Music software/hardware specialist Arturia has announced its take on the Mellotron – one of history’s most unorthodox and technically tenacious instruments.

Reborn in software with some additions, Mellotron V recreates the original instrument’s use of magnetic tapes to play the sound of various acoustic and classical instruments, and vocal choirs. Notoriously difficult to maintain and to transport, the Mellotron was used by The Beatles, King Crimson, The Moody Blues.

The company says: ‘Mellotron V isn’t just a copycat, it’s a love-letter to the original with some exclusive features that make it a must-have for the modern producer. All of the original tapes have been included, sampled at source, and replayed using authentic tape emulation. Not only that, but musicians can now fine-tune the sound of the instrument like never before with mechanical, noise, and tape controls, an ADSR envelope, and awesome effects.

‘One of the most exciting new features is the ability for users to load their own samples, and perform them using the saturated tape sound of the original machine, complete with wow and flutter you can dial in to taste.’

Mellotron V is one of three new instruments included in Arturia’s V Collection 7, the latest offering of the company’s flagship software anthology. In it are 24 instruments analysed, modelled and recreated as software. Synths, pianos, organs and quirky keyboards like the Mellotron have all been given a new lease of life.

More: www.arturia.com