Skip to main content

Remember Roli Blocks, the modular instruments? They just got more useful

roli blocks dashboard 20170117 namm2017 0369 1710x855 c center
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If composing is just musical architecture, then Roli is really onto something. The maker of modular instruments first introduced Roli Blocks last November, but this week, the company announced an update that might make them far more useful to musicians, particularly those in the production space. Meet the new Dashboard for Roli Blocks, an app available for both Mac and Windows that let Blocks function as controllers for software like Logic Pro X, Ableton, Cubase, Omnisphere, and Kontakt.

If you need a refresher, Roli Blocks and its lynchpin, the Lightpad Block, is like an instrument panel that works very much like an off-the-shelf MIDI controller. Simply assign a virtual sound or instrument to individual Blocks on the Lightpad, and you can start making a string of instruments or sounds that play as you tap.

Recommended Videos

“Blocks Dashboard will make the Lightpad Block a versatile controller for a range of OS X and Windows programs,” Roli says.

The ability to control these tools via the LED touch-sensitive pad will certainly come in handy for producers, and thank to the Lightpad Block coupled with the Dashboard, you’ll be able to upload pre-programmed scripts and edit them, too. Moreover, Roli has unveiled a new Fader Mode for its Lightpad Block, which makes it easier than ever to control the block’s parameters via its new display mode.

What’s more, Roli has a new Fader Mode for the Lightpad Block. This new feature makes it even easier to control the parameters you assign to the gadget with a new display mode. While the Dashboard won’t be available until February 16, Roli has certainly given us something to look forward to. For now, Blocks are available both online and at Apple stores. Beginning February 16, however, you’ll also be able to pick up these blocks at music and electronics chains, like Guitar Center, B&H, and Sam Ash.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Intel’s CPUs just got way more confusing
Intel Core i5-14600K processor inside its socket.

Intel announced a slew of new processors during CES 2024, including mobile and desktop CPUs and the new Intel Core Series 1 made for thin-and-light laptops. Some are destined to make the list of the best processors, but Intel's naming conventions are only getting more confusing, with machines sporting both its old naming convention and the new Core Ultra rebrand in 2024.

Starting with the Intel Core HX series, Intel is introducing five new CPUs made for gamers and creators, starting with the high-end Intel Core i9-14900HX, followed by the Core i7-14700HX, the Core i7-14650HX, the Core i5-14500HX, and lastly, the Core i5-14450HX. The top chip in the lineup sports a whopping 24 cores and 32 threads.

Read more
The situation with melting RTX 4090 connectors just got more complicated
MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X on a pink background.

Nvidia's best GPU continues to melt, and even third-party adapters can't seem to prevent it from happening.  CableMod's adapter, which many had hoped would fix all problems, is now pinned as the cause of some of the instances of melting connectors. Unfortunately, using it voids the warranty on the GPU, as one unlucky user found out from MSI.

Reddit user Agentcamels reported on the MSI subreddit (via Tom's Hardware) that their RTX 4090 went up in smoke. We've heard of this before -- it's a seemingly never-ending saga of melting RTX 4090 connectors. It seems that they were playing Cyberpunk 2077 when they saw smoke. CableMod's 12VHPWR adapter was in use here, and that may have caused the meltdown; in any case, it appears that the adapter is now stuck to the GPU.

Read more
Switching from iOS to an Android phone just got way more convenient
Pixel 6 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro.

Google is expanding support for its "Switch to Android" app on iOS — making it easier for iPhone users to bring their data over to any modern Android phone. Until now, the app was limited to Google's own Pixel handsets. But that changes with this new update. Starting today, the Switch to Android app will be compatible with all phones running Android 12.

The app makes it much easier to transfer data from iOS to Android. While the move is much appreciated, we would have liked to see more Android versions covered under this update. There are a lot of Android phones still running Android 11 and older. However, Google's app is locked to APIs introduced in Android 12.

Read more