Welcome to the FAQ page for ROLI Seaboard 2! Here you will find all you need to know about the new hardware features, bundled software package and detailed information on ordering and delivery. 


Please use the links below to skip straight to the question you are interested in.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Sales and shipping


Where can I get Seaboard 2?


Seaboard 2 is exclusively available to order via roli.com. It is available in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.


Sign up here to be notified when it’s available in other regions.


There are currently no plans to make it available through other retailers or websites.


When will I receive my Seaboard 2?


Seaboard 2 is in stock and usually ships within 1-3 business days and 3-5 in Australia or New Zealand, 


When your Seaboard 2 ships you will receive an email with tracking information, so check your spam folder.


What’s included with Seaboard 2?


Here’s everything you get when you order Seaboard 2:


Seaboard 2

Equator2

ROLI Studio

Ableton Live Lite 12

ROLI Dashboard

USB-A to USB-C cable

3.5mm TRS to MIDI DIN Dongle

Quick Start Guide

Two-Year Full Warranty


Will there be a Seaboard Block 2?


The Seaboard BLOCK M was released in November 2023 and marks a new generation for the Seaboard BLOCK, including upgrades and new features like a MIDI Out and improved touch responsiveness. Check out the Seaboard BLOCK M here: https://roli.com/products/blocks/seaboard-block-m


Will there be a 25 keywave version of Seaboard 2?


Seaboard RISE 49 was our most popular and beloved model of Seaboard, so it made sense for us to focus on upgrading the RISE 49 when we set about making the next generation. We currently have no plans to make a 25 keywave version of Seaboard 2. So if you want to make music with a new Seaboard, you’ll need to order Seaboard 2, which has a 49 keywave surface.


Why is Seaboard 2 priced higher than the original Seaboard RISE 49?


While Seaboard 2 marks an exciting step up from the original and comes bundled with Equator2 (worth $249 standalone), we endeavoured to release it at a similar price to the Seaboard RISE 49.


Unfortunately, raw materials, electronic components and logistics have all seen significant cost increases since we launched Seaboard RISE many years ago, especially in the past year. For instance, the cost of aluminum alone — the material of the Seaboard 2 chassis — has more than doubled. Although we’ve worked closely with our suppliers and partners to reduce costs, we had to adjust the price of Seaboard 2 in light of these global factors.


However, existing ROLI creators will enjoy a discount on Seaboard 2 orders for a limited time. Look out for your unique discount code via email if you already own a Seaboard, BLOCKS or ROLI software.


How do I get in touch with a question about my Seaboard 2 order?


Please visit our support page and use our self-solve bot or submit a ticket if you have a question about your Seaboard 2 order.


Remember to reference your order confirmation in your ticket, so we can answer your questions faster. You will receive these via email after checkout.


Can I get a refund on my Seaboard 2 order?


We’re sorry to hear you are returning your Seaboard 2.


If you’re awaiting your Seaboard 2 shipment — or your keyboard has been delivered and you are within the 30-day return period — you qualify for a refund.


To get a refund on your order, please get in touch with our support team via a ticket here. Please reference your order confirmation number in your ticket.


Please note, you will lose access to Equator2 and ROLI Studio if you choose to refund your Seaboard 2.


I heard ROLI went into administration. Can I trust the company to deliver Seaboard 2?


Yes. ROLI reformed as Luminary in 2021. This restructuring brought new investment and a renewed commitment to create and support the very best MPE instruments and software. We’re proud to say that the Seaboard 2 is our most expressive and versatile MPE controller yet, and we’re excited to share it with the world!


We’re also aware that in the recent past, shipments were unfortunately delayed for some ROLI creators, both due to global factors and the unexpected challenges of manufacturing innovative instruments for the first time. That’s why our team has now put rigorous processes in place to ensure every order will arrive according to our timelines — and the necessary preparation for manufacturing, including sourcing of materials and product testing is already well underway — so you can order your Seaboard 2 in full confidence.


I heard some people have had difficult experiences with ROLI Support in the past. How have you improved your Customer Service and Support?


We always try our very best to give ROLI creators the best possible experience, but we’re regrettably aware that our support has sometimes fallen short of the high standards we would like. As such we’ve been working hard to improve ROLI support — these improvements began before the pandemic and have been affected by it as we reboot our processes to provide the excellent level of customer service you expect.


Some of the changes we’ve already implemented include new support systems (including a customer self-solve flow), new warehousing partners and a new manufacturing supply chain. These will speed up the time needed to resolve queries, deliver orders faster and satisfy the demand for ROLI instruments to a high quality. All of this is already having a considerable impact, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to roll out these improvements.


Hardware


What is the difference between Seaboard 2 and the original Seaboard RISE?


Seaboard 2 is the next generation of the award-winning Seaboard RISE keyboard controller, re-engineered for limitless exploration of sound.


These are the most significant updates:


  • A new Keywave2 playing surface featuring a refined shape and precision frets — designed to be more intuitive and effortlessly expressive for piano and keyboard players than ever before.
  • A more powerful and versatile suite of included software, including the world's leading MPE synth Equator2 (worth $249), featuring 1400+ world-class presets. Ableton Live Lite and ROLI Studio are also included.
  • While the Seaboard 2 is still available in Ebony Black, it is also available in a head-turning, burnished Platinum Blue aluminum chassis, part of a premium build fine-tuned for maximum durability.
  • Expanded compatibility with other instruments and hardware with MIDI Port and USB-C.
  • A next-generation version of ROLI Dashboard, featuring enhanced 5D visualizers to customize your settings to perfection.


How does the Keywave2 surface compare to the original Seaboard RISE keywaves?


The shape of the new Keywave2 surface was perfected after years of rigorous testing and feedback from both Seaboard and piano players.


Wider keys with embossed ridges and honed edges make Seaboard 2 performances more nuanced, accurate and expressive than performances with any previous Seaboard. They also make Keywave2 a more intuitive playing surface for keyboard or piano players.


The Keywave2 surface retains the two horizontal ribbons above and below the keys from the original Seaboard RISE. These are the perfect surface for long slides between pitches.


What are the 5 Dimensions of Touch (5D Touch)?


The soft, responsive Keywave2 playing surface of Seaboard 2 allows performers to modulate sound through 5 natural playing gestures. These are:


  • Strike: Strike to sound a note at different velocities
  • Glide: Glide from side to side to bend pitch or create vibrato
  • Slide: Slide up and down to add brightness or texture to a sound
  • Press: Press into the Keywaves to deepen sounds or simulate the effect of breath on a wind instrument
  • Lift: Lift off at varying speeds to affect a sound's resonance


See how 5D Touch can transform your performances here.


What is MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)?


MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is the underlying technology behind Seaboard 2, Equator2 and ROLI Studio. It allows electronic music makers to be more expressive in a way previously only possible with acoustic instruments.


How does MPE do this? When modulating pitch or tone with traditional MIDI, modulation is only applied to each note being played. But MPE makes it possible to modulate parameters independently across multiple notes, vastly expanding the expressive possibilities!


The original Seaboard catapulted MPE into the mainstream, and since then more and more leading music makers have adopted MPE. Learn more about MPE here.


What are the dimensions and specifications of Seaboard 2?


These are the key specifications of Seaboard 2:


  • Playing surface: 4 Octaves (49 keywaves)
  • Dimensions: 83.4cm x 21cm x 2.3cm
  • Weight: 5.5 kg
  • Ports:
    • 3.5mm TRS MIDI Output
    • Sustain / Continuous foot pedal input: 6.35mm (¼ inch) TRS input
    • USB-C port (connection and charging)
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Class-compliant MIDI over USB and Bluetooth


Is Seaboard 2 a MIDI controller?


Yes, Seaboard 2 is a MIDI controller. It has no onboard sound engine, so you will need to connect your Seaboard 2 to a computer running a compatible software program (such as Equator2), a hardware synth, or mobile device to produce sound.


How do I get started with Seaboard 2?


When your Seaboard 2 arrives, head to roli.com/start and download ROLI Connect.


This platform will let you register your Seaboard 2 and download your included software. Learn how to get set up with ROLI Connect here.


Need more help? Look out for new Seaboard 2 tutorials on our YouTube channel in the coming months to help you get started. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to visit our support page.


Is Seaboard 2 compatible with non-MPE hardware and software?


Yes! You can use Seaboard 2 just like a traditional MIDI keyboard when connected to standard MIDI hardware and software.


Even when paired with MPE software, you can adjust your settings in your included ROLI Dashboard software to minimize each expressive parameter and make the Seaboard behave as a standard piano keyboard.


Will the new Seaboard 2 firmware and ROLI Dashboard updates be compatible with my Seaboard RISE 25 or Seaboard RISE 49?


ROLI Dashboard v4.5 has been updated and released, with enhanced 5D visualizers so you can tweak your expressive settings to perfection. This software update is available to all Seaboard  creators through ROLI Connect now.


Seaboard 2 firmware features improved 5D Touch interaction, including more accurate responses to Strike and Lift gestures. If you own a Seaboard RISE 25 or RISE 49, this firmware update will not be available to you, as it will fundamentally change your Seaboard experience and could disrupt your existing workflow.


Why did you not include an onboard sound engine with Seaboard 2?


The combination of Seaboard 2 as a MIDI controller with Equator2 bundled free provides the perfect balance of flexibility and versatility at the lowest cost to you. With an onboard sound engine (and potentially in-built speakers), the Seaboard 2 would cost much more to manufacture — and therefore cost more for ROLI creators to purchase. An onboard sound engine is also more cumbersome to maintain and update, in comparison to easily downloadable updates to Equator2 or ROLI Studio.



Software


What software and sounds are bundled with Seaboard 2?


Seaboard 2 comes with a selection of world-class sounds and critically-acclaimed software to bring your tracks to life. They’re all included free:


  • Equator2: A hybrid software synth with powerful sound design tools and over 1400+ MPE and standard MIDI presets. Worth $249 standalone.
  • ROLI Studio: A versatile plug-in and app with intuitive tools to produce and compose musical ideas faster. Compatible with Equator2’s preset library, it also includes over 400 sounds from the Strobe2 and Cypher2 synths. Worth $99 standalone.
  • ROLI Dashboard: An application for adjusting your MIDI settings and expressivity parameters with 5D visualizers. It is also essential for updating Seaboard 2 firmware.
  • Ableton Live 12 Lite: A lightweight version of Ableton’s popular DAW for recording and building your tracks featuring MPE compatibility.


You can expand your Equator2 and ROLI Studio preset library with inspiring new soundpacks in the ROLI Sound Store.


What specifications do I need to run the software included with Seaboard 2?


ROLI hardware and software is compatible with macOS and Windows.


Typically, our products work seamlessly with operating systems and DAWs released within the last 6 to 8 years. However, when testing new products and software updates, we prioritise newer OS versions over older OS versions.


Similarly, ROLI hardware and software is compatible with both Apple Silicon and Intel CPUs, but we prioritise testing on Apple Silicon.


Always back up your work before installing any new software or updates. We strongly advise against updating your software or operating system in the middle of a critical project, to avoid any potential disruptions or compatibility issues.


If I order Seaboard 2, can I start making music with my bundled software right away?


Once you receive your Seaboard 2, simply register its serial number to your ROLI account using ROLI Connect to unlock the full software package. You can download ROLI Connect for free from roli.com/start.



Is Seaboard 2 compatible with third-party DAWs, synths and software?


Yes. Since the launch of the first Seaboard RISE in 2015, the number of music software companies adopting MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) has grown considerably.


Leading DAWs, including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio and Cubase are now MPE and Seaboard 2 compatible. As are many popular synths, including Omnisphere, Reaktor, SWAM, Serum and BT Phobos. Learn more about MPE-compatible software here.


You can also use the Seaboard 2 with non-MPE-compatible software. It will function just like a standard MIDI controller when performing non-MPE sounds.


Learn more about Seaboard 2