The Mellotron is a distinctive electro-mechanical keyboard, renowned for its unique tape-based sound that has graced countless classic recordings. For users of the Cakewalk digital audio workstation, accessing these vintage tones without cost is possible through a variety of free sample packs and virtual instruments. These resources allow producers to incorporate the characteristic woodwind, string, brass, flute, and choir sounds of the Mellotron into their own music productions. The availability of these free assets ranges from complete software plugins to individual WAV sample files that can be loaded directly into Cakewalk.
Understanding the nature of these free offerings is essential for users seeking to replicate the authentic Mellotron experience. Many of the available free samples are derived from specific hardware models, such as the Mellotron M400S and M4000, with each note individually sampled to ensure flexibility and fidelity. While some options provide a fully-featured plugin with built-in effects and modulation, others offer raw samples for users to process and manipulate within their DAW. This guide examines the primary sources for free Mellotron samples, their compatibility with Cakewalk, and the practical steps required to integrate them into a production environment.
Free Mellotron VST Plugins and Sample Libraries
Several sources provide free Mellotron samples and plugins that are compatible with Cakewalk. These offerings vary in format, from complete VST instruments to downloadable sample packs containing individual WAV files.
Sonic Bloom Free Mellotron Samples
One of the most comprehensive free resources is the SB Mellotron Samples pack from Sonic Bloom. This library is available as a direct download and contains samples taken from two different Mellotron units, the M400S and an M4000. The samples were carefully recorded by Tajiguy, with each note individually sampled to recreate the unique character of the original hardware. The pack includes 10 different instruments, provided as WAV files in a single downloadable package. The total size of this sample pack is listed as 216 MB in one location and 176 MB in another, indicating a minor discrepancy in the source data regarding the exact file size.
The instruments included in the Sonic Bloom pack cover a wide range of classic Mellotron voices: - Woodwinds - Various strings and string sections - Brass - Flutes - Choirs
These samples are designed to be used in any digital audio workstation, including Cakewalk. Because they are supplied as standard WAV files, users can import them directly into Cakewalk’s sampler instruments or audio tracks for immediate use. The documentation notes that these samples recreate the unique and vintage sound of the Mellotron, making them suitable for genres ranging from progressive rock to modern pop.
Audiolatry Mel-Lofi Plugin
The Audiolatry Mel-Lofi plugin is presented as the only completely free Windows and Mac option that offers presets, filters, and other audio controls. This is a sample-based VST plugin that operates with low CPU load and supports 32-voice polyphony. It is available in VST3 and AU formats for 64-bit systems.
The Mel-Lofi plugin uses samples from a 1973 Mellotron M400S and provides 9 classic Mellotron sound types. It includes authentic eight-second tape length behaviour and features an exclusive Mellotronic click effect. Users can layer and split sounds with independent controls for each layer, along with full MIDI automation support. Built-in effects such as reverb and delay are included, as well as global volume, tone, and pitch controls.
It is important to note that the Mel-Lofi plugin is only available for Windows users; it lacks macOS or Linux support. Additionally, there is no 64-bit plugin version, and the user interface is described as outdated. Despite these limitations, it offers a realistic vintage tape-like sound and faithful Mellotron behaviour. The download size is 694 MB.
Redtron SE VST Plugin
Another free VST plugin mentioned is Redtron SE. This plugin is also sample-based and uses 1973 Mellotron M400S samples. It provides 9 classic Mellotron sound types and features authentic eight-second tape length behaviour, along with an exclusive Mellotronic click effect. The plugin allows for layering and splitting of sounds with independent controls for each layer and supports full MIDI automation.
Redtron SE includes adjustable reverb and delay effects, as well as global volume, tone, and pitch control. It is noted for being light on CPU usage. However, similar to Mel-Lofi, it is only available for Windows users and lacks a 64-bit plugin version. The user interface is considered outdated, and it is limited to Mellotron-style sounds without sample looping or velocity layering.
Free Mellotron SoundFonts
An alternative to VST plugins is the use of Mellotron SoundFonts. These can be loaded using a free SoundFont player within Cakewalk. One specific resource mentioned is Musical Artifacts, where a single free Mellotron SoundFont file of 100 MB can be downloaded. SoundFonts provide a straightforward method for accessing Mellotron sounds, though they may offer less flexibility compared to dedicated VST plugins.
Sinewave Lab Kontakt Library
For users who own the Kontakt sampler, Sinewave Lab offers a free Mellotron Kontakt Library. This collection consists of 10 Kontakt patches with different Mellotron settings. While this resource is specific to Kontakt, it represents another avenue for obtaining free Mellotron sounds that could potentially be rendered or exported for use in Cakewalk.
Installation and Usage in Cakewalk
Integrating free Mellotron samples into Cakewalk involves different processes depending on the format of the resource.
Installing VST Plugins
For VST plugins such as Audiolatry Mel-Lofi or Redtron SE, the installation process is straightforward. On Windows, the downloaded zip file must be extracted, and the .dll file copied into the VST plugins folder that is scanned by Cakewalk. After placing the file, the user must restart Cakewalk and rescan the plugin directory to make the plugin available. On Mac OS X, the process is similar, but the files to be moved are .component or .VST files, typically placed in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components or /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST.
Once installed, these plugins can be inserted as instruments on MIDI tracks in Cakewalk. Users can then play the Mellotron sounds via a MIDI keyboard or by drawing MIDI notes in the piano roll. The built-in controls and effects within the plugins can be adjusted directly from the plugin interface.
Using WAV Sample Packs
For sample packs like the Sonic Bloom SB Mellotron Samples, which are provided as WAV files, the process involves importing the samples into Cakewalk. There are several methods to do this: - Direct Import: The WAV files can be dragged and dropped directly into an audio track in Cakewalk. This allows for playback at the original pitch, though transposition may be required to play different notes. - Sampler Instruments: Cakewalk includes a sampler called Dimension Pro, as well as support for other samplers. Users can load the WAV files into a sampler instrument to create a playable keyboard layout. This method allows for more flexible playback, including velocity sensitivity and key mapping. - Session Drummer: Although designed for drums, Session Drummer can also load WAV samples, which can be used to trigger Mellotron sounds via MIDI.
The Sonic Bloom samples are organised into separate folders for each instrument, making it easy to locate the desired sound. Each note is individually sampled, providing a realistic reproduction of the original Mellotron character.
Using SoundFonts
To use Mellotron SoundFonts in Cakewalk, a SoundFont player is required. Cakewalk’s Dimension Pro supports SoundFont files. The user would load the SoundFont into Dimension Pro and then play the instrument via MIDI. This method is efficient for accessing a library of Mellotron sounds without the need for a dedicated VST plugin.
Characteristics of Free Mellotron Sounds
The free Mellotron samples and plugins available aim to capture the specific characteristics of the original hardware. The Mellotron is known for its tape-based playback, where each key triggers a short tape loop (typically eight seconds) of a recorded instrument. This results in a sound that is not a perfect loop but has a natural decay and a slight mechanical quality, often referred to as “Mellotron click” or tape noise.
Many of the free resources replicate these traits: - Authentic Tape Length: Plugins like Mel-Lofi and Redtron SE simulate the eight-second tape limit, contributing to the vintage feel. - Lo-fi Textures: Some plugins, such as Mel-Lofi, include options for adding lo-fi textures, noise layers (vinyl, radio noise, mechanical belt noise), and other sound-shaping controls. - Effects: Built-in effects like chorus, distortion, cabinet simulation, and reverb are often included to enhance the sound without requiring external processing. - Sample Quality: High-quality sampling, as seen in the Sonic Bloom pack, ensures that each note is captured accurately, preserving the nuances of the original Mellotron voices.
The Sonic Bloom samples, in particular, are noted for recreating the unique sound of the Mellotron by sampling woodwinds, flute, string sections, brass, and choirs. This comprehensive approach provides a versatile palette for producers.
Limitations and Considerations
While the available free Mellotron resources offer significant value, there are limitations to be aware of: - Platform Compatibility: Some VST plugins, such as Mel-Lofi and Redtron SE, are Windows-only. Users on macOS or Linux will need to rely on sample packs or alternative plugins. - Plugin Architecture: Certain plugins may only be available in 32-bit format, which may require bridging software to use in modern 64-bit DAWs like Cakewalk. - Authenticity vs. Flexibility: The authentic tape behaviour of the Mellotron (no looping, short sample length) may be less flexible for modern production needs. Users seeking seamless loops or extended sustain may need to edit the samples manually. - User Interface: Older free plugins may have outdated interfaces that are less intuitive than commercial alternatives.
Despite these limitations, the free resources provide a functional and authentic entry point into the world of Mellotron sounds for Cakewalk users.
Conclusion
Free Mellotron samples and plugins offer Cakewalk users a practical way to incorporate the iconic vintage sounds of the Mellotron into their music productions. Resources such as the Sonic Bloom sample pack provide high-quality WAV files that can be imported directly into Cakewalk, while VST plugins like Audiolatry Mel-Lofi and Redtron SE offer complete instrument emulations with built-in effects and controls. For those using Kontakt or SoundFont players, additional options are available. By understanding the installation procedures and characteristics of these free assets, producers can effectively utilise the distinctive woodwind, string, brass, flute, and choir voices of the Mellotron in their tracks.