M4000

Twenty years after the production of Mellotrons stopped in 1986, Streetly Electronics introduced a new instrument in May 2007, the M4000.

From the outside, it looks like a M400; but a peek on the inside shows a cycling tape replay system similar to those of the Mark I, Mark II, FX Console and M300 models. The M4000 is the first machine in almost forty years to include this system, which has been given up with the relase of the M400, in 1970.
The overall design of the M4000 was done by Martin Smith and John Bradley, with help from Norman Leete who created the microcontroller-based cycling system.

By default, the M4000 has 8 banks of 3 sounds each, for a total of 24 sounds.
The tapes are always 3/8″ and 3-track format. The M4000 thus makes it possible to have a large amount of sounds available without changing the tape frame, unlike the M400, where only 3 sounds are available at a time.
Streetly also proposes to have 6 tracks per tape, which allows to have a total of 48 sounds.

• 8 stations, 24 sounds (or 48 sounds with 6 tracks per tape)
  That’s the equivalent of 8 tape frames in one instrument.
• Inching facility
  In addition to the factory presets, program your own ‘start’ positions. Advance the tapes by inching to your new preferred position. This can then be programmed in for future use.
• Cycling optical failsafe
  Just like the MKII, the M4000 is designed to prevent damage to the tapes whilst the instrument cycles to the next station choice. If the keys are pressed during this operation, the unique optical keyboard scanner will shut down the cycling system.
• MKII keyboard feel
  Anyone who has ever played a MKII has commented on just how good the keyboard feels compared to their M400. The M4000 recaptures that elusive feel, making the keyboard light and very playable.
• MKII playing height
  Banish that bad posture for good. The M4000 has a much improved playing height allowing for a comfortable standing position.
• Positively pressurised cabinet
  Foul air can clog up your mellotron and wreck your tapes. The M4000 has the unique FILTRON air cleanser that sucks in filtered air from the base and gently pressurises the cabinet keeping out stage smoke and other unwanted atmospheres.
• Azimuth alignable tape heads
  The headblock is the heart of your mellotron and the heads must be accurately set. The M4000 playback heads are mounted in revolving collars so that each one can always be positioned for correct response.
• Choose your own tapes
  The M4000 is supplied with a standard 24 sound tape set based on Streetly’s most popular tape sales over the last 5 years. For an additional amount, we will be happy to execute a tape set of your choice from the extensive tape library now available from Streetly.

A dual keyboard version of the M4000 is available as the M5000. Both keyboards are arranged side by side as on the Mark V.

Articles

• Streetly Mellotron M4000   – Sound On Sound – October 2007
• Article about the M4000   by Norman Leete

• M4000 #016
• M4000 #045
• M4000 Prototype

M4000 #016

Photos: Frank Stickle
Frank Stickle’s M4000

M4000 #045

Photos: Bernie Kornowicz
Bernie Kornowicz’s M4000

M4000 Prototype

Photos: Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock
With Martin Smith & John Bradley

The M4000 is supplied with a standard 24 sound tape set based on Streetly’s most popular tape sales.
For an additional amount, we will be happy to execute a tape set of your choice from the extensive tape library now available from Streetly.