Before my review, I'd like to say that I'm no stranger to tape keyboards.I've owned a bunch of M400's, a 400SM, a Mk V, a 4-Track, and aChamberlin. I've also played every model of classic tron and Chamberlin(other than a Mellotron Mk 1). I've been around Mellotrons since I was akid, so the M4000D had to achieve a standard set by many years ofexperience with these wonderful instruments.
Also, I'd like to make it clear that I have no business connection withMellotron Archives.
This is not a comprehensive review, as I'm sure you've done someresearch. So obvious things, like the backlit front panel etc, I'm goingto skip over.
I just received my Mellotron M4000D, and I'm thrilled. More thanthrilled. Astounded.
The wood keyboard (the same keyboard that is on the new tape Mellotron'stape keyboards, if I understand correctly) feels beautiful and expensive(apparently four prototypes were developed before this design wasaccepted), and the overall instrument is very well made, with muchattention to detail. This does NOT feel like I'm playing some genericcontroller from one of the big synth manufacturers.
This is one of, I believe, five electronic keyboards that have hadpolyphonic aftertouch. You can hold a chord, and vary the volume of ANYNOTES within that chord. It provides an impressive level of performancecontrol, and gives that organic pressure-sensitive variation toindividual notes, similar to a properly set up tape instrument.
The 100 or so on-board sounds are spectacular, sampled at 24bit/96k, andcontain M400, M300, Mk 2, Chamberlin M1, and MusicMaster sounds. There isa card reader, so more sounds can be accessed as they are released byMellotron Archives. And, from what I understand, since they own thecopyrights on not only the classic Mellotron and Chamberlin libraries,but also the optical instruments too (Optigan, Orchestron, etc) I suspectthat those sounds will be available at some point.
Two sounds can be combined, using a balance knob on the front panel.There is a "volume meter" in each display to show the balancebefore you play.
All the knobs feel accurate and of high quality. And there are nobuttons, only knobs and metal switches (which I always prefer overplastic).
The half speed switch increases the "scare factor", big time.At half speed, every sound becomes a horror movie soundtrack.
The audio outputs on the back panel are attached to the metal back plateusing nuts. So you won't be wiggling the circuit board every time youplug a cable in.
There are some very interesting edit options too. For instance, you canset the "playback start time" within the sample. So if you wantthe "spit" in the tape/pressure pad attack you can dial it in.You can also set the rewind time. And if you lift off a key, and re-pressit immediately, the sound will re-start part way through the"tape", skipping the attack on the recording, just likeon a tape keyboard. In addition to the global commands, more detailedediting options are available, such as the ability to modify the volumeof individual notes.
Sounds are arranged according to the instrument of origin. So you scrollthrough M400 sounds, then M300 sounds, etc. But this is customizable. Youcan easily group sounds according to strings, woodwinds, percussion, etc.Or build custom playlists.
I've talked a lot about features and construction, but it's way more funto describe the emotional impact that this instrument provides. Itarrived while I was at work, so I didn't get to actually play it untilaround midnight. (Appropriate for #666, I suppose!). Sitting in the dark,with headphones on, playing a combination of Mk2 3 violins and M400 celloB, was a mind blowing experience. I've used sampled Tron before, andwhile the best of the sample libraries was very good, the M4000D is on anentirely different level. It sounds......right. Clean, dirty, delicate,powerful, all those crazy contradictions that are an essential part ofall the great tape keyboards. They got this right.
Markus is great to deal with (prompt in his email communications), and Iwould confidently buy another instrument from him.
This is a no-compromise instrument, which is apparent in the buildquality, playability, and sound. I really haven't found anything tocomplain about, so this is a 100% favorable review, and I'm extremelyhappy with my purchase.
Jim Blair
Ape Island Sound
Nanaimo, BC
Canada
At 08:08 AM 2/19/2012, you wrote:
greatings from Greece
i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogueM4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
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