"BLOCKS Dashboard has come of age so we can all now see the potential of BLOCKS and Lightpad M is the Block to take us to that promised land."

Lightpad M MusTechMag 560

To coincide with the launch of the new ROLI Lightpad Block M and a number of updates to the BLOCKS dashboard software, MusicTech magazine have put the pair through their paces.  The result is another award-winning ROLI review.

"BLOCKS Dashboard is the modular software that picks up each Block in your network and now allows you to easily configure each to perform a specific task, be it Ableton Live controller, channel fader controller, even Space Invader! The ease and implementation of the software has made me sit up and take notice and re-evaluate the BLOCKS system. And with a brand new Lightpad Block to help along, it's time to do just that."

"It's when you put it side-by-side with an original Lightpad that you realise just what else that ROLi has built in. It feels substantially thicker and squishier, which helps it give you a lot more depth when playing. Again ROLi has given me a solution to a problem I didn't realise I had with the original Lightpad and the M does feel like a more luxurious new way to fully enjoy my five dimensions."

"As good as the new Lightpad is, though it's Dashboard that's causing me the most excitement. This was very much the utility software that allows you to update the firmware in your Blocks and keep them all in order. Now it's an all-singing, all dancing modular middle."

"So. if you thought BLOCKS was just a bit of a mobile music novelty, think again. It's developed into a fun to use and very flexible control system that has the potential to become, well, whatever you want it to be…”.

The full review can be found in the June issue of MusicTech magazine on sale now.  The ROLI Lightpad Block M is also available now priced at £189.98 RRP inc VAT.

ROLI is exclusively distributed in the UK and ROI by Sound Technology Ltd. For more information please call 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/music-retail/roli