Pricing and availability

Average Price: $702

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the future of music creation with the Roli Seaboard GRAND, a masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of expression. Not just any MIDI controller, this instrument merges the tactile intimacy of traditional keyboard play with the limitless possibilities of digital technology. Its Keywave playing surface stands at the forefront of innovation, allowing musicians to shape sounds through touch with unprecedented fluidity and depth. Whether you're bending notes, modulating timbre, or adding layers of expression to your performance, the Seaboard GRAND invites you to explore musical dimensions that were once beyond reach.

Key Features:

  • Revolutionary Keywave playing surface for nuanced touch control
  • Offers polyphonic pitch bend and aftertouch for dynamic expression
  • Includes three effects inputs for expanded sound control and experimentation
  • Designed for seamless integration with digital audio workstations
  • Provides a unique interface for both live performance and studio composition

Product specs

Brand ROLI
Model Seaboard Grand Stage
Year 2010s
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
MIDI I/O USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What makes the Roli Seaboard GRAND unique compared to traditional MIDI keyboards?

The Roli Seaboard GRAND features a soft, touch-responsive surface that allows for expressive control over pitch, timbre, and volume, offering a more dynamic playing experience than traditional MIDI keyboards.

Is the Roli Seaboard GRAND compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro?

Yes, the Roli Seaboard GRAND is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Logic Pro, allowing seamless integration into your music production workflow.

How does the Roli Seaboard GRAND connect to a computer?

The Roli Seaboard GRAND connects to a computer via USB MIDI, providing a straightforward setup for digital music production.

Can the Roli Seaboard GRAND be used for live performances?

Yes, the Roli Seaboard GRAND is designed for both studio use and live performances, offering expressive control and versatility for performers.

Does the Roli Seaboard GRAND require any special software to operate?

While the Roli Seaboard GRAND can be used with standard MIDI-compatible software, it is optimized for use with ROLI's Equator software, which is included with the hardware.

TechCrunch

TechCrunch

Roli Seaboard Grand Piano Demo

Video thumbnail for Roli Seaboard Grand Piano Demo by TechCrunch

Roli Seaboard Grand Piano Demo

TechCrunch

TechCrunch

Video thumbnail for ROLI Seaboard Grand Demo & Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

ROLI Seaboard Grand Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for ROLI Seaboard GRAND Stage - Demo & Review of Sounds and Features by PMTVUK

ROLI Seaboard GRAND Stage - Demo & Review of Sounds and Features

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for ROLI Seaboard Grand Stage - All Playing, No Talking! with Eren Başbuğ by Kraft Music

ROLI Seaboard Grand Stage - All Playing, No Talking! with Eren Başbuğ

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Seaboard Grand includes a built-in sound module, distinguishing it from other Seaboard models which are purely controllers.

    Source
  • Initially, the pitch sliding on the Grand is limited to one octave, but a firmware update can extend this capability across the entire keyboard.

    Source
  • The Seaboard Grand can function in standalone mode using its built-in Equator synth engine, although setup issues can prevent this.

    Source
  • The Seaboard Grand is not a traditional piano with additional features; it requires learning new playing techniques for effective use.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users face challenges with Windows 10 updates impacting the ability to run the Dashboard software, restricting customization.

    Source
  • Some users recommend using a virtual machine with a Mac system or an older Windows version for better compatibility with Roli software on PCs.

    Source

User experience

  • The keys of the Seaboard Grand are described as "spongy" and require an adjustment period, which may not suit all playing styles.

    Source
  • Owners report ongoing frustrations with Roli's support and legacy product management, affecting long-term satisfaction despite the product's potential.

    Source
  • The sensitivity of the Seaboard Grand's keys can be exhausting for fingers during extended play, requiring an adaptation period.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Seaboard Grand's MPE capabilities are useful for controlling Roli's Equator 2 and other MPE-compatible plugins, expanding its functionality beyond its internal sounds.

    Source
  • Learning the unique gestures of the Seaboard Grand unlocks new possibilities in both hardware and software synth exploration.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To update a brand-new Seaboard Grand, accessing the SD cards inside for manual updates might be necessary due to lack of current support.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Seaboard Grand's surface is softer and less firm compared to the newer Rise and Blocks models, affecting playability and tactile feedback.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The newer Seaboard Rise 2 features improved sensor arrays and surface firmness, enhancing expressiveness compared to the Grand.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ROLI Seaboard Grand

soundonsound.com

The ROLI Seaboard Grand impresses with its innovative design and exceptional expressiveness, offering a unique playing experience akin to wind or string instruments. Its polyphonic aftertouch and independent note control stand out, making it a revolutionary tool for creative musicians. However, it falls short as a replacement for conventional keyboards due to its steep learning curve and limited compatibility with some DAWs and synths. The embedded synth engine also suffers from glitches. While the Seaboard opens new musical possibilities and is a bold step forward, its quirks and high price make it a niche choice.

positive

Review: Roli Seaboard Rise & Grand — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Roli Seaboard Grand is a groundbreaking instrument that redefines musical expression with its innovative keywave surface. Musicians can explore five dimensions of touch, offering unparalleled creative control. However, its steep learning curve and high price may deter casual users. While rewarding for those willing to invest time, it's not an immediate replacement for traditional MIDI controllers. Perfect for dedicated musicians seeking a new expressive frontier, but be prepared for a significant commitment.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 16 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via CNN

In this video, Hans Zimmer says "The seaboard is really interesting because I think musicians, by nature, are experimental."

See how Bonobo uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Bonobo

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

"Massive shout to @we.are.roli for the seaboard grand. Can't wait to get into this thing."

See how Mat Zo uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Mat Zo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Mat Zo lists that he uses the ROLI Seaboard GRAND in this email from February 2017 detailing his studio gear.

See how Jordan Rudess uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

From 0:00 on Jordan Rudess fiddles about with his Seaboard (he is also the Head of Music Experience at Roli.

See how A.R. Rahman uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

A.R. Rahman

Singer, Keyboardist

SuperHeavy

...
Verified via Twitter

AR Rahman tweets, "My Roli Seaboard has landed !".

See how BT uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

BT

Music Producer

All Hail The Silence

...
Verified via Photo

BT says, "This is a quantum leap forward from the pianoforte which was the last big development in the keyboard."

From here.

See how Nick Rhodes uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick can be seen playing the ROLI Seaboard in the music video for Pressure Off

See how Conor Maynard uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Conor Maynard

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the beginning of the video, behind him, you can see the ROLI Seaboard GRAND Studio.

See how Bill Laurance uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Bill Laurance

Keyboardist, Composer

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

Here is a picture that he posted of the Roli Seaboard which he says he has been "writing and performing with".

See how Mujuice uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Mujuice

...
Verified via YouTube

0:49 "This one made of silicone. A very strange feeling when you touch it for the first time, feels like the hands are drowning and you are in a dream and something going wrong."

See how Emika uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Emika

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this July 8th 2015 Future Music article, Emika explains what she uses in her studio and says on page 7 of the interview: “The newest thing I’ve got, which is a phenomenal piece of kit, is the Seaboard from ROLI."

See how Marius de Vries uses Roli Seaboard GRAND

Marius de Vries

Composer, Music Producer

The Blow Monkeys

...
Verified via Roli

Seaboards remain a fixture in Marius’s home studio in Los Angeles. “I’ve moved into live-work mode,” he says. “My studio is also my home.” It’s an arrangement that helps maximize his work time amid travels that often takes him back back to the UK.

A Seaboard GRAND, Seaboard RISE, and Seaboard Block are all part of a setup that includes dozens of other synths and drum machines. “It’s the GRAND that I keep going back to. It’s what got me excited about the Seaboard before the serendipity of La La Land. I just loved the experience of playing it — the process of adapting keyboard technique to different expressive means.”

Album Usage

The Roli Seaboard GRAND has been featured on the following albums:

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 Seaboard GRAND, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
teodor_pop

teodor_pop

Gear IQ 135

auximenies

auximenies

Gear IQ 224

teodor_pop

teodor_pop

Gear IQ 135

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