#129

Adding to this thread that the new Dashboard for Roli blocks makes it finally feel like what it should have been 6 months ago.

a wide range of applications and the ability to code your own applications in [littlefoot]
(https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwikhbT_nMfTAhXEOxQKHd1fCh4QFgg3MAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.roli.com%2Farticle%2Fwhat-is-littlefoot%2F&usg=AFQjCNGSa2cF4R5RepFX0JA3y8Zy5Ly5kw&sig2=Mx9PoOFWNoomhIDXaP8Ztg)

One issue is its cumbersome to swap applications on the fly, but if you can leverage the MPE capabilities better within DAWs etc. that makes it more interesting to people who might have a purpose for it outside the Noise app infrastructure.

#130

Dashboard?

Unrelated to Blocks, if anyone’s interested in beta testing v2 of Aftertouch, PM me your email address. I should be sending out a new build within the next few days.

#131

https://support.roli.com/article-category/blocks-dashboard-beta/

I’ll admit my roli block has been gathering dust for several months after getting tired of bugs, sluggish response, and constantly finding the battery drained even if it was turned “off”.

I guess it’s time to load the latest firmware and see to what extent things have improved.

#132

I contacted Roli about this as I had the same thing, AND it wouldn’t update.

They got me to update the firmware twice in succession* to get it to the latest firmware and said the early firmware was really bad for draining the battery, I’ve noticed this is much better now.

Also its never really off, just on standby. which is annoying, but was decided to keep it like that for people to use at a moments notice.

  • I had to update twice via NOISE app as via dashboard didnt work, so update once, then hit update again and it will take you to the next firmware.
#133

FWIW I’ve had decent luck with the Roli block so far as an XYZ controller. Felt like I was getting occasional weird held notes/latency with Dashboard, but wrote a super simple Max patch with the .blocks externals to grab MIDI CC out of it and had much better response. still trying to parse out multi touch - curious if anyone else has success stories with the block beyond the (not super inspiring in my mind) noise app?

Here’s a first test of using it to control an instance of Kaivo and Aalto - https://www.instagram.com/p/BTcNlxMF3qH/

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#134

The missing link?

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MantaMate released at last
#135

And a new one… Oh, mini mini arrived to Seaboard.

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#136

Much desire.

Side note, the separate “Touch Block” represents all the sensitivity controls that RISE has and this omits. It never felt particularly important on the “Lightpad Block”, but I think that module just went from useless to indispensable.

#137

Snap, I was excited for a second and was looking at the webpage as I understood you to mean that they had a similar “5d” responsive thing that WASN’T shaped like a keyboard!

Alas the “Touch Block” is just a little thing of buttons.

Speaking of, does anyone have any of the little “Blocks”? If so, what is the latency like? Are you bound to the controls or can you access them as whatever in Max (and control the LEDs)?

I’ve wanted a small “remote control” type thing for a while, but hadn’t found a good solution to that problem yet.

#138

There’s a good thread over here: Roli Blocks

The Blocks started off with a lot of issues, but are now excellent in my opinion. Blocks Dashboard allows you to save and load programs for the individual Blocks, which can be reprogrammed with code. The Max Blocks package (free in the package manager) does exactly what you want. You can reprogram each Block (not just the Lightpad), so you can upload a custom interface for the Lightpad or change the color/function of each button on the button Blocks.

Latency over Bluetooth is pretty noticeable. The connection to Max requires the use of the USB cable. Latency with the USB cable isn’t noticeable.

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#139

The Lightpad Block is their “5D” responsive thing that’s not shaped like a keyboard.

(I still need to update mine and reevaluate; first impressions at launch were not good.)

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#140

That’s a buzzkill there. Will look through the thread though. Thanks for pointing to it.

Yeah I guess that’s true, though from the vids (and accounts) it’s not too exciting.

#141

Latency is less bothersome than the simple data bottlenecks inherent to transmitting several continuous readings per note. If you’re playing chords, you shouldn’t be wireless.

(When controllers are smart enough to thin out their own data streams as needed, I’ll worry more about latency again)

#142

Latency-wise, I was only thinking of one of the blocks that is just buttons/on/off stuff.

#143

Another side note:

Roli always assumed you’d have only one RISE25. When the RISE49 came out, they accepted that you might have one of each, but if you wanted to use two of either on the same computer, you were going to have problems.

Seaboard BLOCK assumes the opposite, as part of the modular Blocks ecosystem…

(I don’t know how it will deal with multiple units over USB specifically, but I don’t recall that being a problem with the Lightpad Blocks)

#144

this might be something kind of what you are talking about? not that you need the buttons on the controller numbered as such. but it seems they are marketing a “generic” one for whatever you want to use it for…

the link thumbnail looks like the normal light block shit but its a link to their “developer” kit…

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#145

That’s pretty nice, though I think I would prefer remember what icons do what, rather than what number is what icon.

#146

In that case, the latency isn’t noticeable. I thought you were asking about the Lightpad for rhythmic performance. The physical button Blocks do not have noticeable latency.

As a heads up, though, the button Blocks require a Lightpad Block or Seaboard Block for Max use. The button Blocks do not have a USB port on them, which is needed for Max interaction.

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#147

That’s a good news bad news situation. I was hoping it could just be used as a programmable hand held bluetooth remote.

#148

Buy a single Nintendo Switch Joycon?

I think they are programmable via third party software

they are definitely bluetooth and handheld.

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