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The rich history of Mellotron spans generations of innovation. Some of the world’s most well-known musicians placed its distinctive character front and center to make their most memorable records. The current incarnations of the Mellotron are reimagined to work alongside modern recording technology while still producing classic sound for touring or studio use. The adaptable style and sleek appearance of the most recent models are outfitted with plenty of vintage appeal underneath the hood.
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The original concept of the Mellotron was developed in England during the early ‘60s by Harry Chamberlin. Using a familiar keyboard layout, every key triggered a pre-recorded tape that produced different sounds depending on what part of the tape was played – mainly voice, strings, flute, and organ. The first models made commercially available were the Mk1 and the improved Mk2, which were installed in recording studios and clubs throughout the decade. Over time, it became an attractive instrument to many artists who defined the era, such as the Beatles, Tangerine Dream, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and the Moody Blues.
Despite the rise of more affordable samplers and less cumbersome polyphonic synthesizers over the years, interest in the Mellotron remained alive and well. The present lineup is more powerful and versatile than ever before. The original, uncompressed Mellotron sounds are accessible to vintage purists who still want the quick ease of modern workflow. Best of all, you can access the classic Mellotron vibe regardless of the size of your setup. If you want to get a handle on a unique sound relied on by an entire generation of musicians, consider these powerful renaissance iterations based on the original itself.
The flagship M4000D is loaded with a large library of Mellotron-sourced sound with the ability to add up to 100 more via the onboard card slot. It has the solid feel of a quality Mellotron instrument without the hulking weight of its ancestors. Unlike the early models, there are additional controls and connections to use the M4000D as you see fit. Don’t let the digital tag fool you. The sounds loaded on the M4000D have the unique tonal characteristics of the Mellotrons used on the classic records of the ‘60s. Since then, the popularity of the M4000D has stretched across artists working in a variety of genres, from the Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, and Soundgarden to Wilco, Fleet Foxes, and Band of Horses, among many more.
The recognizable vintage sonic texture of the Mellotron comes in a few different flavors. In addition to the full-size M4000D, there’s also a smaller version intended for those who want a lighter, digital Mellotron: the M4000D Mini. For the most compact sidekick on any desktop, consider the humble Mellotron Micro. Lastly, it’s available as a rackmountable version to access all the features of a full-sized keyboard in a rugged 19-inch unit. All versions use the same sound banks, so the decision comes down to which model fits your style. No matter what your setup looks like, you can have true Mellotron tones in your studio.
Buyer's Guide: Mellotron
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