The Erich Thienhaus Institute of the Detmold University of Music have released ETI Roads, a Kontakt-based sample library that meticulously captures the sound of a 1980 Rhodes Mark II electric piano. The library has been built as part of a thesis project, and is being offered as a free download.
The instrument used has been recorded in great detail, with 42 velocity layers and 32 dynamic release samples captured for every key, along with pedal and instrument noises with their own dedicated level controls. A total of 5790 samples are present, all of which have been recorded at 96kHz / 24-bit. Bass Boost and Treble controls offer some tonal shaping, and a Dynamics section allows users to adjust incoming MIDI velocity values and apply different curves in order to customise the instrument’s response to their playing.
There are also three built-in effects that allow the sound to be processed further. A Vibrato section features adjustable Speed and Intensity parameters, whilst a Cabinet section provides amp and speaker simulation that is capable of introducing some distortion, as well as offering High and Low EQ controls to further alter the instrument’s timbre. Lastly, some reverb is provided by a Room section, complete with Amount and Decay parameters that offer control over the effect’s level and reverberation time.
Compatibility
ETI Roads requires the full version of Native Instruments’ Kontakt software sampler, and will work with any version from 5.6.8 upwards. It will not work in the free Kontakt Player version.
Availability
ETI Roads is available now as a free download.
