Nikolozi

Mela 6.4 unifies several core concepts. A preset is now powered by a root-level Stack module, which contains Group modules as its submodules. In other words, the root-level lanes in a preset are Group modules arranged within this Stack. This change simplifies the architecture and brings more consistency to how presets are built and visualised.

Lanes have been improved in several ways. Since they are now instances of the Group module, they can be renamed, toggled off, and dragged just like any other module. Their design has been made more compact, and lane headers now appear on the left, aligned with module titles. Lanes can also be collapsed by tapping their titles. Up to three collapsed lanes can precede an expanded one, and if more than three are collapsed consecutively, the next expanded lane will appear below them.

This update also introduces the Stack and Crossover modules, part of Collection 4. Stack processes its submodules in parallel, making it ideal for building layered synths, chord generators, or complex sequencers. Crossover splits the audio signal into frequency bands using second-order filters, perfect for creating custom multi-band effects. Together, these modules unlock powerful new signal routing and sound design possibilities. For the full details, check out the Changelog.

Latest Tutorials

Mela’s Stack and FM Operator modules let you model just about any classic FM algorithm. In the video, I break down how I built a factory preset using these modules.

Learn to use Mela’s Crossover module to create custom multi-band processors such as multi-band distortion or compressor. The Crossover module has a pair of second-order low- and high-pass crossover filters that make this process easy. You can get creative and have entirely different processor chains for each band.

Learn how to use Mela’s Stack to stack Audio Processor modules for parallel processing. This step-by-step guide shows you how to transform a 7-lane Multi-Tap Delay preset into a more compact setup with more straightforward signal routing, minimising the reliance on Audio In/Out modules and buses.

Learn how to use Mela’s Stack to stack MIDI Processor modules for parallel processing. With the Stack module, you can create simple MIDI effects, such as converting notes into chords by stacking Transposer modules, or build complex sequencers by combining Group, Euclid, and others.

Modules and lanes are now fully unified in Mela. A lane can be thought of as an instance of a Group module because that’s exactly what it is. In this video, I showcase improvements to lanes introduced in v6.4 and how they feel more integrated in Mela.

Mela 6.4 Changelog

Everything is a Module This update unifies several core concepts. A Mela preset is now powered by a root-level Stack module, containing Group modules as its submodules. In other words, the root-level lanes in a preset are Group modules arranged within this Stack.

Lane Improvements

• A lane can now be thought of as an instance of a Group module because that’s exactly what it is.
• Lanes can now be toggled off or renamed just like other modules.
• Lanes were redesigned to be more compact.
• Lane headers now appear on the left, with titles aligned to module titles and an actions button.
• Tapping the title collapses the lane vertically, similar to modules.
• Up to 3 collapsed lanes can precede an expanded lane.
• If more than 3 collapsed lanes are consecutive, the next expanded lane appears below them.

Module/Lane Drag-and-Drop

• You now need to grab a module or lane by its header and hover it over a lane header or a module to insert it in front of it.
• The dimming effect was replaced with a dashed outline between modules/lanes to indicate the module/lane insertion location.
• The reliability of module drag-and-drop functionality has been dramatically improved.
• Since lanes are modules of Group type, they can be dragged over any module to be inserted in front of it.
• A Group module can now become a lane by dragging and dropping on a lane header, a new lane will be inserted before it.
• If a non-Group module is dragged and dropped in front of a lane, a new lane is created before it with the module inserted.

Stack Module

• Introducing Stack, the first module that processes its submodules in parallel rather than in series, like sublanes.
• The Stack module feeds a copy of its input signals to all its submodules.
• The module’s output signals depend on the Mode parameter, which has three states: Sum Audio, Merge MIDI, and Passthru.
• Sum Audio: Stack’s output Audio, or the Audio components of the Poly signal, is the sum of the submodule output Audio and/or the Audio components of Poly signals.
• Sum Audio: If Stack’s input and all submodule outputs are Poly signals, the module’s output will also be Poly. Otherwise, it will be Audio.
• Sum Audio: The MIDI signal and non-Audio Poly signal components (unless collapsed) remain the same as Stack’s input.
• Merge MIDI: Stack’s output MIDI signal is a merge of the submodule output MIDI signals.
• Merge MIDI: The Audio and Pitch signals, or the Poly signal, remain the same as Stack’s input.
• Passthru: The submodule outputs are ignored, and Stack’s output signals are identical to its inputs.
• You may want to process multiple sublanes in parallel for more complex setups. To do this, simply stack Group modules.
• With the Stack module, you can create simple MIDI effects, such as converting notes into chords by stacking Transposer modules, or build complex sequencers by combining Group, Euclid, and others.
• You can also easily create layered synths or effects.
• Stack lets you view submodules individually or as an expanded horizontal stack.
• When viewed as a horizontal stack, unlike sublanes, vertical lines replace signal indicator arrows, indicating that the submodules are processed in parallel.
• Stack is part of Collection 4 and can be found under the Signal Router category.

Crossover Module

• The Crossover module splits the Audio signal into frequency bands using second-order crossover low- and high-pass filters.
• This makes it ideal for building custom multi-band processors, such as multi-band compressors or distortion effects.
• The module’s crossover filters are designed to ensure a flat frequency response.
• To create a 2-band processor, route the same audio into two parallel instances, set one instance’s Band parameter to Low and the other to High, and ensure both have the same cutoff frequency by entering identical numeric values.
• To create a 3-band processor, take the output of one of the instances and apply another crossover split, following the same approach.
• Crossover is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.

Improvements

• Modules: Similar to modulator modules, presets now save which tab view is active for the modules with multiple views. This includes Stereo Delay, Euclid and Note Pulse.
• Modules: The rename field’s placeholder text now reflects the module type.
• Modules: Control Change, Note Echo and Note Event module interfaces have been improved.
• Euclid: The Accent Velocity parameter values are now expressed in percentages.
• Groove Module: The module has graduated from Mela Lab and can be found under the MIDI Processor category.
• Sublane/Stack Views: Improved the design of the sublane/stack brackets.
• Factory Presets: Updated and added some new presets.

I release updates regularly, guided by user feedback and Mela’s long-term vision. Along with the User Guide, you might find the Tutorials, Changelog, and FAQ helpful. For bug reports or feature requests, visit Mela Feedback. Feel free to get in touch anytime.

Grab Mela from the App Store.