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Changelog

Follow up on the latest improvements and updates.

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6.2

The Mela 6.2 is a significant update, making the app fully native on macOS by moving away from MacCatalyst. It offers improved stability on macOS, particularly when used as an AUv3 plug-in within a host. It also introduces three new modules—Layer, Effect, and Group—replacing the Sublane module.
Layer Module
  • Layer module lets you create an audio layer easily using its sublane.
  • The sublane takes non-Audio signals, MIDI and Pitch or Poly (non-Audio components), as input.
  • The output Audio signal (or the Audio components of the Poly signal) is the sum of the module's input and the sublane's output.
  • All other signal types pass through unchanged.
  • While the sublane can transform a copy of the MIDI and Pitch input signals, those aren't merged at the output, unlike the Audio signals.
  • The module allows you to create synth layers, where each layer can have independent processors such as filters, amp envelopes, panners, and pitch transposition.
  • The Volume parameter controls the volume applied to the sublane's output before the Audio signal summing.
  • Layer is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Effect Module
  • Effect module lets you create self-contained custom audio effects.
  • Its sublane, called Wet Path, receives a copy of the module's input signals.
  • The output Audio signal (or the Audio components of the Poly signal) is the mix of the module's input and the sublane's output.
  • While the sublane can transform a copy of the MIDI and Pitch input signals, those aren't merged at the output, unlike the Audio signals.
  • The Dry parameter controls the level applied to the module's input before the Audio signal summing.
  • The Wet parameter controls the level applied to the sublane's output before the Audio signal summing.
  • Effect is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Group Module
  • Group module lets you group a sequence of modules using its sublane.
  • It allows you to move the submodules together or bypass them at once.
  • The module's input signals are passed to the sublane.
  • The sublane's output signals are passed to the module's output.
  • Group modules can be nested.
  • Group is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Improvements
  • Glide: The module now handles non-Poly signals, i.e. it functions properly when following a Note-to-Pitch module.
  • Oscillators: The VA and DS Oscillator modules, along with the VPS Oscillator, will no longer animate changes to the Level parameter, except when its sign changes (positive to negative or vice versa). This adjustment improves visibility, as it’s harder to observe how other parameters influence the waveform shape when the Level is near zero.
  • DS Oscillator: The module now has the same layout as the VPS Oscillator.
  • DS Oscillator: The module now handles zero pitch signal gracefully.
  • Preset Browser: On macOS and iPad, you can now secondary-click on a preset to show the context menu instead of the long-press gesture.
  • Presets: When the plug-in state is saved or loaded, the "name" field now sets or retrieves the preset name. This ensures that in hosts like Logic Pro, which store presets outside Mela’s file container, the name shown in Mela matches the name of the preset loaded from the host.
  • Factory Presets: Updated the "All Pass Phaser" preset, adding feedback.
  • Factory Presets: The "Glide Riser" preset demonstrates the use of a Glide module to create a pitch riser effect.
  • UI: Removed the close buttons from the popovers, as they were redundant. Tap/Click outside to dismiss them.
  • UI: The About view is now a popover and follows the zoom setting.
Fixes
  • MIDI Delay: Fixed a bug where MIDI messages were delayed by twice the amount of the set tempo-sync value.
  • Preset Browser: Fixed a bug where long-pressing a preset shown in search results would sometimes display a wrong context menu.
  • Polyphony: Fixed an issue where the Reuse and Release settings were not set in the audio engine.
  • Polyphony: Fixed MIDI-to-Poly's voice alignment not working for the same MIDI input in some cases.
  • Modulation: Fixed modulation not working correctly for the modules inserted after a module causing a Poly-to-Audio signal collapse.
  • Fixed Note Chance appearing twice in the module insert menu.

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6.1

Collection 4
  • Mela's modular capabilities are expanded by introducing Collection 4 with powerful new modules for advanced sound design.
  • The centrepiece is the Sublane module, enabling nested processing for flexible signal routing.
  • Also included are the MIDI Delay and Note Pulse modules, adding temporal and rhythmic control to your MIDI.
  • Modules like Delay and Feedback let you create custom multi-tap delays, comb filters, and physical modelling effects.
  • To streamline your workflow, the Vel-to-Amp module maps MIDI velocity to amplitude, while the Note-to-Pitch module converts MIDI notes into a pitch signal.
  • Every Mela 6.x update will add new modules to the collection. You only need to purchase it once.
Mela Classic vs Mela
  • With this update, the major version number has been dropped from the name—so instead of Mela 6, the app is now simply called Mela.
  • This change helps avoid confusion, as some users mistakenly thought Mela 6 was a separate app rather than an update to Mela 5.
  • To clarify: Mela 4, 5, and 6 were all the same App Store app, just with different version numbers in the name over time.
  • Meanwhile, Mela 3, which is a separate App Store app, will be renamed to Mela Classic.
  • Hopefully, this new naming system makes things clearer.
Sublane Module
  • Sublane is a module that contains a lane of modules, aka sublane.
  • Modules with sublanes can be nested inside each other.
  • Input Parameter: When enabled the module input signals will be passed to the sublane.
  • Output Parameter: When enabled the sublane output signals will be passed to the module output, otherwise, the module output will be the same as the input.
  • Sublane is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
Delay Module
  • The module delays audio signals by a specified amount. Compatible with Poly signals.
  • Time Mode: Set the delay time in seconds.
  • Synced Modes: Set the delay time using tempo-synced values.
  • Pitch Mode: Set the delay time based on the input pitch signal frequency. Ideal for creating comb filters or physical modelling effects.
  • Offset Parameter: Adjusts the delay time by 50-200%. Available in Pitch and tempo-synced modes.
  • Delay is part of Collection 4.
Feedback Module
  • In Mela, signals flow left-to-right within a lane and top-to-bottom between lanes.
  • However, you may want to send an Audio signal in the opposite direction to create feedback.
  • The Feedback module allows you to do just that by taking the output of an Audio bus, delaying it by 1 sample, and merging it with the Audio signal passing through the lane.
  • WARNING: Protect your ears and equipment by handling feedback with care. Ensure feedback does not build up continuously.
  • Feedback is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4.
MIDI Delay Module
  • The module delays the MIDI signal by a specified amount.
  • Time Mode: Set the delay time in seconds.
  • Synced Modes: Set the delay time using tempo-synced values.
  • Offset Parameter: Adjusts the delay time by 50-200%. Available in tempo-synced modes.
  • MIDI Delay is part of Collection 4.
Note Pulse Module
  • The module generates note-on and note-off events at regular intervals, synchronised with the host transport.
  • Events are generated only when the transport is running.
  • The parameters Sync, Gate and Offset let you set the timing of the pulses.
  • Additional parameters allow you to set the generated note event's channel, note, and velocity values.
  • Note Pulse is part of Collection 4.
Note-to-Pitch Module
  • The module converts MIDI notes into Pitch signals.
  • If an instance of MIDI-to-Poly is inserted, this module is not required unless you wish to change the tuning from the A440 pitch standard.
  • Tuning Parameter: Sets the tuning of the note A above middle C.
  • Note-to-Pitch is part of Collection 4.
Vel-to-Amp Module
  • The module uses MIDI note velocity to control the audio level, making notes velocity-sensitive.
  • Supports both Audio and Poly signal types.
  • Curve Parameter: Adjusts the velocity-to-amplitude mapping. Higher values increase loudness, while lower values provide more dynamic range.
  • Smooth Parameter: Sets the time constant for smoothing level changes between notes.
  • Vel-to-Amp is part of Collection 4.
Help
  • Updating the Getting Started guide.
  • The Getting Started view no longer uses a web view and instead natively renders text.
  • This allows it to follow Mela's theme when deciding whether to display in light or dark mode.
  • The view is now presented as a popover instead of a sheet.
  • Fixed module help view's dismiss button tappable area being too small.
Signal Flow
  • MIDI-to-Poly: The Voices parameter now uses numerical values for simplicity. To achieve mono synth behaviour, use the Mono module as before.
  • MIDI-to-Poly: It's now possible to bypass the module.
  • Signal Flow: Right-pointing chevrons now indicate signal flow direction between modules.
  • Signal Flow: Double-chevron means the Poly signal type flows between modules.
  • Signal Flow: Bypassing a module now can affect signal type. For example, Flanger collapses Poly signal to Audio. Bypassing it will no longer cause the collapse.
User Interface
  • Drag-and-Drop: Moving a module from one lane to the end of another is now much easier. The plus button turns into a drop target making it clear where the module will be placed after the drop.
  • Drag-and-Drop: It also works when moving a module into a Sublane module.
  • Lanes: Empty lanes are now as tall as lanes with modules.
  • Modules: Duplicating a module now also copies the UI state, such as whether it's expanded.
  • Modules: A duplicated module name is now based on the source module's name. For example, if an oscillator is named "Saw", the duplicate will be named "Saw 2" rather than something like "VA Oscillator 3".
  • Modules: Presets now save whether a module's Modulator or Targets view is active.
  • Pop-up List: Changed the button background shapes from capsule to rounded rectangle to visually match better with other UI components.
  • Perform View: No longer shrinks unnecessarily when the Preset Browser is open.
Factory Presets
  • Multi-Tap Delay: Demonstrates how to use the new Delay and Feedback modules to create a custom multi-tap delay effect with feedback.
  • Multi-Tap MIDI Delay: Demonstrates how to use the new MIDI Delay module to create a multi-tap MIDI delay effect.
  • Default: The default synth preset was slightly tweaked.
  • Init: The preset is now truly blank. It no longer loads a lane with Audio or MIDI I/O modules.

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6.0

Mela 6.0 kicks off a new chapter in the app's evolution, starting with unifying all lane types into a universal one for greater flexibility. The updated Getting Started guide explains how key concepts have evolved—be sure to check it out, along with the changelog, for a quick overview. This is just the beginning, with much more to come in the upcoming 6.x updates.
Universal Lane
  • All lane types (Audio, MIDI, Instrument) are now unified into a single universal lane with merged capabilities.
  • The preset migrator automatically converts existing presets to use universal lanes.
  • Lane audio and MIDI I/O settings are replaced with Signal Router modules.
  • Signal Routers: Audio In, Audio Out, MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI-to-Poly, and Poly-to-Audio.
  • These modules are part of Collection 0.
Audio In/Out Modules
  • Audio In receives Audio signals from the host or an Audio bus.
  • Audio Out sends Audio signals to the host or an Audio bus.
MIDI In/Out Modules
  • MIDI In receives MIDI messages from the host or a MIDI bus.
  • MIDI In includes a "Panic!" button to send "All Notes Off" MIDI messages downstream on all channels.
  • MIDI Out sends MIDI messages to the host or a MIDI bus.
  • MIDI Out a "Panic!" button to send "All Notes Off" MIDI messages on all channels to the output.
MIDI-to-Poly Module
  • The module converts MIDI messages into a Poly signal, replacing any existing Audio or Poly signal with a new Poly signal.
  • The module lets you set the polyphony settings for the preset.
  • Instances sharing the same MIDI input synchronise voice allocation, ensuring consistent Poly-to-Poly modulation across modules.
  • The Voice Priority rule is replaced with a "Release" setting, clarifying how voices are reallocated for new notes.
  • Previously, this functionality was handled implicitly by the Instrument lane type before sending the Poly signal to modules.
Poly-to-Audio Module
  • Collapses a Poly signal into an Audio signal by summing voices while retaining the last note-on Pitch signal.
  • Modules that don't support Poly signals automatically perform this collapse.
  • The signal remains collapsed even if the collapsing module is bypassed.
  • Previously, this functionality was handled implicitly by the Instrument lane type before sending the Audio signal to its output.
Module Updates
  • Amp Envelope: Now mirrors the behaviour of the Envelope Generator. When no Poly signal is present, it uses MIDI signals to trigger attack and release states, shaping the Audio signal accordingly.
  • Panic Module: Removed, as the functionality is now integrated into the MIDI In and MIDI Out modules.
  • Voice Activity: Now displays Audio signal levels and MIDI signal's last note and velocity when no Poly signal is present.
  • Voice Activity: Now automatically resizes based on the preset polyphony.
  • Modulators: The "Targets" view no longer scrolls to the bottom on appearance.
Improvements
  • Getting Started: Updated to reflect the latest changes.
  • Notepad: Renamed the Note Pad module to Notepad.
Fixes
  • Module Help: Fixed the help popover not utilising available space correctly.
  • Preset Load: Resolved a crash that occurred under certain conditions when changing presets.
  • Polyphony Settings: Fixed an issue with the Newest Release mode not initialising correctly.
  • Modulators: Modules without parameters, such as Notepad, no longer appear as modulation targets.

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5.8.3

Factory Presets
  • DC Ring Bass: Demonstrates how to turn the Ring Mod module into an oscillator by feeding it a DC signal.
  • Audio-to-ADSR: Demonstrates how to convert audio signal levels into note events to drive an envelope generator.
  • Event Symphony: Demonstrates how to use Random and Note Event module instances to create generative music.
  • Other Presets: Church Bells, Consistent, Drum Bus, Stereo Wah Wah, Tuned Noise + FM, and Tuned Noise + FM 2.
Improvements
  • Collections: Updated the description for Collection 3.
Fixes
  • Reverb: Fixed a bug where the HSF Decay parameter wasn't initialised correctly in DSP.
  • UI (macOS): Fixed a bug where the selected modulation target menu item displayed two checkmarks.
  • UI (macOS): Fixed a bug where locked modules incorrectly displayed two shopping carts under the insert module menu.

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5.8.2

  • MIDI Source: Note-On/Off Gate source is now velocity-sensitive.
  • Mela Lab: Graduated Euclid, Note Chance and Pitch Follower modules.
  • Factory Presets: Removed the Mela Lab group and redistributed its presets to the other groups.
  • Factory Presets: Added new presets that showcase the Euclid module. Search for "Euclid" in presets.
  • Correlation: Fixed errors in measurement due to numerical rounding errors.
  • Reverb: Fixed a bug in the diffuser algorithm. As a result, the reverb should sound much better.

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5.8.1

  • MIDI Capture: Fixed a crash caused by the module after pressing the Start and Stop buttons several times.
  • Voice Activity: Fixed a crash caused by the module when modifying the preset while keys were held.
  • Pitch Ratio: Fixed an intermittent crash caused by the module on initialisation.
  • Pitch Ratio: Replaced the default 1/1 ratio with a more interesting 3/2 ratio value.

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5.8

Euclid Module
  • The module converts incoming MIDI notes into Euclidean rhythm.
  • The core idea behind Euclidean rhythms is arranging a given number of events as evenly as possible in a pattern.
  • The Steps, Pulses and Rotate parameters let you configure the pattern.
  • The Accents, Shift and Velocity parameters let you configure the accented events.
  • The Gate and Sync parameter lets you configure timing.
  • The circular sequencer view lets you visualise the resulting pattern and the current step. It reduces the Accents, Pulses and Steps to coprime values.
  • The module works well with Arpeggiator – insert it before Euclid and set the Retrig parameter off.
  • The Arpeggiator module now defaults to Retrig mode off on instantiation so that the timing is aligned with the Euclid module when inserted one after the other.
  • When combined with the MIDI Source’s Note-On/Off Gate mode the rhythm can be turned into a modulation signal.
  • Euclid is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.
Pitch Follower Module
  • Pitch Follower is a polyphonic modulator that generates a modulation signal based on the input pitch signal.
  • It's similar to the MIDI Source's Key Track, but instead of following MIDI notes, it precisely tracks the pitch signal, including pitch bends.
  • A change in the pitch signal by an octave results in a 10% change in the modulation signal.
  • The Center parameter sets the modulation's zero point — when the input pitch matches this frequency, the modulation signal is at 0%.
  • To make it easier to modulate the Frequency parameters of All Pass, Comb Filter, EQ Band and VA Filter modules with Pitch Follower, they now offer "Set to" menu items with 261.6256Hz (middle C) and 624Hz (range mid-point) values.
  • The module can be used in both Instrument and Audio lanes.
  • Pitch Follower is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.
Correlation Module
  • The module helps you visualise the correlation between the left and right channels of the audio signal passing through it.
  • Generally, keeping signals above 0 is best. A 0 value represents an extremely wide stereo image.
  • When the indicator is closer to +1, the channels are highly correlated with little side content.
  • If it gets closer to -1, the channels are out of phase, leading to most of the signal cancelling out when summed to mono.
  • Correlation is part of Collection 3.
Mute Button
  • The Level module now features a Mute toggle, linked to the Level parameter.
  • When muted, the Level is set to 0%.
  • Unmuting restores the Level to its previous value.
  • Use the Level module for quick, clickless muting of a lane or part of a lane.
Stepper Control
  • Added a stepper style control, it's ideal for a list or integer-valued parameters.
  • It consists of two buttons around a parameter title/value button.
  • Tapping on them sets the parameter to the previous or next value.
  • Dragging these buttons vertically allows you to adjust the values faster.
  • The behaviour is similar to dials and sliders that control list type parameters, they trigger the value change on release.
  • The first modules to utilise stepper controls are Euclid and Pitch Ratio.
Improvements
  • Chord: Simplified the module by removing the note toggle label, making it more compact.
  • Chord: Changed the maximum number of notes in the chord from 6 to 8.
  • Chord: Added "Set to" menu items to the Pitch parameters.
  • Pitch Ratio: The module now uses stepper controls for the Numerator and Denominator parameters, simplifying incremental value adjustments.
  • Pitch Ratio: The Ratio Display now updates when the module parameters are modulated, displaying the resulting ratio multiplier.
  • Rectifier: The Rectify parameter now offers a "Set to" menu item with the value 50%.
  • Comb Filter: The Frequency parameter now defaults to 624Hz, the mid-point of the parameter range.
  • Drag-and-Drop: Dragging modules onto empty lanes now works.
  • Settings: Added the link to the tutorials page under the Help section.
  • Getting Started: Updated the document.
Fixes
  • Arpeggiator: Removed redundant note-off messages sent out by the Arpeggiator module.
  • Toggle Control: Fixed a bug where performing the cancellation gesture on the control wouldn't cancel and still toggle the state.
  • Getting Started: Fixed external URLs not opening in Safari.

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5.7

Note Chance Module
  • The module allows MIDI notes to pass through based on a specified probability.
  • The Chance parameter sets the probability.
  • At 0% Chance, all notes are blocked; at 100%, all notes pass through.
  • The log view displays the last 7 processed notes, indicating whether each was blocked or passed.
  • Ideal for generative MIDI chains and adding controlled randomness.
  • Example: Modulate Chance using MIDI Source with its input set to Velocity to allow notes with higher velocities to have a higher chance of passing through.
  • Note Chance is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.
Random Module
  • The Random module is now more powerful with new modes and the Tilt parameter.
  • The Mode parameter sets the random signal generation algorithm: Random I, Random II, or Chance.
  • Random I: At 0% Tilt, the modulator signal randomly takes a value within the set range uniformly. Increasing Tilt toward +100% makes higher values more likely while decreasing Tilt toward -100% makes lower values more likely.
  • Random II: At 0% Tilt, the modulator signal randomly takes a value within the set range uniformly. Increasing Tilt toward +100% makes extreme values more likely while decreasing Tilt toward -100% makes values near the midpoint more likely.
  • Chance: At 0% Tilt, the modulator signal randomly takes the maximum or minimum value with equal likelihood. Increasing Tilt toward +100% makes the maximum value more likely while decreasing Tilt toward -100% makes the minimum value more likely.
Tuned White Noise
  • The Noise Oscillator module now includes a new Tuned noise type.
  • It follows the input pitch signal by downsampling white noise.
  • The sampling rate is 8 times the input pitch frequency, creating a pitch-tracking noise effect.
Preset Search
  • Mela now supports preset search for both user and factory presets.
  • The search field is located above preset groups in the Preset Browser.
  • Tap the search field to begin searching.
  • If the Preset Browser is closed, selecting Preset Search from the Preset Selector's action menu will open it and focus the search field.
  • In the standalone version, you can also use Command-F to do the same.
Improvements
  • Degrader Module: Added a "Set to" menu item with the value 2093.00 Hz (3 octaves above middle C) to make it easier to create pitched noises using the Noise Oscillator module and MIDI Source's Key Track.
  • Modules: Improved the random number generator algorithms.
  • Module Help: Improved clarity of some parameter descriptions.
  • MIDI Logger: Made the log background more prominent.
  • Note Pad: Made the text background more prominent.
  • Parameter Values: The internal number formatter now overrides the system locale by disabling the grouping separator.
  • Parameter Values: When manually entering parameter values, both period and comma will be treated as decimal separators regardless of the system locale.
Fixes
  • Preset Browser: If closed, the Create Group keyboard shortcut now opens the browser as expected.
  • MIDI Source: Fixed visual indicator drawing incorrectly for the Key Track input for MIDI values above 120.

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5.6.1

  • Fixed a launch crash caused by Mela attempting to preselect a previously used preset group that no longer exists.

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5.6

Reverb Module:
  • Introducing a high-quality algorithmic reverb module.
  • Features standard controls such as room size, decay amount, predelay, and mix.
  • Offers independent controls for early reflections and diffusion levels.
  • Includes a high shelf filter in the feedback path to control high-frequency damping.
  • The module's feature set will evolve in the lab.
  • Early feedback is encouraged to help shape its future development.
  • Reverb is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.
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Ring Mod Module:
  • Inspired by analog ring modulator circuits.
  • Produces richer harmonic sound compared to pure digital ring modulation.
  • The module's input acts as a modulator to the sinusoid carrier.
  • The carrier frequency ranges from 8Hz to 8192Hz, spanning exactly 10 octaves.
  • Using the MIDI Source module, it's easy to make the carrier frequency follow MIDI notes.
  • The Character parameter adjusts the tonal quality of the ring modulation.
  • Lower values tend to create a mellower, smoother sound, whereas higher values produce a harsher, more intense sound.
  • The "Ring Bass" and "Ring Follower" presets showcase the module in action.
  • Reminder: for pure digital ring modulation, use the VA Oscillator module's built-in ring modulation feature.
  • Ring Mod is part of Collection 3.
Other Changes:
  • Moved the Note Pad module from Collection 3 to Collection 0, unlocking it for all users.
  • Graduated the Noise Gate module from the Mela Lab, it's now under the Audio Processors category.
  • Slightly tweaked the All Pass module layout.
  • EQ Band layout is now more compact and similar to All Pass.
  • Fixed EQ Band's High Shelf cut not processing audio correctly.
  • Improved EQ Band module's DSP algorithms.
  • Fixed the Digital Delay module not initialising correctly.
  • Digital Delay will no longer build up feedback from the noise floor.
  • Stereo Delay no longer causes a crash when one of the delay times is set to 0 seconds.
  • Fixed the max peak value label alignment in the Meter module that the 5.4 update broke.
  • Fixed the Preset Browser sometimes not preselecting the last used preset group on Mela plug-in instantiation.
  • EQ Band Gain parameter now offers "Set to" menu items with values -6dB, -3dB, +3dB, and +6dB.
  • Oscillator Phase parameters now offer "Set to" menu items with values 90º and 180º.
  • Fixed the Compressor and Gate parameters not being smoothed.
  • Updated some presets and added new ones.
GarageBand for iOS Compatibility:
  • The Mela 5.5 update introduced side-chain audio input when loaded as an instrument plug-in.
  • This change broke compatibility with GarageBand for iOS, where Mela wouldn't produce any sound when instantiated as an instrument plug-in.
  • This update reverts that change to restore compatibility.
  • Side-chain support for the instrument mode will be added back once the issue is fully investigated and addressed.
  • In the meantime, you can still use a side-chain with synth presets by loading Mela as an effect.
  • For example, in Logic Pro, select and load Mela from the MIDI-controlled Effects menu.
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