General
Until a few years ago, MIDI-keyboard players and producers were limited by the somewhat stiff and confined expression offered by an inadequate MIDI standard. But this was before the world of MIDI was levelled-up by MPE-capable gear like the Roli Seaboard. This progressive instrument accommodates detailed playing expression per keystroke, including lateral movements. And alongside the unique MIDI concept, came a unique design where a traditional keyboard layout was stripped down to leave a kind of touch pad lined with the 'impression' of keys rather than actual, mechanical keys. So, while the expressive potential attracted many key-players to the Seaboard, its less-than traditional playing feel wasn't for everyone. Now, to balance things out, Roli offer up the Lumi.
The Features of the Roli Lumi
The Lumi offers a vast range of polyphonic expression alongside the feel of a real keyboard. The form will please any seasoned key-player, while the keys have been very lightly shaved down to 7/8ths of the size of standard keyboard keys - a more-than acceptable difference, that also makes the Lumi comfortably portable and sets it up with almost two full octaves (24 keys), which is more than enough for melodic work. Pitchbend and aftertouch is provided per key, and since multiple Lumis can be magnetically clipped together, we're offered a similar concept to that of the Roli Blocks. Clip up to four Lumis together, and since the minimal design of each unit has been stripped of any side mounts, you're rewarded with a seamless 96-note keyboard (revealing the reason why this smart bit of kit has 24 keys instead of 25).
Lit Keys
One of the main features of the Lumi are the multicolour light-up keys. Set them to do things like light up all the selected keys of an apreggiator; the notes of a one-finger chord; or all the notes of a selected key. As such, the Lumi is not just a production tool but an educational system. However, it is the MPE system that will draw the most attention, especially since larger keyboards can get comparatively pricey. While we have to wait a little longer for a conventional MPE keyboard, the little Lumi offers some sweet consolation.
