The Seaboard is a unique and expressive musical instrument that allows musicians to create a wide range of sounds and textures. Unlike traditional keyboards, the Seaboard uses a soft, rubbery surface that responds to touch and pressure. This allows for a much greater degree of expression and nuance in playing.
If you’re new to the Seaboard, it can be a bit intimidating at first. But with a little bit of practice and some guidance, you’ll soon be able to create beautiful and complex music. In this article, we’ll provide some tips and tricks for getting started with the Seaboard, including how to set it up, how to use it with different software programs, and some basic playing techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician looking to expand your horizons, or a beginner just starting out, the Seaboard is a powerful and versatile instrument that can help you unlock your creativity and expressiveness in new and exciting ways. So let’s dive in and explore the world of the Seaboard together!
Understanding the Seaboard
The Seaboard is a revolutionary instrument that allows musicians to play and control sounds in an entirely new way. It combines the expressive power of traditional instruments with the versatility of modern technology, making it a favorite among many musicians.
At its core, the Seaboard is a keyboard that uses a unique playing surface to allow for more expressive playing. The playing surface is made up of soft, silicone keys that respond to touch, pressure, and movement. This allows for a wide range of playing techniques, from subtle vibrato to full-on glissandos.
One of the key features of the Seaboard is its ability to use MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) technology. This allows for each note to be played with its own independent pitch, modulation, and other parameters. This means that the Seaboard can be used to play and control a wide range of sounds, from traditional piano and string sounds to more experimental and electronic sounds.
Another feature of the Seaboard is its compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware instruments. It can be used with popular DAWs (digital audio workstations) like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Cubase, as well as with virtual instruments and synthesizers.
Getting Started
If you’re new to the Seaboard, don’t worry, it’s easy to get started. In this section, we’ll go over unboxing the Seaboard and installing the necessary software.
Unboxing the Seaboard
When you receive your Seaboard, the first thing you’ll want to do is unbox it. Inside the box, you’ll find the Seaboard itself, a USB cable, and a quick start guide. Follow the instructions in the guide to get started.
Once you’ve unboxed the Seaboard, it’s important to inspect it for any damage. Check the keys, buttons, and other components to ensure everything is in working order.
Installing the Software
To use the Seaboard, you’ll need to install the necessary software. The first thing you’ll need to do is download and install the ROLI Dashboard. This software is available for both Mac and Windows.
After installing the ROLI Dashboard, connect your Seaboard to your computer using the USB cable. The Seaboard should be recognized by the Dashboard automatically. If it isn’t, make sure the Seaboard is turned on and try reconnecting it.
Once the Seaboard is recognized by the Dashboard, you’ll be able to configure its settings and use it with your favorite music software. If you’re not sure how to get started, check out our tutorials on using the Seaboard with popular music software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll be able to get started with your Seaboard and start exploring its unique musical capabilities.
Basic Operations
Playing Notes
The Seaboard is a unique instrument that allows you to play notes in a way that is different from traditional keyboards. To play a note, you simply press down on a keywave, which is a raised section of the surface. The harder you press down, the louder the note will be.
To change the pitch of the note, you can slide your finger up or down the keywave. This is called pitch bending, and it can add a lot of expression to your playing. You can also slide your finger left or right to add vibrato to the note.
Using Gestures
In addition to playing notes, the Seaboard allows you to use a variety of gestures to add expression to your playing. One of the most common gestures is called a glide. To perform a glide, you simply slide your finger from one keywave to another. This creates a smooth transition between the two notes and can add a lot of emotion to your playing.
Another common gesture is called a slide. To perform a slide, you press down on a keywave and then slide your finger up or down the surface. This creates a pitch bend that can be used to add expression to your playing.
The Seaboard also allows you to use other gestures, such as vibrato and pressure. To add vibrato, you simply shake your finger back and forth on a keywave. To use pressure, you press down on a keywave and then apply pressure to the surface. This can be used to add expression to your playing or to control various parameters of your sound.
Advanced Features
Sound Design
One of the most impressive features of Seaboard is its ability to create unique and expressive sounds. The five dimensions of touch allow for detailed control over the sound, giving you the ability to manipulate pitch, timbre, and volume in ways that traditional keyboards cannot.
To get started with sound design, open your DAW and select a synthesizer. Choose a sound that you want to modify and begin experimenting with the Seaboard’s touch controls. For example, try adjusting the pressure to create a vibrato effect or use the slide function to create a glissando.
Another useful feature for sound design is the Seaboard’s ability to assign MIDI CC values to specific touch controls. This allows you to create custom mappings for your favorite parameters and control them with the Seaboard’s touch.
MIDI Mapping
Mapping the Seaboard’s touch controls to your favorite parameters is a great way to streamline your workflow and make the most of the instrument’s expressive capabilities.
To get started with MIDI mapping, open your DAW and select the parameter you want to control. In most cases, you can right-click on the parameter and select “MIDI learn” or a similar option. Once you have enabled MIDI mapping, touch the Seaboard’s control you want to assign to the parameter.
You can also use the Seaboard’s Dashboard software to create custom MIDI mappings. This is especially useful if you want to assign multiple controls to a single parameter or create complex mappings that are not possible with your DAW’s built-in mapping functions.
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing issues with your Seaboard, don’t worry. There are a few common issues that can be easily resolved and contacting support is always an option.
Common Issues
Here are some common issues that users may encounter when using their Seaboard:
- Connection issues: If your Seaboard is not connecting to your computer or mobile device, make sure that it is turned on and that Bluetooth is enabled on your device. You can also try resetting your Seaboard by turning it off and then back on again.
- Software issues: If you are having trouble with the Seaboard software, make sure that you have the latest version installed. You can also try reinstalling the software or resetting your Seaboard to its default settings.
- Hardware issues: If your Seaboard is physically damaged or not functioning properly, contact support for assistance.
Contacting Support
If you are unable to resolve your issue using the above troubleshooting steps, contacting support is always an option. ROLI has a helpful support team that can assist you with any issues you may be having.
To contact support, visit the ROLI support page and submit a support ticket. You can also browse the knowledge base for helpful articles and tutorials.
When contacting support, be sure to provide as much information as possible about your issue, including any error messages or other relevant details. This will help the support team diagnose and resolve your issue more quickly.
