Mellotron FX Console – Out Of Phase

SPECIFICATIONS

Years of Production	1965 – 1970
Number of Units	about 60
Original Price	£1,500
Dimensions W x H x D	129.5 x 99 x 68.5 cm
Weight	159 kg

At the request of the BBC, Streetly Electronics has created a new model, the Sound Effects Console or FX Console, a Mark II whose technical characteristics are adapted to the specifications of the BBC.
The recordings include 1260 various sound effects to provide sound for radio and television broadcasts.

The technical requirements of the BBC have resulted in the following changes:

Each keyboard is divided in two parts (keys 1 to 18 and 19 to 35), and each part has its own head-block and a preamp with integrated circuits. The signal-to-noise ratio was improved compared to the Mark II;
Volume control for each of the 4 keyboard sections, and a master volume control;
Headphone socket with volume control;
Electromagnetic track selector. Unlike Mark II, it is impossible to play two tracks at once (A+B or B+C);
Being made for the BBC studios, the FX Console didn’t require an amplification system as big as in Mark II: it simply has a small amp with integrated circuit (no more tube amp) and a 8″ speaker;
No more reverb unit;
The wooden cabinet is not made of polished mahogany anymore; it is in plywood, painted in BBC grey or black.

Abbey Road acquires an FX Console which will be used on The White Album.
This Mellotron will be sold in 1980 to Mike Oldield to finally be bought by Paul McCartney in the 90s.
[ See Anecdotes ]