The quest for the perfect MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller often leads musicians down various paths, exploring different brands and technologies. Among the options, the Roli Songmaker Kit has surfaced as an accessible entry point, especially for those intrigued by the unique expressive capabilities of MPE. But is the Songmaker Plus kit, as some might call it, truly a worthwhile investment, or are there better avenues to explore for nuanced musical expression? Let’s delve into a musician’s perspective to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Roli Songmaker Kit, often referred to by users seeking a “Song Maker Plus” experience, involves recognizing its components. Typically, it includes the Seaboard Block, and sometimes additional blocks like a Lightpad Block M or a Loop Block. The appeal lies in the promise of a comprehensive, modular system for music creation, particularly for those working within the iOS ecosystem or looking for a portable studio setup.
However, the reality of using the Songmaker Kit, or “song maker plus” setup, reveals some significant limitations. For iOS users, a major constraint is the limited compatibility of these controller blocks. They primarily function within the Roli ecosystem – specifically, the Roli app in standalone mode or with their Equator plugin on desktop environments. This walled-garden approach significantly restricts their versatility and integration with other iOS music production apps, a critical factor for many mobile musicians. For those envisioning a seamless workflow across various iOS apps, the Songmaker Kit can quickly become a frustrating bottleneck.
Furthermore, the drum pad component, often part of expanded “song maker plus” configurations, presents challenges for MPE control. While suitable for percussive input, its design isn’t conducive to the fluid, continuous glides that define MPE’s expressive potential, particularly pitch bends along the x-axis. This limits the nuanced control MPE promises, especially when compared to ribbon-based or keywave controllers.
Even focusing solely on the Seaboard Block within the “song maker plus” context reveals potential drawbacks. While the squishy, expressive surface is undeniably appealing, some users report issues like stuck notes, particularly when chaining multiple Seaboard Blocks for an extended playing range. Roli’s own admission of these issues and reports of slow customer support further dampen the enthusiasm for relying heavily on their ecosystem.
For musicians serious about exploring MPE, several alternatives warrant consideration. A single Seaboard Block, used in conjunction with a third-party app like ‘Block Dashboard’ on iOS to fine-tune responsiveness, can offer a more focused and potentially less problematic entry point. Stepping up in price, the Seaboard RISE offers a more refined and integrated experience. However, for many discerning musicians, the Linnstrument emerges as a strong contender. Despite some feedback regarding its velocity response, the Linnstrument is widely praised for its robust MPE implementation and overall reliability in professional music production environments.
The allure of the Roli app and its in-app purchases, often marketed alongside the “song maker plus” concept, should also be approached with caution. The sounds available within the Roli app, including those powered by what is essentially an Equator ROMpler, may not represent the best value for money compared to the vast landscape of high-quality virtual instruments available in AUv3 format for iOS and VST/AU for desktop. The inability to seamlessly use purchased SWAM instruments outside of the Roli app ecosystem further limits their utility. The app’s workflow itself has been criticized for being restrictive, such as the inability to use multiple instances of the same sound within a project.
In conclusion, while the Roli Songmaker Kit and the expanded “song maker plus” configurations might seem attractive at first glance, especially for newcomers to MPE controllers, a closer examination reveals significant limitations, particularly for iOS-based musicians and those seeking deep expressive control. Exploring alternatives like a single Seaboard Block (used judiciously), the Seaboard RISE, or the Linnstrument – while acknowledging their respective pros and cons – is likely to lead to a more satisfying and less frustrating journey into the world of MPE. The unique feel of the Seaboard Block remains a draw for some, but it’s crucial to be aware of the ecosystem limitations and potential issues before investing in the broader Songmaker Kit vision.
