Rhodes Music offers the V-Pan ($39.95 value) modulation plugin for FREE until January 31st, 2024.
V-Pan is a plugin that adds instant depth and dimension, and it’s modeled straight from the Rhodes MK8 Vari-Pan circuit.
The Rhodes MK8 is still relatively new, but the classic Rhodes vibrato stereo panning effect was introduced on the suitcase piano in the 1970s.
Over the years, many developers have tried to recreate the iconic sound of a Rhodes piano, and luckily for us, that endeavor has produced many awesome freebies like Electric Keys by Fracture Sounds.
But, if anyone is going to recreate a specific element of the latest hardware model in plugin form, who better than the manufacturer to do it?
The Rhodes Music team brings together a diverse group of experienced individuals with Loopmasters founder Matt Pelling at the helm. Rhodes Music even drafted the famed industrial designer Axel Hartmann to ensure the MK8 was a modern Rhodes without forgetting its history.
The V-Pan plugin matches the hardware Vari-Pan circuit with the flexibility of a continuously variable waveform. In addition, the plugin also offers Slew and Smooth controls for further waveshaping.
Wrapping up the adjustable controls are the deep Depth (depth of the pan LFO) and Rate (speed of the pan LFO) knobs right in the center of the interface.
When making adjustments, a handy display at the top right corner shows the value of the appropriate parameter.
The Rate knob ranges from super-slow up to audio rates for ring mod-like effects. Another handy visual feedback feature is the set of left/right panning LEDs right above the Rate knob. V-Pan supports BPM sync.
Of course, despite coming straight from the Rhodes MK8, V-Pan isn’t just a way to achieve an authentic Rhodes sound; it’s a versatile effect for many uses.
The panning effect is a perfect tool to add excitement to any instrument, whether it’s an electric piano, synth, guitar, or even vocals.
V-Pan usually costs £29.95, so it’s best to grab it while it’s free!
The Rhodes piano has a long history, from the mind of piano teacher Harold Rhodes to the Fender days to the MK8.
I was excited to try the Rhodes MK8 when it was released a couple of years ago, and I really liked the keyboard action, albeit different.
I’m stepping away from the plugin slightly, but curious to know what any of you think of the Rhodes MK8; any thoughts? Any favorite Rhodes models/years? Don’t care and want me to stop asking questions?
WARNING: Please note that the software has a large download size of around 500 MB. However, our readers have reported that the installation takes up approximately 4 GB of hard drive space. Additionally, the software requires the Gorilla Manager, seemingly for activation purposes. For further information, please refer to the comments section below.
Download: The Rhodes V-Pan (FREE for a limited time – regular price $29.95)
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