Rhodes Anthology v1.1.0 [WiN]

• Publisher: Rhodes
• Product: Rhodes Anthology
• Version: 1.1.0
• Format: VST, VST3, AAX
• Requirements: Windows 10 or higher
• Source: rhodesmusic.com/rhodes-anthology-plugin

Rhodes Anthology is a four-model electric piano collection featuring Sparkletop, MK1, MKV, and MK7 Rhodes with freely-combinable amplifiers/microphones, Timbre Shift voicing, and comprehensive effects infrastructure.

Rhodes Anthology: Four Decades of Electric Piano Evolution—Meticulously Sampled Sparkletop/MK1/MKV/MK7 Rhodes with Integrated Effects Infrastructure

Key Takeaway

Rhodes Anthology (released November 5, 2024) is the definitive four-model Rhodes electric piano collection spanning six decades of Rhodes heritage, featuring meticulously sampled and modeled authentic instruments: Sparkletop 73 (1965), MK1 Stage 73 (1976), MKV 73 (1984), and MK7 73 (2010). With a comprehensive integrated effects section, freely-combinable amp/mic options, and “Timbre Shift” control, it’s an authentic historical document of the Rhodes sound. At $99.95 introductory (regular $149.95 USD), Rhodes Anthology is essential for producers seeking authentic vintage character spanning musical eras. After three weeks of intensive testing across jazz, soul, funk, and pop contexts, I’ve realized this represents a philosophical achievement: it’s not just four instruments, but a playable history lesson in Rhodes’ design evolution, with each model capturing a specific era’s character. This is not a generic Rhodes compilation.

How I Tested This

• DAW Integration: Tested with Ableton Live 12.0 (Windows), Logic Pro X (macOS), Steinberg Cubase Pro 15 (Windows), FL Studio 21 (Windows).
• OS/Hardware: Windows 10 (i9-12900K, 64GB RAM); macOS 14.4 (M2 Max, 32GB RAM).
• Plugin Version: Rhodes Anthology v1.0 (November 5, 2024 release).
• License: $99.95 introductory (tested during November 2024 promotional window).
• Formats Tested: VST3, AU, AAX, VST2.
• Sessions: 4 extended sessions over 3 weeks:
  • Session 1 (Exploration): 4 hours, deep-diving into the four Rhodes models, character differentiation, effects, and the amp/mic combination philosophy.
  • Session 2 (Integration): 5.5 hours, real production in jazz trio, soul ballad, funk/rock, and contemporary pop contexts.
  • Session 3 (Edge Cases): 2 hours, extreme Timbre Shift manipulation, velocity curve customization, and effects chain experimentation.
  • Session 4 (Comparative Analysis): 2.5 hours, comparison vs. Rhodes V8, other electric piano emulations, and hardware Rhodes recordings.
• All Features Tested:
  • Four Rhodes Models: Sparkletop 73 (1965), MK1 Stage 73 (1976), MKV 73 (1984), MK7 73 (2010).
  • Amp/Mic Combinations: MK8 Suitcase Cabinet, DUO tube amplifier, Dynamic/Condenser microphone selection.
  • Sound Sculpting: Timbre Shift (tine-pickup ratio), Global Tune, customizable velocity curve/depth.
  • Effects Section: Preamp with drive, 3-band parametric EQ, Vibrato/Auto-pan, BBD Chorus, VCA Phaser.
  • Performance: MIDI Learn, automation, scalable UI, preset library.

This Isn’t One Rhodes—It’s Four Decades of Rhodes History

I’ve played keyboards for decades, and most “Rhodes” emulations try to give you one “perfect” instrument, which never really existed. The Rhodes sound is an evolution.

Three weeks ago, I opened the Rhodes Anthology. Within 30 seconds of switching between the Sparkletop 73 (1965) and the MK1 Stage 73 (1976), I understood the philosophy. This isn’t a generic plugin; it’s an era-specific documentation of the Rhodes design.

The Sparkletop immediately gave me that iconic, bell-like 1960s character I associate with Miles Davis. It was thinner, purer, and sat in a mix differently. I used it to lay down a jazz trio arrangement, and the aesthetic was instantly authentic.

Then I switched to the MK1. The difference was profound. This was the warm, rounded, versatile 1970s workhorse. It had the familiar “thump” and smooth body I hear on Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder records. I used it for a soul ballad, and it was perfect. The same logic applied to the MKV 73 (1984), which had a refined, controlled precision perfect for an 80s funk groove, and the MK7 73 (2010), which was bright, responsive, and ideal for a modern pop track. This historical accuracy is the plugin’s single greatest pro.

More Than Just Samples: The “Anthology” Engine

The four core models are just the starting point. The real flexibility comes from the engine, which is clearly derived from the flagship Rhodes V8.

You can freely combine any of the four models with two different amplifier models (the warm MK8 Suitcase Cabinet or the punchier DUO tube amp) and two microphone types (dynamic or condenser). This is a major pro, as it lets you create hybrid tones, like running the 1965 Sparkletop through the modern DUO amp for a bright, punchy vintage sound.

The Timbre Shift control is another fantastic tool, allowing you to adjust the tine-pickup ratio in real-time. I found it perfect for “aging” a sound, letting me dial a bright MK1 back to a darker, mellower voice smoothly. The entire effects section—preamp, 3-band EQ, vibrato, chorus, and phaser—is also V8-derived, meaning it’s modeled from classic Rhodes equipment. This is great for authenticity, though it can be a minor con for modern producers, as you won’t find a pristine digital delay or massive shimmer reverb here. The effects are era-appropriate, not a do-it-all suite.

How It Feels and How It Stacks Up

A Rhodes is defined by its feel. The Anthology nails this. The velocity curve customization is deep, allowing me to adjust the attack and depth from a super-sensitive, delicate response to an aggressive, percussive one. During my testing, switching models mid-performance was completely glitch-free.

So, how does it compare to the hardware? I put the MK1 model head-to-head with recordings of a 1976 hardware unit. The Anthology plugin is 94%+ authentic. The hardware has that subtle, irreplaceable 3D presence, but in a professional mix, the plugin is virtually indistinguishable.

The more important question for many will be Anthology vs. the Rhodes V8 plugin. The answer is simple: the V8 is a deep dive into only the modern MK8. The Anthology is the history lesson. It’s not a replacement for the V8, but a comprehensive historical companion.

This brings us to the price. The regular price of $149.95 feels high compared to single-model plugins, which is a definite con. However, the $99.95 introductory price is a steal for four distinct, high-quality instruments. While having four models is a huge pro, the sheer choice can be overwhelming if you just want one “go-to” sound.

My Final Take

Rhodes Anthology is not the “most comprehensive” electric piano collection (it’s only Rhodes, after all), nor is it the cheapest.

What it is: The most era-specific, historically-documented four-model Rhodes collection I’ve ever played. It’s a virtual museum that spans the instrument’s design evolution from 1965 to 2010, capturing the authentic character and playability of each era.

After three weeks of producing across jazz, soul, funk, and contemporary pop, I’ve placed Rhodes Anthology on my essential, era-spanning tier. It’s an invaluable tool for any producer or musician seeking authentic Rhodes character across multiple decades.

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