Mela 5.6 Update – Ring Mod and Reverb Modules
Mela 5.6 is another great update. Let’s start with the Ring Mod module. Inspired by analog ring modulator circuits, the module produces richer harmonic sound than pure digital ring modulation. The module’s input acts as a modulator to the sinusoid carrier whose frequency is a controllable parameter. The other parameter is Character, which adjusts the tonal quality of the ring modulation. Ring Mod is part of Collection 3.
Next, a Reverb module is one of the most requested features and it’s finally here. The high-quality algorithmic reverb module features standard controls such as room size, decay amount, predelay, and mix. It offers independent controls for early reflections and diffusion levels. The reverb 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.
Finally, the Note Pad module has been moved from Collection 3 to Collection 0, unlocking it for all users. This ensures that even if you don’t own all modules, the preset notes written by the preset artist are always readable.
There’s a lot more to this update, for the full details check out the Changelog.
Mela 5.6 Changelog
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.
GarageBand for iOS Compatibility:
- The Mela 5.5 update introduced side-chain audio input when loaded as an instrument plug-in.
- This change broke compatibility with GarageBand for iOS, where Mela wouldn’t produce any sound when instantiated as an instrument plug-in.
- This update reverts that change to restore compatibility.
- Side-chain support for the instrument mode will be added back once the issue is fully investigated and addressed.
- In the meantime, you can still use a side-chain with synth presets by loading Mela as an effect.
- For example, in Logic Pro, select and load Mela from the MIDI-controlled Effects menu.
To learn more about Mela, check out the Getting Started document, Changelog, FAQ or Mela Tutorials. To report bugs or make feature requests visit the Mela Feedback site. For other support queries directly get in touch.
Grab Mela from the App Store.