Mela 7.13 introduces Matrix, a powerful new module inspired by NFM’s FM Algorithm feature. NFM users often told me they preferred it to other FM AUv3 plug-ins because its matrix made complex FM modulation networks quick and intuitive to build. I’ve wanted to bring that capability to Mela for a long time, and Mela has finally matured enough to make it possible.

Matrix arranges submodules into up to seven nodes and lets you route audio between them with independent levels, making custom feedforward, feedback, and cross-modulation structures easy to create. It naturally combines with Pitch Ratio, FM Operator, and Amp Envelope to build complex FM patches quickly. But it can go far beyond FM because any module can be used as a node. You can incorporate ring modulation or phase distortion, or create audio effects such as comb filters and multi-tap delays with cross-feedback. Try the new factory patches to hear the Matrix module in action.

Matrix joins Mela’s other container modules, including Lane, Stack, Splitter, and Effect, reinforcing a core principle of Mela’s design: the layout of your patch is its signal flow.

This update also expands Stereo Tool with new options for encoding and decoding mid/side audio. FM Operator now supports negative feedback, morphing its sine carrier towards a square-like waveform, while positive feedback continues to morph it towards a saw-like waveform.

For the full details, check out the Changelog.

Latest Tutorial

Mela 7.13 introduces a powerful Matrix module. Inspired by my older NFM synth, the module makes it quick and easy to create complex FM patches in the NFM style. The video provides a step-by-step guide to creating these types of patches.

Although not covered in this video, the Matrix module goes beyond FM patches, making it possible to create other types of oscillator and audio effect networks, including delay-based effects such as comb filters and multi-tap delays with cross-feedback.

Mela 7.13 Changelog

Matrix

• Inspired by NFM’s FM Algorithm feature, the Matrix module arranges its submodules into up to seven nodes, A to G, and routes Audio between them.
• Each route has an independent level parameter, making it possible to create custom feedforward, feedback, and cross-modulation structures.
• Routes towards later nodes provide feedforward, while routes towards earlier nodes provide one-sample feedback.
• Node A receives the input Audio signal, and the last active node provides the Matrix output.
• Nodes A to F contain one submodule each. Node G contains the seventh and all subsequent submodules, processing them in series.
• Tap a node letter to show or hide its contents.
• A built-in +6 dBFS hard clipper and indicator help identify excessive output caused by feedback.
• Matrix can combine FM Operator modules into complex FM patches, or go beyond FM by integrating other oscillators and synthesis techniques such as ring modulation.
• It can also create custom comb filters, multi-tap delays, and processing networks with cross-feedback between paths.
• Matrix is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 5.

Stereo Tool

• Added Mid, Side, -Mid, and -Side routing options.
• In the compact selectors, M now represents Mid, while Mute is shown as a dash (–).
• Added 2×Mid and 2×Side options for decoding processed mid and side components back to L/R without level loss.
• Using two Stereo Tool instances makes it possible to encode audio to M/S, process the mid and side components as the left and right channels, then decode the result back to L/R.

Patches & Signal Flow

• Exporting a subpatch now preserves global parameters such as Ahead and polyphony.
• These settings are applied when the exported patch is opened directly, but ignored when it is inserted into another patch.
• This makes Lane-rooted instrument and audio effect patches simpler and more reusable: they can be opened directly as complete patches or dragged into another patch without an extra Stack wrapper.
• Improved Mono and Poly signal routing, making complex patches, audio buses, and feedback connections more predictable and reliable.
• Improved stability when editing patches or changing the Poly voice count, preventing stale voices and ensuring modulation follows the updated signal flow.

Factory Patches

• Added “FM Piano” and “FM Keys” to the Keys folder, and “FM Bass” to the Bass folder, demonstrating how the Matrix module can be used to create simple FM patches.
• Added “Matrix Reverb” to the Audio FX folder, demonstrating how one Matrix module can generate early reflections while another acts as a diffuser.
• Added “Matrix Comb Filter” to the Subpatches folder, demonstrating how the Matrix module can be used to create standard comb filters.
• Added “Euclid Gate” to the Audio FX folder, demonstrating Euclid and Note Event for rhythmic audio gating.
• Added “Stereo Bass” to the Bass folder.

Other Changes

• FM Operator: Now supports negative feedback, morphing the sine carrier towards a square-like waveform, while positive feedback continues to morph it towards a saw-like waveform.
• Performance: Improved scrolling performance in large patches by pausing modulation and graph animations while scrolling or resizing the window. Resize pausing requires OS 26 or later.
• Comb Filter: Fixed incorrect initial DSP cutoff values for FB Filter and HP Cutoff.
• Stereo Delay: Fixed incorrect initial DSP cutoff values for Low Cut and High Cut.
• Groove: Fixed Sync not initialising to its 1/8 default.
• Compressor: Fixed unreliable initialisation of the Peak Gain Reduction reset trigger.
• Envelope Generator: Fixed modulation failing after loading presets with zero-slope segments.

Grab Mela from the App Store.