SPECIFICATIONS
Years of Production | 1965 – 1970 |
Number of Units | about 60 |
Original Price | £1,500 |
Dimensions W x H x D | 129.5 x 99 x 68.5 cm |
Weight | 159 kg |
At the request of the BBC, Streetly Electronics has created a new model, the Sound Effects Console or FX Console, a Mark II whose technical characteristics are adapted to the specifications of the BBC.
The recordings include 1260 various sound effects to provide sound for radio and television broadcasts.
Because of the BBC’s demands, the technical features of the machine The technical requirements of the BBC have resulted in the following changes:
- Each keyboard is divided in two parts (keys 1 to 18 and 19 to 35), and each part has its own head-block and a preamp with integrated circuits. The signal-to-noise ratio was improved compared to the Mark II;
- Volume control for each of the 4 keyboard sections, and a master volume control;
- Headphone socket with volume control;
- Electromagnetic track selector. Unlike Mark II, it is impossible to play two tracks at once (A+B or B+C);
- Being made for the BBC studios, the FX Console didn’t require an amplification system as big as in Mark II: it simply has a small amp with integrated circuit (no more tube amp) and a 8″ speaker;
- No more reverb unit;
- The wooden cabinet is not made of polished mahogany anymore; it is in plywood, painted in BBC grey or black.
PHOTOS
FX Console #10006
Photos: Jimmy Moore
Jimmy Moore’s FX Console











FX Console #10030
Photos: Rick Blechta
Rick Blechta’s FX Console












Catalogue of effects




VIDEOS


Paul McCartney shows the Mellotron

Paul McCartney demonstrates the Mellotron

Paul McCartney demonstrates the mellotron

Howard Goodall and Paul McCartney's Mellotron

Mellotron MKII "FX Console" – Horn e Bass Clarinet

Mellotron FX Sound Effects Console Restoration/Tape Replacement Part 1

Mellotron FX Sound Effects Console Restoration/Tape Replacement Part 2
