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Electro-Harmonix Mel9 Tape Replay Machine Pedal Reviews

Mellotron Emulation Guitar Effects Pedal

Turn your guitar, bass, or keyboard into a Mellotron with the Electro-Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine effects pedal. Plug in your instrument, then select from nine authentic Mellotron sounds: Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir, and High Choir. Attack and Sustain controls allow you to shape your sounds, and separate Dry and Effect outputs allow for two-amp setups. We've become huge fans of EHX's range of keyboard-emulation pedals, and the Electro-Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine is one of Sweetwater's favorites.

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Highest Rated Reviews

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Incredible pedal

By Lisa from Dallas, TX on March 18, 2024 Music Background: Musician

While this is definitely what I would refer to as a "limited use" pedal, it's an awesome tool. I read some of the negative reviews and I think that if you don't like it at first, the trick is fiddling with the settings. Seems obvious, but the negative reviews described my initial thoughts about it but after understanding how to optimize my settings for how I wanted it to sound (by fiddling, naturally) it got the bang for the buck. It may also heavily depend on what you're using it with. I found mine works best with a combo of my Squire Paranormal short scale and a Cube Baby emulator pedal. Once again, 100% depends on the sound you're going for. My favorite setting is the clarinet setting which so moody. It's very sensitive too so you can definitely control the volume intensity with your strumming. Some reviewers said that one string playing was more effective sound-wise, but if you sweep strum a chord, it's just total beauty. The key is in the settings. You can dial back your guitar sound so it's not even present and you have 100% Mellotron, or you can pull it back and have the guitar sound more present. I've already gone into the studio and recorded a song with a Mel 9 overdub track so watch out!

Excellent

By Peter Marechal from New Bern, NC on January 17, 2024

As I wrote in a review for the C9 I have been using EHX since 1969 (LPB-1). I've always been intrigued by the notion of a guitar sounding like a keyboard. Now that I am not playing professionally anymore (I'm in my 70's) I do very much enjoy recording. Even though I have an Arturia midi keyboard and their mellotron program (which is excellent) and ever since I purchased a full-sized POG quite some years ago, I have been wanting to do recordings of just guitar but with the added sounds of keys. Look no further earthlings! EHX has done it again. The one thing you have to remember is to use the pedal in a completely different frame of mind than a guitar player. No 6, 5, 4 string chords. Just perfect 4ths, 5ths, two notes or one note as these pedals and the instruments they simulate have a lot of overtones and sometimes one note is all you need. Just like BB. King. Add a little reverb and you are good to go. Do not play like a guitar player but like a keyboard player.

Amazing!

By Tom from Philadelphia on December 7, 2023 Music Background: Long time guitarist

Opens up so many doors with the sounds you get. Tracks beautifully even with chords and bends.

70's ambience

By Lee Barry from West Texas on May 16, 2023 Music Background: weekend warrior cover band

I use the Mel 9 to provide ambient mellotron pads to several songs in my set. Arpeggios on the cello setting are quite convincing. They actually sound like a bowed performance. I have the guitar nerds like me checking out my board to figure out how I do it. Been asked about backing tracks.... I find its better blended than than used full up.

Love it!

By Sweetwater Customer on April 9, 2023

I'm using it with a classical-electric guitar, through an amp DI to PA at the Missouri Theater, a big venue... just got it a week ago, very quickly, thanks to Adam Szmurlo! I can also play my electric piano through it... sounds sweet! This replaces the Sampletank/ MIDI Gtr II through Tonewood Amp setup that I used to use (and have lost capability, and therefore interest in). I think this sounds better.

Nice pedal to augment your sound!

By JR from Oregon City, OR on March 2, 2023 Music Background: Singer/ songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist

I just got the Mel9 a few days ago. Right out of the box and using one amp, I was able to blend the dry and effects channels and get some really nice sounds. Backfill with the guitar or more effect to highlight the tones it produces so it stands out in the mix. Last night I set it up using an AB switch. I ran the A side through my regular pedal chain and into a Fender Deluxe Reverb, and the B side into the Mel9 and a compressor going into a Vox AC15. Wow! This gives me independent control over my electric guitar/ effects and the Mel9 effects and I can select just my guitar/ pedals or just the Mel9, or mix both together. I can adjust the volumes, effects, EQ, etc. independently on the amps to dial in the right tone and mix. Adding some strings to certain songs gives a nice backfill and a fuller sound than just the guitar alone. Adding the voice effect provides a nice foundation for songs with multiple harmonies.

I currently play in a trio doing classic rock, pop, some soul and funk with a lot of harmony vocals. We've tried adding a second guitar/ vocal to get a fuller sound, but haven't found the right sound or fit. I think the Mel9 is our new 4th member of the band and I'll definitely use it in my home studio for recording.

Just read some of the negative reviews

By Brock on February 6, 2023

After just quickly posting my first impressions of this item, I read some of the negative reviews. Maybe I'm NOT as old and novice as I thought. For the price-point and it's capabilities, I think one should re-evaluate your rig. I did a crappy set-up right out of the box and wept about the possibilities of this pedal.

Just got today......

By Brock from Powell Butte, OR on February 6, 2023 Music Background: Old, self-trained novice

And I plug my acoustic guitar into a little karaoke amp, to practice for Sunday morning worship (I play bass). After about 20 minutes of noodling, my first response is good luck keeping this in stock!

Surprisingly close to the real thing

By Randy from CA on September 17, 2022

I grew up in the days when you sat down and listened to an entire album. This format allowed for really beautiful, lush music, and no sound was fatter than a Mellotron (unless you had Elton John's budget for the real thing). I encourage you to watch the fascinating and funny documentary Mellodrama, which shows how the Mellotron went from an overpriced home sing-along device to the sound of King Crimson and Genesis.

I'm surprised to say this pedal really does sound like a Mellotron--if you play the way a keyboard player would. While this should be obivious, a Mellotron does not have string bending or slurs, so these won't sound right, and due to the wavering pitch, chords with close intervals will get muddled. But play cleanly and simply, and the Mel 9 sounds awesome. And you don't have to be a great guitar player either, because this really isn't for shredding. A one-trick pony perhaps, but what a trick it is.

Great Effect - Not Just for Guitars !!!

By Ocean Blue from PA on November 22, 2021 Music Background: Decades of Experience as multi-instrumentalist...

I am a guitar player (along with keyboards & anything strings), but this purchase was strictly "experimental" for me AND, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with the results. Are you ready for this... I bought this pedal specifically for my AUTOHARP... Yes, autotharp... I always had the impression that autoharps were like an automatic transmission on a vehicle - you just push the button & drive. But then I discovered there are really good autoharp players out there fingerpicking intricate melodies & improvising some awesome leads and became very intrigued. So, I purchased a good autoharp with a passive pickup & this MEL9 pedal and I'm making some AMAZING sounds. Having a passive pickup built into my autoharp makes it basically the same as any electric guitar - so there's no limit where this can go with FX pedals... But for now, I'm loving having an entire ORCHESTRA playing along with me as I fingerpick my melodies & leads on the autoharp. Where's the orchestra, you say ??? Right inside my MEL9 pedal - Effect #1. It's a rich, full background of an assortment of strings that plays right along with me & follows my every move. The settings on the MEL9 allow me to select how much orchestra I want & how much I want my lead to come to the front. I love the sound I'm getting so much that I can't even play the autoharp without this pedal in the mix. I also add a touch of reverb (either through the amp or another pedal - my choice) & when the entire orchestra has to go home (LOL) - I can turn the MEL9 to various other settings like, Strings, Cello, Choirs, Brass, Sax, Flute,etc.)... Honestly, the orchestra & strings are the only settings I use - but they add an awesome richness to my playing & with the SUSTAIN setting - I can add as much or as little fill as I want or need in a piece. If you play any instrument - just buy this pedal as an experiment & plug into it - you might just LOVE the sound as much as I do !!!

Impressive

By Sweetwater Customer on October 26, 2021

This pedal is ideal for background filling, I use it for a praise and worship group at church. I run it through a separate amp and adjust the effects so my guitar is not covered up. Fills in a lot of dead space as we only have a piano and guitar for our group. It's been a tremendous addition, definitely would recommend to anyone with similar situations. Thanks

A Symphony in your pedalboard

By AA on June 9, 2021

This thing is AMAZING, i love it so much. If you want to fill up spaces in your songs with orchestral atmosphere but don't know how to play those instruments, don't have them or simply just do solos like violin or brass, THIS IS TOTALLY FOR YOU.

I've used it even for drum machines and it's awesome.

Awesome pedal!

By Jim from NC on April 17, 2021 Music Background: Not quite prime time!

Had to wait over a month to get this back ordered item, but my SE Chris kept up with me regarding the ship date. It arrived today and I was really shocked with the sound. I have a MusicMan 10x2 1980 tube amp that is like new and it seems it was meant for the Mel9 pedal! My choice guitar is a 1955 Vintage Select Chet Atkins Gretchen with single coils. The pedal, in Orchestra voice plays thru the MusicMan, while the dry 2nd output goes through my Boss chorus pedal and isolates the guitar to the second amp. Gee, kinda' like stereo! All the voice samples are great: LOVE THIS BOX!

Electro-Harmonix Mel9 Pedal

By Paul from Michigan on October 4, 2020

Fantastic Mellotron keyboard sounds from this guitar pedal.
Fast shipping and As always great support from Mason Boisvert at Sweetwater.

Totally awesome product

By Robeone on May 21, 2020 Music Background: Professional Musician

Way better than expected! Works flawlessly, pitch is perfect. Currently using with a mic on a baby grand piano. Next I'll be using with my Moog

Bonkers!

By AJ from VT on May 4, 2020

This pedal is just bonkers, and I mean that in the best possible sense. It's a beautiful, magical recreation of the sounds from the 1960s Mellotron (itself a completely bonkers keyboard device), and is just super fun to play with. The orchestra and voice sounds are inspiring. I'm sure I'll find a place for all of the other sounds, someday as well.

The folks at EHX are some kind of wizards. To achieve this level and variety of signal processing without MIDI is just crazy cool.

..........My Experience with the Mel 9 pedal from Electro Harmonix......by Gerald....

By Gerald Crouse from upstate NY...... on April 20, 2020 Music Background: music lessons for 10 years.......1982 to 1992....guitar........

This pedal is beyond my expectations....it is so much fun to play with........

meletron

By gilbert on March 20, 2020 Music Background: musician

The mel9 is a great unit and I am doing a lot of recording with it.

A nice addition

By Tony from Sacramento, CA on July 11, 2019 Music Background: 40+ years bass guitar and vocals

I got this for a very specific reason: I wanted to emulate a cello on my bass for a couple of songs my band plays, and this Mel9 nailed it.

You can adjust the blend of effect and instrument with the Dry knob; the amount of effect, attack, and sustain. Those give you the ability to find just the right sound you want.

Orchestral

By Todd from Franklin Ma on May 7, 2019 Music Background: Jack of all....master of everyone!!

This pedal is awesome! I'm big into Electro Harmonix stuff anyway. But this pedal sounds incredible! I use it in an acoustic duo I'm in and man does this thing fill out our sound. Very easy to figure out. It's a little pricey, but to me being in a duo...its cheaper than paying an orchestra!!! Thank you Sweetwater!

Mellotron sounds in your hand

By Alfredo Avilan on April 30, 2019

This thing is like NOTHING i've seen or heard, meanwhile i've heard it since i was a child.

All its modes remain you some track or some sound (Beatles all over the place) and it's not the real thing but it certainly it's the closest you can get and it's BEAUTIFUL.

The dry and effect outputs are a great way to divide your signal and still being able to perform while this amazing landscapes haunted you in the background of your playing.

REALLY LOVE IT.

Does what I want

By Nick from USA on April 3, 2019 Music Background: Small acoustic gigs a few times a year

Saw the ad for this pedal when it was first released. Waited for reviews and review videos to come out. Then knew I had to have it because I do a solo acoustic show and I wanted to expand what I play to songs that would sound flat without some sort of extra parts. I didn't want to add a partner to my act so I thought the Mel9 would be perfect, and it is.

I split the output so my dry guitar signal stays dry. I take the "wet" out and connect it to a volume pedal to a separate amp so I can leave it on and just swell up the sounds when needed. Also, I put my tuner pedal after the Mel9 and I can mute the guitar and just play the Mel9 for some parts. AND, I put a distortion and a phaser on the output for synthlike sounds when needed. The cello setting through distortion and phaser is way cool.

Sounds just like the real thing!!!

By DonD from Florida on March 11, 2019 Music Background: Previous pro, now hobbyist

I like the Mel9 so much, I bought a second one, and will probably buy 2 more, soon. This pedal sounds just like a real Mellotron. I have a friend that has a real mellotron, and it sounds just like his.

This one is a real home-run for Electro-Harmonix!!!

Mel 9 and Lester G

By Sweetwater Customer on September 26, 2018

So impressed thank you for all your help also got beat buddy pedal and pedaltrain for my pedals. Never have to shop another music store other than here. Thank you all and thank you Todd Cotton.
God Bless all of you. Starla Coffey

I Love It!

By Bob Craypoe from New Jersey on September 25, 2018 Music Background: Solo Performer

I perform as a solo act. I sing and play guitar. As a solo act, I try to get the fullest sound possible, since it is only just me performing. Using the Mel9 works great in that capacity. I mix the effected sound from the unit with my clean guitar and it makes it sound like my guitar is being backed up by an orchestra.

I had first purchased the Electro-Harmonix Synth 9 pedal and was happy with that and then I saw demo videos of the Mel9 and I absolutely had to buy that one too. I use both pedals together and they work out nicely together. My favorite sounds in the Mel9 that I use the most are the Strings, Cello, Orchestra, Flute and High Chorus. I basically alternate mostly between those sounds. I have been using Electro-Harmonix pedals in a live setting for a while now and I have absolutely no complaints. They sound great, are easy to use and are durable.

The Saxophone, Brass and Clarinet sounds are great but I have not really experimented with those sounds much yet. I think they would work best for single note melody lines and I can definitely see them working out very well for recording purposes, just as the other sounds would.

I currently own three Electro-Harmonix pedals and I am completely satisfied with them all. Lately, I have found myself looking at the demo videos on Sweetwater for a lot of their other products. If I had the money, I would just buy so many of their pedals but I am not a rich man, so I kind of have to save up for them. Thank God I have paid gigs to help me pay for my new toys. But their pedals are well worth the wait as I save up.

Awesome Sounds

By Sweetwater Customer on June 18, 2018

Excellent guitar pedal. The sounds are amazing. Creates really good background sound for any style you play.

Perfect backing strings and choir.

By Tom Christopher from New York on April 2, 2018 Music Background: Weekend Warrior

I'm a keyboard player. I got two of these. One for strings. One for choir. So easy just step on one and the sound of a choir or an orchestra erupts behind your piano track. Great live. So easy to use.

Couldn't be happier. Blown away.

Mel9 pedal

By Thanh T Tran from Garden Grove,CA on September 7, 2017 Music Background: Enthusiast

Great pedal, more variety sounds.
I loved it.

Creative and Fun

By Steve Cohen from Florida on August 26, 2017 Music Background: Guitar and bass in church and a "garage" band player with friends

Product is well made and fit and finish is excellent.
The plethora of great sounds makes this pedal a very creative tool in my arsenal.
Great fun! May have to get the other keys pedals in the future.

EHX Mel 9 tape replay machine

By Frank from Hawaii on July 22, 2017

Finally an effects pedal that you can actually use. It's sounds great, isn't noisy on my pedal board and has sounds you can really use.

Mel9

By Mike from Florida on May 26, 2017

Love the technology out of a box.
My sound just got huge.
More is More !!!

EHX Mel 9 Pedal

By MC on April 21, 2017 Music Background: Semi Pro 35 Years

Love it! Orchestra setting is incredible! Great response in comparison to the C9 and Synth 9 which I've had to send back. Maybe they were just bad ones? Not sure. If not, I just don't have the brand of eggshells I need to walk on to make them practical. This one is great! I also have the Key 9 and B9 and they are fine! Sweetwater service is great! Thank You!
My Mel 9 is a Winner! I hope yours will be also!

Mel--low Goodness!!

By John from Hartland,USA on April 13, 2017 Music Background: Amateur synth fanatic(for 45 years!)

I have hooked this up with one of my synths and am pretty impressed! It does have a more limited note range, BUT...the Mellotron experience is still there! Sounds I heard as a young Prog-rocker(with the Moody Blues and King Crimson) are possible with this! I know they are touting this as guitar effects pedal, but don't be afraid to buy it for your synth or midi keyboard....200 bucks compared to 2000 is quite worth it!

Cool Vibe

By Brian from Memphis, TN on January 23, 2017

I was really surprised by this pedal. The orchestra sound, the cello, brass, strings, and high choir are the best sounds on this pedal. The high choir has an ethereal quality about it. One person that heard me playing it at my house had to look to make sure I wasn't playing a keyboard. Great for live and recording. Check it out!

Mellotron for Guitarists

By Brian from New Your on August 22, 2016

What a great pedal. Opens several really interesting new tone palettes for guitar players. Can be used to add string, choir or brass etc.parts to a band lacking a keyboard player. Same thing for a solo recording session where a guitar player's chops exceed his/her keyboard dexterity. Not the same as a guitar synth, but an inspired take on the classic Mellotron sounds. The demo video is not an exaggeration.

Excellent Device

By Joe Morgan from GA on August 8, 2016 Music Background: Producer

The Mel 9 provides our group with a plethora of different, yet replicable sounds. The challenge for all groups is to be able to have a unique sound (on some songs) that can be replicated in live venues as well as in the studio. The Mel 9 is now a tool that we rely on as a dependable "additional instrument" in our group.

Mel 9 is a thumbs up

By Bruce Riley from PA on July 27, 2016 Music Background: Music Producer

Delivers what the video sample show..No complaints in my book.

Dream machine

By Sweetwater Customer on July 10, 2016

Expand your horizons circa 1968
The one keyboard that did change it all
And so well designed
Brilliant

Magic

By Rod from Madison WI on June 8, 2016 Music Background: solo acoustic and rock band performance and recording

I have looked a various ways to enhance the dynamic aspects of my solo acoustic performances. I looked at the other EH pedals that emulate keyboard sound but when this one came out, I knew it was the one. I have used it for two shows since getting it and it is everything and more than I hoped it would be. The Cello sound alone is worth the price of admission! it makes you think of song arrangements in a different and broader way. I am just scratching the surface at this point but I do know that it is an important part of my pedal board from now on.

Electro-Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine

By David Evans from Lafayette, IN on May 14, 2016

This little box is amazing! It brings back all of the proggy goodness from the Moodies, King Crimson, Genesis, and the Beatles. I've used it so far in church to add some color to our music and it works just like the video demo says - tracks perfectly whether playing a melody line and shines when playing chords. Tons of fun! Thanks to Geoff Allen at Sweetwater for always being on top of things - shipping very quickly, and following up right away on questions. I can buy most things available at Sweetwater anywhere on line. I buy from Sweetwater because their commitment to customer service isn't lip service. Thanks!

electro-Harmonix MEL9 TAPE REPLY Machine

By Dan Heynen from effingham Il on May 2, 2016

This is the greatest pedal to come along in 40 yrs. You get so much out of it hassle free At first glance you see that it is very simplistic. You turn the dial from 1. through 9 and get what you want. A Dream Machine for me 'cause I'm an analogue man like (Joe Walsh).

MEL 9 - Acoustic 12-stringer

By Glen Murschel from Chicago, IL on May 1, 2016 Music Background: Prog/Classic/Alt Rock

So far used at one gig, I'm a solo 12-Stringer w/ vocals. Originals and covers. Very influenced by Prog Rock. Anyway, I've really used it as background filler mainly with the Orchestra, Strings, and Flute sounds. I have the WET (MEL 9) to 4 or 5 and DRY (Guitar sound) nearly all the way up. FANTASTIC! Fills in nicely. I tried it with my Strat, some tracking issues on higher notes, but E-H states all the sounds do not go all the way high. Cello and Clarinet sounds are cool too but work best with your lower strings. Overall, a nice toy for what it does - well done E-H and Sweetwater!

Awesome

By Mike S. on April 23, 2016

So good I had to buy two!
No point of beating a dead horse with more praise, this pedal is great. One step closer to the crazy sound in my head.
This pedal works great on bass guitar, you just have to put a compressor pedal in front of it to help the tracking. I believe the manual mention something about that.
Another home run ehx!

Symphony in a box!

By Neal Williams from In Mel9 bliss on April 10, 2016 Music Background: Rock star in my basement

When I saw the first ad for this incredible pedal I was thrilled. I have the C9 and loved it for the flutes and strings sounds, but knew this was the one I was waiting for.. Right out of the box it blew me away. I have not plugged in an electric guitar yet, but only an acoustic. I promise anyone who uses this with a looper that you will be encouraged to write, jam, record and play until your fingers hurt. You can create the most incredible landscapes imaginable! By itself it is only held back by your imagination! And if you have the luxury of having a looper in the path, you will create for years. This is great for professionals as well as those of us who never (or only once in awhile) play out. I can't say enough good about this little new friend of mine! My Sweetwater rep (and friend) Andy Miller took great care of me as always.. Thanks again!! If anyone wants details on certain setting sounds, please email me. There are just too many great features to list in detail here. I see that loads of video demos are showing up at Youtube, so if there is even a single doubt in your mind, spend some time there.. the real kicker is creating with it yourself!! Electro-Harmonix just changed the landscape once again!!

What can I say about this little wonder?

By Jon Donnegan from Loganville, Ga on April 4, 2016

Like many, when I saw the demo video I was beyond intrigued. My iron will power held out for all of about 21 hours before I found myself online typing in credit card information! I had DREAMED of recreating those wondrous mellotron sounds and had found all previous emulations sorely lacking. I'd even slaved over keyboards myself trying to match the unique tonal characteristics... with a few pointers from Moody Blues Mellotron man Mike Pinder, no less! This pedal blows all of that away...the strings, flutes and choirs are pure beauty. The brass takes a little more experimentation to get a good sound, but worth the exploring. I've played both guitar and a straight organ sound thru the Mel9, both with excellent results. I tend to forgo the dry output and only use the effect one (somewhat deceptively named, this output will also send dry signal as it is dialed in on your settings).
The good folks at Electro-Harmonix are doing the Lord's work in my opinion, and this amazing device is a fine example of that work!
Now a few words about my experience with this retailer...I have NEVER been more impressed in my dealings with a vendor, be they brick and mortar it online, than I have been with Sweetwater! My sales rep Ben Robinson called within hours of my order and was extremely personable. This was no robot sales call, Ben and I had a very nice chat about the pedal, the wonders it could produce, and when I could expect to receive it. I was kept updated throughout the wait and the pedal arrived in fine form and excellent packaging completely on time. High praise must go to all involved, and I will GLADLY be doing more business with these guys!

Fun New Toy

By Sweetwater Customer on April 4, 2016

So, the Mel9 is super fun straight away right out of the box. My first initial observation was that it didn't have the same gravitas in the lower bass register in overtones (lack of undertones? idk) that the B9 has. It's not "missing" anything sonically, just a different animal, as it should be. The tracking feels the same as the B9. That means no shredding and expecting it to accurately modulate each rapidly picked note. As the B9 can be played with only wet signal and sound legitimate as far as musically relevant in the context of a typical song, the Mel9 doesn't. And that's not a bad thing at all. It feels most comfortable and sounds best, in my opinion, when used with the dry signal blended in. In essence, utilizing it as a pad behind chords and or lead runs. It's just a freaking sweet new toy and immediately makes the most simple minor/major chords sound more inspirational and gives infinantive possibilities as to what can accompany the grandeous tones generated behind the common musical tendencies of guitar players.

Mel9

By Vedo from Boise Id on April 3, 2016

As soon as saw the demo for this pedal I was completely blown away that someone could create something like this in a compact form. Sent email to my sale guy Tom Koch and ordered one right the way. I've been playing it for several days now and I am speechless. I play bass in a acoustic band and we were talking about how much we need clarinet and chello, we'll now we kave everything we need and it sounds great. You will need a bit of time to get down dynamics if you use both outputs at the same time but it syncs pretty quick. I would highly recommend if you want to add some twist and complexity to your sound. On the other note Sweetwater and Tom my sales guy are absolutely best.

Incredible faithful reproduction of a Mellotron

By Jeff Galey from Alabama on March 31, 2016 Music Background: I just turned 62 on the 25th and have been playing for 50 years of it.. My family owned and operated Applause Studio in il. I still play out with two different bands. I also own and operate the Jeff Galey School of Music.. I myself play and teach 12 Ins

Like everyone else who saw the video demo of the Mel 9 , I was thinking of everything I could use it on.....! It came yesterday and I hooked it up ... I ran the Mel 9's Signal through a Bose L1 system .. I ran the dry out through my Fender champ 40..... I have two bands. One is a three-piece acoustic driven band called ( Lipsey Switch) ,we still play ( all kinds of music ) from Willie Nelson to ELO's Showdown ....! I played the Cello part of Showdown along with my Tele ..... Sounded absolutely phenomenal ....!! It was just hard to believe they could reproduce the sounds of the original mellotron and make the machine track perfectly ...! Any instrument I plugged into it this box it tracked flawlessly ...! The Mel 9 , is a magic money maker if you play in a band or if you're into recording .....! Once you play with one , the hardest thing to do is stop using it..... Please watch the video Demo.... Guitarzan Prof. Jeff Galey

The Sound of Psychedelia Growing Up

By Bill Malloneee on August 5, 2018 Music Background: Professional singer/songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist for 30 years.

Psychedelia was bound to grow up sooner or later. More & more of the 60's & 70's greatest writers chose to create their songs more high-end studio environment to accentuate their writing & composing.
Artists as diverse as The Beatles, King Crimson & the Moody Blues began to use the studio in new and creative ways.

Enter the early Mellotron.
Truly one of the "almost but not quite" instruments out there at the time.
The Mellotron was an attempt to place at an the artist fingertips all the advantages of having a symphony orchestra. And it DID have a sound that was all it's own. It was haunting, beautiful, murky, & eerie...all at once. For all of it's foibles and logistical unpredictability (they seem to have required a fair degree of maintenance) it quickly became one of the deeply preferred sounds of the mature psychedelic movement. I've played one of the originals before. (It took some "convincing & coaxing" to get it to work!)
Everyone from Big Star to Tom Petty used the Mellotron to great effect, creating sonic textures that took a song to a another level. The sound generated by the original Mellotron had always tweaked my interest.

THAT's the beauty of the Mel-9...
I've owned this pedal for two years. Inspiration in a box.
As a writer, it is one of the most wonderful pedals I've ever owned. Never disappoints and I've made 5 albums with it.
Here's the thing: I find, when used discreetly, it can transform simple arpeggio-ed chord progression into something quite transcendent.
Quite honestly? The EHX Mel-9 is a beautiful machine.
Yes, it tracks great but still retains some of those wonderfully indiscreet "Burbbles & Bloops" that made the original Mellotron keyboard so endearing.
I tend to prefer the quartet and solo cellos patches.
The controls, like all EHX guitar pedals, are very intuitive.
When tucked in behind the non-effect side of the signal with just a touch of reverb it is a glory.
(I've even use the "sax" mode to embellish a guitar solo, splitting it with the EHX Electric Mistress and a touch of TubeScreamer to great effect. Talk about "tone with teeth" for a solo section.)

The EHX Mel-9 inspires.
For me, it's opened sonic vistas that I heard in my head and now can achieve with ease.

Accolades to Sweetwater sales rep, Aaron Regenold, for hard work and consistence assistance on this and other purchases! ~ Bill

Cool Sounds!

By David A. on December 17, 2017 Music Background: guitarist for 50yrs

Mellotron for guitar! Guitarlotron? I'm sure there are a lot you out there who remember '70's progrock. Rick Wakeman from Yes and Tony Banks from Genesis perhaps two of the most famous users. The sounds are authentic - relative to the actual Mellotron itself. Is this a lead device? I'd have to say no. But then again, I can't remember anyone playing any type of lead on it. Is it a solo device? Can be. I remember the Mellotron being more of a background kind of instrument, so I'd consider it a "rhythm" device. But the sound is huge, so if you're up on chordal type things, or just for sound effectual type of things, then let your imagination take wings. Now, go orchestrate something!

Love everything except the power supply

By Alvin Westcott from Makawao, HI on October 4, 2017 Music Background: Pro - actively giging

I am a solo artist and this pedal adds a nice touch to a number of songs that I play - It tracks nicely for what I do. I had been waiting for a pedal like this for a long time and I love it!! My only complaint is about the power supply. After using the pedal for about a year (4-5 gigs per week) the power supply quit. The power supply itself seems overly big (compared to others) and the cable is very flimsy. Not to worry I thought - Iʻll just use one of my other 9V power supplies. Well it turns out that it is not 9v but rather 9.6v (200 mA) that this pedal requires so a standard 9V did not work. - I had to order a new Electro-Harmonix 9.6v power supply. This kind of stuff drives me crazy!!! Why would you design a pedal at that voltage when the rest of the pedals in the world work with 9v? The answer ----- they force you to use (AND PAY FOR) their proprietary power supply!! So I wonder how long my new power supply will last before I have to give Electro-Harmonix more of my money for another new one!?!?!?

Great tool for the toolbox!

By Nate M. from Rochester, NY on September 17, 2017 Music Background: Classic Rock Minstrel

When I saw this advertised I had to have it (I'm a big Moody Blues fan) but I can imagine so many other applications. Of course, if you have an actual sax player in your band, go with them, but if you don't and you're covering an older tune with a brief sax solo or accent, this will get you close (think Careless Whisper or Huey Lewis). I'm working on adding some string intros to a few slower numbers and I'm confident this will get the idea across live. Goth bands will love the choir voicings. And I can think of at least one song by Sarah Harmer that has a clarinet solo, which this would do just fine.
Depending on your set list, this kit could be invaluable. If you just haven't found the right keyboard/synth player yet, or are a small band, this could be your next muse.

Sweet

By Ric from Michigan on January 29, 2017 Music Background: Ex band, solo performer, hope recording

I'll keep it short. Too cool.......
Thanks to Nick Church for always being on top of an order, and his superlative customer service!

Wow

By Tony wiese from Chicago on November 10, 2016 Music Background: Selftaught

I'll say wow with4.5 stars.I'm giving myself 2 stars because i have just begun to harness the possibilities of this unique pedal.I have to figure out pickup output difference on each axe so i can adjust volumes.Someone mentioned compression b4 mel 9..i mite be looking into that..dont have that pedal yet.Definitely gets creative juices flowing...tw

Electro Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine

By Dan Dailey from Cherry Hill NJ on October 23, 2016

I loved the English Bands that used the Mellotron in the Late 60's to early 70's. As such - I love using keyboard based strings sounds on my recordings - So this is a new tonal option for me. I used it today on a song I was rerecording - Instead of the using the previous string sounds I opted to use the MEL9 String Option - Loved it - Sounds like Genesis - Which really worked well for this particular song. Looking forward to using it again. Recommended.

A new dimension of sounds

By Timi Gregory from Scranton, PA on June 14, 2016

The Mel9 puts a fresh spin on guitar tones. I was thinking of getting a guitar synth system to get some of these sounds, but this pedal gets pretty close to the sound quality and saves me hundreds of dollars, plus has zero latency. It takes some experimenting to find the best settings, but it really adds some fun twists while playing! The Flute setting can sound just like a mellotron!!

Ethereal

By Andy from Batesville, AR on April 24, 2016

When EH came out with the B9 and C9 I told myself that if a Mellotron box followed I would get one. I have wished for this a looooong time. I have played out on two full electric gigs with the Mel9 and have an acoustic duo gig coming up with it.

I set it up with an A/B box. I run out to my other guitar pedals and amp from one out, and to the Mel9 from another. This goes to my Carvin Microbass amp with compressor, then to a 10"PA speaker elevated on a stand. I leave the Mel9 on all the time and switch it in on or out via the A/B box. If I turn off the Mel9 I always have a dry signal. This set up allows for complete control of the dry guitar and Mel9. Thanks to Bill Rupert for this solution to the "dry always on problem".

The orchestra, cello, strings, and low choir are the meat and potatoes for me. Hearing those strings swelling up in the background is ethereal. Guitar technique does not translate in some instances. I play clean and use my fingers often. Bends don't given me the effect I want.

If I could change one thing it would be to add a vibrato control. Experiment with the Mel9 for full potential. I've also used it through my old Roland RS- 09 strings and organ keyboard.

Tracking is not perfect for me. Clean technique is essential. The power supply cord seems abnormally flimsy but I baby my equipment. It worth noting that the Mel9 is meant to sound like the Melloron's reproduction of strings, flute etc and not the actual instrument itself.

After years (decades) of wishing for this guitar box it is here! I have to force myself to turn it off .

Mel9:Vibrato, Can you be adjusted?

By Rand Kelly from Redding,Ca. on April 10, 2016 Music Background: My musical background goes: 1965,Trumpet,1966,guitar,1970,self-taught piano, 1964,The Beatles,1971, Yes and tons of prog bands after that. Still love the Prog the most. Mellotrons and Moogs Rule.

Hey everyone! I guess we are in our own little Guitron club now. Has anyone figured out a way to tweak down the incessant vibrato? That really is my only issue with it. Every preset is wiggling and wobbling way too much. I have an E-mu Vintage Pro module for my keyboards and the trons in there don't have autovibrato. If there was an option to adjust/turn off/on I would love to know. What everyone else said about the sounds here, the choirs,orchestra/strings/cello and flute are awesome.

Another Great Tone Tool from EHX.

By Bobby D. from Chicago area. on March 31, 2016 Music Background: Professional

Very close to the original Mellotron in terms of sounds and texture, this pedal is another startling member of EHX's line-up. Bill Ruppert always gets the most out of his product demos, and he did another with this. No latency unless your technique is sloppy, so playing cleanly and with dynamics will help you. Out of the box it yields a palette of sounds whether polyphonic or playing single notes too. Clickless switching smooth pots are more helpful features. Many thanks to my Sales Engineer Mike Picotte for service above & beyond.

A Beautiful, Versatile Tool

By Matt from Gaithersburg, MD on March 31, 2016 Music Background: Guitarist, Keyboardist, Songwriter

This thing is revolutionary. Not perfect, but revolutionary. I'm a big fan of Mellotron sounds over the more hyper-realistic samples that are available nowadays because they have character, a dark retro character that's hard to describe to people, but are easily recognizable. This pedal nails (some of) those sounds to a degree I didn't think possible outside of the world of samples.

It also plays great for the most part, although I will admit some of the sounds are a bit wonky-sounding. Single note lines aren't tracked super accurately and any guitar-centric techniques like bending and sliding just sound weird and out of place. Adjust your playing and this thing really shines.

The best presets are easily the choirs and to a lesser degree the orchestra and flutes. The choirs are generally free of the strange harmonic overtone noises that often plague EH devices like the POG, HOG, and 9 series, which impressed me greatly. They're also extremely responsive and sound EXACTLY like real Mellotron, minus the 8 second tape length limitation.

Orchestra is also super responsive and mostly glitch-free, though I don't think it precisely nails the Mellotron sound, not as well as the choir does anyway. Flutes are subject to weird glitchy noises, but are otherwise an accurate re-creation.

I still need to play with the other presets a bit more, but my initial reaction is that the tracking seems off, especially when doing single notes. If you're looking to do lead lines with this box I'd probably steer you away from it, though. While it works to a degree, I think it starts sounding super fake *unless* you mix it with your guitar's original tone and turn up the attack/sustain knobs. This creates a kind of ambient background noise behind your lead lines, which actually does sound pretty great. I would say chords are this box's forte though.

Lastly, I just want to point out that you probably won't be switching settings around too much live, as there's no way to connect an expression pedal or midi foot board to make toggling convenient. You're gonna want to pick a preset that works for you and stick with it or plan to be bending over a lot. Or I suppose you could buy a few of these babies if you had the cash to do so. Then you can combine sounds!

In conclusion: the Mel9 is a godsend for people like me, who play guitar but don't want to be limited to stock guitar sounds. I would fully recommend it if you're a guitarist in a band without a keyboardist and want to fill up some sonic space around you. Just know that it's not perfect and has some drawbacks.

Amazing pedal!!! Horrible footswitch!!!

By Rico Syn from Fort Lauderdale, Fl on March 3, 2024 Music Background: RicoSyn.com

As an electric violinist, the Mel9 is an answer to prayer! It's the pedal I've wanted, (but didn't exist), throughout my music career! I've WASTED thousands of dollars on MIDI equipment for my ZETA violin, that turned out to be USELESS for live performance because of horrible latency!!! The Mel9 tracks flawlessly, and sounds as realistic as those pricey synth modules that I wasted hard-earned money on! But Electro-Harmonix, I have to ask: WHY, WHY, WHY would you choose a noisy, clickey footswitch for such a perfect effect pedal???!!! At those moments in a song, when it gets quiet, and I'm ready to introduce some subtle strings, (Dial setting 3), that beautiful sound is preceded by a LOUD, METALLIC, SNAPPY CLICK!!!!! PLEASE upgrade the pedal! I'm gonna attempt to replace the switch with a quiet one. Even though the cost of this pedal is very reasonable for what it offers, I shouldn't have to do this.

Interesting, for sure.

By Michael from KNOXVILLE, TN on March 9, 2023

This is as close to a Mellotron as will ever happen for most folks. On an electric guitar, I'd give it about an 80% overall success rate. No idea how it might be with other instruments.

Mellotron is a 'slow' instrument, generally. For 'authentic' sound, Mel 9 might require you to adjust your playing style. Slow with precision is the key. Working both Attack and Sustain in order to find the right combination takes a while, and settings will likely be different for the multiple instrument emulations provided. Also, blending with the Dry setting can't be overlooked.

Not sure why, but the 9 seems pickup dependent. A LP with aftermarket Duncan 'Hot Rodded Humbucker Set' sounds very authentic. On the other hand, two Schecters didn't mate quite as well. Might have just required more adjustment on my part.

I think the 9 can get 'confused' as to what is what, sometimes; again, that could just be me getting used to working with it.

Best selections so far IMO: Orchestra, Cello (especially on wound strings), Strings, and possibly Flute. YMMV.

It's an 'older' pedal (from 2016?). I'm kind of surprised EHX hasn't come out with an updated version, but perhaps there is not enough interest.

Like an original Mellotron, the 9 has its ups and downs, but is certainly unique, and pretty much does what it says it will do. Not only that, it won't break down and cause the kind of headaches the original was known for. So it's got that going for it.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with the box.

EH Mel 9

By PAUL J SANTA SANTA MARIA from MD on December 17, 2021 Music Background: 56 years a pro

First, it would be wonderful if this was a stereo pedal, but you can make great fake stereo by copying the track and pitch-shifting the copy by -05.00. That said, wash this in deep reverb and you get great results. Haven't tried many other settings outside of the King Crimson Orchestra and Strings, but nice so far. I like that it has it's own ac adapter and I didn't even have to use it as the one that came with my EH Pitchfork works perfectly, making it a fresh back up in case of disaster.
I just finished a re-creation/ re-arrangement of "Starless" by Crimson and it worked great, it'll be up on the Tube in a month. I reecorded just as they probably did, but splitting chords into single notes pretty drowned in verb and then panned all 4 tracks to 8, 11, 2 and 5 o'clock. Huge!!

Mel 9

By Gerard from Texas on June 19, 2021

Very good pedal for church sound .

Works!

By Joe on October 22, 2020 Music Background: Pro musician

Using it with a bass. It tracks ok low A and higher. Below that it's iffy. Chords sound cool. It has a weird glitch where certain notes are a lot louder than others. Otherwise it's fun. I use it live. Haven't tried it in the studio yet. Overall I would recommend it.

Mel9

By Robert Strohmaier on June 6, 2020

I like this pedal. Still playing around with it. The bottom strings seem to over power the top strings in all modes. To be honest I need to play more to get a full flushed out review

Add. Touch of drama

By Tom from Florida on April 1, 2019 Music Background: Part time musician

I love this on ballads adding strings or orchestra to songs like "if you go away". However it"s not great on upbeat music if you"re a solo act. I would imagine it would be ok in a band setting to change up the lead periodically but I haven"t tried that. All in all it works well and I"ve had fun with it.

mel 9

By musicmozart from the great wide open on July 7, 2017

I have to be honest .The mel 9 is a fantastic effect on acoustic or electric guitar , however , it takes some getting use to .You have to work with it a bit . The sound delays can be a bit tricky . I think its more a studio item rather than a live item , because its so darn hard to control. it's a great effect in the arsenal , but there is a fine line between music and noise and only mastering it will separate the two . Good luck !

customer

By Sweetwater Customer on April 29, 2017

works great love the sounds, made a big difference to my music

good for what it made to be

By Kenneth E Lowry from Virginia on March 22, 2017 Music Background: Lead, Rhythm and Bass Guitarist and songwriter

It is good for cording. Only should be used for rhythm guitars. Not made for lead guitar playing. A good substitute for synthesizers. It is good for what it is made or design to be. Know what you are buying before you purchase it.

Great Pedal

By Big Willie Johnson from Ill-of-noise on August 23, 2016 Music Background: 54 years of wearing out strings and burning up tubes.

I really like this pedal but I do find it to be rather quirkey. As with all pedals it does some things great and some things just pretty good. In this case there's more "great" than "Pretty Good".
The tracking is fast and accurate but sometimes the dynamics are a little hard to control. One note will be loud and the next one ... not so much. A real pain in the studio where output levels need to be consistent but it is controllable. You just have to pay attention. A lot.
It IS polyphonic ... while Major and Minor chords come through nicely ... complex chords are a waist of time. But that's OK because it sounds so kewl you won't care. Leave the Augmented 9th's for some one else to play.
Bending strings gives you some interesting results depending on your settings.
Sound quality is excellent. I don't just mean it really sounds like a Mellotron (and it does) but the tone is deep and lush. Not thin and crispy like cheap gas station pizza. Put it through a top quality amp and it will keep up.
Almost ANY other effect just kind of messes with this one. A clean channel for the "wet" signal nets the best results. Unless your going for that "mutant train wreck on Mars" thang.
For ME, adding distortion ruined the effect. And chorus' or delays were kind of lost on it. Redundant actually. Just a clean guitar signal, on a clean amp channel sounded best to me. Run your guitar signal out of the other jack and do whatever you want with that though.
Go ahead and buy one. You WILL like it. Not Rick Wakeman in a box but some really good stuff.
Sweetwater and Mr. Anthony Longano took care of me fast and professionally. They will do the same for you.

Very cool

By Christian Flynn from California on June 23, 2016 Music Background: Avant-garde, Jazz

If one is into the Mellotron sound this pedal is loads of fun. It is easy to use and full of odd, ethereal sounds. I would have given it a five star rating except there is a slight delay between one's pluck and the sound produced. Being somewhat odd myself, I am able to time things so that the delay is a small hinderance, but if one expects a one to one correspondence, he will be disappointed. All nine of the modes or tones are distinct and fun to play. Electro-Harmonix makes what seems to be solid, well built pedal-time will tell. If one is looking to create new sounds this is a good pedal have in one's arsenal.

MEL9 Tape Replay Machine effectively cool

By Paul from N Dallas on May 28, 2016

While I am not a huge fan of EH stuff, this one seemed like it did things I could use, knowing from past experience the hype never lives fully up to the reality. I am a long time guitar synth user and had some experience playing with the different envelope of synthesized instruments, That being said if anything this little wonder is probably better working than the real Mellotron which was highly erratic and rather unpredicatble but it had amazing sounds if you could capture them. Who could imagine how many takes it took to capture something like Strawberry Fields or any of the other many cool songs that used it. It must have been a maintenance nightmare of epic problems with the tapes and machine functionality. This works pretty cool to provide that ambient background atmospheric thing you just cannot get without a synth. You will find it can work pretty well out of the one output thing,if you are playing acoustic or clean electric, any pedals outside of maybe delay or reverb and you are going to have to run a split rig which I found to be pretty cool once you get the levels worked out. Split the first in chain dry only out to your reg rig chain into your drives and what not. Run the effect out full CCW mix to a separate amp thing. I use a full range rig from my synth era.
Tracking is much better than I expected but somewhat lower range of possible use depending on the tone setting. I dig the first several settings and the choirs. Provides a cool backtrack of strings and such to your reg rig. Of course a cool recording thing for overdubs. But putting in a chain of pedals, forget it. In my honest opinion it is quirky, odd and a little unpredictable, but, probably much better than a real Mellotron would be sans the short lived tape life and mechanical issues. I dig it and after I really get used to it I have no doubt for those tune and ideas where a string, orchestral or other background tones might add something unique to a tune.
Certainly not for everything you play but an added touch of unique coolness nothing else is really going to provide. The tones are all reasonably usable but do not imagine they sound like genuine instruments, they sound like a Mellotron and the weird wavering vibrato that made that thing sound so cool ages ago. Not everyone's cup of tea but for me a cool pedal in place of my overtly expensive and programming complex synths. Don't expect too much but it is a unique pedal and I heard no really bad tracking glitch issues but limited range of note possibilities on some tones. Still think it is better than a real Mellotron and you can play it to death without the thing falling apart. This EH line of keyboard/organ pedals has me rethinking the new things they are doing.

Really cool with lots of potential for improvement

By Gnardawg from CA on May 6, 2016 Music Background: Gigging and recording musician

Have had it for a day now and have recorded with it. It is a wicked pedal. I can't imagine how they managed to put this together. The sounds are really nice and nostalgic and it goes great with a loop pedal. Love the fact that it has Dry and Effect knobs. The attacks and sustains are a nice touch! Over all I would recommend it but here are somethings to be aware of before you purchase:

1) The response to dynamics could be improved. I feel like it jumps from one dynamic level to another with out a smooth transistion.

2) Every sound has its own "sweet spot" if you go too high they all sorta sound the same.

3) Do not expect to play it like a guitar because it will not respond like one. That's to be expected I guess.

Over all a really cool pedal but it's definitely got room to grow.

Textures

By Rob Albertuzzi from East Islip, New York on April 6, 2016

When I first plugged into the Mel 9 I was not sure I knew what to make of it.Having a B-9 and a C-9 I expected great sound out of the box with minor tweaking.This pedal made me tweak much more.The results have been quite amazing.By raising the attack and pushing the sustain to around 2 o'clock and bringing up the guitar blend to12 o'clock I was taken aback by the sounds I was getting.Lush textures that swelled into my guitar notes and sustained the mellotron sounds as long as they were held.I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of this pedals potential ,Definitely a winner but it took more tweaking than other pedals to discover it's posibilities.You really have to experiment to reap it's rewards.

Don't expect it to sound like a Mellotron

By Tronman on February 1, 2023

It's an interesting and fun pedal, and a couple of the sounds do sound similar to Mellotronic sounds, but most do not. Not surprising, because with current technology, it's impossible to digitally duplicate the analog electronics of a Mellotron and that's what gives Mellotrons their distinctive sound. Plus, it's impossible to digitally duplicate the sound of pre-recorded tape. It's never going to fool anyone who has ever owned or even played a real Mellotron. The best thing about this pedal is, it's not your standard, run-of-the-mill distortion/overdrive/tremolo/chorus/etc pedal. At least there's an attempt by EHX to make something unique.

Great Sounds, Limited use

By Sweetwater Customer on March 6, 2017

When I first plugged in the MEL9 I really enjoyed the sonic capabilities and sounds. Definitely foresaw a WOW factor playing "I am the Walrus" with a 5 piece rock band (no keyboard player, but hearing a swooping and swirling orchestra playing through PA.) However, in actual use I have some serious concerns. I run the dry out through my rig and the effect out through a direct box to the PA. It sounds great with the effect engaged...But when I turn the effect off and dry mix set to off, I hoped there would be no signal present, but.. There is a dry guitar sound still going through the PA! I would think any dry signal would be silenced when the effect is disengaged, why would I still want dry guitar at this output? I freely admit I may need to play around with this, but in my mind the dry signal present through the effect output (when disengaged) is a serious design flaw.

There's potential here, but it needs work

By Tom Wegman from Western PA on October 26, 2016 Music Background: Anything but country

I wanted to buy this, and then be able to tell you that out of the box it's the greatest thing I've ever owned. Like you, I saw the online demo, and had been drooling ever since ... what they don't tell you (but you see in some of the reviews online) are the hiccups and limitations.

The Good:
Easy to use. Controls are obvious. Built well. The sounds that are good, are outstanding. Handles chords really well.
The Bad:
Don't even bother trying to solo with this thing, because the dynamics control is EXTREMELY challenging - this pedal desperately needs a "sensitivity" control ... to call it "touchy" is an understatement. You can't control the vibrato. A couple of the sounds (sax, brass) are garbage.

As others have said, you will need to change your picking technique if you're using the effect on its own ... in many instances you may find it's actually a more effective tool if your primary sound is the dry signal, and you add in just some effect level, to fill out the sound. You'll also want to think about different ways to voice chords ... think about how a horn section or orchestra would harmonize, rather than a guitarist.

All in all ... I like it, I'll keep it. It'll be interesting to see how they improve this effect with the next version.

Mel9 Blues

By Russ P. from Vermont on June 1, 2016

OK . . all the other reviews of this pedal are thru the roof. Mine isn't and here's why. Yes, it makes some cool sounds and the EHX demos of Bill Ruppert playing "Kashmir" or "Strawberry Fields" made me want to do the same. Bill is a session player, I'm not. I found that the notes on this pedal, like many other EHX keyboard emulation pedals for guitar, smear together unless you are 100% perfectly precise in your fingering. Some of the tones don't work well all over the neck, some notes on a few of the tones totally disappeared. The tracking was unreliable at times. Also, this pedal is very attack sensitive. There is no ramping up of volume when you play. In other words, this pedal will bark out notes if it receives input that varies slightly in attack. I also had problems powering up the pedal. When turned on it wasn't making contact with something inside the pedal even tho the power light would come on the pedal would not respond. I had to unplug/plug in the pedal every time I started to use it.

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of EHX overall. You can't beat the Deluxe Electric Mistress (big silver box) or Memory Man delay or the Big Muff. I wanted this pedal to be a good purchase but it turned out otherwise.

Jeff Barnett at Sweatwater, as usual, was great as far as returning it. This purchase will wind up costing me approximately $30 to return/insure the package plus Sweatwater tacks on the original shipping cost. I would've sold this locally and saved the cost except for the fact of the powering up problems with this pedal.

Tracks terribly on bass and not that well of guitar

By Matthew Nigro from Glassboro, NJ on April 22, 2016

I don't want to spend too much time bashing this pedal. It really isn't all bad, but it is a pure case of false advertising. EHX says it tracks on bass down to an Open A. Maybe in an alternate reality it does, but in this one it doesn't. In fact, it doesn't track high up on a bass neck either (AKA a guitar's natural range). I tried with with 4 strings, 5 strings, P Basses, J Basses and beyond. Absolutely couldn't find one setting (aside from maybe clarinet) where I could use more than maybe 1-4 of the neck on the D and G strings mostly.

On guitar it did alright, but still was nothing special and mostly did not track well and sounded fairly artificial with bends and things like that that there video clearly shows a much smoother response and tracking.

I bought this on a whim because I like the Key9, but it tracks terribly on bass and thought this (since it is advertised as such) would work better on bass and still work well on guitar. Truthfully it tracks bad on bass and not that much better on guitar and the tone is simply not flattering on most settings. The vibrato is over the top on Cello. All around I was disappointed.

I put this up mainly for anyone hoping this will track well on bass and buying it for this reason specifically: DON'T. It does not do as advertised and it explains why they put up exactly zero promotional videos with this thing and bass.

On the plus side, my sales rep took care of me as always. Sweetwater you rock, EHX you need to learn how to accurately promote your products.

BLAH.....

By L. Wanamaker on November 1, 2017 Music Background: Shoegaze Maestro

Waited a long time to buy this pedal, and finally............
Sounds nothing like the demos. Does not respond in a controllable manner. The most irritating issues is the guitar string pluck is very audible. it will not mask the guitar string attack or sound. We buy these boxes to mask the guitar and turn it into something else (Melotron).

If this is what you are after, forget it.

I've had better effects form used rack units.

I had intended on buying all the EH digital pedals like the C9, B9, Pitchfork, ect. with excitement they were going to work like the demos. Unfortunately not.

Really? Another one?

By Sweetwater Customer on April 26, 2016

They should of stopped making these at the c9 pedal. These all come off really "gimmicky" sounding to me. Not much better sounding than a cheap multi-effects pedal. I was very disappointed in EH.

It was great while it worked.

By Joseph Ream from Newark, OH on January 11, 2024

It was my favorite pedal for the year or so it worked, now it has no output when engaged. Reading online it seems like a problem EHX knows about, I'm really bummed it hasn't been fixed.

Not what I expected

By Jim S. on June 24, 2016

I really wanted to like this pedal.
After watching the demo video I couldn't wait to record with this.
My first complaint was the lack of definition when playing chords.
I am a guitar player so playing a chord would be expected even though I'm making keyboard sounds.
The higher notes and any that are not equal in volume or velocity get lost in a "wall" of sound.
The tracking is ok but it doesn't really differentiate between notes played hard and notes played soft.
If it triggers, it comes out basically the same.
The one thing that I could not deal with is the modulation of sounds that is not adjustable and just continues as long as the note sustains.
Drove me crazy after a while. It is almost like a pulsing of the note that is the same whether you play hard or soft. No matter what tempo you want to play the modulation pulses at the same speed.
Very distracting.
Playing one note at a time was better, but that is not what i wanted to do.
It was better sounding after adding some reverb and chorus, but that pulsing modulation finally did it for me.

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