ROLI extends leadership in music technology innovation by acquiring FXpansion, a sound and software pioneer

London (September 1, 2016) - Music technology leader ROLI has acquired FXpansion, the renowned maker of software instruments, as it accelerates development of the musical instruments of the future.

 

London-based FXpansion adds a vast collection of sounds and effects to ROLI's growing ecosystem of music creation tools. The Seaboard, ROLI's touch-responsive instrument that is acclaimed as "the future of the keyboard," will now be developed alongside FXpansion's virtual instruments including BFD3, the world's largest collection of acoustic drum sounds, and Strobe2, the analogue-modelled software synthesizer. The combined ROLI team will integrate its technologies, as ROLI creates a new class of digital instruments that are more expressive and versatile than anything before it.

The Seaboard RISE controller (far right), NOISE app, and Strobe2 software synthesizer.

 

Deepening ROLI's capabilities in sound and software, FXpansion products also extend ROLI's stack of technologies - which is already more diverse than any other in the music technology space. Beyond the Seaboard ROLI has developed Equator, the software synthesizer; NOISE, the free app that turns iPhones into musical instruments; Blend, the social platform for music collaboration; and JUCE, the C++ coding framework for audio developers.

 

Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI, said, "We are creating a Connected Music ecosystem of devices that will change the way people make and enjoy music. Our leadership in music technology innovation - across both software and hardware - strengthens with every link we add to ROLI's toolchain. We're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of musical expression and technological innovation with FXpansion, which has been at the forefront of audio software development for the past 15 years."

ROLI raises $27 million Series B led by Foundry Group to globally expand its Connected Music ecosystem

The Seaboard RISE 25, ROLI's multi-award-winning MIDI controller launched in September 2015.

New York - ROLI, the East London-based music technology company, has raised $27 million to accelerate growth and bring its revolutionary devices - including the celebrated Seaboard RISE - to music-makers around the world.

 

ROLI has rapidly established itself as the most innovative company in music technology by creating connected instruments that offer unprecedented expression. The Series B fundraising will help ROLI scale to meet growing demand, expand in new markets, and intensively build out its product, engineering, and marketing teams in North America and Europe.

NAMM 2016: Dave Smith

Dave Smith has teamed up with Tom Oberheim to create the OB-6! It is a new polyphonic 6-voice analog synthesizer inspired by Oberheim's original SEM now with complete stability and flexibility and it will be going for $2,999 MAP.

There is also a new Prophet-6 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer for $2,799 MAP and a Desktop Module version for $2,199 MAP.

NAMM 2016: Focusrite Novation

Focusrite was showing off their new RedNet A16R audio-over-IP system which networks multiple rooms together. Scarlett was also seen,  their USB interface range, as well as the iTrack range of iOS interfaces. The Clarett Thunderbolt interfaces are newest and the classic ISA (Input Signal Amplifier) ranges were shown.










 














Novation has a new Circuit Groovebox. Hear all about it courtesy of PMTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ijsCUjPJPs

NAMM 2016: Nord

Nord's biggest news was their new Piano 3, handmade in Sweden. Their focus was on creating a keyboard that felt exactly like a piano using their Virtual Hammer Action Technology. It comes with some extraordinary sound libraries as well both electric and acoustic.

NAMM 2016: elektron

electron's primary focus is on "Overbridge," bringing real analog VST/AU instruments under complete control. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, provides CoreAudio, ASIO, WDM sound card drivers, 16- or 24-bit resolution, DAW automation of Overbridge device, DAW synced Overbridge device sequencer, DAW procject recall of Overbridge device settings, and more!

NAMM 2016: Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments

Buchla has a new stand-alone 218 keyboard with MIDI in&out, polyphonic, with euro-rack outputs and they can be put into a 260e system. The 260e also has a new duo-phonic pitch class generator / oscillator. 

Seaboard RISE 49 now shipping to music-makers globally

ROLI is now shipping the Seaboard RISE 49, a four-octave model of its "mind-blowing" and multi-award-winning Seaboard RISE controller

London, United Kingdom (February 26, 2016) - Offering new ways to shape sound through Five Dimensions of Touch on its soft, pressure-sensitive surface, the Seaboard RISE 49 builds on the success of the Seaboard RISE 25. Twice the size of "RISE 25," the "RISE 49" is designed for stage performance as well as studio production. Amateur and professional music-makers have already discovered the amazing versatility of this newest Seaboard, after ROLI displayed the first models at the NAMM show in California in January.

NAMM 2016: Casio

Casio had their new reinvented MZ-X Music Arranger on display. The MZ-X500 and Mz-X300 are the successors to the MZ-2000 with Multi Pads - 16 for the 500 and 4 for the 300 - and built in professional rhythms of many styles from Latin to Jazz with high-quality 20W + 20W high-capacity speakers.

NAMM 2016: Arturia

Arturia was presenting the MatrixBrute, an analog synthesizer with waveform mixing, wave shaping, many different noise sources, feedback option, 3 envelopes, 2 LFO's with 7 different wave forms, synchronization with the sequencer even with MIDI input, a very flexible matrix, and more! They also had the KEYSTEP controller & Sequencer made for its portability.

And, look who we happened to find experimenting on their new gear, none other than Richard Devine!

NAMM 2016: Roland

Roland had much to announce this year with the launch of their premium accessories line, EC-10 EL Cajon, FP-30 Digital Piano, Blues Cube Hot Guitar Amplifier, SYSTEM-500 Complete Set, JC-01 Bluetooth Audio Speaker, A-01 MIDI Controller and Sound Generator, and the Ultimate Blues Tone Capsule. They also had some pretty nifty accordions on display, and a timeline of their synth history beginning with the Jupiter-8 in 1981. We also ran into NANCE, Azlan, and Daniel Kristoff of EMAEL.

NAMM 2016: PianoDisc

PianoDisc was featuring their iQ Intelligent Player System and the new ProRecord QuietTime. Retrofit virtually any piano, converting it into a player piano for live concerts, entertainment, and education. The iQ Player System Standard Package comes with over $1,400 free music and video performances - over 500 songs and 16 videos from 35 albums. It is also compatible with hundreds of apps. 

The ProRecord is a digital hybrid solution for acoustic piano through USB, MIDI, and Silent Piano functions. Learn to play, compose, create sheet music, or capture your own performances.  

NAMM 2016: PNOscan

PNOscan expands the possibilities of your piano or keyboard.

Install the device into your instrument and you're ready to record, practice, and perform.

Specifics:

• Sensors: Optical Sensing of Keys and Pedals
• Sampling rate: 1000 tiems per second./per sensor
• Latency: <2ms
• Retrofit capable: (no need to move the piano) 
• I/O: 5 pin MIDI, USB, and PNOmation
• Configuration: # of notes in system configurable
• Variable Trigger Threshold: Captures trills and fast repeats
• Advanced Customization: Using an available PC based application

NAMM 2016: PianoArc

The PianoArc has a new model called the, "DualWing." This model will be used for the Atlanta Hawks NBA team’s Phillips Arena.

It features dual 72 note controller keyboards with synth action, a carbon fiber top, integrated (midi-programmable) light show, custom machined aluminum stand and custom mounts for control surface, laptop and additional mic mounts.

It comes in these 5 different styles to choose from:

Watch Ashur Denburg do a demonstration:

Media Report by Adam Young

NAMM 2016: The One

The ONE has created a piano that teaches you to play! It includes video lessons, light-up keys, and piano games. It connects through USB to MIDI devices, has a karaoke microphone, Aux in for MP3/CD player, Aux out for sound amp/mixer, and a piano pedal input. It also has a 1/8" headphone socket in the front for quiet practice. You can use it with an iOS or Android device.

NAMM 2016: Nektar

Photo by Patrick Young

I was originally drawn to the Nektar booth by the sleek, no frills, well constructed 88 key impact LX (http://www.nektartech.com/Products/Impact-LX88). Learning piano well before I was ever a bedroom producer, I'm always on the look out for a slim form factor, weighted key controller. Action and play-abilty on the LX88 was good, and in the category of "semi" weighted, the feel was certainly more natural than it's competitors. I struck up a conversation with the Nektar rep and made the mistake of asking, "Is this just a controller?" He took me to Nektar's flagship - the Panorama P6 (http://www.nektartech.com/Products/Panorama-P4-P6)

Photo by Patrick Young

I felt I was both in the past and the future at the same time. The 3.5" display took me back to a dark time where I made all my songs in a Korg Triton but the sleek look and (single) motorized fader made me think they really did design this for the individual laptop producer. It wasn't until I learned how integrated Panorama is with the DAW that I realized how it would enhance work flow, not necessarily change it (although Nektar wants you to be able to detach from your computer). Being able to jump from DAW to individual instrument control was refreshing. The moderately affordable price tag ($600 US for the P6) makes it a compelling purchase for Bitwig, Cubase, Logic, or Reason users. Sadly, Ableton is not (currently) supported due to their DAW interfacing layer.

---

Name: Patrick Young of Speaker Feature Studios

Bio: Electrical Engineer and sole proprietor of Speaker Feature Studios, Patrick Young spends much of his free time designing software synthesizer patches and plugins for other artists and content creators. 

Links:

• speakerfeaturestudios.com
• soundcloud.com/speaker-feature

ROLI Reveals Seaboard RISE 49

Extends the possibilities of ROLI's internationally celebrated new 

MIDI controller

Anaheim, California (January 20, 2016) - Music creation startup ROLI today reveals the Seaboard RISE 49, a four­-octave model of its multi-­award­-winning Seaboard RISE controller that opens up even more musical possibilities for producers and performers alike.

Featuring a larger playing surface, the RISE 49 expands the family of Seaboard RISE controllers only four months after the launch of the two­-octave RISE 25. International acclamation for the RISE 25 grows by the day. Reviewers have called it "extraordinary" and "addictive to play." It offers "a new and compelling way of manipulating sound that borrows the best of the analog and digital worlds," while "the expressiveness and artistry you can achieve with the RISE is second to none." The RISE 25 won a CES Best of Innovation award, FutureMusic 's Product of the Year, an Electronic Musician Editor's Choice Award, and a Synthtopia readers' poll as the best MIDI controller of 2015. The RISE 49 features the tactile silicone surface and the Five Dimensions of Touch celebrated on the RISE 25, while its four­-octave range makes it a versatile instrument for the stage as well as the studio.

Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI and inventor of the Seaboard, said: "When we released the RISE 25, our goal was to establish it as a must-­have tool for the contemporary musician. The response of creators and critics alike has far exceeded our expectations. We're thrilled to be able to complement the portability and power of the RISE 25 with the new musical possibilities that will be afforded by the RISE 49. The Seaboard is becoming not just an interface, but a new category of instruments that opens up an ever wider range of creative possibilities."