Nikolozi Meladzi has updated Mela 5 with new additions and changes, available as a FREE download with various in-app purchases available to unlock the various modules. One of the Module collections is also provided for FREE.
What’s new in version 5.6:
- Reverb Module:
- Introducing a high-quality algorithmic reverb module.
- Features standard controls such as room size, decay amount, predelay, and mix.
- Offers independent controls for early reflections and diffusion levels.
- Includes a high shelf filter in the feedback path to control high-frequency damping.
- The module’s feature set will evolve in the lab.
- Early feedback is encouraged to help shape its future development.
- Reverb is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.
- Ring Mod Module:
- Inspired by analog ring modulator circuits.
- Produces richer harmonic sound compared to pure digital ring modulation.
- The module’s input acts as a modulator to the sinusoid carrier.
- The carrier frequency ranges from 8Hz to 8192Hz, spanning exactly 10 octaves.
- Using the MIDI Source module, it’s easy to make the carrier frequency follow MIDI notes.
- The Character parameter adjusts the tonal quality of the ring modulation.
- Lower values tend to create a mellower, smoother sound, whereas higher values produce a harsher, more intense sound.
- The “Ring Bass” and “Ring Follower” presets showcase the module in action.
- Reminder: for pure digital ring modulation, use the VA Oscillator module’s built-in ring modulation feature.
- Ring Mod is part of Collection 3.
- Other Changes:
- Moved the Note Pad module from Collection 3 to Collection 0, unlocking it for all users.
- Graduated the Noise Gate module from the Mela Lab, it’s now under the Audio Processors category.
- Slightly tweaked the All Pass module layout.
- EQ Band layout is now more compact and similar to All Pass.
- Fixed EQ Band’s High Shelf cut not processing audio correctly.
- Improved EQ Band module’s DSP algorithms.
- Fixed the Digital Delay module not initialising correctly.
- Digital Delay will no longer build up feedback from the noise floor.
- Stereo Delay no longer causes a crash when one of the delay times is set to 0 seconds.
- Fixed the max peak value label alignment in the Meter module that the 5.4 update broke.
- Fixed the Preset Browser sometimes not preselecting the last used preset group on Mela plug-in instantiation.
- EQ Band Gain parameter now offers “Set to” menu items with values -6dB, -3dB, +3dB, and +6dB.
- Oscillator Phase parameters now offer “Set to” menu items with values 90º and 180º.
- Fixed the Compressor and Gate parameters not being smoothed.
- Updated some presets and added new ones.
Mela 5 has arrived, bringing along 6 new modules.
Mela is a modular music-making tool that scales with your needs. With its intuitive interface, you can seamlessly build fully custom polyphonic synthesisers, unique audio effects, and complex MIDI processors. Mela can run as a standalone app on iOS and macOS or as an AUv3 plug-in inside your favourite DAW such as AUM, Drambo, Logic Pro and many more.
In Mela, presets are constructed from modules arranged on lanes, each processing audio and MIDI signals. Lanes can receive and send signals to and from the host and other lanes. Modulator modules can modulate any parameter of any module on any lane. Lanes and modules can be easily added, removed, or rearranged, making the preset as complex or simple as desired. Mela comes with 58 modules, with new ones added with every update. The following are some examples from different categories.
- MIDI processors: arpeggiator, chord, note echo, scale, strummer
- Synth building blocks: virtual-analog oscillator, FM operator, phaseshaping, noise, VA filter, amp envelope
- Modulators: envelope follower, envelope generator, LFO, macro control, MIDI source, random
- Audio effects: chorus, delay, distortion, flanger, phaser, compressor, comb filter, EQ, stereo panner
- Utility: level metering, audio oscilloscope, MIDI capture, MIDI logger
Mela can be loaded inside a host as one of the following plug-in types: Instrument, Audio Effect or MIDI Processor. The only difference between them is the number of audio and MIDI inputs and outputs. Otherwise, the features are identical and a preset created in one type can be opened by another.
Modules are organised into collections. Collection 0 is FREE, providing you with the opportunity to test out Mela’s features. Other collections can be purchased via in-app purchases. New modules will be added to Collection 3 throughout 2024. That means you can purchase it now and have new modules appear unlocked as they become available.
The following is a list of all modules:
- Collection 0: Amp Envelope, Arpeggiator, LFO, Meter, Relative Pitch, Stereo Delay, Transposer, VA Filter, VA Oscillator, Volume.
- Collection 1: Balance, Chord, Chorus, Control Change, Compressor, Distortion, DS Oscillator, Envelope Generator, Envelope Follower, Flanger, Glide, Level, MIDI Logger, MIDI Source, Mono, Noise Oscillator, Note Echo, Note Length, Note Range, Panic, Phaser, Pitch Bend, Random, Scale, Strummer, Velocity.
- Collection 2: Clipper, Comb Filter, DC Blocker, Degrader, EQ Band, Fixed Pitch, FM Operator, Macro, MIDI Capture, MIDI Channel, Oscilloscope, Pitch Ratio, Rectifier, Vibrato, Voice Activity, VPS Oscillator.
- Collection 3: All Pass, Audio-to-Mod, Digital Delay, Dual Pan, Macro Button, Mid-Side, Multiply-Add, Noise Gate, Note Event, Note Pad, Phase Inverter, Simple LFO, Stereo Pan.
Mela 5 is available to iOS and MacOS users (AUv3).
For more information on Mela 5, click here:
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