Electro-Harmonix
EHX MEL 9 Mellotron Emulator Guitar Effect Pedal
Best unique textures for creative guitarists and keyboardists.
Experience the legendary sounds of the Mellotron with this innovative emulator pedal. It faithfully recreates nine classic Mellotron instrument sounds, including strings, brass, and choirs, directly from your guitar, bass, or keyboard. No special pickups or modifications are needed. Fine-tune your tone with independent volume controls for both the effect and dry signals. Shape your sound further with Attack and Sustain knobs to control swell speed and release time, and create unique mixes using separate output jacks for effect and dry signals.
$259.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
609
/ 1235
#609 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Effect Types
Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir, High Choir
/ Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir, High Choir
Who it's for
- Guitarists seeking authentic retro keyboard sounds
- Players desiring instant classic sounds without deep synthesis knowledge
- Songwriters and performers creating lush arrangements
Who should skip it
- Experimentalists desiring extensive sound design options
- Technical players requiring flawless note detection
- Guitarists exploring diverse sonic landscapes
Performance breakdown
Sonic Authenticity
Captures the vintage Mellotron character with startling, tape-like realism.
Tracking Speed
Responds quickly to complex chords without noticeable digital lag.
Sound Sculpting
Attack and sustain controls offer deep command over orchestral swells.
Signal Versatility
Dual outputs allow for seamless blending of dry and processed signals.
Ease of Use
Plug-and-play design requires no special pickups or complex menu diving.
Instrument Compatibility
Works reliably across guitar and bass, though lower registers require care.
Key Specs
Effect Types
Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir, High Choir
Number of Effects
9
Controls
Effect Volume, Dry Volume, Attack, Sustain
Compatibility
Guitar, Bass (down to open A string), Keyboards
Processing Type
Digital
Signal Path Type
Digital
Form Factor
Stompbox Pedal
True Bypass
False
Know before you buy
No, the MEL9 is designed to work with standard electric guitars, basses, and keyboards. It tracks your signal directly through a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable without requiring MIDI pickups or instrument modifications.
The MEL9 is optimized to track down to the open A string on a standard bass guitar. While it may track lower notes depending on your playing style, the open A is the manufacturer's recommended floor for consistent performance.
Yes, the pedal features separate output jacks for the effect and dry signals. This allows you to send your clean guitar tone to one amp and the processed Mellotron sounds to another for a wider, more complex soundstage.
The Attack knob controls the swell speed of the effect, allowing you to create slow, violin-like fades or immediate, sharp notes. The Sustain knob adjusts the release time, determining how long the sound lingers after you stop playing.
No, the MEL9 does not have internal memory or preset storage. You select one of the nine sounds using the rotary dial and adjust your settings manually using the physical knobs on the face of the pedal.
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