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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Mellotron M4000D Rack". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of classic soundscapes with the Mellotron M4000D Rack, a digital marvel that captures the essence of the iconic Mellotron and Chamberlain instruments of the 60s and 70s. Perfect for both studio professionals and vintage sound enthusiasts, this sample-playback engine delivers the lush, tape-looped tones that defined an era, now in pristine 24-bit audio. With 100 timeless sounds at your fingertips, it's like having a piece of music history right in your rack.
The M4000D Rack is designed with modern convenience in mind. Its dual high-resolution OLED displays provide clear, at-a-glance information, while the intuitive controls for volume, tone, pitch, and mix allow for easy manipulation of your sound. Whether you're dialing in a haunting flute or a rich string ensemble, the slot for Compact Flash cards ensures that you have the flexibility to expand and customize your library as you see fit.
Connectivity is a breeze with MIDI In/Out/Thru, balanced XLR and 6.3 mm jack outputs, and pedal connections for sustain and expression. Its compact 19" 2U design makes it a seamless addition to any setup, ensuring that the only thing standing between you and legendary sound is your creativity.
Key Features:
- Sample-playback engine with 24-bit audio data
- 100 Mellotron and Chamberlain sounds
- 2 high-resolution, graphics-capable OLED displays
- Controls for volume, tone, pitch, and mix
- Slot for Compact Flash card for sound expansion
- MIDI In/Out/Thru
- 3x Line-out balanced XLR and 6.3 mm jack
- Pedal connectors: Sustain, 2x expression, and volume pedal connection
- Headphone output
- Poly-AT input
- 19" 2U rack design
Product specs
| Available since | January 2015 |
| Design | 19" / 2U |
| Sound Generation | Sample Based |
| MIDI interface | 1x In, 1x Out, 1x Thru |
| Storage Medium | CF Card |
| USB-port | No |
| Effects | No |
| Arpeggiator | No |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 3 |
| Digital Output | No |
| Display | Yes |
| Optional Expansions | None |
| Special Features | OLed-Displays |
FAQs
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What type of sounds does the Mellotron M4000D Rack offer?
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The Mellotron M4000D Rack provides 100 Mellotron and Chamberlin sounds, captured directly from original tape sources in 24-bit, uncompressed audio, delivering authentic vintage tones.
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Does the Mellotron M4000D Rack have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Mellotron M4000D Rack features MIDI connectivity with 1x In, 1x Out, and 1x Thru ports, allowing integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.
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Can the Mellotron M4000D Rack be expanded with additional sounds?
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The Mellotron M4000D Rack does not support optional expansions, but it comes with a rich library of classic sounds pre-installed.
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Is the Mellotron M4000D Rack suitable for live performance?
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Yes, the Mellotron M4000D Rack's compact 19" / 2U design and high-quality sound library make it suitable for live performances, especially for musicians seeking vintage sound textures.
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Does the Mellotron M4000D Rack include built-in effects?
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No, the Mellotron M4000D Rack does not include built-in effects, focusing instead on delivering pure, high-fidelity Mellotron and Chamberlin sounds.
Videos
mikesgigtv
Mellotron M4000D Rack at NAMM 2015 | MikesGigTV
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic Mellotron sound, directly sampled from original tapes
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Lightweight and maintenance-free compared to original Mellotron
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Over 100 sounds from Mellotron and Chamberlin libraries
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Digital stability allows for dual sound layering
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Simple controls and MIDI compatibility enhance usability
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XLR balanced outputs for professional audio quality
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Sound customization options emulate vintage Mellotron characteristics
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Can be easily integrated into a keyboard setup
CONS
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Expensive initial cost and costly expansion cards
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Sound duration limited to 7-9 seconds, like original Mellotrons
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Distinct sound not suited for all musicians or genres
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mellotron M4000D Rack.
Comparisons
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The Roland JV1010, with added effects like LPF and vibrato, closely replicates classic Mellotron sounds, offering a budget-friendly alternative.
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The Manikin Memotron, being more affordable, is a viable alternative to the M4000D Rack, especially with the newer M4000D micro altering price dynamics.
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The M4000D is noted for its physical beauty and superior sound experience, but its high cost is a consideration for non-gigging studio use.
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Features and functionality
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The Memotron Rack is 6-part multitimbral but requires a custom tape frame pre-arrangement, causing slower sample loading times from a CF card.
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The Memotron Rack boots up blank, unlike its keyboard counterpart, which can load a default sound set on startup, potentially improved in later models.
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The digital Mellotron allows for the layering of two sample banks, with control over the mix of each, and includes emulated motor behaviors like rewind speed.
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Digital Mellotrons have two extra keys compared to original models, featuring unique samples from the original session recordings, unlike many VSTs that pitch shift to achieve range.
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The M4000D has built-in sample sets, while some Memotron models require additional purchases for sound sets.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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Expansion cards for additional samples cost $500, and prices have remained unchanged since release, causing frustration among owners.
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Use cases and applications
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Some owners use Mellotron sounds in nearly every song, citing its versatility with over 100 different sample banks that mimic a wide range of instruments, from guitar to saxophone.
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Mtron Pro is favored for studio use due to its affordability and similar sound quality to the M4000D, making it a popular choice for non-live settings.
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Artist usage
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Tyler Is seen using this in his studio provided by @neat.audio on Instagram. Studio pictured is confirmed to belong to Tyler Joseph via photos @ haverstickdesigns.com
At 7:29 in this video tour of his home studio, Tim Henson says:
We've also got the Mellotron, which is really sick because I just control that via MIDI and go straight into my DAW.
At 0:51 in this 2025 Arturia promo video, you can clearly see Kawai's Mellotron M4000D rack in the background. At other points in the video, you can even see the word "Mellotron" in giant silver embossed letters on the unit, as if the color and layout weren't distinctive enough.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mellotron M4000D Rack, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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