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Birotron
Conceived by Dave Biro with the help of keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, the Birotron attempted to overcome the problems of
the eight-second note duration by implementing the use of eight-track cartridges instead of the various tape widths used in both
Chamberlin’s and Mellotron’s. While the concept was undoubtedly sound, the initial batch of Birotron’s coincided with the dawning
of the polysynth era and the whole Birotron operation failed. As a result of this quick demise, Birotron’s are incredibly rare. In fact,
it’s rumored that between only thirteen and thirty-five were ever built.
Roland VP330 Plus
Yes, we know this wasn’t a classic tape-playing instrument, but the VP330 choir is regarded in many circles as a classic. Released in
1979 this Vocoder was more than a one trick pony due to the on-board string sounds and choir timbres. This instrument has found
favor with bands, including Underworld, because of its unique sound and as such it is a worthy inclusion here.
Sound Production
As we mentioned before, the sounds come from a variety of sources and although in many cases these tapes required a degree of
digital cleaning-up due to their age and storage conditions, we have deliberately left in many imperfections for fear of ironing out
too much of the inherent character. Accordingly, you may find that in isolation the odd note may sound a bit wobbly and there
may be clicks, hum and even the odd tape drop-out. This is entirely deliberate and when played within the context of a track, this
is exactly what adds to the unique sound, vibe and character of the instrument.
One person who needs to be credited for his sterling sound preservation work is Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock, a supreme ‘tron aficionado
whose personal library amassed from his collection of Mellotron’s is probably unsurpassed, as is his attention to detail in terms of
preserving the faithful ‘tron. For example, many of the early MkII’s had no line output, so the only way to record these was via the
on-board speaker and it was this technique that gave many of the classic 60’s recordings that beautiful hollow mood and feel. This
recording technique is evident on many of the M-Tron sounds.
For more information on the original instrument look at:
www.Mellotron.com
www.vemia.co.uk/Mellotron/
Without Whom Dept
Jason Field, Dave Spiers, Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock, all at Ohm Force, Angus Hewlett, Jim Wintermyre, Chris Macleod,
Ian Legge & Putte