Mellotron Micro

I will get past the argument that anybody can use a multi-sampled VST version of the Mellotron. Sometimes having a specialized hardware instrument that does one job well has its own merits.

The fact that the Micro Mellotron comes with a range of very usable standard sounds from the earliest Chamberlin up to the last Mellotron M400 is a bonus in itself - as it allows users to mix and blend different sounds from two different machines on the fly - which opens up a whole new palette of sounds. Having said that, you cannot independently adjust the octaves for each layer. Another feature is the option for adjusting the global tape speed to half or quarter playback speed, independent from the pitch control button, for an extra dose of lo-fi.
Unlike the original Mellotrons, these digital Mellotrons have Attack and Release controls accesible through the audio settings menu.

The controls are simple and intuitive - with no deep menu diving. The build quality of the chassis (metal), knobs and the velocity-sensitive FATAR keybed is exceptional - although the 2-octave C-scale keyboard might be limiting for some. Despite having a very useful octave up and down bottom, the sample ranges stay true to the original tapes (37-note F scale). I only wish that the external sustain pedal input included an expression pedal function.