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Average Price: $486
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Description
Experience a revolution in musical expression with the Roli Seaboard RISE 49, a groundbreaking MIDI controller that defies the limitations of traditional keyboards. The innovative "keywaves" on its smooth, touch-responsive surface offer a tactile sensation that invites you to explore your creativity like never before. This isn't just a keyboard; it's a canvas for your musical ideas, allowing you to slide, glide, and press into an entirely new dimension of sound.
The Seaboard RISE 49 puts dynamic control at your fingertips, enabling seamless transitions between notes and providing the ability to bend pitches effortlessly. Its unique design supports 5D Touch Technology, capturing five dimensions of touch to shape your sound with precision and fluidity. Whether you’re performing live or producing in the studio, this instrument expands the boundaries of your performance.
Connectivity is a breeze with Bluetooth MIDI support, freeing you from cables and allowing you to focus solely on your music. Compatible with a wide range of software and hardware, the Seaboard RISE 49 integrates effortlessly into any setup, making it an essential tool for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals.
Key Features:
- 49-keywave surface with touch-responsive "keywaves"
- 5D Touch Technology: Strike, Glide, Slide, Press, and Lift
- Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connectivity
- Compatible with a variety of DAWs and music software
- Lightweight and portable design
- Includes software bundle for enhanced sound exploration
Product specs
| Brand | ROLI |
| Model | Seaboard RISE 49 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Keyboard MIDI Controllers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| MIDI I/O | USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
FAQs
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What makes the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 different from traditional MIDI controllers?
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The ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 offers a unique touch-responsive surface that allows for expressive control over pitch, volume, and timbre, unlike traditional controllers with fixed keys. Its "5D Touch" technology provides a highly customizable playing experience.
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Is the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro?
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Yes, the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Logic Pro, through its USB MIDI connectivity, allowing for seamless integration into your workflow.
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How portable is the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 for live performances?
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The ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 is designed to be portable, with a slim profile and lightweight build, making it suitable for live performances and easy transport between gigs.
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Does the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 require a specific power supply?
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The ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 is powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply and simplifying setup for both studio and live environments.
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Can the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 be used to control software synthesizers?
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Yes, the ROLI Seaboard RISE 49 can control software synthesizers, offering expressive capabilities that enhance the dynamic range and articulation of your virtual instruments.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Highly expressive with X, Y, and Z axis touch sensitivity
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Comes with Equator softsynth, enhancing sound design capabilities
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Seamless integration with popular DAWs and synths
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Improved playing surface allows fluid finger movement
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Exceptional build quality, can be powered by batteries or computer
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Offers a new level of expressiveness for keyboard players
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Facilitates organic and intuitive playing experience
CONS
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Middle octaves may develop issues over time without warranty support
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License transfer for software is difficult
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Requires time to master software and create good patches
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Limited by exclusivity of MPE support at times
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Setup and patch construction can be complex
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Heavier compared to smaller models, affecting portability
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Lack of clear key delineation may require adjustment time
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roli Seaboard RISE 49.
Build quality
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Some users report faders malfunctioning, only operating at "0" or "100", and USB ports becoming unreliable, affecting power functionality.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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DIY replacement of the User Interface panel is possible for about £60, requiring Torx bits, Allen keys, and isopropyl alcohol for best results.
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User experience
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Owners frequently highlight poor customer service, with delayed responses and ineffective solutions, leading to dissatisfaction despite the product's innovative features.
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Some users report sensitive touch responses on the Seaboard Rise, necessitating careful handling to avoid unintended notes, highlighting the importance of adjusting playing technique.
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The Seaboard can be compared to a fretless instrument, requiring deliberate playing to avoid note smearing, especially for classically trained pianists.
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Some users notice consistent inaccuracies with specific keys, particularly near the center, which can be intermittently bothersome but are often overlooked in performance.
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Use cases and applications
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Heavy studio use over multiple years shows minimal wear, with keywaves appearing delaminated but not affecting playability, indicating durability in static setups.
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Comparisons
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Arturia Pigments is praised for its MPE support and integration with the Seaboard, making it a favored synth choice for users looking for compatibility and enhanced functionality.
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Software and compatibility
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The Roli Dashboard software remains operational regardless of registration status, providing flexibility and ease for users who purchase the Seaboard second-hand.
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Adjusting the glide envelope in the Roli Dashboard can modify touch sensitivity, with options for linear or exponential settings.
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Value and pricing
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A new Seaboard Rise 49 can sometimes be found as a clearance item at Guitar Center, offering potential savings if purchased directly in-store rather than online.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 22 Ratings
1256
Extraordinary. A distinctive and unique approach to expressive MIDI control
The ROLI Seaboard RISE is a gigantic improvement over their initial ROLI "Grand" some years earlier, the playing surface of which left me somewhat disappointed. I was quite excited with idea of this remarkable new way of expressive playing for keyboard players, but the "Grand" felt too rubbery to me and didn't allow for the fingers to glide easily.
I'm so glad that I waited. The Seaboard playing surface is far smoother and allows for more fluid finger movements, especially when gliding forwards, backwards, left and right, even when holding chords. The dedicated synth engine, Equator, is also a jam-packed dream for sound designers. The programming, whilst deep, is helped by an intuitive and clear GUI. The exceptionally comprehensive modulation routings are tailor made get the absolute best from the Seaboard. An incredible package overall.
18
Great product but a lot of issues
I love the product, I love the features, but I have had to send it back to Roli multiple times, for them to fix it, because it keeps breaking. They have good customer service, it is just annoying.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a video posted on Instagram, pluko is seen using the Roli Seaboard RISE 49.
You keep up to date with musical technology, what’s in your current studio set up?
My home studio is based around an iMac from 2011 – i7 processor, 32gb RAM. I have a MOTU interface, some Presonus monitors that I really like, a weighted AKAI controller that I’d like to replace with something that doesn’t rattle like a percussion instrument, and my ROLI seaboard, which has really captured my imagination. I mostly use software synths and sound sources these days, though there are plenty of guitars and percussion instruments here that I can use when the need arises. I use all kinds of software for music creation – Pro Tools, Studio One, Ableton Live, Melodyne… Whatever stimulates creativity is cool with me.
Album Usage
The Roli Seaboard RISE 49 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 RISE 49, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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