The Micro Module is the latest addition to the digital Mellotron series and the smallest version of the iconic tape synthesizer to date. Basically, the Micro Module corresponds to the Micro Keyboard, apart from the keyboard and the octave switch, which switches between two instead of three octaves in the module. The Mellotron Micro Module is a sample-based synthesizer and, historically speaking, a modernized, faithful replica of the Mellotron, which was built from 1963 to the 1970s. In the original, the instrument had a separate tape with three sounds for each key. The replica now available produces the sound digitally and has 100 uncompressed 24-bit sounds of the Mellotron and also the Chamberlin. The compact desktop device is played with a separate MIDI keyboard. The Micro Module also processes monophonic and polyphonic aftertouch. The current Mellotron Company has digitized the original tapes of all instrument recordings and used them in the new Mellotron. It also features the sounds of the Chamberlin, an instrument that worked in a similar way to the Mellotron.
Mellotron Micro ModuleThe Mellotron Micro Module is a great addition to my setup.
Even though I have a software sampler with some Mellotron banks and even Arturias Mellotron V, the hardware version is amazing! Pristine 24 bit sound quality, fast and easy to use, and a breeze to set up.
It does have two limitations: the sound output is mono, and the 100 onborad sounds cannot be expanded, but I was aware of that prior to purchase.
Apart from that I only have a couple of complaints to the manufacturer - Unless the unit is bought directly from www.digitalmellotron.com it does not come with a manual. You need to register the unit on the website to get a pdf manual. They are quite fast to respond, though. The other thing to be aware of is that an iPhone or other iOS device is needed if you should ever need to update the firmware.
After a bit of dabbling, I managed to set up a MIDI channel for the unit without consulting the manual. As mentioned, the unit is very easy to use.