Roli Seaboard RISE

[pdxindy]

I had been leaning towards getting the Rise 49... but various reports of software issues have me focussed more on the Linnstrument.

Everything else equal, I think I prefer the traditional keyboard layout as I have much more muscle memory with it, and it takes less looking at it, however, I don't dislike the pads layout and the Linnstrument is far more flexible. I like that the Linnstrument does not need a computer for configuration. I could plug the Linnstrument into my Analog Keys and adjust it for different uses such as playing all 4 voices together in MPE mode, or playing each voice separately per row. And since there is the option each row can send on a separate midi channel, I could simultaneously play a bunch of Rytm tracks chromatically.

The other thing I really like is something that Roger Linn said... that there is no plan for a Linnstrument 2 and that the device is modular and that if they update/improve any components, that those components will be offered to existing users. That is a big selling point for me that there is no planned dead-end.

I have the feeling that a Rise 2 might be somewhere on the horizon and that would just be annoying to have purchased a Rise 1. I could see getting them both in the long run, but prefer to wait on the Rise.

Oh, one other thing... there is a firmware update planned that adds step sequencing to the Linnstrument.

[killmaster]

I had been leaning towards getting the Rise 49... but various reports of software issues have me focussed more on the Linnstrument.

Everything else equal, I think I prefer the traditional keyboard layout as I have much more muscle memory with it, and it takes less looking at it, however, I don't dislike the pads layout and the Linnstrument is far more flexible. I like that the Linnstrument does not need a computer for configuration. I could plug the Linnstrument into my Analog Keys and adjust it for different uses such as playing all 4 voices together in MPE mode, or playing each voice separately per row. And since there is the option each row can send on a separate midi channel, I could simultaneously play a bunch of Rytm tracks chromatically.

The other thing I really like is something that Roger Linn said... that there is no plan for a Linnstrument 2 and that the device is modular and that if they update/improve any components, that those components will be offered to existing users. That is a big selling point for me that there is no planned dead-end.

I have the feeling that a Rise 2 might be somewhere on the horizon and that would just be annoying to have purchased a Rise 1. I could see getting them both in the long run, but prefer to wait on the Rise.

Oh, one other thing... there is a firmware update planned that adds step sequencing to the Linnstrument.

Not to try and "sell" the Linnstrument, cause I have zero interest in doing that. I got my Linnstrument a couple days ago and I will say that I feel myself sort of natively drawn to it. I don't know this grid layout at all and as a result, I find that I'm making some really great novice mistakes that sound amazing to me. I'm glad I don't know how to play it. I'm not sure I want to "learn" it in that sense. That means something entirely different to me. I like the notes being all clustered close together. I did have moments of wondering (moments only) why there was ever an keyboard in the first place I never expected to have a intuitive connection with this device, but I do! Even down to changing the settings! I know keyboards and am glad at this point to get away from that structure for awhile. I don't find myself looking at the Linnstrument that much really! I kinda get lost in it. I was feeling conflicted about all this but am so glad now I have it. It will for almost sure be a lifetime instrument purchase for me so I am particularly of his no obsolescence approach. I'll always have a keyboard as well. It serves a pretty different purpose for me. Probably all stuff others have said. Just wanted to confirm

I do want to check out the next RISE for sure but for now I'm happy!

[zerocrossing]

I've got a Rise 49 on it's way. I'm pretty excited for it. I used a 20% off coupon to bring the price into the $1000 range, (with tax) and that made it worth it to me. I think I'd have expected too much from the Linnstrument at the $1500 price. Also, something about how the Roli looks and feels (or how I image it feels based on reports) seems more "right" to me. I'll report back when it gets here. Guitar Center said it was going to be in on the 12th... now I see 22nd. :/ Well that blows.

[killmaster]

I've got a Rise 49 on it's way. I'm pretty excited for it. I used a 20% off coupon to bring the price into the $1000 range, (with tax) and that made it worth it to me. I think I'd have expected too much from the Linnstrument at the $1500 price. Also, something about how the Roli looks and feels (or how I image it feels based on reports) seems more "right" to me. I'll report back when it gets here. Guitar Center said it was going to be in on the 12th... now I see 22nd. :/ Well that blows.

where did you find the coupon?

[deastman]

Also, something about how the Roli looks and feels (or how I image it feels based on reports) seems more "right" to me.

You mean how it feels like fondling an alien lifeform? I like that about it too!

[Cinebient]

I must say that the build quality and feel of the material (mainly metal and the silicon surface) is very very good. It looks like a stealth bomber and is build like a tank. It's surprising heavy for the size (i have the Rise 25).
I have the feeling if i throw it into the wall, the wall will break
I just hope it works someday like i want
Support send me a link and advice how to reset it manually.....will see later if that works.

[Stollmeister]

Keep us posted. My inclination to buy a Rise hangs on them being able to resolve this.

[zerocrossing]

I've got a Rise 49 on it's way. I'm pretty excited for it. I used a 20% off coupon to bring the price into the $1000 range, (with tax) and that made it worth it to me. I think I'd have expected too much from the Linnstrument at the $1500 price. Also, something about how the Roli looks and feels (or how I image it feels based on reports) seems more "right" to me. I'll report back when it gets here. Guitar Center said it was going to be in on the 12th... now I see 22nd. :/ Well that blows.

where did you find the coupon?

In my in-box. I'm on their mailing list and some "store manager" pelts me with coupons at least a few times a month. Usually they're for 15% off and not usable for anything that I'm interested in.

[killmaster]

I've got a Rise 49 on it's way. I'm pretty excited for it. I used a 20% off coupon to bring the price into the $1000 range, (with tax) and that made it worth it to me. I think I'd have expected too much from the Linnstrument at the $1500 price. Also, something about how the Roli looks and feels (or how I image it feels based on reports) seems more "right" to me. I'll report back when it gets here. Guitar Center said it was going to be in on the 12th... now I see 22nd. :/ Well that blows.

where did you find the coupon?

In my in-box. I'm on their mailing list and some "store manager" pelts me with coupons at least a few times a month. Usually they're for 15% off and not usable for anything that I'm interested in.

haha! yeh... thanks...

[Cinebient]

Keep us posted. My inclination to buy a Rise hangs on them being able to resolve this.

My issues are not solved Maybe it´s another hardware issue
I´m getting tired. I´m sure that it worked at the beginning like it should and i have this since an update. But it seems nothing will get it back to work like it should.
I can still use it of course and for others it might be a "minor bug" but it´s not acceptable to have a non 100% working device for this price and that i have to go trough so many support tickets, replacements.....whatever since the beginning. I give up.
I wish i could get just my money back now

[zerocrossing]

Keep us posted. My inclination to buy a Rise hangs on them being able to resolve this.

My issues are not solved Maybe it´s another hardware issue
I´m getting tired. I´m sure that it worked at the beginning like it should and i have this since an update. But it seems nothing will get it back to work like it should.
I can still use it of course and for others it might be a "minor bug" but it´s not acceptable to have a non 100% working device for this price and that i have to go trough so many support tickets, replacements.....whatever since the beginning. I give up.
I wish i could get just my money back now

I can understand your frustration, but I think it'll be OK for me. I mostly want to use it in performance mode. I have other controllers with sliders and knobs.

[zerocrossing]

Not to try and "sell" the Linnstrument, cause I have zero interest in doing that. I got my Linnstrument a couple days ago and I will say that I feel myself sort of natively drawn to it. I don't know this grid layout at all and as a result, I find that I'm making some really great novice mistakes that sound amazing to me. I'm glad I don't know how to play it. I'm not sure I want to "learn" it in that sense. That means something entirely different to me. I like the notes being all clustered close together. I did have moments of wondering (moments only) why there was ever an keyboard in the first place I never expected to have a intuitive connection with this device, but I do! Even down to changing the settings! I know keyboards and am glad at this point to get away from that structure for awhile. I don't find myself looking at the Linnstrument that much really! I kinda get lost in it. I was feeling conflicted about all this but am so glad now I have it. It will for almost sure be a lifetime instrument purchase for me so I am particularly of his no obsolescence approach. I'll always have a keyboard as well. It serves a pretty different purpose for me. Probably all stuff others have said. Just wanted to confirm

I do want to check out the next RISE for sure but for now I'm happy!

I'm not sure what the deal is, but I've listened to a ton of demos of both controllers and something about the Linnstrument seems off to me. Obviously sound isn't a concern, but one thing I've noticed is that people seem to have trouble playing the Linnstrument well. There always seems to be something off with people's timing and the expression seems a bit off too. Is the fingering difficult? It looks awkward to play. Is the velocity curve weird? I can't quite put my finger on it (pun intended) but I've yet to hear a fluid performance on a Linnstrument. OTOH,

[pdxindy]

Marco Parisi has to have sold a lot of Rise keyboards. And I too have not heard anything like his Seaboard stuff on a Linnstrument. But then the guy is a freakin genius. He is so good.

One thing is... there are a helluva lot of excellent keyboard players and the grid layout of Linnstrument is still new. Whether Linnstrument or Push, I have not heard much in the way of really skilled playing yet from that sort of layout. Not saying it is not out there, but I have not happened to come across it.

Rise also comes with it's own synth that is set up to make full use of the controller. I think that is an advantage for it and for getting good demos at a young age.

I like the spongy feel of the Rise having played it at my local shop. They both seem excellent in their own ways.

[incubus]

Nobody (in their right mind) is questioning the awesome capabilities of "rise", it's simply the really odd issues that too many people seem to be having.

Again, considering the money I've plunked on controllers and how remedial their drivers usually are, no way here until I can see that they are listening and working to improve. The "Linn" seems to have less complaining about drivers (though they have made PC stuff in the past that has been, underdeveloped .... )

[deastman]

I have to agree that I've never seen a compelling Linnstrument performance. I don't think that really means anything in itself, since the controller is still very new and there aren't a lot of them out there. The Seaboard also requires a significant learning curve to play, even if you have keyboard skills already, but at least you're halfway there. One of the things which pushed me toward the Seaboard was that I already have a Push 2 (and a Push 1 before that), so I've done the grid thing. I've never mastered the grid for playing anything other than simple melodies and the most rudimentary of chord progressions. And the Push grid layout seems to work better than Linnstrument. As Gaz Williams demonstrated in his Sonicstate video, the chord voicings can be an awkward stretch. Roger Linn also didn't see the value in implementing "in scale" modes like Push has, which is the one thing that makes the grid learning curve a little less painful.

All that said, I'd still like to pick one up eventually.