Mellotron 400

Everything does so well describes prcdemment there is nothing to add ... Thanks David

USE

Idem

SONORITS

Fun fact: the end of the highest note of the cello, one hears a noise, "cluck". Is the bow that tape, the sound engineer who trbuche? Mystery.

NOTICE GLOBAL

When it has approximated one, the virus remains sometimes life. A long period without being s'coule not thinking too much, then randomly discussion, a sound, a picture, the desire to (re) possess a Mellotron over you.
The best sampls CD, virtual instruments will not replace the physical contact with the instrument: the motor hum (especially if it is equipped with a cmc10 card), the hiss of bands that d empty, they are slamming the rewind. The crmonial replacing a cartridge sounds, the smell of wood .... I ADOPTED-l.

The Mellotron used tapes with prerecorded sounds. It is the ancestor of the modern sampler.
Under each key, there is a read head and magnetic tape.
The bands are looped (contrary to a widespread too) but have a length that allows you to play a sound for 8 seconds or less. Reached the end of the tape, you must release the key to the band returns to its original position.
In the M400, the bands have three tracks (ie 3 different sounds) and are mounted in a rack interchangeable. To change the sounds, a selector can select one of three tracks or to mix two adjacent tracks (a + b or b + c). For three additional new sounds, it is necessary to change tape rack, an operation that requires a few minutes (!)

- 35-key keyboard
- Controls: volume, tone, pitch (speed control motor), switch tracks (a / b / c)
- Audio output jack of 6.35 (or XLR on some M400)
- Total Polyphony 37 Notes

UTILIZATION

- Use very simple: it is plugged in, it is connected to an amplifier or a table, and that's it.

SOUNDS

Sounds typical and unique: flute (on Strawberry Fields Forever), violins (Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Moody Blues ...), cello, vocals ...

Mellotron's comeback in music production for several years now.

OVERALL OPINION

Passionate mellotrons for many years, I have two models available: one with two racks M400 and M300 sounds. They are unique and irreplaceable instruments. Rather than describe in detail the characteristics of these legendary machines, I invite you to visit my website Candor Chasma: http://www.mellotron.fr/
This site is the main source speaking on the Mellotron.

David

For those unfamiliar with this instrument, see REFERENCE prcdemment site.
Personally, I have an old Novatron 400 S, which I bought used in 1986, a keyboard player in a band of variation on (talk about a use!), It did not work practically , it was more like crying about his fate than to play ... But for me that was so rv (actually, I rv acqurir to that of Mike Pinder, the Moody Blues, Mark II, but hey, for those who know, and transportation problem .... Financing!). It is therefore a principle any box of tape drive (I say all bte because it was obvious, except that there is one who has thought and that n ' silent not me, lol!), 35 notes (why 35, I never understood .. trs), pitch, yes, but mcanique on it, as until 2006, not sustain, or large Mark II, a rverb Hammond, Jack connectors, three sounds, but only two superimposed on this l. MODEL Yes, does little for angoisss tripatouilleurs and patches and other "lights" that take 10 DIFFERENT 12 sounds in the same song.
But for me, and others, Mellotron sounds are unique, they are recognized among a hundred others, which they should be used sparingly and wisely.

UTILIZATION

As gnrale configuration, is not easy! You turn on-off button, it chose the sounds you want, and we play ... But be careful you do not play "piano" or "organ", it is not for cel .. . The Mellotron pens to go with a t Młoda playing a "carpet", and again, I dj said, tactfully ... It's a beautiful instrument, which will agrmenter your songs, press a feeling, but not be used long, the risk of tiring. For model I, no need to book. on the other hand, Mellotron for 4000, released almost a year ago, it is advisable to read the manual, because it works like the Mark II, there is a security ds we want change sound bank (change this time around aided micro-processor (it must move with the times, and c'tait the only way to offer players the opportunity Mellotron strained safe mcaniques ).
For supporters of least effort (physical as intellectual) are also Memotron, small white keyboard that can be taken under the arm, and that includes, for 2000 euros, the same sounds ... practice, but n has not really same sensations.

SOUNDS

3 Mellotron sounds only on my 400 (Novatron), 3 violins, cellos, Human Voices (Keyboard spar in half an octave voice male, female voices an octave mdium most acute.)
I jou in the 80's on a Novatron with human voices instead of fltes traversires 4000 ... On the Mellotron, one finds almost all the sounds of the Mark II, and in addition, better quality ... But hey, it must be for the rich acqurir ...

OVERALL OPINION

The Mellotron, or DIFFERENT MODELS Chamberlin (named after its inventor, Harry Chamberlin) are unique instruments, but hlas expensive purchase. Prices have not really dmocratiss, and this type of instrument is still the preserve of rich musicians, and individuals STRP break the bank ... It's a shame ... As for finding used, trs is rare, or else in what state? It took me weeks to disassemble mine, and if c'tait rhabiliter ... But again, yes, I would do ...