RdPiano
Key Features
- Emulates SA-synthesis digital piano hardware including the Roland MKS-20, Roland RD-1000, and Rhodes MK-80.
- Models the shared CPU-B board with CPU and custom-chip emulation rather than relying only on sampled presets.
- Uses custom-chip behavior derived from silicon analysis for a more hardware-focused recreation.
- Includes approximated BBD chorus and tremolo effects for period-correct width and movement.
- Provides DAW plugin builds across macOS, Windows, and Linux, with AU support for macOS users.
- Offers a focused palette of 80s digital piano, electric piano, clavinet-style, harpsichord, and vibraphone tones.
Description
RdPiano is a software instrument that emulates Roland and Rhodes SA-synthesis digital pianos from the 1980s. Its main targets are the Roland MKS-20, Roland RD-1000, and Rhodes MK-80, giving producers the glassy digital piano, electric piano, clav-style, and vibraphone character associated with those hardware units.
The plugin is more than a sample-player style recreation. Giulio Zausa models the shared CPU-B board, emulates the CPU and custom chips, and bases the custom-chip work on silicon analysis, which makes RdPiano especially interesting for players who care about the behavior of the original architecture.
Built-in chorus and tremolo approximate the hardware's modulation effects, so the instrument can move from dry stage-piano parts to wider 80s pop and gospel-style tones without extra plugins. Community discussion around the release has focused on the authenticity of the sound and the rarity of modern SA-synthesis piano emulations.
The current GitHub release provides VST3 builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus a macOS AU component and standalone app builds. It is a practical fit for producers who want MKS-style digital keys inside a DAW without hunting for aging rack hardware.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware does RdPiano emulate?
RdPiano targets SA-synthesis digital pianos such as the Roland MKS-20, Roland RD-1000, and Rhodes MK-80. Those instruments share related technology, which is why one focused emulator can cover this family of sounds.
Is RdPiano sample-based?
No. The official README describes CPU and custom-chip emulation, with custom-chip work derived from silicon analysis. That makes it a low-level emulation approach rather than a sampled electric piano library.
Does RdPiano include the classic modulation effects?
Yes, but with a caveat. The developer says the plugin approximates the BBD chorus and tremolo effects, while noting that this part is less exact than the digital emulation.
Which build should most users choose?
Most DAW users should start with the VST3 build for their operating system. Logic users on macOS can use the separate AU component if they prefer Audio Units.
