XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Mark One is a virtual instrument that meticulously recreates the iconic sound of a Fender Rhodes electric piano. This software instrument captures the essence of the classic Mark I Rhodes, known for its warm, bell-like tones and versatile sound palette. The Mark One offers a comprehensive sampling of a vintage Rhodes, providing users with a rich, authentic electric piano experience. It features multiple microphone perspectives, allowing for diverse sonic textures ranging from intimate close-mic’d tones to spacious ambient sounds. The instrument’s interface is designed for intuitive use, enabling quick access to sound-shaping tools and effects. With its ability to produce tones from smooth and mellow to bright and biting, the Mark One caters to a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and soul to rock and pop. The plugin’s attention to detail extends to capturing the nuances of the original instrument, including the characteristic tine bark and mechanical noises that contribute to the Rhodes’ unique character.
Pros:
• Authentic recreation of the Fender Rhodes sound with multiple microphone perspectives
• Fast loading times and efficient CPU usage
• Extensive sound-shaping capabilities with a user-friendly interface
• High-quality recordings and meticulous attention to detail in sampling
Cons:
• Some users report consistency issues with certain samples
• Limited to one specific type of electric piano, lacking versatility of multi-instrument collections
Features
The XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Mark One boasts an impressive array of features designed to provide users with a comprehensive and flexible electric piano experience. At its core is a meticulously sampled Fender Rhodes, captured using high-end recording equipment to ensure the highest fidelity and authenticity. The sampling process includes multiple velocity layers and round-robin variations, resulting in a dynamic and expressive instrument that responds naturally to playing nuances.
A standout feature of the Mark One is its multiple microphone perspectives. Users can choose from seven different mic setups, including a direct line input, close mics (ribbon, dynamic, and tube), ambient mics, and even a PZM floor mic. This variety allows for an extensive range of tonal possibilities, from intimate, up-close sounds to spacious, room-filled tones. The ability to blend these mic perspectives gives users unprecedented control over the character and space of the instrument.
The plugin’s sound-shaping capabilities extend far beyond simple mic selection. A comprehensive set of onboard effects allows users to further sculpt their sound. These include classic effects often paired with Rhodes pianos, such as tremolo, phaser, and chorus, as well as more general studio tools like compression, EQ, and reverb. Each effect can be fine-tuned to taste, providing a vast palette of sonic possibilities without the need for external processing.
The Mark One also features a unique Character section, which allows users to adjust various aspects of the piano’s mechanical behavior. This includes control over key noise, tine tone, and hammer noise, enabling users to dial in the perfect amount of vintage charm or modern cleanliness. Additionally, the plugin offers control over the piano’s velocity curve, allowing users to tailor the instrument’s response to their playing style or MIDI controller.
Mark One is its efficient resource usage. The plugin boasts impressively fast loading times, allowing users to quickly audition and switch between presets without interrupting their creative flow. This efficiency extends to CPU usage as well, making the Mark One a viable option even on less powerful systems or in larger, more complex projects. The user interface of the Mark One is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The main page provides quick access to the most commonly used parameters, while deeper editing options are logically organized in sub-pages. This layered approach to the interface allows for both quick tweaks and deep sound design, catering to users of all experience levels.
When compared to other electric piano virtual instruments, the XLN Audio Addictive Keys: Mark One holds its own in terms of sound quality and features. Its closest competitors include Native Instruments’ Scarbee MkI and SonicCouture’s EP73, both of which also aim to recreate the classic Fender Rhodes sound. The Mark One distinguishes itself with its multiple microphone perspectives, offering more flexibility in this regard than many of its competitors. This feature allows for a wider range of tonal possibilities directly within the plugin, potentially reducing the need for external processing. In terms of sound quality, the Mark One is generally on par with its high-end competitors, offering a rich, authentic Rhodes tone. However, some users report that certain competitors, like the Scarbee MkI, may have a slight edge in terms of sample consistency across the keyboard range. Where the Mark One truly shines is in its user interface and workflow. Its fast loading times and efficient CPU usage set it apart from some competitors that may be more resource-intensive. The intuitive layout of its controls also makes it more accessible to less experienced users compared to some more complex offerings. However, it’s worth noting that the Mark One is focused solely on the Rhodes sound, while some competing products offer a wider range of electric piano types (such as Wurlitzer or Hohner models) in a single package. This specialization allows the Mark One to excel in its specific area but may limit its versatility for users seeking a broader palette of electric piano sounds.
This plugin is best for:
• Musicians and producers seeking an authentic, high-quality Fender Rhodes sound
• Users who value fast loading times and efficient CPU usage
• Those who appreciate having multiple microphone perspectives for sound shaping
• Producers working in genres that heavily feature electric piano, such as jazz, soul, and R&B
Addictive Keys: Mark One stands as a powerful and flexible virtual instrument for those seeking the classic Fender Rhodes sound. Its strengths lie in its authentic tone, multiple microphone perspectives, and efficient performance. The plugin offers a deep level of control over the instrument’s character, from the nuances of key noises to the application of classic effects, all within an intuitive interface. While it may lack the versatility of multi-instrument collections, its focused approach results in a highly refined Rhodes emulation. The Mark One’s fast loading times and CPU efficiency make it an attractive option for both studio production and live performance scenarios. Despite some reported inconsistencies in sample quality, the overall sound and feel of the instrument are highly praised by users. For musicians and producers who frequently work with electric piano sounds, particularly in genres like jazz, soul, and R&B, the Mark One offers a compelling package that combines authenticity, flexibility, and ease of use.