Mela 6.13 Update: MIDI Group Module, Improved Note Hold
Mela 6.13 brings meaningful refinements to the MIDI Processors and introduces clearer plug-in type names for a smoother experience across different hosts. The Audio Effect and MIDI Processor types are now called Mela FX and Mela MIDI. Their functionality remains identical, and presets can be opened interchangeably. The change simply makes it easier to pick the right type when your DAW lists everything together.
A major addition in this update is the MIDI Group module. It works similarly to the standard Group module but is optimised for note event processing and the MIDI Processor sublanes. When the module is on, the sublane receives all incoming MIDI. When it is turned off, held notes are retriggered directly to the parent and the sublane is bypassed. Turning it back on retriggers the notes into the sublane so processing can resume seamlessly. Only MIDI is forwarded, and the other signal types remain isolated. MIDI Group is part of Collection 0 under Signal Router.
Note Hold gains a new Mode parameter with Sticky, Retrig and Chord options. Sticky behaves as before and converts every second note-on of a given note into a note-off. Retrig holds a note and retriggers it whenever the same note is received again. Chord builds a chord until all note-off events are received and releases the chord on the next note-on. Chord mode feels very natural on a physical MIDI keyboard, especially when the Hold parameter is controlled with the Sustain Pedal (CC64).
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 6.13, including the new MIDI Group module and the improvements to Note Hold. MIDI Group is optimised for MIDI Processor sublanes and lets you retrigger held notes when its On parameter is toggled. Note Hold now supports modes, with Chord being a particularly interesting one. Chord builds a chord until all note-off events are received, then releases the chord on the next note-on. It feels very natural when used with a physical MIDI keyboard.
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.