. However, with the cheapest version starting at $800, not many music aficionados could afford one. Their new Roli Blocks is an entirely different story, as the main controllers known as the Lightpad, costs only $179.
In order to start creating the music of your choice, you first have to install the freely available Noise app, which at the moment is only on iOS , with an Android version coming soon. After installing the app and connected the Lightpad to an iOS device like an iPhone or an iPad, then you’re set to go.
The app allows users to customize the controller in up to 128 different ways so that it creates music from instruments such as pianos, guitars, flutes, drums, and a whole lot more. Additionally, the company has announced plans to release future updates with more instruments for free. They will also sell specific instruments developed by musicians such as RZA, Grimes, and Steve Aoki.
To start creating quality music you will have to master the Lightpad, which has a touch-sensitive and pressure-sensitive rubber surface. Behind it, there a high number of colorful LED Lights that can form different patterns and grids depending on the instrument you chose from the app. The sounds it emits depends on how you move your finger across its surface and how hard you push with your finger, the harder the louder the initial tone will be.
Additionally, you can connect multiple Lightpads to one another to form a portable studio. If you’re not convinced, you can try the new Roli Blocks in select Apple Stores before you buy them. The app is available now for free but won’t do you much good without any controllers.
Are you planning on trying the new Roli Blocks?
Image source: Roli
Michael Turner
