LDM ROLI Blocks Pack

Overview & The Lightpad Transformed

LDM ROLI Blocks Pack bundles five Littlefoot apps that transform the ROLI Lightpad M into specialized musical interfaces. Each app reimagines the Lightpad’s touch-sensitive grid for specific creative tasks – triggering chords with inversions and extensions, sequencing polymetric rhythms, playing guitar-style fretboard layouts, building custom MIDI controllers, or performing pattern-based sequences with pressure and slide expression.

The Lightpad M is a portable, battery-powered MPE controller with a pressure-sensitive LED grid. These five apps unlock its potential beyond standard note layouts, providing interfaces optimized for chord performance, rhythmic sequencing, expressive melodic playing, flexible MIDI control, and pattern triggering. Install via ROLI Dashboard, switch between apps instantly on the hardware, and integrate the Lightpad into DAWs, hardware setups, or standalone performances.

This pack represents the first wave of LDM Design apps for ROLI Blocks, establishing interfaces that leverage the Lightpad’s unique capabilities – pressure sensitivity for dynamic control, slide for pitch bend and modulation, visual LED feedback for pattern visualization, and compact portability for mobile music-making. Whether performing chords on stage, sequencing polyrhythms in the studio, or controlling software parameters with tactile feedback, these five apps expand the Lightpad’s role in electronic music production and performance.

BoingBlock: Polymetric Rhythm Sequencer

Based on the monome bouncing ball sequencer, BoingBlock creates polymetric rhythms through an intuitive visual interface where sequence length is determined by vertical position and direction is set along the bottom row. Strike any row above the direction selectors – the distance from the bottom dictates sequence length, velocity comes from strike pressure, and the animated square moves like a bouncing ball, triggering notes when hitting the bottom position.

Direction modes include single direction (ascending or descending, functionally identical with the square moving linearly) and bouncing ball mode where the square travels down then back up before retriggering, doubling the sequence length. Press in the top row with descending mode for a 5-step sequence. Switch to bounce mode and the same position creates an 8-step sequence as the marker travels down and returns. This simple position-based interface generates complex polymetric patterns – run multiple columns simultaneously with different lengths and directions for interlocking rhythmic cycles.

Clocking options include the Lightpad’s internal clock (arbitrary speeds without precise BPM), external MIDI clock sync for tempo-locked patterns, or C-2 note triggering where each incoming C-2 advances one step, enabling irregular timing and rhythmic experimentation. Dashboard settings provide scale selection for constraining notes to musical keys, fixed velocity mode for consistent dynamics, velocity randomization for humanization, and root note selection. The side button opens an on-device menu for quick root note changes during performance.

ChordSet: Major and Minor Chord Triggering

ChordSet arranges the seven diatonic chords of Major or Minor scales across the Lightpad’s grid, responding to pressure for velocity and slide for expression. Modifier buttons add 7th extensions, 9th extensions, or switch between root, 1st, and 2nd inversions. Hold the 7th or 9th modifier while striking a chord to add the extension. Select inversion mode to change voicing without altering the underlying harmony.

The interface displays chords with color coding – blue for tonic family (I, III, VI in Major), cyan for subdominant family (II, IV in Major), and pink for diminished seventh (VII). Major and Minor modes are toggled via the side button’s base note page, shown visually as green for Major and pink for Minor. This color system provides instant visual feedback for harmonic function, useful for composition and live performance where quick chord changes require immediate recognition.

Dashboard settings map pressure and slide to CC numbers for software and hardware that don’t support MPE, enable MPE mode for multi-channel expression, and configure MIDI channel routing. The side button menu allows on-device root note changes and Major/Minor mode switching without accessing Dashboard, essential for live performance key changes. ChordSet works with any MIDI-capable instrument, from software synths to hardware modules, providing a chord performance interface more intuitive than keyboard-based voicings.

FretPad: Guitar String Layout Interface

FretPad models guitar string layout and techniques across the Lightpad’s grid, displaying 6 strings vertically with 5 frets horizontally. Slide up and down strings for pitch changes, hammer-on and pull-off between notes, and leverage MPE pressure and slide features for expressive playing. For musicians more comfortable with guitar than keyboards, this interface provides an immediately familiar playing surface with electronic music production’s flexibility.

The last note pressed on any string sends that string’s pressure and slide values, enabling polyphonic expression where each string responds independently to touch dynamics and lateral movement. This mimics guitar’s per-string string bending and vibrato while adding pressure-based dynamics impossible on acoustic guitar. Dashboard options include MPE or single-channel mode, pressure type selection, pitch bend range configuration, CC mapping for pressure and slide (for non-MPE software/hardware), alternate tuning selection, and color customization.

The side button opens a menu for root note selection, adjusting the fretboard’s pitch range on the fly. Combined with alternate tunings in Dashboard, FretPad accommodates various playing styles from standard guitar layouts to experimental open tunings. The interface works with guitar amp simulators, synthesizers, samplers, and any MIDI instrument, providing tactile string-based control over electronic sound sources. Particularly effective for slide guitar-style playing where continuous pitch control via lateral movement creates smooth glissandos unavailable on traditional MIDI keyboards.

ModCC: Custom MIDI Controller Builder

ModCC transforms the Lightpad into a customizable MIDI CC controller with 12 programmable slots and 4 vertical sliders. Each slot holds a switch (on/off toggle sending 0 or 127), pressure pad (pressure determines CC value), or momentary button (hold to activate, release to deactivate). The bottom row contains 4 buttons that open corresponding vertical sliders – press to reveal, adjust value, press again to hide. When hidden, button color reflects slider value from green (low) to red (high), providing visual feedback without occupying screen space.

Dashboard configuration sets CC number and control type for each slot, with setups saved as Modes for instant recall. Build custom controller layouts for specific software, hardware, or performance scenarios. Map slots to filter cutoff, resonance, reverb send, delay feedback, LFO rate, or any CC-addressable parameter. The pressure pad mode enables dynamic control where harder presses send higher values, useful for parameters requiring performance expression like filter modulation or effect wet/dry balance.

The visual feedback system aids performance – glance at closed slider buttons to see parameter states via color coding, open sliders for precise adjustment, and arrange switches/buttons/pressure pads in ergonomic layouts. Multiple saved Modes support different songs, software instruments, or hardware setups, switching between controller configurations without rewiring or remapping. ModCC turns the portable Lightpad into a compact, battery-powered tactile control surface for studio and stage applications.

PressureCafe: Pattern-Based Sequencer

Based on the monome Press Cafe, PressureCafe provides 5 editable rhythm patterns assigned to 5 notes. When holding any column, vertical finger position (Y-axis) selects which pattern plays for that note. Pressure controls note velocity (or can map to aftertouch), slide up/down sends MIDI CC 74 for expression, and the column displays a graphical representation of the active sequence while fingers touch the surface.

Each of the 5 patterns can be customized with different sequence lengths up to 12 steps. Edit patterns by holding the side button and pressing one of the Y-axis position squares, opening a page showing that pattern’s steps. Toggle steps on or off by pressing them. Set sequence length by holding the first step and pressing the desired end step. Return to playing by pressing the side button again. This on-device editing enables quick pattern variations during performance or composition without interrupting workflow.

Dashboard settings include MIDI mode and channel configuration, slide CC number assignment, scale selection for melodic constraint, and clock mode switching between internal Lightpad clock or external MIDI clock sync. Like BoingBlock, it advances one step per C-2 note, enabling irregular timing and experimental sequencing. The side button’s base note page allows root note changes on the fly. PressureCafe excels at percussive pattern triggering where different finger positions across the Y-axis fire different rhythmic patterns for the same pitch, creating dynamic, performance-driven drum programming or melodic sequences.

Installation and Workflow

Install apps via ROLI Dashboard software (Mac/Windows) by opening File > Open and selecting the Littlefoot script files, or drag-and-drop files onto the Lightpad image in Dashboard (Mac only). Apps save to ~/Documents/ROLI/Littlefoot and appear in Dashboard’s app library for one-click loading to the Lightpad hardware. Switch between apps on the device by selecting them in Dashboard – the Lightpad’s LED grid updates to display the active app’s interface.

Each app integrates into MIDI workflows identically to hardware MIDI controllers – the Lightpad connects via USB or Bluetooth, sends MIDI notes and CC messages, and appears as a MIDI device in DAWs and standalone software. Route Lightpad MIDI to tracks, assign CC messages to parameters, and record MIDI output like any controller. The apps work with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Bitwig, hardware synthesizers, drum machines, and any MIDI-capable device.

The portability advantage: Lightpad M runs on battery power with Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, enabling mobile music-making without computer tethers. Use it with iOS music apps, standalone hardware setups, or laptop-based mobile studios. The compact size fits in bags alongside other portable gear. Five specialized apps in one device provide chord playing, sequencing, fretboard layout, MIDI control, and pattern triggering from a single piece of hardware smaller than most MIDI keyboards.

Features & Highlights

Five Specialized Interfaces: Chord triggering, polymetric sequencing, guitar fretboard, custom MIDI controller, pattern-based performance – each optimized for specific creative tasks.

MPE Expression Throughout: Pressure and slide response on Lightpad hardware translates to dynamic velocity control, CC modulation, aftertouch, and pitch bend depending on app and settings.

Visual LED Feedback: Color-coded interfaces provide instant recognition of chord functions, active patterns, controller states, and sequence playback positions.

Portable Battery-Powered Operation: Lightpad M runs untethered via battery and Bluetooth MIDI, enabling mobile production and performance setups.

On-Device Parameter Control: Side button menus allow root note changes, Major/Minor switching, and pattern editing without accessing Dashboard software.

Flexible Clocking Options: Internal clock, external MIDI sync, or note-triggered advancement (C-2) provide tempo-locked or experimental timing modes.

Customizable Controller Layouts: ModCC saves multiple Mode configurations for different software, hardware, or performance scenarios.

Editable Patterns and Sequences: On-device editing for PressureCafe patterns and BoingBlock configuration changes during performance.

Universal MIDI Compatibility: Works with any MIDI-capable software or hardware via USB or Bluetooth connections.

Compact All-In-One Solution: Five apps in one small hardware device replace multiple dedicated controllers.

Ideal For

• Electronic musicians who want specialized controller interfaces beyond standard keyboard layouts
• Guitarists transitioning to electronic production who prefer fretboard-based playing
• Live performers needing chord triggering with quick inversion and extension changes
• Producers creating polymetric and generative rhythmic patterns
• Mobile musicians requiring portable, battery-powered MIDI control
• Hardware enthusiasts integrating tactile control surfaces into modular and synthesizer setups
• Performers who value visual feedback and expressive pressure/slide response

What’s Included

• BoingBlock – Polymetric rhythm sequencer (.littlefoot)
• ChordSet – Major/Minor chord trigger with extensions and inversions (.littlefoot)
• FretPad – 6-string, 5-fret guitar layout interface (.littlefoot)
• ModCC – Custom MIDI CC controller with 12 slots and 4 sliders (.littlefoot)
• PressureCafe – 5-pattern sequencer with editable rhythms (.littlefoot)
• Comprehensive PDF user guides for each app
• Mac and Windows compatible (via ROLI Dashboard)
• Requires ROLI Lightpad M hardware controller

Technical Notes

All five apps are Littlefoot scripts that run natively on ROLI Lightpad M hardware. They do not require computer connection after installation – the Lightpad operates standalone via battery power with Bluetooth MIDI or tethered via USB MIDI. Dashboard software (free from ROLI) is required for initial installation and configuration but not for performance use. Apps switch instantly on the hardware by selecting them in Dashboard when connected.

MPE mode enables per-note expression where each touch sends pressure and slide data on independent MIDI channels. Single-channel mode consolidates all notes to one channel for compatibility with non-MPE instruments. CC mapping options provide control for software and hardware without MPE or aftertouch support. The Lightpad’s 15×15 LED grid provides visual feedback with color coding and animation for pattern playback, chord types, and controller states.

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