LDM ROLI Blocks Pack Two

Overview & The Next Wave

LDM ROLI Blocks Pack TWO delivers four new Littlefoot apps for the ROLI Lightpad M, building on the foundation established by Pack ONE with sophisticated sequencing and performance tools. Bjorklund generates euclidean rhythms using the mathematically elegant algorithm found in traditional drum patterns worldwide. Chance provides 16-step, 6-track sequencing with per-step velocity and probability for semi-generative patterns. Pentagome enables instant transposition of five programmable sequences across the note grid with pattern latching and pressure preservation. Pressulator transforms the Lightpad into a Kaossilator-style continuous controller where X-axis slides through scales and Y-axis controls expression.

Where Pack ONE focused on chord triggering, guitar layouts, and general-purpose control, Pack TWO emphasizes algorithmic pattern generation and expressive melodic performance. These apps leverage the Lightpad’s unique capabilities differently – Bjorklund and Chance use the LED grid for visual pattern editing and playback monitoring, Pentagome creates complex layered sequences through pattern holding, and Pressulator treats the entire surface as a continuous playing field for fluid melodic lines. The result is a toolkit for producers and performers who want intelligent rhythm generation, probability-driven evolution, and expressive scale-based playing from portable hardware.

Like Pack ONE, these apps install via ROLI Dashboard, run natively on Lightpad M hardware without computer connection, and work with any MIDI software or hardware via USB or Bluetooth. They share common features including on-device root note menus, internal or external clock sync, MPE or single-channel modes, and scale selection in Dashboard. Combined with Pack ONE, you have nine specialized Lightpad interfaces covering chord performance, sequencing, MIDI control, rhythmic programming, and melodic playing – all from one compact, battery-powered controller.

Bjorklund: Euclidean Sequencer

Bjorklund applies the euclidean algorithm to rhythm generation, distributing pulses as evenly as possible across a defined number of steps. This mathematical approach produces patterns found in traditional music worldwide – Cuban clave rhythms, West African bell patterns, and Turkish usul cycles all follow euclidean distributions. Set total steps (up to 24) and number of pulses (active steps), and the algorithm calculates optimal spacing. A 16-step sequence with 5 pulses creates the Cuban tresillo pattern. Eight steps with 3 pulses generates a common African timeline.

The top display shows the currently selected sequence with bright colors indicating active steps. Buttons below increase or decrease total steps and pulses. The sequence color matches the selected track from six available channels, each triggering notes according to the scale set in Dashboard. Slide your finger across the sequence display to rotate the pattern, nudging all steps forward or backward while maintaining the euclidean distribution. This rotation creates rhythmic variations without changing the underlying pulse structure.

Hold any step to reveal a velocity slider for per-step dynamics control. Each of the six tracks can have different step counts, pulse distributions, and velocity programming, creating complex polyrhythmic layers. A modulator button sends pressure and slide data for the selected channel – press for pressure, slide vertically for expression. This adds real-time parameter control over patterns, mapping to filter cutoffs, effect sends, or any MIDI-controllable parameter. Color-coded track buttons make visual track selection instant, while play/stop buttons (left and right bottom) control all sequences simultaneously.

The mathematical elegance of euclidean rhythms creates patterns that sound musical without manual programming. Set different step and pulse combinations across six tracks for interlocking polyrhythms that phase and interact organically. Rotate patterns in real-time during performance to create fills and variations. Adjust per-step velocities for dynamic shaping. The modulator adds expressive control over downstream parameters. Bjorklund turns mathematical distribution into tactile rhythm programming with visual feedback and instant musical results.

Chance: Probability Sequencer

Chance provides 16-step, 6-track sequencing with velocity and probability control per step, enabling semi-generative patterns that evolve within defined boundaries. Tap any square in the pattern grid to activate that step – strike strength sets initial velocity. Hold any step to reveal a velocity slider for manual adjustment. Enable the Probability button to switch the slider to probability mode, where you set the percentage chance that step will trigger. Default probability is 100%, guaranteed playback. Lower values introduce controlled randomness.

Six color-coded track buttons along the top select the active track for editing. Each track has dedicated solo and mute buttons for live performance control – mute tracks to create breakdowns, solo tracks for isolated elements, combine both for dynamic arrangement changes. The pattern grid displays all 16 steps with color intensity indicating velocity levels and probability states. A play/stop button in the bottom right starts and stops the sequence. The side button menu provides root note selection and internal tempo adjustment (tens and units) for standalone operation.

Probability sequencing creates patterns that never repeat identically. A hi-hat pattern with every fourth step at 60% probability creates subtle rhythmic variation. Melody lines with occasional note probabilities at 30-40% produce evolving phrases. Layering multiple tracks with different probability settings generates complex, non-repeating arrangements from simple 16-step patterns. The mute and solo controls enable live manipulation – build arrangements by unmuting tracks progressively, create tension by muting elements, highlight specific tracks with solo.

Dashboard settings configure MIDI mode (MPE or single channel) and scale selection. Internal clock enables standalone sequencing, while external MIDI clock sync locks patterns to DAW or hardware tempo. On-device tempo control (accessible via side button menu) adjusts BPM in tens and units when using internal clock. Chance bridges the gap between rigid programmed sequences and chaotic randomness, providing the controlled evolution that keeps electronic music engaging across repeated listens.

Pentagome: Transposable Pattern Sequencer

Inspired by the monome Polygome, Pentagome allows instant transposition of five programmable sequences across 20 different starting notes. The main grid displays notes from the selected scale with the root note at bottom left, ascending through octaves with tonic notes highlighted in different colors. Five pattern buttons on the right select which sequence is active (indicated by white square). Press any note on the grid and the current pattern plays transposed relative to that note. Pressure controls velocity (or can map to aftertouch in Dashboard), slide sends expression via vertical finger movement.

Pattern holding is Pentagome’s most powerful feature. Press the currently playing pattern button while a pattern is playing to latch it – the pattern continues even after lifting your finger from the note grid, and the pattern button flashes to indicate held status. Pressure and slide values at the moment of latching are preserved and applied to the held pattern. Now press another note to transpose that same pattern from a new root, or select a different pattern button to layer a second sequence. Build up to five simultaneously playing patterns, each transposed to different notes and each with its own latched pressure and slide values.

Release held patterns by pressing the button again – one press selects, second press releases. Release all patterns simultaneously by pressing two fingers on the pattern buttons. Pattern editing happens on-device: hold the side button and press a pattern button to enter edit mode (top row turns grey). Play notes on the grid to program the pattern – each note is saved relative to the first note pressed. Tap the top row to insert empty steps (rests). Press the pattern button again to save. Patterns can be 2 to 16 steps with variable lengths and rest placements for complex rhythmic phrasing.

This creates compositional workflows impossible with traditional sequencers. Program five melodic or rhythmic phrases. Perform them in real-time by pressing different grid notes to transpose. Layer multiple patterns for harmonic and rhythmic complexity. Latch patterns with specific pressure/slide values, then transpose them while adding new layers. The visual grid layout makes harmonic relationships clear – octaves stack vertically, scale degrees spread horizontally. Dashboard provides scale selection, MPE or single-channel mode, slide CC assignment, and tempo configuration for internal or external clock.

Pressulator: Continuous Scale Player

Pressulator transforms the Lightpad into a Kaossilator-style continuous controller where sliding across the X-axis plays through a selected scale and Y-axis movement controls expression. The entire LED grid becomes a gradient playing surface with no discrete note boundaries – slide horizontally to trigger scale notes in sequence, slide vertically to modulate the slide parameter (typically mapped to filter cutoff, vibrato, or effect sends). Pressure sets note velocity by default but can be configured in Dashboard for channel pressure or aftertouch.

The interface is deliberately simple – a color gradient from yellow to magenta indicates the playing surface. Select your scale and root note in Dashboard. Touch the Lightpad and slide your finger horizontally – notes trigger as your finger crosses invisible thresholds corresponding to scale degrees. Unlike keyboard-style interfaces where notes occupy fixed positions, Pressulator’s continuous surface enables fluid glissandos and scale runs with no gaps. Vertical movement sends real-time modulation while notes play, adding expression impossible with traditional MIDI keyboards.

The monophonic design ensures clean melodic lines without accidental polyphony. This focus on single-note performance encourages expressive, fluid playing styles. Use Pressulator for lead lines that bend and flow between scale degrees, bass parts that slide into notes, or experimental melodic exploration where continuous pitch movement matters more than precise note selection. The side button menu provides on-device root note and octave adjustment, changing the scale’s pitch range without accessing Dashboard.

Dashboard settings include MIDI channel assignment, scale selection from the standard library, pressure mapping options (velocity, channel pressure, aftertouch), and slide CC number for Y-axis modulation. The combination of horizontal note triggering, vertical expression control, and pressure-based dynamics creates a three-dimensional performance interface where simple gestures produce complex, expressive musical results. Pressulator excels at performance scenarios where gestural playing and continuous control matter more than precise rhythmic placement.

Shared Features and Integration

All four apps share common functionality streamlining the user experience. On-device menus (accessed via side button) provide root note and octave selection plus internal tempo adjustment where applicable. Dashboard configuration includes scale selection, MPE or single-channel mode, and various CC mappings for pressure and slide. Internal clock enables standalone operation with on-device BPM control, while external MIDI clock sync locks sequences to DAW or hardware tempo.

The apps complement each other in production workflows. Use Bjorklund for foundational euclidean drum patterns. Layer Chance sequences for melodic content with probability-driven variation. Add Pentagome for transposable melodic phrases that adapt to chord progressions. Perform lead lines with Pressulator’s continuous control. Run all four simultaneously on multiple MIDI channels for complex, multi-layered compositions from a single portable controller.

Integration with Pack ONE expands possibilities further. Trigger Chance patterns with ModCC from Pack ONE. Use ChordSet chords as harmonic foundation while Pentagome plays transposed melodies. Combine BoingBlock’s polymetric patterns with Bjorklund’s euclidean rhythms. Layer PressureCafe patterns over Chance sequences. Nine apps across two packs provide comprehensive coverage of sequencing, performance, and control from one hardware device.

Features & Highlights

Four Specialized Sequencing and Performance Apps: Euclidean rhythm generation, probability sequencing, transposable patterns, and continuous scale playing.

Mathematical Rhythm Generation: Bjorklund’s euclidean algorithm produces musically coherent patterns found in traditional music worldwide.

Semi-Generative Probability: Chance introduces controlled randomness where patterns evolve within defined boundaries.

Instant Pattern Transposition: Pentagome enables real-time melodic reharmonization by playing sequences from different root notes.

Pattern Holding and Layering: Latch up to five patterns in Pentagome with preserved pressure and slide values for complex polyphonic arrangements.

Continuous Scale Control: Pressulator’s Kaossilator-style interface enables fluid, expressive melodic playing without discrete note boundaries.

Per-Step Velocity Control: Bjorklund and Chance provide individual step velocity programming for dynamic sequencing.

On-Device Pattern Editing: Pentagome allows sequence programming directly on the Lightpad without computer connection.

Visual Pattern Feedback: Color-coded LEDs display sequence playback, active steps, track selection, and modulation states.

Internal and External Clock Sync: Standalone operation with on-device tempo control or sync to external MIDI clock.

Portable Battery-Powered Operation: Run all apps untethered via Bluetooth MIDI for mobile music-making.

MPE Expression Throughout: Pressure and slide parameters enable dynamic, expressive performance across all apps.

Ideal For

• Electronic producers seeking algorithmic and generative rhythm programming
• Performers who want expressive melodic control beyond keyboard-style interfaces
• Experimental musicians exploring euclidean patterns and probability-based composition
• Mobile producers requiring portable sequencing hardware for battery-powered setups
• Musicians interested in monome-inspired workflows and continuous controllers
• Anyone who needs sophisticated sequencing tools in a compact, tactile form factor
• Producers building complex polyrhythmic arrangements from simple pattern foundations

What’s Included

• Bjorklund – Euclidean sequencer with 6 channels (.littlefoot)
• Chance – 16-step probability sequencer with mute/solo controls (.littlefoot)
• Pentagome – 5-pattern transposable sequencer with holding (.littlefoot)
• Pressulator – Kaossilator-style continuous scale player (.littlefoot)
• Comprehensive PDF user guides for each app
• Mac and Windows compatible (via ROLI Dashboard)
• Requires ROLI Lightpad M hardware controller

Technical Notes

All four apps are Littlefoot scripts running natively on ROLI Lightpad M hardware. Bjorklund and Chance function as step sequencers with LED visual feedback. Pentagome operates as a note grid with transposition and pattern holding. Pressulator uses the continuous surface for fluid melodic performance. Internal clocks provide standalone operation with on-device BPM control. External MIDI clock sync locks to DAW or hardware tempo. All apps support MPE for per-note expression or single-channel mode for universal compatibility.

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