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Average Price: $560

High-end/Boutique

$99

$300+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into a new realm of musical creativity with the Roli Lightpad Block M, a revolutionary MIDI controller designed to inspire and innovate. This versatile device merges tactile interaction with advanced technology, offering musicians of all levels the opportunity to explore sound in a completely intuitive way. The Lightpad Block M features a high-resolution touch surface that responds to the lightest touch, allowing you to shape music with simple, natural gestures.

Its seamless integration with Roli’s NOISE app and compatibility with popular DAWs like Ableton Live make it an essential tool for both studio and live performances. The Lightpad Block M is compact and portable, making it easy to take your music on the go. Whether you’re creating beats, melodies, or soundscapes, this controller empowers you to express your musical ideas with unprecedented precision and emotion.

Key Features:

  • High-resolution, pressure-sensitive touch surface for expressive playing
  • Seamless integration with Roli’s NOISE app
  • Compatible with a variety of DAWs, including Ableton Live
  • Compact and portable design
  • Wireless connectivity with other Roli BLOCKS
  • Rechargeable battery for extended play sessions
ROLI

ROLI

Introducing the next generation Lightpad Block – Super Sonic Surface

Video thumbnail for Introducing the next generation Lightpad Block – Super Sonic Surface by ROLI

Introducing the next generation Lightpad Block – Super Sonic Surface

ROLI

ROLI

Video thumbnail for *NEW* ROLI Lightpad Block M | FIRST LOOK + Comparison by TAETRO

*NEW* ROLI Lightpad Block M | FIRST LOOK + Comparison

TAETRO

TAETRO

Video thumbnail for ROLI LightPad Block M - SynthFest UK 2017 by Sound On Sound magazine

ROLI LightPad Block M - SynthFest UK 2017

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for Lightpad BLOCK M by Roli - first impressions! by Sanjay C

Lightpad BLOCK M by Roli - first impressions!

Sanjay C

Sanjay C

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, intuitive design for MIDI control

  • Improved experience over the original Lightpad Block

  • Wireless and portable for ease of use

CONS

  • Difficult firmware updates requiring iOS/OSX device

  • USB support less reliable than Bluetooth

  • Software issues compromise functionality

  • Poor customer service and lengthy response times

  • Roli Connect hardware driver issues

  • Roli Dashboard software connection problems

  • Support forums outdated and unhelpful

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roli Lightpad Block M.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha FDGP 30 is noted as a newer alternative, designed with a different layout, and is well-received by users for finger drumming.

    Source
  • The Lightpad Block's x-axis limits pitch slides compared to the Seaboard, which offers a more extensive range for pitch manipulation.

    Source
  • The Lightpad Block M is considered a decent add-on to the Seaboard Block, which is favored for its superior playability.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners report that the Lightpad Block M's software can be problematic, limiting its ease of use compared to standard MIDI pad controllers.

    Source
  • Some users find the fader functionality unresponsive in certain DAWs like Bitwig, although note grids and xyz pads generally perform well.

    Source
  • The desktop version of Roli's software has improved over time, though iOS apps remain limited and buggy, impacting functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Lightpad Block M is praised for its note bending abilities, offering unique performance options, but may not be ideal for finger drumming.

    Source
  • The Lightpad Block excels in exploring different musical scales without extensive planning, making it an advantageous tool for spontaneous creativity in music production.

    Source
  • Owners frequently use the Lightpad as an effects pad rather than for triggering drums due to sensitivity and velocity challenges.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • When using with a studio player, the Lightpad Block M can visually reflect plugin settings, providing an interactive experience.

    Source
  • Users mention designing custom velocity curves to improve playability, as standard settings are often inadequate for nuanced performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Lightpad Blocks can often be found for around $100, providing a budget-friendly option for those interested in experimenting with MPE technology.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention varying pad sensitivity across models, with flat-surfaced Lightpad Blocks offering more uniform sensitivity, beneficial for consistent note playing.

    Source
  • The Lightpad Block M is appreciated for its portability, with users utilizing multiple blocks to create a 50-note MIDI keyboard.

    Source
  • Lag issues are reported when using the Lightpad Block M unplugged, requiring connection to a computer for optimal performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that the flat surface models of the Lightpad Block provide a more balanced sensitivity, enhancing playability for note-oriented applications.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Article: Hardware Overview: The ROLI Lightpad Block M | Cycling '74

cycling74.com

The ROLI Lightpad Block M is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, with its enhanced touch sensitivity and textured surface making it feel more like a true instrument. Usability improvements are noticeable, breathing life into included examples and personal patches alike. While the original Lightpad had limitations, the M version fixes playability issues, providing better tactile feedback and versatility as a controller. Ideal for musicians looking for a portable, responsive tool, the Lightpad Block M is a rewarding investment that can complement any setup.

positive

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The ROLI Lightpad Block M impresses with enhanced expressiveness and brighter visual feedback, thanks to its updated touch surface and 5D Touch system. It's a unique, tactile MIDI controller that integrates seamlessly with ROLI's software, offering a highly immersive experience. The ability to expand the system and support for a wide range of devices adds to its appeal. However, while new users will benefit the most, existing owners of the original Lightpad Block may find the upgrade less compelling.

positive

Roli Blocks Review. Great concept meets mediocre execution, one-dimensional sound and a heavy toll on the wallet

futuremusic.com

The Roli Lightpad Block M is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more responsive and tactile surface with enhanced battery life. Its modular design and magnetic connectivity are commendable, making it a flexible tool for music creation. However, the accompanying Noise app is a major letdown, criticized for its lackluster sound quality and limited functionality, including the inability to save compositions initially. While Roli has addressed some software issues, the system's high cost and steep learning curve may deter potential buyers. The Lightpad Block M shows promise, but its value proposition remains questionable amidst stiff competition.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

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origin_st

So much better than the original Lightpad Block

The Lightpad Block M is so much better than the original Lightpad Block. Would definitely recommend!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Flume uses Roli Lightpad Block M

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via YouTube

He use this during the 2019 Hi this is flume liveset

See how DiVinCi uses Roli Lightpad Block M

DiVinCi

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Kit

Part of DiVinCi's live rig, as specified on this Kit page.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roli Lightpad Block M, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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