Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI

Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI

Modular Music-Making

75 ratings
39 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • May 10, 2023
  • July 13, 2026
Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI screenshot #1 for iPhone
Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI screenshot #2 for iPhone
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About

Create custom synthesizers, audio effects, and MIDI processors with a modular music-making tool. Arrange modules on lanes to process signals and route them internally or with your host DAW. Explore a vast library of modules to craft unique sounds.

Modular synth and effect design
Customizable MIDI processing
AUv3 plugin compatibility
Standalone app functionality
Extensive module library
Internal and host signal routing
Modulator module integration
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What's New in Mela

7.11

July 13, 2026

Splitter - The Splitter module works like a Stack, but the submodules at odd positions, starting with the first, act as audio splitters. - A splitter processes its input and passes its output to the following submodule. - Subtracting that output from the original input leaves a residual, which is passed to the next splitter and processed in the same way. - The module's output is the sum of all processed signals and any residual remaining at the end. - The Splitter module can create many types of effects. - Using filters at odd positions creates a multi-band processor. - Stereo Tool or Mid-Side modules enable independent left/right or mid/side processing. - A Level module can act as a crossfader between two processing chains. - Modulating the Level module with an Envelope Follower makes it possible to process transients and sustain independently. - Added Splitter as an option to the Nest submenu. - Factory Patches: Added a “Haas Effect” subpatch demonstrating how easily the effect can be created using the Splitter, Stereo Tool, and Delay modules. - Splitter is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 4. Other Changes - Arpeggiator: Modelled after Mod Steps, the Sync parameter now includes a Free mode, letting you instantly play and hold the note selected by Position, ignoring Mode, Gate, Offset, and Retrigger. - Arpeggiator: Smoothed the animation when switching to and from Manual mode. - Unison and Stack: Improved interfaces with stack item selectors now also showing signal flow indicators and the add module button, allowing modules to be quickly appended to the stack. - Unison and Stack: Modulators, Audio Out, and MIDI Out now respect the On parameter of their containing Stack or Unison module. - Frequency Shifter: The Mix parameter now defaults to 100%. - Chorus, Flanger, Phaser: Updated their layouts to match newer modules, improving their appearance and making them more compact. - Nest Submenu: Added Digital Delay as an option to quickly insert the selected module inside a Digital Delay's sublane. - Level Meter: Now correctly displays an empty meter and −inf before the host starts processing audio. - Patches: Empty Untitled and restored patches no longer show a discard confirmation when selecting another patch. - Patches: Saving a factory patch now asks for confirmation before overwriting a patch with the same name in the destination folder. - Modules: Dropping a module back into its original position no longer creates an undo action.

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36

In-App Purchases

$24.99

Collection 1

Module Collection 1

User reviews

Great synth and layout

So it’s amazing….but after all the paid updates to come and see 25$ new module fi it just seemed like at this point if we bought all the paid packs they should be free by now. Not to sound rude but how many more paid updates u feel me. Not to sound harshness intended as I think it’s an innovative iOS synth. If I’m off base sorry I guess I got a lil sticker shock as it was more than the app even was. Ok banter is over , hails and maybe consider something for us ‘oh’ supporters. Peace
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Response from developer

Hi there, thanks for your feedback. Unlocking module UIs via IAPs is all optional. When a new collection is created, nothing is taken away from existing features. And in fact, with new updates, often existing collections expand, and their modules improve. For more details, please watch my YouTube video titled "How to use Mela for free". You can think of it this way: all updates are free to all users. Purchasing Module Collection IAPs simply allows you to access the module UIs that are in that Collection. Existing users are always rewarded by having everything they have access to improve, and sometimes even have new modules added to the collections they already purchased. While Mela might appear a bit more expensive than the average AUv3 on the App Store, you will find it delivers much more flexibility, features and regular updates. I'm happy to discuss things further or try to address things you aren’t happy about. Don't hesitate to directly get in touch. The way to contact me can be found in the app settings or on my site. Cheers Nikolozi

Add note sliding

When I drag my finger on the keyboard, I want to hear keys that are touched.

Response from developer

Thanks for bringing this up. This has been on my to-do list for a while. I do plan to give the virtual keyboard a big feature enhancement but before that, I should be able to bring back the finger slide feature. Tracking it here nikolozi.com/mela/feedback/virtual-musical-keyboard-no-longer-trigger-keys-under-finger-when-performing -a-horizontal-pan-gesture

Great on BOTH iPad and laptop

I’m a newbie and Mela has become a core instrument in my setup across both iPad and laptop (I want the same set up on both). I didn’t want to learn the well-known laptop synths (Vital, Pigments etc) because I want something good that works as a standalone and inside hosts on both iPad and laptop. Mela does: it’s quick to navigate, sonically deep, and scales from simple, musical presets to quite complex designs without ever feeling cluttered.

I use it for ambient pads, evolving textures, and more rhythmic, sequenced material, and it responds beautifully to being driven by external MIDI tools and chord engines. CPU usage has been very reasonable on all my devices. If you’re building a cross‑device synth ecosystem and want something that rewards both thoughtful programming and playful experimentation, Mela is absolutely worth buying.
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Response from developer

Thank you 🙏

Modular Comes to Mac and iOS

The best eurorack environment on iOS. It’s cool that you can run it on your Mac for designing patches and then port them seamlessly to your iPad.

I really appreciate that Nikolozi is always adding new features, including the just released sequencer.

I’m already using Mela in 1 composition that I’ve performed a number of times. It just keeps getting better. :-)
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Response from developer

Thank you Ned 🧡

I have no idea what I'm doing...

...but I'm having so much fun.

Response from developer

That’s the best way to explore :) Drop me an email anytime with follow-up questions.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Mela?

Mela is a modular music-making tool that allows users to build custom polyphonic synthesizers, audio effects, and MIDI processors. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

How does Mela work?

Presets in Mela are built by arranging modules on lanes. Signals flow through these lanes and are processed by the modules. You can route audio and MIDI signals internally between lanes or to and from your host DAW. Modulator modules can control any parameter on any module.

What kind of modules are available?

Mela offers a wide variety of modules categorized into MIDI processors (like arpeggiators and sequencers), synth building blocks (oscillators, filters), modulators (LFOs, envelopes), audio effects (delay, distortion, EQ), and visualizers. New modules are added regularly.

Is Mela free to use?

Mela offers a free collection of modules (Collection 0) that allows you to explore its core features. Additional module collections can be purchased through one-time in-app purchases to expand your creative possibilities.

What devices is Mela compatible with?

Mela is available as a standalone app on iOS and macOS. It also functions as an AUv3 plugin, compatible with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, AUM, Cubasis, Drambo, and Logic Pro.