Rhodes sample library???

[learjeff]

What I'm really looking for is a Rhodes in WAV format that I can run off of my AKAI MPC (via midi keyboard).

You need more than just WAV format files. You need them to conform to AKAI's expectations -- WAV format has lots of variations and use of the WAV format doesn't guarantee compatibility. Your best shot is to use a translator program that supports your device.

Also, I see that most MPC versions have only 16 MB of memory. You'll either need to add the memory upgrade, or you'll need to do some serious tweaking to reduce the memory footprint of my Rhodes samples (my smallest sf takes 12MB of memory). Since soundfont data is in the same basic format as wave files for MPC, the size compares quite closely. Most of the file is sample data, the control information is a very small percentage for any large multisample soundfont.

Try the free sample versions of the following programs:

Extreme Sample Converter (excellent loop editor!)
Chicken Systems Translator
CDExtract

HTH
Jeff

[D.Wako]

Scarbee!

One more vote for scarbee. I hear they will be available for download reel soon.. If not already!

[pettinhouse]

Free jRhodes3 soundfont.

Use it with an amp simulator such as: Amplitube 2 or Guitar Rig 2.

[Murahachibu]

You'll either need to add the memory upgrade, or you'll need to do some serious tweaking to reduce the memory footprint of my Rhodes samples (my smallest sf takes 12MB of memory). Since soundfont data is in the same basic format as wave files for MPC, the size compares quite closely. Most of the file is sample data, the control information is a very small percentage for any large multisample soundfont.

Try the free sample versions of the following programs:

Extreme Sample Converter (excellent loop editor!)
Chicken Systems Translator
CDExtract

HTH
Jeff

Jeff, Thanks! I have the 128MB memory upgrade so that's not a problem. I'll see if I can convert you're smaller sound font file with the programs you recommend.

Cheers!

[klagga]

Interested in Rhodes etc myself. How about NI:s Elektrik piano? Anybody compared it to Scarbee?

With Elektrik you get several nice elektric pianos (rhodes, wurlitzer, clavinet) for the same price as Scarbee's Rhodes.

[learjeff]

Klagga, that's an interesting question. I bet you'll get more responses if you start a new thread, "Scarbee vs. Electrik". Folks who have a clue will spot it right away.

I've never played Electrik. IMHO, Rhodes isn't a technically difficult instrument to sample. Yes, it's a daunting task for the amateur (like me), but serious pros like NI shouldn't have any problem doing an excellent job of it. My guess is it sounds great. I have NIB4 and love it.

[learjeff]

Murahachibu, if you succeed, and if you want to post your results for others to use, please let me know. I'll be happy to host the file on my site. Save the next guy the hassle.

[melodymachine]

SfArk V2. However, some folks had problems and reported better luck using sfArkXTc. I have no idea why that would be..

What kind of problems? Email me - andy(AT)melodymachine(dot)com
-- (sfArk author)

[loachm]

Interested in Rhodes etc myself. How about NI:s Elektrik piano? Anybody compared it to Scarbee?

With Elektrik you get several nice elektric pianos (rhodes, wurlitzer, clavinet) for the same price as Scarbee's Rhodes.

...for the price of Elektrik Piano you can get a Rhodes that's far better than the ones in Elektrik piano. Honestly, I had Elektrik Piano for that reason and the Rhodes sound was putting me of - I found it too dull and thin and it lacked velocity layers. I sold in favour for the Scarbee one. I have never played a real Rhodes and in fact, I can't play a all (just strumming around), but I know for myself how a Rhodes sound has to be and the Scarbee library has it. The Wurlitzer and the Clavinet in Elektrik Piano are quite O.K. btw. However, since Komplete 4 I have both again now. you could send me a midi-file if you like and I can upload it played with both libraries so that you can decide for yourself...

[melodymachine]

In case anyone doesn't know, there are a couple of *very* good modelled Rhodes/Wurli type EP VSTis - MrRay and MrTramp -- they are donationware. Play them with a good amp simulator and you have a very expressive and "classic" instrument.

Another route is Propellerhead's free "ElectroMechanical" bank for Reason.

[learjeff]

Another vote for MrRay73, and stay tuned because MrRay73 MkII is rumored to be on the horizon. This is a nearly free program, uses modeling rather than samples, and is very easy on CPU and memory.

[Murahachibu]

Murahachibu, if you succeed, and if you want to post your results for others to use, please let me know. I'll be happy to host the file on my site. Save the next guy the hassle.

That's a good idea. I'll keep you posted.

[smart]

NI Elektric Piano got a nice update recently too which might make it a better competitor?

[z15]

mr ray does indeed sound damn good judging by demos, but there's no osx version so i can't really try it properly. plus AFAIR it's a synthedit creation so there's not much chance of it being ported to osx either.

[GreyLion]

I'm just taking the opportunity to say Thanks to Jeff for his Rhodes samples. I've been playing them quite a bit for the past month while I learn to play keyboards, and am really enjoying the sounds.

This may be sacrilege, but I also like what happens when I layer them with some of the acoustic piano sounds in WusikStation.