ROLI releases LUMI Keys Studio Edition, the first controller with classic keyboard action to offer polyphonic aftertouch and per-key pitchbend

[Todd Anderson]

ROLI releases LUMI Keys Studio Edition, the first controller with classic keyboard action to offer polyphonic aftertouch and per-key pitchbend
Brilliant for both producers and performers, the latest edition of LUMI Keys enters a vastly expanded ecosystem of MPE-optimized tools

November 19, 2020

ROLI today releases LUMI Keys Studio Edition, a revolutionary MPE-enabled controller that offers polyphonic pitch-bend and aftertouch per key, as well as new ways to compose with light on illuminated keys.

For the first time music-makers can bend pitch through vibrato-like movements on a keyboard controller with traditional key action, adding expression in a natural and intuitive way. This innovation comes as many other music-making tools — like Ableton Live 11 and ROLI’s new flagship MPE sound engine Equator2 — optimize for MIDI Polyphonic Expression and make MPE into a fully integrated, mainstream part of digital music production and performance.

The range of MPE possibilities offered by LUMI Keys Studio Edition — in the context of ROLI’s BLOCKS system — is shown in this performance film, featuring Parisi.

Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI, said: “LUMI Keys Studio Edition brings a touch of Seaboard magic to a traditional keyboard format. Beyond its form factor, however, LUMI Keys is anything but traditional. Its unique combination of illumination — which enables a range of compositional shortcuts — and its unprecedented MPE capabilities make it the most innovative and feature-rich keyboard action on any controller available today.

The Seaboard is still the premier MPE instrument for playing in the deep end of musical expression, but now LUMI Keys provides an opportunity for everyone to get started with MPE and see how it can enhance their production workflow and create new possibilities for performance.”

LUMI Keys Studio Edition comes with ROLI Studio, a powerful desktop software suite that includes presets from ROLI’s Equator2, Cypher2, and Strobe2 synths, as well as an array of cutting-edge production features customized for LUMI Keys.

Features include:

• Four Dimensions of Touch for shaping sounds through MPE

In addition to Glide, or polyphonic pitch-bend per key, there are three other Dimensions of Touch for controlling sound through finger movements: Press, or per-key polyphonic aftertouch; Lift, or release velocity; and Strike, or attack velocity. This makes LUMI the first “4D” keyboard offering Four Dimensions of Touch control.

• Light-assisted composition through tools built in to ROLI Studio

The brightest RGB-illuminated keyboard ever made, LUMI Keys introduces light-assisted composition to the music creation process. Light up scales, chords, and arpeggios in any key, through Smart Chords and features in ROLI Studio. By visualizing scales and chords in unfamiliar keys, you can get out of your comfort zone and find inspiration for new ideas.

• Seamless integration with BLOCKS

The underlying technology of LUMI Keys is similar to that of BLOCKS. Connect LUMI Keys (wirelessly or physically) with the Lightpad Block for a mobile music-making setup of unparalleled power. Play on LUMI Keys and control parameters on the Lightpad Block, through their custom integration with ROLI Studio.

• Expandability through magnetic connectors

Expand the keyboard in a snap. Through magnetic DNA connectors pioneered for BLOCKS, you can connect two, three, or four keyboards to create a 48, 72, or even 96-key playing surface. Edge-to-edge design, plus integration across hardware, software, and firmware, make multiple LUMIs play as one.

• Compact size and versatility for any situation

LUMI Keys’ compact size make it supremely versatile, whether it’s on a crowded studio work surface or in a backpack en route to a session. DS5.5 keys are ⅞ the width of standard keys, making LUMI Keys bigger than a “mini-keys” keyboard but more compact than a standard controller. At 677g its weight is about the same as an iPad Pro.

• Four playing modes for just the right amount of expression

Four modes let you select the expressive response from LUMI Keys. Piano Mode makes LUMI Keys play like a classic keyboard. Aftertouch Mode adds aftertouch and Pitchbend Mode allows per-key pitchbend, while 4D Mode enables pitchbend and aftertouch together. These modes will be available to all LUMI users after a firmware update in January.

LUMI Keys is also compatible with LUMI Music, an award-winning platform that originated as a Kickstarter project in 2019. The LUMI Music app teaches learners how to play the piano by taking in-app lessons and practicing songs they love.

LUMI Keys Studio Edition is now available on roli.com in a limited-time launch bundle priced at $269 (£269), a 10% discount from the purchase price of $299. The launch bundle includes ROLI Studio, a LUMI Snapcase, three additional ROLI soundpacks, and a $50 voucher which can be used for any ROLI software, even the newly released Equator2.

Sales start today on a pre-order basis. The first LUMI Keys Studio Editions will ship in January 2021.

LUMI Keys Studio Edition integrates seamlessly with BLOCKS

Snap two LUMIs together and instantly create a 4-octave keyboard

NOTE TO EDITORS:
LUMI Keys 1 vs LUMI Keys Studio Edition

From today, two versions of LUMI Keys will be available on www.playlumi.com and www.roli.com. LUMI Keys 1 is oriented at musical learners and based around the LUMI Music app. LUMI Keys Studio Edition unlocks the power of LUMI Keys as a MIDI controller for skilled music-makers by pairing it with ROLI desktop software — while offering full compatibility with plugins and DAWs. The keyboards in both editions are the same.

LUMI Keys 1 (Launch Offer)	LUMI Keys Studio Edition (Launch Offer)
$269 (£269) - 10% OFF $299 RRP	$269 (£269) - 10% OFF $299 RRP
Available: exclusively on www.playlumi.com	Available: exclusively on www.roli.com
LUMI Keys LUMI Music app (free) $50 voucher for LUMI Complete content library subscription LUMI Snapcase (yellow, blue, or aqua) Free shipping	· LUMI Keys · ROLI Studio desktop software suite ROLI Studio Player ROLI Studio Drums · $50 voucher for ROLI software · 3 ROLI soundpacks · LUMI Snapcase (black) · Free shipping