Leeds, United Kingdom, January 21, 2025 — Rhodes Music, at the forefront of heritage and innovation, announces the MIDI MK8, a powerful MIDI system for its acclaimed MK8 electromechanical piano. This fully integrated, touchless solution further expands the modern capabilities of the iconic instrument, empowering forward-thinking musicians and producers with advanced recording and performance features — both on stage and in the studio.
A New Era of MIDI Expression
At the core of the MIDI MK8 is Rhodes’ proprietary MIDI sensing technology, which ensures zero interference with the feel of the MK8’s Steinway-designed Kluge keybed. This innovative system transforms the MK8 into a versatile MIDI controller while preserving its renowned touch and playability. Users can harness the MIDI MK8 to control virtual instruments and parameters within their DAW or MIDI-compatible hardware. Whether layering the Rhodes sound with a synth pad or using the MK8’s onboard effect knobs to adjust the cutoff filter of a hardware synth, the MIDI system unlocks new creative possibilities for performance and recording.
“After two years of painstaking research and development, we're proud to present a first-in-class MIDI system that seamlessly integrates with the Rhodes MK8 piano,” said Dan Goldman, Product Manager at Rhodes. “We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure we deliver a fully optimized, noise-free solution that enhances the Rhodes experience while preserving the piano’s signature touch and feel.”One of the standout features of the MIDI MK8 is its support for polyphonic aftertouch, a capability that provides unparalleled expressive control. This advanced functionality allows musicians to shape dynamics, modulation, and other parameters independently for each note, creating nuanced performances that respond directly to their touch. By combining these cutting-edge features with the iconic design of the MK8, Rhodes delivers an instrument that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern music technology.
“This is our own system, developed in-house in collaboration with industry experts and fully integrated with our piano,” Goldman added. “Just like the MK8’s effects, it’s optimized for the Rhodes by Rhodes, preserving the signature experience while offering unmatched versatility for musicians. With the inclusion of advanced features like high-resolution polyphonic aftertouch, the MIDI MK8 represents a major leap forward in MIDI technology.”
While the MK8, as an electromechanical piano, cannot generate sound from incoming MIDI data, it can receive MIDI information to control its onboard parameters. For instance, musicians and producers can program automation data in a DAW — such as adjusting effects like chorus or delay — and send it to the MK8, allowing its effects to shift dynamically in real time during a performance. This innovative integration positions the MK8 as a central hub for managing its own sound and effects, offering creative versatility for both studio and live use.
Key Features of the MIDI MK8:
- Proprietary MIDI Sensing Technology: Ensures zero interference with the Steinway-designed Kluge keybed, preserving the touch and feel of the MK8.
- High-Resolution Polyphonic Aftertouch: Allows independent control over each note’s dynamics and modulation for nuanced, expressive performances.
- Channel Aftertouch Support: Offers global pressure modulation for all notes being played.
- Dynamic Key Monitoring: Continuous, high-resolution tracking of key positions ensures precise control and expression.
- Onboard Effects Control: Enables MIDI implementation of over 30 MK8 parameters, including preamp and effects settings, for integration with DAWs and MIDI hardware.
- Damper Pedal Integration: Features an optical damper pedal sensor with multiple sustain modes for enhanced playability.
- USB MIDI In/Out: For integration with modern hardware and software setups.
- DIN MIDI Out: Provides compatibility with traditional MIDI devices.
- Noise-Free Design: Fully isolated electronics eliminate noise, ground loops, and interference when connecting to multiple devices in studio or live settings.
- Firmware Expandability: Capabilities are extendable through firmware updates, ensuring adaptability to future advancements.
Availability
The MIDI MK8 is available as a factory-installed customization for the Rhodes MK8 piano. To celebrate this launch, introductory pricing is available until April 1st, 2025. The pricing details are as follows:
MIDI Intro Pricing:
USD: $1,295
MIDI Full Pricing
USD: $1,695
EUR: €1,495
The MIDI option can be selected when configuring your MK8 through the Rhodes Customizer. An update program for existing MK8 owners will be announced later this year. To learn more about the Rhodes MK8 and the MIDI customization option, visit the Rhodes website.
