Rhodes MK8FX Uniquely Powerful Stereo Analogue Effects Section Piano User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- Rhodes
Table of Contents
MK8FX Uniquely Powerful Stereo Analogue Effects Section Piano
User Manual
MK8FX Uniquely Powerful Stereo Analogue Effects Section Piano
With its integrated, fully analogue front-panel effects section, the Rhodes
MK8 electromechanical piano is set to inspire an entirely new generation of
electronic pianists, electromechanical synthesists and sound designers, taking
the classic Rhodes sound to new and uncharted musical territories. Rhodes
newest instrument, which has been launched in parallel with the re-emergence
of the globally renowned musical instrument brand, is a wholly reimagined and
painstakingly designed instrument that builds on the integrity of a long line
of universally loved and now classic instruments. The MK8’s new stereo
analogue effects section, which delivers the same premium, tactile experience
as other groundbreaking features on the instrument, features a classic VCA
compressor, 4-stage VCA phaser and bucket brigade chorus and delay – all
controllable via the front panel or by using up to two expression pedals
simultaneously. Notably, the MK8FX can also function as a standalone stereo
analogue FX processor for external sound sources connected via the included FX
loop.
“The MK8 builds on the quality and legacy of previous Rhodes instruments,
taking them to the next level,” commented Matt Pelling, CEO of Rhodes. “The
analogue effects section vastly extends the sonic palette of this instrument
in a highly customized way. Each effect delivers the rich sound and control
one would expect from analogue circuitry, and is crafted to map to the
specific timbral and sonic parameters of the MK8. This ultimately delivers a
uniquely creative playing experience for each and every player – whether they
be composers, live performers or studio musicians.”
The Rhodes MK8 includes the following effects:
- VCA Compressor: Useful for evening out the dynamics of a performance or for achieving creative pumping effects, the VCA compressor is highly adaptable so users can adjust the levels in a way that compliments his or her own playing style. The compressor control is equipped with an LED light that increases in brightness as the player applies more compression.
- Phaser: With the MK8’s built-in phaser, users can manipulate the MK8’s sound by modulating notched filters applied to the audio signal. By adjusting the rate and depth knobs, performers can also manipulate the speed and amount of the phase effect being applied. This use of creative comb filtering can be used to spice up a phrase or add funk to a performance. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control over phaser frequency.
- Bucket Brigade Chorus: On older Rhodes instruments, a classic ‘trick’ was to run the piano’s output through a chorus pedal for smooth modulation and expanded stereo width. Now, with the new built-in chorus module, users can seamlessly add the effect to their sound by turning an integrated knob. Push the depth and rate knobs clockwise to further the pitch modulation – adjust on the fly to add color to your performances. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of chorus time.
- Delay: With a range of 60ms to 0.8 seconds, the integrated Stereo Delay section can add depth and character to the sound along with pitch modulated and reverbesque effects too. Create interesting grooves that are perfectly synced by using the “tap tempo” feature. Play with the mix knob or assign an expression pedal to time and mix while performing to create movement and add variation to a track. Whether embellishing a jazz solo or creating ethereal textures, the delay module brings sounds to life, no matter what the genre. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of delay spread and jitter.
The MK8 is a highly versatile future-facing instrument designed to plug
directly into any modern or classic studio or stage setup. The piano is
equipped with both ¼” jacks and balanced XLR outputs as well as the familiar
send and return ¼” jacks for integrating external audio and FX pedals for even
further flexibility. The MK8 features the most advanced preamp found in any
Rhodes piano, as well as a 3-band equalizer providing the user with the
ultimate degree of tonal control. The preamp also features an envelope knob,
which allows users to create an autowahtouchwah effect working in conjunction
with the analogue mid-range filter of the EQ section. This waheffect can also
be assigned to an expression pedal for classic footcontrolledwah, negating the
need for an external wah-wah pedal.
To achieve the classic Rhodes vibrato effect along with new synth-like
textures, ring modulation and sound FX, the MK8 also includes a Vari-Pan
section. There are two LED lights that are on by default, which flickers in
and out in accordance with the rate and depth settings. This provides a lovely
visual of the effect in action, as well as important visual feedback for the
performer. Four wave shape presets – including square, upwards ramp, triangle
and sine – can also be selected to achieve nicely varied textures.
?The MK8 also contains an extremely advanced analogue control system,
providing the user with the ability to modify performance of both the onboard
preamp and FX and the front panel. However, if the user wishes to change any
parameters, they can do this in “alternative mode”, where features can be
edited in real-time and saved even after powering off the instrument.
While in “alternative mode”, knobs on the front panel are mapped to new
functions not previously available. As an example, if a user wants to have
control over the ratio of compression, they can adjust this by entering
alternative mode and adjusting the amount knob. Now, the user has even more
control to dial the specific amount of compression. ? Similarly, when moving
the “chorus rate” knob in “alternative mode” the user is actually adjusting
the time of the chorus effect.
These additional functions add more exact control and can lead to experimental
and creative outcomes.
In a time when every DAW and VST developer offers a variation on the classic
‘electric piano’ preset sound, The Rhodes MK8 is a potent reminder of the
power and mystique that analogue instruments can bring to recording and
performing live. With this abundance of new sounds and features, the MK8 is
set to redefine and confidently extend the sound of electromechanical pianos
for a new generation of artists, producers, and recording engineers.
www.rhodesmusic.com
Thursday, 21 September 2023 21:01
References
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