All Entries

Mela 6.9

04 Sep, 2025

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.