Nikolozi

Mela 6.8 introduces the Gain Computer module, a powerful modulator for creating custom dynamics processors. Depending on its settings and placement within 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. Like the gain computers in traditional dynamics processors, it computes gain reduction or expansion from the input audio signal. However, instead of applying the gain change directly, it generates a modulation signal. This signal can then be used to modulate a Gain module or any other parameter to produce dynamic effects.

The new Gain module applies gain to the audio signal. While it is designed to pair well with the Gain Computer module, it can also be used independently in a variety of other ways.

Mela 6.8 also adds latency support. This feature is integrated into the Audio In and MIDI In modules, which now include a new parameter called Ahead. This parameter sets how far in advance Mela requests audio and MIDI events from the host, allowing processing to begin before the events would normally occur. For example, it enables an envelope follower to detect transients before they are heard. This feature is commonly referred to as plug-in latency. Note that 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.

There’s a lot more in this update. For the full details, check out the Changelog.

Latest Tutorials

This video highlights the new features in Mela 6.8, including a high-level overview of the Gain Computer module and how to use it to create downward and upward compressors and expanders. It also explains feedforward and feedback dynamics processor topologies, demonstrates how the Gain module simplifies signal routing, and covers the latency support feature

Mela 6.8 Changelog

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.

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.

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