Mela 6.9 Update: Reshape Any Waveform with Classic Phase Distortion
Mela 6.9 is here with powerful new tools for sound design. This update introduces the Phase Distortion and Pitch Oscilloscope modules, expands the Rectifier and oscillator features, and delivers a major overhaul of the Core Concepts chapter in the user guide.
The Phase Distortion module uses the classic phase distortion technique to reshape any waveform. It splits a waveform’s cycle into two parts, stretching the first while compressing the second. Since it isn’t an oscillator itself, it relies on the Pitch signal and note-on events to determine the waveform’s start point and cycle length. This design opens up many creative possibilities, from distorting a waveform an octave higher by transposing down the Pitch signal, to applying distortion to drum loops with an unrelated Pitch source.
The Pitch Oscilloscope module makes it possible to visualise audio waveforms with precision. It also uses the Pitch signal and note-on events to lock onto cycles, which is especially useful for examining oscillators and other periodic signals.
Mela 6.9 also brings important updates to existing modules. The Rectifier gains a new Gate parameter and its Rectify range is extended to support negative values. Oscillators now default their Level parameter to 0, so they no longer produce sound immediately on insertion, and DS, VA, and VPS Oscillators now support phase reset on MIDI note-on events in Mono mode.
The Core Concepts chapter in the user guide has been significantly expanded, offering unified signal definitions and a clearer explanation of signal flow. This update is highly recommended reading for all users.
There’s a lot more in this update. For the full details, check out the Changelog.
Latest Tutorial
This video highlights the new features in Mela 6.9. It introduces the improved Core Concepts chapter of the user guide, which now offers unified signal definitions and a clear explanation of signal flow. The new Pitch Oscilloscope module is demonstrated, showing how it visualises audio waveforms with the help of the Pitch signal and note-on events. The Rectifier module is revisited with its expanded capabilities, including negative rectification and the new Gate parameter. Finally, the video explores the new Phase Distortion module, which reshapes any waveform using the classic phase distortion technique.
Why should I get Mela? What’s so special about it?
I saw a few people around the web ask this question. I thought I’d address it here. Simply put, Mela is a modular music-making tool that scales with your needs. Expanding on this, its 3 core strengths are:
- Mela is Visual and Modular. With its intuitive interface, you can seamlessly build fully custom polyphonic synthesisers, unique audio effects, and complex MIDI processors.
- Mela Scales. It can be a core part of your system or a small utility to let you perform niche tasks. Mela can run as a standalone app or multiple plug-in instances in a host, on macOS and iOS.
- Mela has Great Support. Its capabilities continuously improve, evolve and expand. A new version of Mela comes out every few weeks with new features and modules designed around user feedback.
Artist Presets & Themes
There are dedicated pages for Artist Presets and Artist Themes. If you have created Mela presets (whether paid or free) or a theme you want to share with others let me know and I’ll happily link them there.
About Me
Hi, my name is Nikolozi Meladze. I’m the creator of Mela. I’m developing it as my primary tool for music-making and live performance. I’ve been releasing music since 2010, exploring all sub-genres of electronic music. Be sure to check out my discography.