Polish sound design duo Thephonoloop has released Version 1.1 of themkI, their deeply sampled virtual instrument built for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT PLAYER. The update adds sharper visual contrast and new color customization options for the interface, refining an already expressive instrument that celebrates the quirks and imperfections of a vintage electromechanical keyboard from the 1970s.
At €149.99, themkI offers a detailed, playable reimagining of a classic sound, captured with an obsessive focus on mechanical character. The instrument sits inside Thephonoloop’s MPE-compatible engine, allowing for granular expression, polyphonic modulation, and an intuitive layer-based workflow that encourages experimentation. The latest update maintains that focus while improving visibility and usability across different systems and setups.
Capturing Character, Not Cleanliness
Thephonoloop designed themkI as a study in imperfection. Rather than smoothing out the noise and artifacts of the original keyboard, they preserved every mechanical click, tape wobble, and tonal irregularity. Each sample was recorded through a Universal Audio tube preamp and Apogee Symphony interface, then further processed through two unique cassette decks: a school-issued unit known for subtle saturation and a malfunctioning Polish Unitra recorder known for its wow, flutter, and tonal drift.
These recordings were shaped through Thephonoloop’s custom granular engine, which allows users to mix, modulate, and sequence multiple sound layers independently. Sixteen dynamic layers, mechanical release samples, and detailed pedal noises give the instrument a tactile realism uncommon in digital libraries. The result is a plugin that feels alive under the player’s hands, with subtle unpredictability in every performance.
Built on a Flexible Engine
Version 1.1 runs on Thephonoloop’s MPE-ready architecture, which supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression controllers and granular modulation. Users can explore sixteen instrument modes, each designed to balance simplicity with creative depth. The engine’s dual-layer system can operate in Single or Animated (Swarm) modes, combining standard playback with granular sequencing and modulation for evolving textures.
Each layer includes a 16-step sequencer, allowing for per-note manipulation—pitch shifts, octave jumps, reversed notes, or sample start variation. This structure supports a workflow that blends traditional keyboard performance with modern sound design. The granular tools make it easy to morph clean electric piano tones into atmospheric textures or experimental micro-loops.
Pricing, Compatibility, and Bundle Options
themkI runs on KONTAKT PLAYER 7.10.7 or higher and works with all major DAWs on macOS (including Apple Silicon) and Windows 10/11. It includes over 10.5 GB of samples spanning 60 sound sources across seven categories, with 16 dynamic layers and 126 noise samples for additional character.
The instrument is available for €149.99 (excluding VAT), while owners of Tapes.01 receive a 20% discount using the code TTBUNDLE. A bundle combining themkI and Tapes.01 sells for €215.00, offering a cost-effective way to expand the collection.
For more details and videos demonstrating the instrument, visit thephonoloop.com.Thephonoloop Expands Its MPE Engine with a Colorful themkI Update
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