INTRODUCTION


You’re about to start exploring a new way to learn the piano. We’re thrilled that you’re

on your way! Piano M is an integrated, interactive system that’s the first of its kind. It combines a brilliantly illuminated keyboard with an app that’s full of songs, lessons, exercises and games. Choose where you start. Wherever that is, you’ll play as you learn, learn as you play, and build skills in a much more fun way than conventional piano lessons.


Piano M is for beginners, offering step-by-step guidance in learning the piano basics, but it’s also a state-of-the-art MIDI keyboard that can slot into any musician’s workflow. It integrates with software tools like ROLI Studio, Logic Pro, and GarageBand that millions of people use, and its unique light-activated features are fully customizable.


In this manual, you’ll learn how to use Piano M, whether you’re playing a keyboard for the first time or connecting it to other devices in a studio. We’ll be updating the manual whenever we add new features. So check back in once in a while!


Happy exploring

Team ROLI



Please note: Piano M may display flashing lights and patterns which may pose a risk to individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.


TABLE OF CONTENTS



GLOSSARY OF TERMS


BLOCKS:

A system of modular MIDI controllers that connect through magnetic DNA connectors to create customizable, adaptable kits. Seaboard M, Seaboard BLOCK*, Lightpad Block*, Live Block*, Loop Block*, and Touch Block* comprise the system. Piano M also connects to BLOCKS.


*Legacy products - no longer manufactured or supported.


Block(s):

The individual controllers within the BLOCKS system.


Brightkey Technology:

ROLI’s proprietary technology that controls the fully illuminated RGB keys of the Piano M keyboard.


Control Block:

The Loop Block, Live Block and Touch Block. They are auxiliary Blocks that give music makers additional control over music made on the Lightpad Block, Seaboard Block, or Piano M. Control Blocks can also send MIDI messages to third-party applications.


DNA Connectors:

Six-pin connectors that magnetically connect multiple Piano M or Blocks and also transmit power and data between the connected units.


DS5.5 Keys:

Piano M's keys conform to DS 5.5 on the Donison Steinbuhler Standard. Approximately 7/8 the width of a standard piano key, they better fit the size of the average human hand.


ROLI Learn app:

The ROLI Learn app is the mobile app companion to Piano M. Synching the app on phone or tablet with Piano M, you can choose songs and learn to play them through interactive content.


Loop Block:

An auxiliary Control Block that provides shortcut buttons to production features like recording, playback, and quantizing.


Lightpad Block:

A next-generation drum pad for playing beats and melodies, as well as producing and controlling effects on other Blocks in the BLOCKS system. Lightpad Block integrates fully with Piano M.


Live Block:

An auxiliary Control Block that provides shortcut buttons to performance features like switching sounds, turning notes into chords, and arpeggiating. When Piano M is connected to ROLI Studio Player software, Live Block controls software functions directly.


Piano M:

Piano M is the fully illuminated keyboard, distinct from the ROLI Learn app.


MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE):

MPE is an emerging protocol that enables deeper musical expression in digital music creation tools. MPE-compliant devices (like the ROLI Seaboard) and software (like Logic Pro X and Bitwig Studio) enable independent, per-note control of multiple sound parameters such as pitch and timbre. ROLI is a pioneer of MPE, which was adopted as part of the MIDI specification in 2018. 


Polyphonic Per-key Pitch Bend:

The unique key action and sensor design allows Piano M to provide per key polyphonic pitch bend. This means that you can bend the pitch of one or more keys at the same time with a lateral, vibrato-like finger movement.


Polyphonic Aftertouch:

With specific settings enabled in ROLI Dashboard, users can modulate sound through continuous pressure applied to a single or multiple keys, polyphonically. This is called Aftertouch.


ROLI Connect:

A desktop application for players who use ROLI software. ROLI Connect is a portal for managing multiple ROLI products, and accessing software updates.


ROLI Dashboard:

A desktop application for modifying and customising the internal settings of Piano M and other ROLI devices. ROLI Dashboard is especially useful for skilled electronic musicians who want to integrate Piano M with digital audio workstations and synthesizers.


ROLI Studio:

A desktop application that includes 100s of sounds, effects, and production tools from across the ROLI software ecosystem. It includes two plugins: ROLI Studio Player and ROLI Studio Drums. 


Seaboard Block:

A next-generation keyboard for playing and shaping sounds with far more expression than a normal piano keyboard allows. Seaboard Block connects Piano M as well as the Lightpad Block and others in the BLOCKS system.


Touch Block:

An auxiliary Control Block that allows real-time control of expression parameters on the Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block.


USB-C:

The type of USB connector used to connect and charge Piano M. There is a female connector on the keyboard, and a male connector on the included USB-C-to- USB-A cable.


Bluetooth + MIDI Over Bluetooth:

Bluetooth is the wireless communications protocol that allows your Piano M to connect to your mobile device or your laptop or desktop (if you are a Mac user). Piano M utilizes MIDI Over Bluetooth, a type of Bluetooth that is used for all MIDI-receiving instruments. It does not work in the same way as a Bluetooth speaker. You can only connect to your Piano M via Bluetooth by using an app that is capable of handling MIDI over Bluetooth connections, such as the ROLI Learn app.



ROLI LEARN / PIANO M OVERVIEW


The Piano M bundle spans hardware and software, going beyond the uniquely illuminated keyboard and encompassing the software tools that make the most of its illumination, modularity, MPE touch, and other capabilities. 


HARDWARE: Piano M, the illuminated keyboard.


SOFTWARE: The ROLI Learn app (Android and iOS) is free to download but requires a paid subscription. All Piano M devices come with a license for ROLI Studio Player (Mac and Windows).


CONTENT: ROLI Learn has over 1000 songs, along with lessons, exercises, and games. ROLI Studio Player comes with hundreds of sound presets for creative expression.



WHAT IS ROLI LEARN FOR?


PLAYING: Play songs you love, chosen in the ROLI Learn app. And if you want, go further and play anything you want, because Piano M is a versatile MIDI keyboard.


LEARNING: Learn how to play the keyboard by practicing songs in a fun, interactive way; then step back and take bite-sized in-app lessons about technique and other music basics.



WHO IS ROLI LEARN / PIANO M FOR?


LEARNERS: ROLI Learn is primarily for people who don’t yet play an instrument confidently. This will always be the biggest group, because there are tens of millions of people who don’t play, but wish they could.


CREATORS: Piano M, and the included desktop software, are also extremely powerful tools for skilled musicians who want to bring a new keyboard, new sounds and even a spectacular new look to their playing and producing.



PIANO M FEATURES:


  • 24 fully illuminated RGB keys

  • Unique modular design with 4 DNA connectors for easily expanding and attaching to other controllers in the BLOCKS family.

  • Custom-sized DS5.5 keys better sized for the average human hand

  • Bluetooth connectivity

  • Lightweight, compact, portable design

  • 5 Hour battery life

  • USB-C connectivity

  • Octave Shift capability

  • Multiple colour modes




GETTING STARTED


UNBOXING


Unbox your Piano M carefully. Check the contents to make sure that nothing is lost or damaged. We recommend saving all packing materials, just in case.


BOX CONTENTS


  • Piano M

  • USB-C cable

  • Warranty overview


CHARGE


Before you do anything else, charge your Piano M. Use the USB-C cable included with your Piano M. Plug the USB-C cable into your Piano M and plug the other end of the cable into a USB 3 charger or a computer with a USB 3 port.


A green light on the Power/Mode button indicates a full charge.


With your Piano M turned off, simply plug it into a USB charger. You will see that the power indicator light on the power button blinks for approximately 5 seconds, in the colour that indicates the battery charge level before turning off.


Red: Less than 20% charge

Amber: Between 20% and 88%

Green: Greater than 88%


If you want to check the charge level of your Piano M, just turn it on and look at the LED colour of the power button indicator light.



LEARNING HOW TO PLAY? DOWNLOAD THE ROLI LEARN APP


Piano M connects to the ROLI Learn app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.


Supported mobile devices: The ROLI Learn app works with mobile and tablet devices. Check our support page for a full list of supported Android and iOS devices.


Register your keyboard: When it’s charged, go ahead and create your account and register your keyboard. Launch the app and login.



PAIR PIANO M WITH ROLI LEARN 


You’ll need to pair the app and the keyboard to start playing.


Your first connection to the app: When you switch the keyboard on, it will automatically

enter Bluetooth pairing mode. You’ll know this when the keys pulses with blue light. Then

open the ROLI Learn app, which will ask you to pair with Piano M. After pairing, the keys will

animate in a rainbow display.


Please note that your Piano M does not connect to your mobile device in the same way

as your Bluetooth speaker. Piano M uses MIDI Over Bluetooth, which requires you to

pair with MIDI Bluetooth-enabled apps like the ROLI Learn app.


If you are using two Piano Ms together, follow the on-screen instructions in the ROLI Learn app.

to connect the second keyboard.


Reconnecting to the ROLI Learn App: If you have lost connection, a dialogue box will pop up

on the ROLI Learn App, assisting you with re-connection. If you have exited this dialogue box

without reconnecting, you can always tap the device connection icon in the top right corner of

the ROLI Learn app to select your Piano M; just make sure your Piano M is displaying the

blue wave across the keys, so you know it is ready to pair over bluetooth. Find your device

name and tap. This will reconnect the keyboard and app.


ARE YOU A MUSIC MAKER? DOWNLOAD ROLI SOFTWARE

TO GET STARTED.


Just visit roli.com/start to download and install the ROLI Connect application. Then, within Connect you can download and install all your software entitlements. You must register your Piano M first to activate your software licenses.


Minimum System Requirements: You can find more information on minimum system

requirements to run ROLI Software here.


Register your keyboard: You can register your new hardware through ROLI Connect.



CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS


Piano M includes a 24-key illuminated playing surface, a power/mode

button, an octave switch button, a USB-C port, 4 DNA connectors, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.


THE KEYS


The keys operate like standard MIDI keyboard keys, but they are different in two ways:


Illumination: The keys are brightly lit with full-spectrum RGB illumination, enabled through

ROLI Brightkey technology. Each key will appear in a variety of colors depending on what

song or program you are accessing.


Key size: The keys conform to DS 5.5 on the Donison-Steinbuhler Standard. They are 7/8

the width of a standard piano key. Their slightly slimmer profile makes them better sized

for the average human hand and more comfortable for playing.


CONTROL BUTTONS


There are three buttons, each with multiple functions.


Power/Mode Button: Located on the top left of the keyboard. Its functions are:


  • On/Off: Turn the keyboard on by pressing the button once. Turn it off by holding it down for three seconds.

  • Battery Indicator: The color of the LED in the button also indicates battery life.

Green is full charge, yellow is medium charge, and red is low (20% or less battery

life remaining). The button will blink when Piano M is connected to a power source and

is charging.

  • MODE Selection: (MIDI Controller use only) When using your Piano M as a MIDI controller with your DAW, the power button also lets you cycle between the MIDI Modes. See “Features and Uses for Musicians” for more information.


Octave Shift: Located next to the Power/Mode button. For advanced users who are

composing or performing with Piano M, the button is for moving up and down octaves

beyond the two-octave range of the keyboard.


The power button and the octave shift buttons also work together in special combinations

to access more advanced features. See the “Features For Musicians” section below.


BLUETOOTH CONNECTION INDICATOR


When you turn on Piano M without a wired USB connection, it will start pairing with

Bluetooth. The Bluetooth pairing process is indicated by the keys pulsing blue. Once the

connection is established, the keys will flash in a rainbow pattern.


USB CONNECTION


Located on the top of Piano M, the USB-C port connects to a USB 3 charger to charge

the keyboard. The keyboard’s battery will charge when connected to a computer that itself

is plugged in to AC power.


DNA CONNECTORS


Located on the left and right sides of Piano M, DNA connectors magnetically connect

two or more Piano M and share data and electrical current across the keyboards. This

allows multiple Piano M to automatically behave as a single, continuous keyboard.


HOW TO PLAY


When Piano M is connected to the App, you’re all set to choose a song or lesson and start playing.


Choosing songs

Hundreds of songs are available, spanning the range from pop to classical to dance

Music. The app has over 800 songs, including over 300 contemporary songs.


Choosing views

After you’ve chosen a song, the next step is choosing how you want to view or “read” your song. Options include Cascade View and Rainbow View.


Exploring lessons

The best resources for learning how to play are in the Learn section of the app. There

you will find instructional content about subjects like:


Playing technique

Play songs that build your right hand and left hand keyboard skills. Learn to

play in step, in jumps, and how to cross fingers.


Music fundamentals

Get to grips with musical basics, including pitch, dynamics, scales and

rhythm. Use what you’ve learned to improve every performance, and play

more complex music.


Reading sheet music

Begin reading notes on the musical staff. Familiarize yourself with different

note symbols, then play your favorite songs with traditional sheet music.



Dive into Games

ROLI Learn app games reinforce your piano playing skills, helping you master music technique

in the most fun possible way. Navigate among the games through the home screen

of the ROLI Learn app.


FEATURES AND USES FOR MUSICIANS


Piano M helps learners take their first steps toward playing songs they love.

But it is also a versatile, portable, and technologically advanced keyboard with

groundbreaking applications for skilled keyboardists. This section outlines key

features and uses for musicians.


CUTTING-EDGE SOFTWARE


Explore a suite of pro software

Piano M comes with ROLI Studio with hundreds of sounds, effects, and

production tools. Download them and unlock the full potential of Piano M as an illuminated,

high-performance MIDI keyboard.



ROLI Studio Player

A desktop plugin with 300+ acoustic, hybrid acoustic, and synth sounds plus audio effects and production tools including Smart Chords and Multi Layered Arpeggiator, comes complete with Piano M.


ROLI Studio Drums

A desktop plugin with 200+ percussion sounds, powered by the world’s first MPE drums engine that can bend and warp drum sounds at the touch of a finger. ROLI Studio Drums maximises the power and versatility of the Lightpad BLOCK.


ROLI Dashboard

A tool for configuring Piano M to work with DAWs and third-party software plugins.


ROLI Connect

A cloud-based platform for downloading software and managing connections between multiple Piano M and ROLI BLOCKS.


Access your ROLI software

To access your software entitlements associated with your hardware, download ROLI

Connect for free. Follow instructions in the ROLI Support article about ROLI Connect.


Connect Piano M to DAWs and plugins

As a MIDI class compliant device, Piano M connects to Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, and other digital audio workstations (DAWs) that support MIDI device inputs. It is also compatible with plugins used within DAWs.


Find detailed guides about working with most DAWs on the ROLI Support page. If you do not see your DAW on the list, get in touch with the Support Team through our Support page.



EXPANDABLE HARDWARE


Connect multiple Piano Ms

Connect two or three Piano M keyboards together to expand your playing surface. Multiple

Piano M snap together magnetically with DNA Connectors.


Note that the ROLI Learn app currently only supports a maximum of two Piano Ms.


Connect Piano M to ROLI BLOCKS

With its slim, compact profile and magnetic DNA Connectors, Piano M is technologically

part of the ROLI BLOCKS family. It works seamlessly with the Lightpad Block and Seaboard

Block. Through ROLI Dashboard, assign different functions to each Block, plus Piano M.


Note: When a Piano M is connected via the magnetic DNA connectors to another block

that is charging via a USB charger, Piano M will charge through the magnetic DNA Connection.


INTEGRATE PIANO M WITH OTHER MIDI CONTROLLERS IN YOUR WORKFLOW


Piano M also integrates easily with MIDI keyboards, drum pads, and other MIDI

receiving devices in a studio-based workflow.


Although Piano M does not have traditional five-pin DIN connectors, it connects

to devices that do. One way to connect is via computer that transmits MIDI via a

MIDI interface.


UPDATES THROUGH FIRMWARE


When you use Piano M with ROLI Dashboard, the application automatically checks the

firmware running on the keyboard. You can also check for new firmware by clicking the 

'Updates' button in ROLI Dashboard. If a later version is available, you will be prompted to

update. It’s advisable to update to receive new features and fix bugs.


When you are using the ROLI Learn App, firmware updates automatically happen in the

background while you use the app.


ADVANCED USE OF CONTROLS


Custom Modes

When connected to a DAW, the Power/Mode button enables you to customize the

keyboard illumination and MPE touch response. There are four default modes, and you

can cycle through the modes by pressing the Power/Mode button. The following is a

description of the default setting of all four modes, however Colour, Pitchbend, and Aftertouch are all configurable in each mode.


ROLI Pro Mode:

This mode activates both aftertouch and per-key pitch bend, for full expression.

It lights up the root note of your chosen scale.


User Mode:

This activates aftertouch while letting you customize the color of your keys. It illuminates the root note and other notes in default colors. When you play a note, all other keys dim down by 50% to highlight the played note. Force of pressure also changes the color intensity of the key, with maximum color achieved through firmest pressure.


Piano Mode:

This mode transforms the keys to black and white, like a classic keyboard with

glowing white keys. Pitchbend and aftertouch are turned off, again to simulate a regular keyboard response.


Stage Mode:

All keys display the below rainbow pallet at 20% brightness until played, at which

point they color-max at 100% brightness. Pitchbend is enabled by default in this mode.


Octave Shift:

Pressing the octave shift button once to the right raises the Piano M pitch by an octave. Pressing to the left lowers pitch by an octave. With use of the octave shift feature one Piano M can reach every MIDI note from C-2 to G8.


Changing Sensitivities

In ROLI Dashboard you can adjust the Strike (Velocity), Press (Pressure), and Lift (Note-off Velocity) sensitivities to suit your playing style or the needs of your project.


Strike: Adjust the curve to make it more or less sensitive

Press: Adjust control to make pressure values more consistent

Lift: Adjust control to make note-off velocity more consistent


Firmware Reset:

Press and hold all three buttons (Power/Mode, and both octave shift buttons) for three seconds to reset the firmware.


Dashboard Settings


MIDI Settings Section: MIDI Mode: Configures the way in which your Piano M

sends MIDI Data. Depending on your selection here different channel settings become available directly below.

Pitch Bend Range: Match this value with your software synthesizer to have a 1:1

input to output ratio.

Octave: Shift the notes up and down in Octaves, ie C3 - B4 or C2 - B3

Transpose: Shift the notes in semitones, ie with a Transpose value of 2, the first key

on the Piano M will play a D

Strike Sensitivity: Adjust the curve to make note-on velocity more or less sensitive

Press Sensitivity: Adjust the curve to make Channel Pressure or Poly Aftertouch more or less sensitive

Lift Sensitivity: Adjust the curve to make note-off velocity more or less sensitive

Fixed Velocity: Set a consistent velocity value independent of how hard you play

Fixed Velocity Value: Set the fixed velocity value if Fixed Velocity is enabled


Keybed State


Active Mode: Select between different lighting modes, each with their own default

settings, or customised settings if you have adjusted them in Dashboard.

Scale: Set the scale for color display, i.e. Major or Minor

Key: Set the root note for Key and Scale display, i.e. C or D#

Pitch Bend Tracking: In Single Channel mode, or when playing a number of notes

greater than the MIDI Channel range of the Piano M, determines which played note will

have its pitch bend applied:

         - Last Note Played

         - Highest Note Played

         - Lowest Note Played

Pressure Tracking: Sets between Poly Aftertouch or Channel Pressure. Due to channel pressure being global for all notes played, there are two options:

         - Poly Aftertouch

         - Channel Pressure


Both Channel Pressure and Poly Aftertouch are MIDI aftertouch messages which

respond when pressure is applied to a key after the initial note-on. Some software will not respond to both types of aftertouch, so ROLI Dashboard includes the ability to

select one or the other. If your instrument is set to respond to aftertouch but does not

seem to respond to key pressure variation, try changing the Pressure Tracking.


Global Key Color: Sets the color of the in scale notes when in User Color scheme

Root Color: Sets the color of the root notes when in User Color scheme

Brightness: Sets the global maximum brightness of the keys

Mode 1 / Mode 2 / Mode 3 / Mode 4: These columns of checkboxes let you decide

which features are active in each mode. Options for each mode include:

         - Color Scheme

         - Enable Pitch Bend (On/Off)

         - Enable Pressure (On/Off)

Color Scheme: Switches between:

         Pro - Lights up the Scale with a highlighted root note

         User - Lights up with the configured User Colours

         Piano - Lights up with black and white keys

         Stage - Dimmed keys only light up when pressed

         Rainbow - Sets a color per note



SPECIFICATIONS


Keys: 24 full spectrum illuminated keys featuring ROLI Brightkey™ technology

Key Size: DS5.5®, 9.67mm wide high keys, 19.4mm wide low keys

Octave Range: 2 octaves with octave shift buttons for full 7 octaves

Modular Design: 4 DNA connectors for connecting additional Piano M's or ROLI BLOCKS

Battery: Rechargeable Lithium battery (2,300 mAh) for 5 hours of fully illuminated playing. 4-5 hours charge time.

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C port (MIDI out and power)

Bluetooth Range: 15 meters (50 feet)

Dimensions: (L x W x D) 282mm x 141mm x 27mm (11” x 5.5” x 1”)

Expressive Performance: Pressure responsive keys featuring Polyphonic Aftertouch

Weight: 677g (1.5lbs)


ACCESSORIES


Piano M Snapcase (available in a range of colours)


Compatible BLOCKS Products

- Seaboard Block

- Lightpad Block

- Live Block

- Loop Block

- Touch Block

- Songmaker Kit


SERVICE AND SUPPORT INFORMATION


SUPPORT


We want you to have the best experience possible with our instruments and would love

to hear your feedback. Should you have any questions, experience any problems, or just

want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.


The easiest way to reach us is to send a support enquiry from roli.com/support.

We will respond as soon as possible.


CARE AND MAINTENANCE


Basic care and attention will protect your Piano M and help it stay in optimal condition

for years to come. Avoid excessive force on the keys, and try to keep the Piano M away

from direct sunlight, sharp objects, liquids, and especially oils and detergents – including

greasy fingers after eating food.


To clean the key surface you may use a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth. Do not

use detergents or any chemical cleansing agents, bleaches or alcohol on the Piano M.

Do not spray any cleaning fluids directly on your Piano M, instead spray water onto

a microfiber cloth first. If a cleaning agent is needed, use a microfibre cloth slightly dampened with a mild soapy water.


When not in use, it’s best to store the Piano M horizontally, as in normal playing position.


If you anticipate not using your Piano M for three months or longer, we recommend that

you take the following steps to ensure its functionality:


- Keep it fully charged when not in use.

- Store it in an environment with low humidity and a temperature between 10-25°C.

- Keep it away from corrosive gas.

- Store your device in a Piano M snap case, soft case, backpack or

suitable container.

  • Do not store any items on top of your Piano M.


To protect the health of the lithium polymer battery, we recommend you charge your Piano M every six months at the minimum.


WARRANTY RETURNS AND REPAIR


To return or have your Piano M repaired under warranty you must obtain an RMA (Return

Material Authorization) number. Please contact the support team via roli.com/support to request an RMA number.


Once you have received the RMA number please carefully pack the Piano M and ship

the product to the address provided to you by the support team with transportation and

insurance charges paid.


Once received, we will examine the product for any obvious signs of user abuse or

damage as a result of transport. If the product is abused, damaged in transit, or is out of

warranty, we will contact you with an estimate of the repair cost. Warranty work and return

shipping will be performed free of charge.


Warranty and repair policies are subject to change.

Please see all of ROLI’s most current policies at: www.roli.com/legal



COPYRIGHT

The information in this manual is subject

to change without notice. BRIGHTKEY and BLOCKS and variations thereof are

trademarks owned by ROLI and may be registered.


The whole content of the manual is subject to copyrights. All copyrights on the content

of the Piano M User Manual remains the property of ROLI. Any reproduction, transfer,

alteration or utilisation of the manual and of the trademarks of ROLI for a public and/or

commercial purpose without prior written consent of ROLI is prohibited.


DISCLAIMER

Information in this User’s Manual is subject to change without notice and does not

represent a commitment on the part of ROLI. ROLI assumes no responsibility for any

inaccuracies that may be contained in this User’s Manual. ROLI makes no commitment

to update or keep current the information in this User’s Manual, and reserves the right to

make improvements to this User’s Manual and/or to the product described in this User’s

Manual, at any time without notice.


©2019 ROLI Ltd.


SAFETY NOTE


There are no user serviceable parts in Piano M. Refer all servicing via ticket submission to

roli.com/support only.