
Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI 4+
Modular Music-Making
Nikolozi Meladze
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- Free
- Offers In-App Purchases
Screenshots
Description
Mela 6.8 adds the Gain Computer — a powerful new modulator for building custom dynamics processors.
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, Cubasis, Drambo, Logic Pro and many more.
In Mela, presets are constructed using modules arranged on lanes, where signals flowing through the lanes are processed by the modules. Audio and MIDI signals can be sent and received to and from the host or routed between lanes using internal buses. Modulator modules can target any module parameter on any lane. Lanes and modules are easily added, removed, or rearranged, allowing you to design presets as simple or complex as needed. Mela comes with 93 modules, with new ones added with every update. The following are some examples from different categories.
- MIDI processors: arpeggiator, chord, Euclidean sequencer, note echo, note modifiers, 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, dynamics processors, comb filter, EQ, stereo panner.
- Utilities: level and correlation metering, audio oscilloscope, MIDI capture, MIDI logger, notepad.
Mela can be loaded inside a host as one of the following plug-in types: Instrument, Audio Effect or MIDI Processor. The only difference 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, allowing you to test out Mela's features. Other collections can be purchased via in-app purchases. Every Mela 6.x update will add new modules to Collection 4. You only need to purchase it once. The following is a list of all modules.
Collection 0:
Amp Envelope, Arpeggiator, Audio In, Audio Out, Group, LFO, Meter, MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI-to-Poly, Notepad, Overlap Remover, Poly-to-Audio, 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, Noise Oscillator, Note Echo, Note Length, Note Range, Note Stack, 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, Band Pass, Correlation, Digital Delay, Dual Pan, Euclid, Macro Button, Mid-Side, Multiply-Add, Noise Gate, Note Chance, Note Event, Pitch Follower, Reverb, Ring Mod, Simple LFO, Stereo Pan, Stereo Tool.
Collection 4:
Crossover, Delay, Effect, Feedback, Gain, Gain Computer, Groove, MIDI Delay, Note-to-Pitch, Note Hold, Note Pulse, Quantiser, Stack, Vel-to-Amp.
Mela's capabilities continuously improve, evolve and expand, driven by its long-term vision and user feedback. Feel free to get in touch for anything Mela-related.
Say Hello: nikolozi.com/contact
Tutorials: nikolozi.com/mela/tutorials
Changelog: nikolozi.com/mela/changelog
FAQ: nikolozi.com/mela/faq
Mela Classic vs Mela: nikolozi.com/mela/user-guide/#mela-classic-vs-mela
What’s New
Version 6.8
Gain Computer
- Gain Computer is a modulator module for creating custom dynamics processors.
- Depending on its settings and placement in a preset, it can be used to build effects such as a feedback compressor, upward expander, look-ahead limiter, side-chain gate, or de-esser.
- It computes gain reduction or expansion from the input audio signal, similar to the gain computer in traditional dynamics processors.
- Instead of applying the gain change directly, it generates a modulation signal.
- This signal can be used to modulate a Gain module or any other parameter to produce dynamic effects.
- The Gain module pairs well with the Gain Computer module, but the modulator supports a wide range of other use cases.
- The module includes all the standard dynamics processor controls.
- Type Parameter: Selects between Compressor and Expander modes.
- Downward Processor: When the Range parameter is set to a negative value, the modulation signal is in the range [-100 %, 0 %], ideal for downward processing.
- Upward Processor: When the Range is positive, the signal is in the range [0 %, 100 %], ideal for upward processing.
- To learn how to create processors with features found in traditional dynamics tools, check the module help.
- Transfer Curve: Shows how parameters affect the transfer function. A horizontal pan gesture adjusts Threshold, a vertical gesture adjusts Ratio.
- Oscilloscope: Displays the modulation signal in real time. A horizontal gesture adjusts Attack, a vertical gesture adjusts Release.
- Gain Computer is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Gain Module
- The Gain module applies gain to the audio signal.
- While designed to pair with the Gain Computer module, it can also be used independently in many other ways.
- It has three parameters: Down, Up, and Range.
- Although Down and Up use percentage units, gain is applied in decibels.
- For example, with Range set to 24 dB, Down at 50 % applies -12 dB gain, and Up at 25 % applies +6 dB.
- Gain is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Latency Support
- Added the Ahead parameter to Audio In and MIDI In modules.
- The Ahead parameter sets how far in advance Mela requests audio and MIDI events from the host.
- This allows processing to begin before the events would normally occur.
- For example, it can allow an envelope follower to detect transients before they are heard.
- This feature is also referred to as plug-in latency.
- Most iOS hosts do not yet support plug-in latency compensation and may ignore this setting.
- The "Latency Test" factory preset can help users check DAW support and assist developers with testing and debugging their hosts.
User Interface
- Modulator Oscilloscope: The view XY-pan gesture now controls one parameter at a time.
- Compressor Graph: The view XY-pan gesture now controls one parameter at a time.
- Stereo Pan: The Pan and Spread parameter positions were swapped for consistency with other modules. Typically, the parameter below the graph is controlled by a horizontal pan gesture, while the one above is controlled by a vertical gesture.
- Mela Lab: Instead of displaying a flask icon in the bottom-right corner, Mela Lab modules now use the flask symbol for the module actions menu.
- In/Out Modules: The Audio In, Audio Out, MIDI In and MIDI Out modules are now more compact.
- Rectifier: Fixed an issue where the dials appeared visually disconnected from the graph.
- Many internal changes to improve the UI engine.
Other Changes
- Default Preset: Updated the default instrument preset to make it easier to add MIDI Processor modules.
- Factory Presets: Added a new effect preset.
- Factory Presets: Fixed an issue where the "Digitise Drums" preset would not load.
- Preset Browser: Fixed an issue where selecting a preset in a group with many presets would cause the list to scroll up.
- Crash: Fixed an app crash caused by receiving an unusually large MIDI packet.
Ratings and Reviews
Rich sound palette, elegant UI in form and function
Nikolozi is an awesome dev, highly engaged with the user community, and he has crafted Mela into a beautiful work of art, both sonic and visual. I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what Mela can do. With so many types of oscillators, filters, and effects to mix and match, it offers nearly infinite possibilities for sound design. Workflow is smooth and intuitive, and it encourages exploration.
As a windsynth player, I especially appreciate the range of expressive control that is possible with Mela. The MIDI Source module allows me to meticulously sculpt the response curve of breath and other continuous controller inputs, so that the most subtle nuances of performance can be captured, processed, and routed for modulation in musically useful ways. The sub-millisecond smoothing adjustment eliminates filter “zippering” and other unwanted steppy artifacts that can plague other synths when controlled by breath, while still keeping latency to a minimum, which is critical for responsive live performance.
Mela continues to grow and evolve, with new modules being added all the time, as well as enhancements and refinements to existing functionality. Well worth the price, and well worth investing time and effort to discover, experiment, and enjoy.
One of a kind.
I never written a review before, but this app and developer deserve it. As someone who’s been making noise for 10+ years I’m familiar with what’s out there….Kilohearts, FabFilter, Baby Audio, Xfer, CableGuys, etc… this dude is up there with the best.
Mela is an incredible platform that I hope never dies. It’s a lean yet infinitely deep instrument…yet it’s an audio effect and did I mention it can do MIDI as well?! Basically any situation you’re in in the studio Mela can be your friend. Niko is an incredible dev who not only cares about the capabilities, quality and aesthetic of Mela but also the FEEL while using.
I don’t know how to properly praise such an incredible experience from using the app, to giving my feedback, to getting support, getting regular updates…this isn’t an app…this is a partner in the studio. If you’re into making music, noise, bleeps, bloops, or anything in between this is a must.
Developer Response ,
Thank you Tristan, for such a lengthy praise. I appreciate it. Words like that keep me going 🧡🙏
An Synth as effect in Aum-Unbelievable!
I kept seeing “runs as an effect and as a synth”in the write-up for many synths. However, what I got a was a synth’s actual effects in the effects slot and for the Special synths that explicitly stated runs as an effect in the effects slot—There were none that even worked. I was wary when I saw this one, lo and behold it runs as an effect in the fx slot. Imagine, a synth with more parameters(Egs,Lfo’s…and I mean……)than any of the others I own in Ios,as an effect right alongside my Blackhole,Shimmer Delay and UA Needlepoint! How would you know if you created a sound from an alternte Universe, anyways.
App Privacy
The developer, Nikolozi Meladze, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Nikolozi Meladze
- Size
- 8.5 MB
- Category
- Music
- Compatibility
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- iPhone
- Requires iOS 18.0 or later.
- iPad
- Requires iPadOS 18.0 or later.
- Mac
- Requires macOS 15.0 or later.
- Apple Vision
- Requires visionOS 2.0 or later.
- Languages
-
English
- Age Rating
- 4+
- Copyright
- © 2017-2025 Nikolozi Meladze. All rights reserved.
- Price
- Free
- In-App Purchases
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- Collection 3 $19.99
- Collection 1 $19.99
- Collection 2 $19.99
- Collection 4 $19.99