Awesome synthesizers
category: general [glöplog]
maybe the time for me to present you the MIGHTY mellotron from the 70's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXtmKGkSa4
This nasty synthesizers is well known for its strange sound and was used by early prog rock bands such as king crimson, moody blues, pink floyd sometimes ...
I couldn't figure how these sounds could be generated, so I had a look at wikipedia:
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Well, as stupid as it seems, each keys were connected to a different * TAPE * where a sound, like a continuous violon playing the same note for 8 seconds were sampled. Yes, I mean one tape * BY * Key, and if you maintain it for more than 8 seconds the sound stops. Problem:
how do they manage to rewind each tape ? Thisq is what happen when you press a mellotron key:
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the tape goes forward because the key push it on a wheel. OUtstanding idea: when the key is released, a * compression spring * pull the tape back !!! R0xxor !
Well, USA has Moog, England has... Mellotron !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXtmKGkSa4
This nasty synthesizers is well known for its strange sound and was used by early prog rock bands such as king crimson, moody blues, pink floyd sometimes ...
I couldn't figure how these sounds could be generated, so I had a look at wikipedia:

Well, as stupid as it seems, each keys were connected to a different * TAPE * where a sound, like a continuous violon playing the same note for 8 seconds were sampled. Yes, I mean one tape * BY * Key, and if you maintain it for more than 8 seconds the sound stops. Problem:
how do they manage to rewind each tape ? Thisq is what happen when you press a mellotron key:
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the tape goes forward because the key push it on a wheel. OUtstanding idea: when the key is released, a * compression spring * pull the tape back !!! R0xxor !
Well, USA has Moog, England has... Mellotron !
Analog mechanical devices ftw! \o/
The modern one
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yeah, that was too predictable.
but don't say i'm not right on this one.
no, you're completely on the subject. The sid was clearly a revolution. MOS invented digital sounds.
well mellotron is more a sampler than a synth (still sounds great and unique though). Also, clavinet.
So, staying true to the awesome synth topic:
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also, theremin!
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So, staying true to the awesome synth topic:
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also, theremin!
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my babies:
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Why didn't they just use an infinite looping tape for the Mellotron?
Quote:
Why didn't they just use an infinite looping tape for the Mellotron?
Because that solution seems too easy.
m1cro: To get every note played to start from the same sample position.
nooucch: Yes, that Mellotron thing is in every way a sampler and in no way a synth.
krabob: Isn't the SID more of an analog synth?
nooucch: Yes, that Mellotron thing is in every way a sampler and in no way a synth.
krabob: Isn't the SID more of an analog synth?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPG-LYoW27E
This is like buzz + awesome
This is like buzz + awesome
evil: give me your babies. now.
evil, don't. shifter puts them in the soup.