ROLI has shown off the latest incarnation of its highly expressive, portable(ish) keyboard instrument, the ROLI Piano.
Sporting 49 full-size keys with full plunge depth, it makes a compelling case as an instrument for those starting to learn the piano. Four octaves is constrictive for more complicated pieces, but is fine for beginners navigating their way around a piano keyboard’s layout.
The learning aspect is cemented with an accompanying app which — if subscribed to — offers a range of learning tools and games. Perhaps the audience is primarily children, though could be suited to adults as well.
What’s interesting is that the ROLI Piano seems to be targeting two potentially distinct audiences. THat’s because the keyboard has built into it some pretty impressive sensors that take the keyboard — which can be used as a MIDI controller — way beyond what many other controller keyboards can offer; even those with a significantly higher price tag.
Along with standard velocity sensitivity you’d expect for a piano-like experience, there is per-key aftertouch, key pitch bend, and sensors to determine how quickly a key has been pressed and released. Clearly this offers a massive range of expressivity, especially when paired with other instruments or a DAW which can respond to these.
The keyboard also features illumination, which can be customised and used either as a learning tool or a performance enhancement. For example, the keyboard can be instructed to illuminate only the keys which form part of a particular musical scale.
All these effects can be turned off if the user wants a simple piano experience.
For experimenters and more advanced musicians, things can get really crazy if the Airwave is added. This in itself has six “air” gestures which can be used to shape and alter sounds. Back to the learning aspect, Airwave can also be used to observe and suggest technique improvements.
The Piano and Airwave bundle regularly retail for just shy of $1000. The Piano alone costs $600. Bear in mind that if one wants the learning membership, that’s going to cost a minimum of ~$8 per month (paid yearly), or more for a family bundle or monthly commitment.
Thankfully, the controller aspect of the keyboard can be used on its own, although it always requires a connection to some kind of DAW or ROLI’s own Studio software to get any sound output.
The dual target audience is interesting — ROLI even has two distinct sales pages although the devices and prices are identical.
Whether the learning subscription model is something people will go for remains to be seen. It seems to be the fashion at present to get everyone onto some kind of recurring payment schedule.
For what the combined Piano and Airwave does, the price tag seems reasonable, and I can imagine a lot of creators, especially those involved in live performance, will be tempted by the many features on offer. It’s perhaps a little disappointing the Piano isn’t completely standalone, and requires a decent tablet or computer to pair with in order to achieve anything — even down to changing basic preferences. That said, it does keep the instrument itself minimal, and most creators will already have the appropriate devices to connect with.
ROLI is taking preorders now — the early bird discount has almost expired. Units will begin shipping around April this year.
Specifications
Dimensions & weight:
- Keys: 49-full spectrum illuminated keys featuring ROLI Brightkey™ technology
- Key size: Full-size keys, 162.8 mm octave
- Full plunge depth
- Dimensions: (L x W x D) 700 mm x 200 mm x 45 mm (approx. 27.5″ x 8″ x 1.8″)
- Weight: approx. 3.5 kg
Connectivity & ports:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB-C port (Connection and Charging)
- MIDI out (3.5mm TRS)
- Pedal support (continuous TRS, 3.5 mm plug, compatible with sustain and expression pedals)
- Class-compliant MIDI over USB and Bluetooth
Battery & power:
- 6-hour battery life
- 3-hour charge time
- USB Input Voltage 5V/9V
- 2 x Rechargeable internal battery (2 x 3500mAh)
Expressive performance:
- Pressure-responsive keys featuring polyphonic aftertouch
- Per-key pitch bend
- 4 octaves with octave shift buttons for full 7 octaves
