SALES AND SHIPPING
— Where can I get Seaboard BLOCK M? Where is Seaboard BLOCK M shipping to?
Seaboard BLOCK M is exclusively available to order via roli.com, available in the USA, Canada, UK, & Europe.
How can I register interest for shipping to additional countries / regions?
Sign up here to be notified when it’s available in other regions. There are currently no plans to make it available through other retailers or websites.
— When will Seaboard BLOCK M ship and how do the batches work?
Seaboard BLOCK M is currently available for preorder, with the first batch shipping late March. For subsequent batches, timelines will update on site as per below.
Batch 1 — Ships from Late March
Batch 2 — Ships from Mid-April
Batch 3 — Ships from End-May
Batch 4 — Ships from End-June
Batch 5 — Ships from End-July
We expect very high demand, which means the first few batches may sell out very quickly.
When your Seaboard BLOCK M ships you will receive an email with tracking information — make sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
— Is there a discount for buying multiple units?
There is no discount for multiple units at this time.
— Can I place an order using a shipping forwarding company to get a Seaboard BLOCK M to my country?
We will ship Seaboard BLOCK M units to the US, Canada, UK and Europe. Sign up here to be notified when it’s available in other regions. There are currently no plans to make it available through other retailers or websites.
— What are the existing customer discounts and how long are they valid for?
There is a 20% discount available for RISE 2 and RISE 49 owners. For all other ROLI instrument owners there is a 10% discount available. Customer discounts were sent on 31 October 2023 to all subscribed customers via email. If you cannot locate the code in your inbox or junk folder please reach out to Support The codes expire on December 31st 2023.
— Why is my order in a later batch than I thought it would be in?
In periods of significant demand, there will be many people placing pre-orders simultaneously. If a batch completes during your purchase flow, you will be automatically added into the next available batch. Thank you for ordering a Seaboard BLOCK M!
— Do you offer express shipping on Seaboard BLOCK M orders?
Seaboard BLOCK M is sold on a first come first served basis and delivers in batches accordingly. The first batch ships from Late March, and we will keep all subsequent batch orders updated via email.
— I heard ROLI went into administration – can I trust the company to deliver Seaboard BLOCK M?
Yes. ROLI reformed as Luminary ROLI in 2021. This restructuring brought new investment and a renewed commitment to create and support the very best MPE instruments and software. We are in a better position than ever to deliver the very best expressive instruments available.
With the resounding success of the Seaboard RISE 2 preorder and popularity of the original Seaboard BLOCK, we’re proud to say that the Seaboard BLOCK M is our most expressive and versatile MPE controller yet and we’re excited to bring an updated version to the market.
— What’s included with Seaboard BLOCK M?
Here’s everything you get when you order Seaboard BLOCK M:
Seaboard BLOCK M
ROLI Studio
$50 Sound Store voucher (£40, €50)
ROLI Dashboard
USB-A to USB-C cable
2.5mm TRS to MIDI DIN Dongle
Quick Start Guide
Two Year Full Warranty
— How do I get in touch regarding a question about my Seaboard BLOCK M order?
Please visit our support page and submit a ticket if you have a question about your Seaboard BLOCK M order.
Remember to reference your order number in your ticket, so we can answer your questions faster. You will receive your order number via email after checkout.
— Can I get a refund on my Seaboard BLOCK M order if I decide to cancel?
If you’re awaiting your Seaboard BLOCK M shipment — or your keyboard has been delivered and you are within the 30 day return period — you qualify for a refund.
To get a refund on your order, please get in touch with our support team via a ticket here. Please reference your order confirmation number in your message.
Please note, you will lose access to ROLI Studio and your Sound Store voucher code (or purchased sounds if you used it) should you choose to refund your Seaboard BLOCK M order.
— If I reach out to Support, how long will I have to wait for a response?
We always strive to give the best possible Support experience to our Creators. We are proud to have earned a 4.6 Trustpilot score, reflective of our commitment to providing our creators with a terrific positive experience. Our team is based in the UK, so responses may take up to 24 hours. Currently, we are performing well below this and resolving queries within 8 business hours.
— Are there any financing options available for Seaboard BLOCK M?
Splitit Financing is available on orders over $1,200 USD (£950/€1,100). For more information please see our financing page.
— Why is there such a long time between the pre-order and shipment dates?
Due to the high demand from the ROLI Creator community, we wanted to make Seaboard BLOCK M available as soon as possible. We understand it can be frustrating to wait when you're excited to receive your new instrument, which is why we're making your ROLI Studio access and pre-order exclusive Sound Store voucher ahead of your delivery so you can get started making MPE music ahead of arrival. Rest assured we will be regularly updating all customers between pre-order and delivery of the status of their Seaboard BLOCK M.
HARDWARE
— What is the difference between Seaboard BLOCK M and the original Seaboard BLOCK?
Seaboard BLOCK M differs from the original Seaboard in that you can now control other hardware instruments with a new MIDI out. There is also advanced customization of keywave response through updated firmware, offering more nuanced MPE control.
Seaboard BLOCK M has a more natural, intuitive playing experience with an improved velocity response curve, and durable design that has been refined to withstand the rigors of touring and extended studio sessions.
Go computer-free with mode-switching on your BLOCK M, so you can change between Single Channel, or MPE and other modes once activated in Dashboard.
Switch between your saved Equator2 or ROLI Studio presets by holding the side button and pressing the octave left and right buttons. Select your own ROLI Soundpacks to get you started with MPE.
— What is the difference between Seaboard BLOCK M and Seaboard RISE 2?
Design and size
RISE 2: Features 49 Keywave2 keys, designed for detailed expression and control, suitable for both studio and stage environments. It's larger in size, catering to comprehensive play and professional use, and finished in a Platinum Blue metal chassis.
BLOCK M: Offers a more compact design with 24 keywaves, making it highly portable and ideal for musicians on the go or those with limited space. The edge-to-edge design is wrapped in a long-lasting, soft-touch black silicon.
Features and software
RISE 2: Equipped with precision frets for enhanced playability, a unique Semitone Legato setting for microtonal performances, and on-device controls such as XY Touchpad, Touch Faders and preset browsing options. RISE 2 also comes with the powerful Equator2 synth engine and ROLI Studio, providing an infinite range of sounds and creative possibilities.
BLOCK M: While more streamlined, it still delivers expressive performance with the powerful 5 Dimensions of Touch, on-device octave shift buttons, and comes with ROLI Studio, along with a Sound Store voucher to expand your sound library.
Who it’s for
RISE 2: Tailored for professional musicians and producers who seek advanced control and expressiveness in their instrument. It’s ideal for those needing a full range of features for detailed musical creation.
BLOCK M: Perfect for musicians seeking a balance between portability, simplicity, and expressive capabilities. It’s well-suited for beginners, as well as seasoned artists looking for a compact and travel-friendly instrument.
Price point
RISE 2: As a more feature-rich and professional-grade instrument, it is positioned at a higher price point.
BLOCK M: Offers a more accessible price, reflecting its focus on essential features and compactness.
— What are the 5 Dimensions of Touch (5D Touch)?
The soft, responsive keywave playing surface of Seaboard BLOCK M allows performers to modulate sound through 5 natural playing gestures. These are:
Strike: Strike to sound a note at different velocities
Glide: Glide from side to side to bend pitch or create vibrato
Slide: Slide up and down to add brightness or texture to a sound
Press: Press into the keywaves to deepen sounds or simulate the effect of breath on a wind instrument
Lift: Lift off at varying speeds to effect a sound's resonance
See how 5D Touch can transform your performances here.
— What is MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)?
MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is the underlying technology behind Seaboard BLOCK M, Equator2, and ROLI Studio. It allows electronic music makers to be expressive in ways previously only possible with acoustic instruments.
How does MPE do this? When modulating pitch or tone with traditional MIDI, modulation is applied equally to each note being played. But MPE makes it possible to modulate parameters independently across multiple notes, vastly expanding the expressive possibilities!
The original Seaboard catapulted MPE into the mainstream, and since then more and more leading music makers have adopted MPE. Learn more about MPE here.
— What are the dimensions and specifications of Seaboard Block M?
These are the key specifications of Seaboard Block M:
Dimensions and Weight
Width: 282mm (11 inches)
Height: 24.7mm (1 inch)
Depth: 141mm (5.5 inches)
Weight: 650g (1.43 pounds)
Battery
10 hour battery life
4 hour charge time
Connectivity / Ports
2.5mm TRS to MIDI DIN Output via included dongle
USB-C port (MIDI in, out and power)
Full MIDI compatibility over USB and Bluetooth LE
Power
USB / DNA Input Voltage: 5.0V ± 0.2V DC
2 DNA connector
Bluetooth
15 meter Bluetooth range
macOS only
— Is Seaboard BLOCK M a MIDI controller?
Yes, Seaboard BLOCK M is a MIDI controller. It has no on-board sound engine, so you will need to connect your Block M to a computer or mobile device running a compatible software program (such as ROLI Studio Player) to produce sound.
— How do I get started with Seaboard BLOCK M
ROLI Studio will be made available to you at purchase during the pre-order, so you can access all the features and sounds with any of your existing controllers. Once your Seaboard BLOCK M arrives you can elevate your experience with your software.
If you don't use the included software before your Seaboard BLOCK M arrives, head to roli.com/start and download ROLI Connect. This platform will let you register your BLOCK M and download your included software. Learn how to get set up with ROLI Connect here.
Need more help? Look out for new BLOCK M tutorials on our YouTube channel in the coming months to help you get started. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to visit our support page.
— Is Seaboard BLOCK M compatible with non-MPE hardware and software?
Yes! You can use Seaboard Block M just like a traditional MIDI keyboard when connected to standard MIDI hardware and software using USB-C, Bluetooth or MIDI port connectivity.
Even when paired with MPE software, you can adjust your settings in your included ROLI Dashboard software to minimize each expressive parameter and make the Seaboard behave as a standard piano-keyboard.
— Why doesn’t the Seaboard BLOCK M include an onboard sound engine?
ROLI Studio bundled free provides the perfect balance of flexibility and versatility at the lowest cost to you. With an onboard sound engine (and potentially in-built speakers), the Seaboard would cost much more to manufacture, and be much bulkier — and therefore cost more for ROLI creators to purchase. An onboard sound engine is also more cumbersome to maintain and update, in comparison to easily downloadable updates to Equator2 or ROLI Studio.
— I bought a Seaboard BLOCK and the silicone ended up peeling off.
Through the reengineering of the Seaboard BLOCK M, we’ve ensured the silicone used on the soft-touch keywaves can withstand rigorous touring and extended studio sessions. Updated manufacturing processes for the Seaboard Block M promises long-lasting durability and comfort, and you should not encounter issues of peeling or deterioration.
To further protect your BLOCK M when it is not in use, we have a protective Snapcase available to purchase to help prolong the life of your instrument.
Seaboard BLOCK M comes with a full, two year warranty and we encourage you to reach out to our support team should you need further assistance.
— Is Seaboard BLOCK M compatible with my Seaboard Block / Lightpad / LUMI / Control BLOCKS?
Yes – Seaboard BLOCK M comes equipped with two DNA ports, one on either side of the device. This will allow you to connect another Seaboard Block, LUMI Keys or Lightpad. Please note that we discontinued Lightpad and Control Blocks in August 2021 and these devices are no longer manufactured or tested.
— Will my existing Seaboard BLOCK be covered by the new firmware update?
The new firmware update will be released in March to coincide with the dispatch of the first batch of Seaboard BLOCK M purchases. At that time, the firmware update will be made available for existing Seaboard BLOCK owners to update their instruments.
SOFTWARE
— What software and sounds are bundled with Seaboard BLOCK M?
Seaboard BLOCK M comes with a selection of world-class sounds and critically-acclaimed software to bring your tracks to life. They’re all included free!
ROLI Studio: A versatile AU/VST3 compatible plug-in and app with intuitive tools to produce and compose musical ideas faster. It also includes over 400 sounds from the Equator, Equator2, Strobe2 and Cypher2 synths. Worth $99 as a standalone purchase.
You can expand your ROLI Studio preset library with inspiring new soundpacks with a ROLI Sound Store voucher, also included in the bundle. With over 35 soundpacks that total more than 1300 MPE presets, there is an expressive ocean of sounds to explore.
— What specifications do I need to run the software included with Seaboard BLOCK M?
These are our recommended system requirements for running Seaboard BLOCK M and the included software:
System Requirements:
System: OS X 12/13 or higher / Windows 10 (x64) or higher Processing chip: Intel Core, AMD Ryzen, Apple M1 RAM: Minimum 8GB RAM, 16GB RAM is recommended
Hard Drive Free Space:
13GB of free space required for ROLI Connect, ROLI Dashboard and ROLI Studio. 13GB required for Equator2 installation. 3GB required for Ableton Live Lite installation.
Interface: USB 2.0 and above
— If I order a Seaboard BLOCK M, can I start making music with my bundled software right away?
Yes! If you order Seaboard BLOCK M with an email address linked to a ROLI account, tick the relevant box at checkout to automatically add your software entitlements. Your software will be ready to download and install under the ‘My Software’ tab in ROLI Connect.
If you don’t tick the box when you order Seaboard BLOCK M — or you don’t already have a ROLI account — look out for an email with your unique ROLI Studio serial codes. The subject line will be “ESSENTIAL: Your software serials”
Learn how to activate your serial numbers in this tutorial.
— I already have ROLI Studio. Will I receive a second license for this software when I buy Seaboard BLOCK M?
Yes, you will receive a second software serial if you purchase Seaboard BLOCK M with the email address linked to your ROLI account, however you are free to give this second license to someone else.
You cannot sell any extra software licenses that you receive extra with your other devices.
— Is Seaboard BLOCK M compatible with third-party DAWs, synths, and software?
Yes. Since the launch of the first Seaboard RISE in 2015, the number of music software companies adopting MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) has grown considerably.
Leading DAWs, including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio and Cubase are now MPE compatible and will work with Seaboard BLOCK M. You’ll also find compatibility with many popular synths, including Omnisphere, Reaktor, SWAM, Serum, Pigments, Vital, and BT Phobos. Learn more about MPE compatible software here.
You can also use the Seaboard BLOCK M with non-MPE compatible software. It will function just like a standard MIDI controller when performing non-MPE sounds.
— Is Seaboard BLOCK M Compatible with the LUMI Music App?
No, only LUMI Keys is compatible with the LUMI Music App.
— I’m a professional musician / influencer and I’d love to make content for you. How can I submit a partnership / collaboration proposal?
If you would like to propose a partnership with ROLI to create content with one of our instruments, you are welcome to reach out to us through this form. Due to the popularity of ROLI instruments and the increased interest in Seaboard BLOCK M, we receive many requests and will only be able to respond to inquiries that we’re interested in pursuing.
— Is this compatible with NOISE or Seaboard 5D? Will you be updating NOISE or Seaboard 5D?
As of July 2022, the NOISE app and ROLI Play app were no longer maintained, updated or supported, and as such Seaboard BLOCK M might not work with NOISE, Seaboard 5D, or Play apps.