Electro-Harmonix MEL9 - Tape Machine Pedal - Vintage Effect
Discover the Electro-Harmonix MEL9, a polyphonic pedal that resurrects the magic of the Mellotron with nine authentic vintage sounds to instantly transform your guitar or bass into a real orchestra.
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The magic of the 60s and 70s under your feet
At the Music Garage , we've all dreamed of owning a real Mellotron. This legendary magnetic tape instrument defined the sound of masterpieces like The Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever and Led Zeppelin's Kashmir . The problem? A real Mellotron weighs a ton, costs a fortune, and requires constant maintenance.
This is where the Electro-Harmonix MEL9 comes in and performs a true technological miracle. This pedal instantly transforms your electric guitar or bass into a vintage polyphonic synthesizer. Without any special MIDI pickups or modifications to your instrument, you have access to nine ultra-realistic orchestral and choral sounds that follow your chords and solos with incredible precision. It's the ultimate tool for adding a rich, symphonic, and delightfully retro texture to your compositions.
Features that bring history back to life
9 Instruments Mythiques : Orchestra, Cello (Violoncelle), Strings (Cordes), Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass (Cuivres), Low Choir (Chœur grave) et High Choir (Chœur aigu).
Polyphonie Sans Faille : Le tracking est immédiat. Jouez des accords complexes à 6 cordes, des arpèges rapides ou du fingerpicking, la MEL9 suit chaque note sans décrocher.
Aucun Capteur MIDI Requis : Branchez simplement votre câble 1/4" standard. Ça fonctionne avec votre guitare, votre basse, ou même un clavier.
Sorties Indépendantes : Mixez votre son de guitare naturel (Dry) avec l'effet, ou envoyez l'effet vers un amplificateur ou une console séparée pour un son massif.
🛠️ Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Type of effect | Mellotron Emulator (Polyphonic Synthesizer) |
| Available sounds | 9 preset tape instruments |
| Controls | Effect Vol, Dry Vol, Attack, Sustain |
| Connectivity | 1x 1/4" Inlet, 2x 1/4" Outlets (Effect Out / Dry Out) |
| Tracking | Polyphonic, up to the low A (Open A) on a bass |
| Switching | High-quality buffered bypass |
| Food | 9V DC Center Negative (Consumption: 100mA) |
| Power supply | EHX 9.6DC-200 adapter included |
| Dimensions | 121mm (W) x 102mm (D) x 57mm (H) |
Comparative Table: The EHX "9" Series
| Characteristic | EHX MEL9 | EHX SYNTH9 | Boss SY-1 |
| Sound Universe | Mellotron Vintage / Orchestral | Analog Synthesizers (Moog, Prophet) | Modern synthesizers, leads, pads |
| MIDI sensor required? | No (Plug & Play) | No (Plug & Play) | No (Plug & Play) |
| Number of Sounds | 9 Specific Presets | 9 Specific Presets | 121 Variations |
| Separate Exits | Yes (Dry and Effect) | Yes (Dry and Effect) | No (1 mixed output + Send/Return) |
| Envelope control | Attack and Sustain | Controls vary depending on the preset | Tone, Rate, Depth |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a MIDI sensor (like the Roland GK) to use the MEL9?
No, absolutely not! That's the great advantage of the EHX 9 series. The pedal uses a powerful algorithm that reads your instrument's standard audio signal. Simply plug in your regular guitar cable and the effect works instantly.
2. Where should I place the MEL9 in my pedal chain?
For optimal note tracking, the MEL9 should be placed first on your pedalboard, right after your tuner. Avoid placing distortion, modulation, or delay pedals before the MEL9, as this will interfere with the signal the pedal is trying to analyze.
3. Does the MEL9 work with a bass guitar?
Yes! The MEL9's tracking is designed to go all the way down to the open A string on a standard bass guitar. It's fantastic for adding dramatic chorus or strings under your bass lines.
4. Can I change the attack and release sounds of the notes?
Yes, thanks to the Attack and Sustain buttons. The attack allows you to get a volume that gradually increases, while the Sustain button determines how long the sound of the tape continues to resonate after you have muted your string.
5. How does the "Dry" output work?
The "Dry Out" jack lets you send your pure guitar signal to an amp, while the "Effect Out" jack sends only the Mellotron's sound to a mixing console, audio interface, or second amp. This is ideal for creating a massive wall of sound on stage.
The magic of the 60s and 70s under your feet
At the Music Garage , we've all dreamed of owning a real Mellotron. This legendary magnetic tape instrument defined the sound of masterpieces like The Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever and Led Zeppelin's Kashmir . The problem? A real Mellotron weighs a ton, costs a fortune, and requires constant maintenance.
This is where the Electro-Harmonix MEL9 comes in and performs a true technological miracle. This pedal instantly transforms your electric guitar or bass into a vintage polyphonic synthesizer. Without any special MIDI pickups or modifications to your instrument, you have access to nine ultra-realistic orchestral and choral sounds that follow your chords and solos with incredible precision. It's the ultimate tool for adding a rich, symphonic, and delightfully retro texture to your compositions.
Features that bring history back to life
9 Instruments Mythiques : Orchestra, Cello (Violoncelle), Strings (Cordes), Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass (Cuivres), Low Choir (Chœur grave) et High Choir (Chœur aigu).
Polyphonie Sans Faille : Le tracking est immédiat. Jouez des accords complexes à 6 cordes, des arpèges rapides ou du fingerpicking, la MEL9 suit chaque note sans décrocher.
Aucun Capteur MIDI Requis : Branchez simplement votre câble 1/4" standard. Ça fonctionne avec votre guitare, votre basse, ou même un clavier.
Sorties Indépendantes : Mixez votre son de guitare naturel (Dry) avec l'effet, ou envoyez l'effet vers un amplificateur ou une console séparée pour un son massif.
🛠️ Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Type of effect | Mellotron Emulator (Polyphonic Synthesizer) |
| Available sounds | 9 preset tape instruments |
| Controls | Effect Vol, Dry Vol, Attack, Sustain |
| Connectivity | 1x 1/4" Inlet, 2x 1/4" Outlets (Effect Out / Dry Out) |
| Tracking | Polyphonic, up to the low A (Open A) on a bass |
| Switching | High-quality buffered bypass |
| Food | 9V DC Center Negative (Consumption: 100mA) |
| Power supply | EHX 9.6DC-200 adapter included |
| Dimensions | 121mm (W) x 102mm (D) x 57mm (H) |
Comparative Table: The EHX "9" Series
| Characteristic | EHX MEL9 | EHX SYNTH9 | Boss SY-1 |
| Sound Universe | Mellotron Vintage / Orchestral | Analog Synthesizers (Moog, Prophet) | Modern synthesizers, leads, pads |
| MIDI sensor required? | No (Plug & Play) | No (Plug & Play) | No (Plug & Play) |
| Number of Sounds | 9 Specific Presets | 9 Specific Presets | 121 Variations |
| Separate Exits | Yes (Dry and Effect) | Yes (Dry and Effect) | No (1 mixed output + Send/Return) |
| Envelope control | Attack and Sustain | Controls vary depending on the preset | Tone, Rate, Depth |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a MIDI sensor (like the Roland GK) to use the MEL9?
No, absolutely not! That's the great advantage of the EHX 9 series. The pedal uses a powerful algorithm that reads your instrument's standard audio signal. Simply plug in your regular guitar cable and the effect works instantly.
2. Where should I place the MEL9 in my pedal chain?
For optimal note tracking, the MEL9 should be placed first on your pedalboard, right after your tuner. Avoid placing distortion, modulation, or delay pedals before the MEL9, as this will interfere with the signal the pedal is trying to analyze.
3. Does the MEL9 work with a bass guitar?
Yes! The MEL9's tracking is designed to go all the way down to the open A string on a standard bass guitar. It's fantastic for adding dramatic chorus or strings under your bass lines.
4. Can I change the attack and release sounds of the notes?
Yes, thanks to the Attack and Sustain buttons. The attack allows you to get a volume that gradually increases, while the Sustain button determines how long the sound of the tape continues to resonate after you have muted your string.
5. How does the "Dry" output work?
The "Dry Out" jack lets you send your pure guitar signal to an amp, while the "Effect Out" jack sends only the Mellotron's sound to a mixing console, audio interface, or second amp. This is ideal for creating a massive wall of sound on stage.