ROLI Launches Airwave - Hands On and Hands Off Expression

ROLI have a big launch today - they have unveiled Airwave, which builds on their expressive range by adding a hardware stand that  contains sensors to add gestural and positional control of your sound source assuming its compatible. We're seeing similarities to the Leap Motion and a more advanced D-beam - but the main additional benefit would appear to be for teaching keyboards/piano together with the supporting ROLI app.

Airwave transforms any ROLI keyboard into what the company describes as an "intelligent piano." For music learners, this includes a practice assistant that can see and hear, providing tailored feedback on progress. For creators, the new system enables expanded musical expression and interaction.

ROLI raised a massive amount of VC capital (almost $80M) since 2012, and despite being one of the most successful producers of MPE controllers with the Seabord, Blocks and LUMI keys - filed for bankruptcy in 2019. Since then they have relaunched with newly designed Seaboard and re-aligned Lumi Keys as Piano M to focus more on the piano learning market.

According to ROLI CEO Roland Lamb, the company aims to break down barriers in music learning, making it more accessible and adaptable with the introduction of digital tools such as Airwave. Powered by the ROLI Music Intelligence (MI) platform, Airwave integrates five core technologies: sound, sight, touch, vision, and voice, allowing for new dimensions of interaction.

Airwave Key Features:

• 3D infrared cameras capture hand movements, enabling precise feedback and intuitive play.
• Piano AI technology supports voice commands for a more interactive experience.
• Five expressive dimensions: Air Raise, Air Glide, Air Tilt, Air Flex, and Air Slide, unlocking deeper creativity.

Airwave works with ROLI's keyboards, including Piano M (previously known as LUMI Keys) and Seaboard models - would be great if they opened it up to other MIDI controllers....

For those interested, the system is available for immediate pre-order on the ROLI website.
Priced at $299 / £249 / EUR 299.

https://roli.com

Send us your News: If you have a story or product you'd like us to cover - email news@sonicstate.com or use our contact form or join our Discord and post in #cool-finds

ROLI Social

• NAMM 2025: Roli Airwave + Piano 25-Jan-25
• ROLI Unveils The Seaboard Block M 01-Nov-23
• ROLI Introduces Seaboard RISE 2 31-Mar-22
• New ROLI Seaboard Coming Soon 11-Feb-22
• ROLI Swerve Bankruptcy And Launch New Venture 06-Sep-21