Rhodes Vari-Amp

Authentic Character of Rhodes Analog Tone

Take your tone shaping into a new world of sonic character.

Vari-Amp is a first-of-its-kind character plugin from Rhodes, designed for keyboardists, guitarists, producers, and instrumentalists who crave warmth, soul, and authentic analogue colour in every sound.

From smooth vintage saturation to crisp modern edge, Vari-Amp combines six unmistakable iconic Rhodes preamps with a hand-picked selection of seven classic and modern amplifiers and seven microphones.

Crafted to add depth, colour, and dynamic movement to any sound source enhancing a single track or bringing cohesion and character to your entire mix.

At the heart of Vari-Amp lies a dual-module architecture, featuring dedicated preamps and Amp/Mic sections.

Each module offers its own dry/wet blend control, allowing fully variable interaction between clean and processed signals for nuanced tonal sculpting.

Six Iconic Rhodes Preamps

Each preamp circuit draws from the Rhodes legacy, faithfully modelled from classic pianos, from the MK1 '79 Suitcase, through Hot Rodded preamp to MK8.

Every model features its own distinctive EQ models and harmonic response, authentically reflecting the tonal DNA of its era.

The three-mode Drive circuit, based on the MK8 preamp and extended with overdrive and saturation options, delivers everything from subtle warmth to expressive dynamic distortion.

The continuously variable wet/dry mix control ensures precise balancing of dry and driven signals, preserving clarity and articulation while enhancing depth and color.

Classic and Modern Amps/Mics

The Amp/Mic section features a collection of legendary amplifiers and workhorse microphones, carefully selected for their tonal individuality and musical response.

Each amp and mic pairing can be blended continuously with both the dry signal and the preamp tone, enabling limitless tonal combinations – from refined harmonic depth to bold, saturated presence and character.

• 8015 Combo - Rich midrange bite and low-end punch, ideal for vintage-style drive and harmonic focus.
• ACT PA - Modern clarity and power, delivering detailed, high-fidelity response with extended range.
• Duo - Classic, shimmering clarity and dynamic headroom, perfect for pristine definition and glassy highs. Combine with a Rhodes for an iconic pairing that goes back decades.
• EXPR Combo - Responsive valve dynamics with muscular drive and sustain, ideal for saturated textures and expressive leads.
• L5 - Smooth, solid-state precision with a warm and articulate clean tone, famously favored by players seeking transparency with presence.
• Rhodes Satellite - Iconic and rare tone cabinet with dynamic shimmer and punchy mids, offering a uniquely vintage Rhodes experience.
• Rhodes Suitcase Cabinet (1979) - The quintessential Rhodes amp sound, delivering balanced warmth and spatial depth with unmistakable vintage character.

Beyond Saturation - Dynamics, Depth, and Control

Vari-Amp's versatile compressor provides precise control over dynamics, capable of transparent smoothing, subtle glue, or aggressive rhythmic punch.

The compressor and global EQ modules feature Pre/Post routing for flexible signal flow and creative experimentation.

The global EQ and reverb module complete the signal chain, offering final tonal refinement, ambience, and spatial imaging.

Input gain and drive parameters interact organically with every stage of the circuit, ensuring a deeply musical response at any setting.

Features

• Authentic suite of 6 classic vintage and modern Rhodes preamps, each with unique EQ topology.
• 7 iconic amplifier models including DUO, 8015 Combo, L5, Rhodes Suitcase Cabinet, Rhodes Satellite, ACT PA, EXPR Combo. 
• 7 classic microphone models, including dynamic, condenser and ribbon options.
• Independent Preamps and Amp/Mic sections with continuous dry/wet blending.
• Integrated 3-mode Drive circuit for variable saturation and harmonic colour
• Versatile compressor with parallel mix and flexible pre/post routing
• Global EQ and reverb module for tonal enhancement and ambience
• Input gain interaction influencing circuit response and harmonic structure
• Preset management for instant recall and workflow integration