Anyone that loves Jazz-Funk will know that there are certain sounds you need in your toolbox to recreate the vibe of those wonderful late 70s, early 80s tracks bought to us by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, George Duke, Jeff Lorber and more. However, as much as we’d all love to own a Rhodes Electric Piano and Moog, Sequential and Oberheim synths, they come with pretty hefty price tags, so we’ve put together a list of our very favourite emulations for getting that classic Jazz-Funk sound while we’re saving up for the hardware versions!
1. Rhodes V8 Plugin
The Rhodes V8 is a stunning recreation of the iconic electric piano sound – with it being made by Rhodes themselves, you can’t really go wrong. With every nuance sampled from original hardware, this lovingly-crafted plugin is a go-to for smooth chord voicings, expressive comping and gritty lead. There are two versions, a Lite with less effects and Pro, which we strongly recommend. The great Vari-Pan section is the icing on the cake. Review coming soon.
- Authentic Fender Rhodes sound with deep dynamics
- Integrated preamp, FX and mechanical noise control
- Perfect for laid-back grooves and biting lead breaks
2. Softube Model 80
The Softube Model 80 brings the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet V sound into your DAW, making it perfect for stabby chord sounds and comping. Review coming soon.
- Faithful emulation of the legendary Prophet V
- Rich analogue textures and classic arpeggiator
- Ideal for jazzy leads and funk comping
3. Moog Model D Plugin
Synonymous with funk, the Moog Model D delivers fat bass, sharp leads and undeniable character. This plugin version keeps that unmistakable Moog filter and attitude. Review coming soon.
- Monophonic synth with iconic ladder filter
- Authentic emulation with modern enhancements
- Great for squelchy leads and punchy basslines
4. GForce OB-X
The GForce OB-X captures the legendary Oberheim sound, delivering warm analogue tones and expressive motion. Perfect for soaring lead breaks and pad textures. Review coming soon.
- Bold, wide stereo sound with creamy filters
- Authentic OB-X character with expanded features
- From punchy stabs to smooth pads, it has the funk
5. Arturia Vocoder V
No jazz-funk toolkit is complete without a vocoder. The Arturia Vocoder V blends classic robotic textures with full synth and sampler capabilities – ideal for those Herbie-style vocal riffs. Review coming soon.
- 16-band vocoder with built-in analogue-style synth
- Flexible carrier options including samples
- Great for funky hooks, vocal stabs and vintage flavour
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