Nikolozi

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.

Mela 6.9 Changelog

Pitch Distortion

• The Phase Distortion module uses the classic phase distortion technique to reshape any waveform.
• It splits the waveform cycle into two parts, stretching the first while compressing the second.
• As it is not an oscillator, it relies on the Pitch signal and note-on events (Note signal in Poly mode and MIDI in Mono mode) to determine the waveform’s start point and cycle length.
• This enables many creative possibilities.
• The Pitch signal can be transposed down an octave to distort a waveform an octave higher.
• An unrelated Pitch signal can be used to apply phase distortion to a drum loop for unique rhythmic textures.
• The Phase Graph visualises the waveform’s phase after distortion.
• Dragging it horizontally or vertically adjusts the Skew or Tilt parameter correspondingly.
• The Curve parameter smoothes the phase rate change at the cycle split point, with higher values producing a mellower sound and reducing aliasing.

Pitch Oscilloscope

• The Pitch Oscilloscope module visualises audio waveforms, making it ideal for viewing signals from oscillators and other processors.
• It uses the Pitch signal and note-on events (Note signal in Poly mode and MIDI in Mono mode) to lock onto the waveform.
• A mismatch between the signal and waveform prevents proper tracking.
• In Poly mode, it displays the waveform of the last triggered Voice.
• It’s currently a Mela Lab module and might be integrated into the existing Oscilloscope module in the future.
• Pitch Oscilloscope is added to Collection 2 so that users who have the Oscilloscope unlocked will also have this module unlocked.

Rectifier Module

• Rectifier’s new Gate parameter sets the threshold level above which the signal remains unchanged, while everything below it is set to 0.
• The Rectify parameter range has been extended to support negative values, which allows modification of the positive portion of the signal.
• Rectify parameter now includes a “Full-Wave” preset alongside “Half-Wave”.
• Drag gesture on the graph now adjusts the Gate and Rectify parameters.
• The processing order: Gate Clipping → Asymmetric Gain → DC Offset.

Oscillators

• The Level parameter of the DS Oscillator, FM Operator, Noise Oscillator, VA Oscillator, and VPS Oscillator modules now defaults to 0.
• This removes an element of surprise, especially for new users, as previously the oscillator would generate sound immediately on insertion.
• With this change, the Level parameter must be adjusted before the oscillator produces audible output.
• The oscillators no longer display a flat line when the Level parameter is set to 0.
• DS, VA, and VPS Oscillators now also support the Phase parameter in Mono mode.
• This means the phase of these oscillators will reset on MIDI note-on events when no Poly signal is present.

Core Concepts

• User Guide: The Core Concepts chapter has been significantly improved with unified signal definitions and a detailed explanation of signal flow.
• Poly-to-Mono: With the Core Concepts now defining Mono and Poly signal processing modes, the Poly-to-Audio module has been renamed to Poly-to-Mono for consistency.
• Signal I/O: A single arrow indicates a Mono signal, while a double arrow indicates a Poly signal.
• Note-to-Pitch: The module has been moved from the Pitch Processor category to Signal Router.
• It is highly recommended that all users review the updated chapter.

Factory Presets

• Added “RM Side-Chain” preset, which uses a very useful side-chaining technique for drums and bass and demonstrates the updated Rectify module.
• Added “Custom Dynamics”, “De-Esser”, “FB Compressor” and “Upward Expander” presets that utilise the Gain Computer and Gain modules.
• Added “Classic PD & Beyond”, showcasing the new Phase Distortion and Pitch Oscilloscope modules.
• Added “Soft Drift” to the Keys group.
• Added “HH Enhance” to the Audio FX group.

Other Changes

• Parameter Values: Increased spacing between the value and unit to improve readability.
• Latency: Reduced the maximum allowed latency from 5 seconds to 1 second.
• Audio Output: Fixed an issue in the standalone version where audio stopped outputting when changing the Mac’s default audio output device.
• Ahead Parameter: Fixed an issue where the Enter Value action didn’t always focus on the correct field.
• UI: Fixed an issue where some module names did not appear in the correct alphabetical order.

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.