Actually, I find the midi implementation on the 4000d total rubbish. As a master keyboard, it has nothing to offer. Yes, you can control it from a PC or another keyboard, in which case don't buy one, buy M-tron Pro. (Which based purely on sound alone is the most accurate of all of them IMO). In fact, one of the joys of the 4000d is its keyboard. It is a delight. You could be forgiven in thinking you were playing a perfectly adjusted analogue machine. It's beautifully built. The samples are full res, though many think the creases have been ironed out too much sonically. But to have so many classic sounds 'on tap' so to speak is great whether recording or playing live. And it kind of forces you to play it live, which can only be a good thing.
Ideally we would all be able to have a tape based M4000 sitting in our studio, it would always be the number one choice. Failing that, if we're not super lucky to have a 400/300 or Mk2, we are working with a compromise. How much of a compromise we are willing to make will depend on our requirements and our budget. Can't comment on the latest Memotron instruments as I haven't heard them. I had an original at one time, but found it didn't really cut through the mix enough for me.
There are many who will probably disagree with me, but there you go, that's life!
bEst to all.
Andy K
Sent from my iPad
Subject: Subject: Re: M4000D vs. Memotron
Bernie,
you're just parroting your standard answers and not engaging with what I'm saying.
It doesn't matter that on a real tape-based mellotron that's working properly, there's not a 'marshmallow' action that gives the effect of aftertouch. I'm talking about being able to use the M4000D keyboard as a very nice PolyAT MIDI controller for OTHER things that AREN'T mellotrons.
I know you're sitting there going "What? Things that AREN'T MELLOTRONS?! I don't understand! It doesn't compute! How could a musician be interested in things that AREN'T MELLOTRONS?!??! Are these musicians insane?!" but nevertheless, some people out there actually are, and their musical horizons are slightly broader that asking "Do I sound exactly like a King Crimson LP from 1969? DO I??? No?? Then I am WRONG :( "