General
Roli's Seaboard certainly caused some waves; winning prize after prize, its innovative concept didn't go unnoticed. No wonder the company decided to issue a larger version of the Rise model: the Roli Seaboard Rise 49 USB Keyboard. Like its predecessor, the Rise 49 combines the expressive possibilities of a keyboard and a violin. In essence, the 49-key keyboard functions as a big touch pad (or ribbon controller) that allows you to make horizontal glides and vertical slides by pressing down on the keys. Just like a violinist making slides, the Rise enables you to use a pressed-down key like a pitch bender or a modulation wheel.
Characteristics of the Roli Seaboard Rise 49
Although we've used it before, the term 'key' isn't really a great way to describe the Rise 49's controls. Roli uses the term 'keywave', referring to the silicone layer that covers the internal components. Besides the aforementioned horizontal glides and vertical slides, the Seaboard Rise puts you in control of a number of other parameters. Like many other keyboards, it's velocity-sensitive, and the keywaves also support aftertouch. 'Lift', however, which refers to the speed at which a keywave is released, may be a new concept for many keyboard players. All of these dynamic means of expression can be linked to a MIDI controller, allowing for a truly creative, musical way of playing.
Equator
The Roli Seaboard Rise 49 is capable of polyphonic expression. If you know a thing or two about sound synthesis and MIDI controllers, no doubt you'll wonder how - and whether - all of this actually works. The answer to that is Equator, the software that comes with the Seaboard. With this comprehensive virtual synthesizer, you're able to use the Rise's expressive options to their full extent. The software differs from standard virtual instruments - the Seaboard isn't a standard sort of instrument, after all - and offers wavetable oscillators, sample playback and FM synthesis, complemented by two LFOs, extensive routing and elaborate filters (including comb filters). That's a pretty impressive package, to say the least, but the instrument's true power lies in its performance. Instead of reading about it, you should really experience the sound and feel of the Roli Seaboard Rise for yourself. It's like nothing you've heard or felt before!
Tips or comments about this product
- Please note: Equator software was specifically developed for the Seaboard, and supports its unique means of expression. Combine the Seaboard with other software, and it functions as a regular USB/MIDI keyboard, without these expressive possibilities.