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Subject: Re: [Mellotronists] Calling All Ears - Trying to Get *That* Sound

From: Rick Blechta <rick@...>
Date: 2002-08-04

 

tron@... wrote:

 > Ken L and I are desperately trying toget ∗that∗ Mellotron sound into our
> recordings, but are coming up short so far.  We're workingseparately, both
> recording directly to PC disk (no mics) using Echo 24 bit soundcards.  He's
> playing his M400, I'm playing my MKII.  I'm using directboxes and balanced
> cables to minimize noise (thanks for that tip in Tronto, Fritz). We both
> have access to reverbs (spring, digital) and all kinds of software
> processors, compressors, EQs, etc.

Someone else is bound to mention this, but miking it up (ratherthan
recording it directly) has a far more 'authentic' feel to it, ifthat's
what you're after.

Mike Dickson (tron@...) M400 #996
 

When Ian was up here last fall for Tronto MkII, I had a long discussionabout how the first KC album was recorded--specifically the mellotron.Here's what he remembered:

Get one of those honking big Neumann U87s or U47s
Play the mellotron through a HiWatt stack, turned up fairly loud
Throw on lots of reverb at the mixing end and a bit on the amp/tron(if you have a MkII) end
Stand back and make the hair stand up for everyone on your street (assumingyou're doing this in your basement).
Cost: about $7k
Results: priceless

Hope this helps. Obviously, there are cheaper ways to go about this,but I would suggest a tube amp. I've run mine through a fair number andfind Marshall & HiWatt the best. Odd that they're both British... Stayaway from Fenders. For some reason, they seem to make melltrons sound prettyharsh.

Rick (SFX 10030--what's wrong with my 10" Warfdale speaker?)

PS Mike, Rodney says hi. My younger son says F-off. I guess he stillhasn't forgiven you for his crab hat...