M-Tron Pro IV £149.99

With an update to an established icon, GForce make the case for the tape-based arts (albeit in software form). Dave Gale scrubs in

The word ‘legendary’ is far too easily thrown around these days, especially with regard to vintage synthesisers. But the Mellotron has no issues with holding that legendary status. It’s regarded as the first useable sampler, employing analogue tapes instead of digital tech! Based on the M400, the M-Tron Pro from GForce software has become as iconic in software form as the original instrument. Now in its version IV guise, this update maintains all of the classic elements, while adding new patches, samples and a host of new features.

Anyone updating will feel instantly at home, as the GUI maintains the same operational approach. There are two layers, described as A and B, which host a different sample. Each layer can exploit its own set of edited parameters, or you can use the Link button, to quickly and easily apply any edits to both layers. Ported from previous versions, editable parameters include a resonant filter, which has now been enhanced to offer low, high and band-pass modes, and two ADSR envelope generators which are hardwired to the filter and amplifier.