Best Fender Rhodes Vst Plugin

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Arturia Stage-73 is among the top best Rhodes plugin available in the market. This Rhodes piano VST gives you access to the actual sounds of Stage and Suitcase versions of an electric piano – one from 1973 and 1974 model.

Rhodes Piano is one of the most iconic musical instruments in the 70s year. Generally used in Pop music, Jazz Songs, or Soul music, the Rhodes piano has given iconic music to hit numbers. Today, with the world moving fast forward, there are still some musicians who want to use the sounds of these vintage instruments in their new tracks. Though buying the Fender Rhodes Piano is not possible because of the high price and limited availability, thanks to the virtual studio technology (VST), one can recreate those soulful sounds of the previous decade and mix it with the latest soundtracks. While there are many best Rhodes plugin available in the market, buying one without getting a preview can be a risky affair. Yes, there are customer reviews and features you can go through, but the entire process will take a hell of a time. So, we have worked on the top five fender Rhodes VST available online offering the sounds, features, and interface that you need to create a musical piece.

Top Five Best Rhodes VST Online

1. Stage-73 V by Arturia

Arturia Stage-73 is among the top best Rhodes plugin available in the market. This Rhodes piano VST gives you access to the actual sounds of Stage and Suitcase versions of an electric piano – one from 1973 and 1974 model. The software has 80 factories presets like classic amps, effects pedal, and virtual mechanics to use and alter sounds as per your liking.

Key Features of Stage-73 V:

  • Fender Rhodes™ Stage 1973 (Tone) and Suitcase models1974 (Bass Boost) is used to record sounds.
  • The VST gives you easy on/off mic placement, mono vibrato, tone controls, bass, and treble features, Output effects to change volume, chorus, Analog Delay, Compressor, Flanger, wah, and auto-wah.
  • Advance editor settings like Tuning, Damper distance, Pickup alignment/distance, Velocity curve editor, Harmonic profile selections, Harmonic profile selections, Damper distance, Tone bar resonance, etc. are available.
  • The Stage-73 V is available at $99

2. Addictive Keys: Mark One by XLN Audio

Mark on Addictive Keys performed on the famous Fender Rhodes Mk. 1 electric piano which has been in demand for four decades and is part or countless hit records. The recording from this special electric piano got prepared on MusicMan 112 RD Fifty 1×12″. Each sound is first played using a vintage tube combo amp and captured on vintage mics to capture the authentic sound. The tones can go from caress to searing and crunchy sounds, each having their soulful music. For depth effect in the music, the recording is done using three mics placed next to the speaker, dynamic, tube condenser, and ribbon microphone. All this gives depth and ambiance to the recorded piece.

Key Features of Addictive Keys: Mark One:

  • Used the Fender Rhodes Mk. 1 Stage Piano and MusicMan 112 RD Fifty 1×12″ to record each sound.
  • Three mics were used in the recording, which was place on a different angle near the instrument to capture the depth of tone.
  • Enjoy different versions of the electric piano which an additional seven different recording perspectives.
  • This Rhodes piano VST is available at $79.95.

3. Lounge Lizard EP-4 by Applied Acoustics Systems

If you wish to add an authentic electric piano sound in your track, then you need to use the Lounge Lizard EP-4 plugin, which comes with 100 amazing custom electric piano presets. The extensive library offers classic electric piano sounds, 200 gigs, and mix-ready custom sounds that can be used in any way you want. You can edit, re-edit, save, or experiment using different tones with a simple click.

Key Features of Lounge Lizard EP-4

  • They are packed with a great preset library consisting of outstanding sounds delivered using the best electric piano.
  • Get access to the real-time calculation of sounds with a 32-bit floating-point at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
  • The software offers unlimited undo/redo capability, MIDI program, support all plugin formats, Dynamic voice allocation, an option of high quality integrated master effects, and much more.

4. AIR Keyboard Collection by AIR Music Technology

Not one or two but the combination of five legendary electric pianos of ’60s/’70s are used to record the AIR Keyboard Collection. Velvet – the virtual electronic piano has combined music of Fender Rhodes MK I and MK II Stage Pianos, Hohner Pianet-T, and Fender Rhodes Suitcase. The VST plugin allows you to use each onboard effect, edit it to get the real sound effect and control preamp to warmup tone, dynamic response, adjust timber, and velocity curve.

Key Features of AIR Keyboard Collection

  • AIR Keyboard Collection contains the effects of five legendary electric piano’s.
  • The VST plugin has dynamic modeling that delivers the best sound quality to create beautiful effects on the soundtrack.
  • Edit the timber, adjust the velocity curve, and dynamic response with each sound.
  • Get the freedom to mix different sounds using keyboard and pedal noise for that special effect.
  • The 3-band EQ is there for tone shaping, Vintage distortion, amplifier effects and wah/filter, modulation.
  • There are 350 ready-to-play presets that can be accessed through an intuitive interface and create music the one you like.
  • The software is available at $189.99.

5. VIP Producers Bundle by Exclusive Bundle

If you are looking for software that gives you the freedom to use the library right from your keyboard, then the VIP Producers Bundle is the best product to invest in. This VST plugin has eight patches that give you access to mix, layer, and pan chose patch all at one go. The software runs smoothly on AAX plugin, VSTi, or AU.

Key Features of VIP Producers Bundle

  • This software function of every VST-compatible plugin and effects unit available in the market.
  • Get access to 8 virtual instruments at the same time to edit, mix, and access to add in a single track.
  • The multi mixers have sent effects, bus tracks, insert effects, and master output channel for easy routing.
  • The VIP Native Plugin Map Standard gives access to develop your plugin map to create a superior workflow.
  • Key Control Modes harmonized chords, play scales, and chord progressions.
  • VIP Producers Bundle is available at $389.00

Conclusion:

Hoping the best Rhodes VST article gave you a clear insight on the software you can purchase to use the iconic sound of an electronic guitar in your tracks. After comparing each Fender Rhodes VST plugin software, we recommend investing in Arturia Stage-73 and AIR Keyboard Collection as it has great features, delivers sound from most iconic pianos.

There is nothing quite like the warm tone of a Rhodes piano. The unique sounds of this instrument can be found in countless songs in modern music through a variety of genres, including R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, and chillwave.

Want to infuse the sounds of the Fender Rhodes in your mix? Well, you basically have two options. Spend thousands buying the real thing or spend considerably less on an authentic digital version.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great options to choose from if you want to go down the more convenient, less expensive path.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best Rhodes VSTs you can currently buy.

Top 6 Rhodes Plugins

1. Applied Acoustics Systems Lounge Lizard EP-4

If you’re looking for a quality plugin that faithfully replicates not only the Fender Rhodes but also Wurlitzer sounds, check out the Lounge Lizard EP-4. This plugin, created by Applied Acoustics Systems, is fairly simple with fewer than 20 parameters. This means it’s easy to use and won’t be overwhelming if you’re not super experienced with mixing.

Best fender rhodes vst plugin

Even though it is simple, it does go far beyond the typical Rhodes sounds that you might expect. You can achieve unique Rhodes tones, including organ-like, chime-like, and bell-like tones. You can explore these and others in the Experimental preset section. Beyond that, you can also play with the compressor, equalizer, and multi-effect processor to dial in some crazy, unexpected tones.

Pros

  • Doesn’t take up much CPU
  • Get a good amount for what you pay
  • Sounds are super authentic and transparent

Cons

  • Interface is a little outdated
  • Not able to import sounds from older versions

2. XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Mark One

XLN Audio has a very popular professional drum VST called Addictive Drums, but their Addictive Keys VST definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. The Mark One plugin authentically emulates the distinctive warm tones of the Fender Rhodes. The Fender Rhodes on this plugin was played through a vintage tube combo amp and was recorded with the help of several rare microphones to give the best sound quality.

The Mark One can give you any Rhodes sound you are looking for from classic to funky. If you’re wanting a super transparent tone, you can also use the line output on the Rhodes rather than the amp.

This software from XLN Audio gives you the ability to adjust the recording and mixing. You can also choose from a selection of vintage microphones and adjust their distance to achieve a shift in ambiance. If you want to play with the distortion or warmth, take a look at the amp settings.

With the Mark One you get a dynamic mic, room condenser, and ribbon mic in addition to a floor mic and room mic. You also have the option of adding in a Roland Dimension D for analog stereo chorus.

Pros

  • Impressive sound quality and great microphone choices
  • Takes up much less CPU than you would think
  • Flexible in the processing stage

Cons

  • Doesn’t have pre/post switching for effects sends

3. AIR Music Technology Velvet 2

The Velvet 2 VST from Air Music Technology is an electric piano plugin with a good amount of versatility. It actually combines the sounds of five of the best electric pianos out there today. These are the Fender Rhodes MK I, Fender Rhodes MK II, Wurlitzer 200A, Fender Rhodes Suitcase, and Hohner Pianet-T. This VST gives you intimate tones that authentically emulate sounds from a Rhodes piano.

You’ll also find a number of onboard effects that will help you venture outside of the natural capabilities of the instrument. The tube drive panels can help if you want to warm up your tone. You can further shape the sound by adjusting the timbre, curve, and reaction to playing dynamics.

If you want to boost the authenticity of the sound, you have the option to blend in the noise of the pedal and other mechanical sounds from inside the keyboard. With these details, it’ll truly sound like you’re working with an actual Rhodes. You’ll also have access to a 3-band EQ and 350 amazing presets created by the AIR Technology sound designers. This can help you work more efficiently as you search for the best tones for your mix.

Pros

  • An incredible library of 350 presets
  • Numerous effects to choose from
  • Very authentic sounding Fender Rhodes plugin

Cons

  • There is no standalone version
  • Can take too long to load

4. Arturia Stage-73 V

Arturia stands out among the competition when it comes to vintage synthesizer and keyboard VSTs. They offer just about anything you could think of in this arena, but we’re going to take a look at their Rhodes Stage-73 VST. This is an impressively versatile and authentic emulation of the instrument with beautiful, transparent tones. You can also switch over from the 1973 to the 1974 version just by turning the tone knob.

The layout of the Stage-73 is not only aesthetically pleasing but also user friendly. There’s a wide range of pedals for you to play with to take your Rhodes sounds to a different level. There’s no shortage of effects options too, such as changing the curves and the wet/dry mix.

If you want a grittier final tone, you can take advantage of the small Fender Twin amplifier. The awesome selection of presets is conveniently organized by category, including Clean presets, Short presets, Dark presets, Distorted presets, and many others. If customization is a priority for you, Arturia’s Stage-73 should be at the top of your list.

Best

Pros

  • Incredible preset menu
  • Makes use of top-notch physical modeling
  • Stomp effects section is very unique

Cons

  • Certain presets take some time to render

5. Waves Electric 88

Waves has built a strong reputation based on their incredible product line of plugins. They are the go-to for many mixing engineers worldwide. Among their amazing collection you’ll find the Electric 88, an authentic Rhodes plugin. Its interface lets you dive into the details to craft the ideal tone for your track. You can use this plugin to enhance nearly any type of production. One of the best features is its price tag. It is one of the most affordable Rhodes plugins in the market.

The Electric 88 utilizes a sampling method that borrowed tones from the Mark I 88. You’ll get super realistic and smooth sounds with its fine-tuned velocity curves. You’ll definitely notice a drop-off in effect options compared to the Stage-73, but all the effects you want can be added in later. If you’re wanting a good-quality, low-priced VST, you need to pick up the Waves Electric 88.

Pros

  • Easy to dial in various sounds
  • Affordable
  • Great quality sampling with lots of layers

Cons

  • Not a very wide range

6. Toontrack EZkeys Classic Electrics

Yes, Toontrack has awesome VST keyboard plugins with grand piano sounds, but they also have a solid option for those who want classic electric keyboard sounds. The Toontrack EZkeys Classic Electrics bundle features the sounds of the Rhodes MK I and Wurlitzer 200A. One thing we love about this plugin is that it offers several songwriting features to help those who may struggle in that area. Transposing MIDI tracks is a breeze, and you can also use various playing styles from other MIDI tracks. The Chord Wheel feature can be used to add some color to your chords or adjust the voicings.

With the EZkeys MK I, you can experiment with tones that are outside the natural realm of the Rhodes. There’s an exciting collection of various presets with built-in effects for processed sounds. These include a chorused Rhodes, a distorted Rhodes, and a funky Rhodes with a wah-wah pedal.

Best Fender Rhodes Vst Plugin

If you’re not a super strong keyboard player but would like to add some chord progressions and keys into your mix that sound human produced, the EZkeys bundle is a great option.

Pros

  • Included Export to WAV function
  • Built-in sequencer is top notch
  • Awesome sound quality

Best Free Fender Rhodes Vst Plugins 64 Bit

Cons

  • MIDI data is a little too similar to some popular songs

The Sweet Sounds of the Fender Rhodes

Best Fender Rhodes Vst Plugins

When you look at all the options of Rhodes VSTs out there, it might be a bit overwhelming narrowing down which one is best for you. But we have to say that it pretty much comes down to your budget as any VST on our list will likely get the job done. The plugins we have described are the best on the market right now, and each holds its own in this space.

You already know that there is nothing quite like the sound of a real Fender Rhodes in a professional production. Trying to replicate this sound with various effects and piano and synth sounds might seem like an impossible task. Make the whole process much easier for yourself by adding a Rhodes VST to your collection.