Meet the creators developing awesome apps for Lightpad Block
Learn how Littlefoot code makes the Lightpad Block infinitely customizable
Brian Wang's Lightpad Block 'cello' is just one way creators are customizing BLOCKS with Littlefoot code.
The illuminated Lightpad Block surface is perfect for finger drumming. Or controlling musical effects. Or sequencing beats. Or strumming a fretted guitar. Or even playing Pacman. You can program the Lightpad to be anything you want!
BLOCKS Dashboard features a selection of music making apps you can load onto your Lightpad Block, including a Lightpad Fader and XYZ pad mode. But did you know that you can also make your own apps using the BLOCKS Code program — and share your custom creations with other Lightpad Block creators?
BLOCKS runs on Littlefoot, a C-like coding language that runs on JUCE. If you change a line of code in Littlefoot, you’ll see that change reflected straight away on your Lightpad Block. Even if you have no experience coding, taking your first steps with Littlefoot doesn’t have to be daunting.
A great place to get started is with Ask.Audio’s fantastic and free Lightpad coding tutorial, which takes you through the steps to create a step sequencer on your Lightpad and teaches you Littlefoot basics along the way.
Plenty of Lightpad Block creators are already making exciting apps with BLOCKS Code and Littlefoot. We've gathered a few of our favorites below — watch the films to see some of the exciting possibilities!
Brian Wang's Lightpad Cello
Brian has crafted an expressive 'cello' for two, three or four Lightpad Blocks. One hand at the base of the ‘cello’ controls the pitch (Glide), while the other hand has control of the Slide, Strike and Press Dimensions of Touch on this custom instrument. Try the cello out for yourself by loading Brian's Littlefoot code into your own BLOCKS Dashboard application.
Jeff Tobin's Lightpad SketchBlock
Jeff’s impressive Lightpad SketchBlock adds a 5-part MIDI sequencer to the Block’s existing playing surface, allowing you to play, record and build up a piece of music all on one Lightpad interface. Play the Lightpad SketchBlock here.
Hugh Fays' Custom Lightpad Volume Faders
Hugh created a custom volume and pan fader app for the Lightpad Block, so you can control up to 16 tracks from one Lightpad, without having to scroll by pressing the Mode button. Get Hugh’s fabulous faders here.