# Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI — user reviews > 45 indexed App Store user reviews of Mela by Nikolozi Meladze, rated 4.80/5 from 79 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 70 · 4★ 6 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 1 ## Newest reviews (11 of 45) ### 5/5 — Good stuff *2025-08-05* Love the unique style and sounds. Very compelling app I love it. ### 5/5 — valid *2025-04-25* 🤝its like serum for ios ### 5/5 — Now Even Better (again) *2025-02-09* Wow every time it updates, I’m always impressed, but lately my mind has been blown with each update. All the DLC is absolutely worth it. The new Sub Lane addition takes the new routing scheme up a notch and lets you organize and simplify your projects even further in a way that’s very welcome. The way the interface kind of streamlines the modular experience is what set Mela apart for me, but the way it has grown and improved since I picked it up is what really made me a fan. It was already quite mature when I picked it up (v3 or 4) and it has really delivered on the commitment to becoming all that it can be, this developer is in it for the long haul it seems and in my experience is very responsive. Its capabilities are really amazing, it can do pretty much anything as far as regular synthesis is concerned (as in without using wavetables or samples, it can do so many synthesis methods, even phase distortion), you can do an absolutely mind-boggling amount of stuff with it. I don’t even know how much can be done, I want to do physical modeling with it now.. the sky is really the limit with the ways you can mix it up and you can integrate FX at any point and modulate that thus making it more of a synthesis block rather than an effect if you want, and do it in a really complex way bussing signals to different lanes and all. It’s a seriously professional piece of kit, and I see it more as a sound design environment with a streamlined workflow more than a plugin, calling it that doesn’t really do it justice If you happen to use Groove Rider 2, Mela is the perfect companion. You can have the workflow, but still do really elegant and detailed stuff when you need to, I highly recommend it, and I set up the colors to compliment GR 2 and it fits very nicely, feels great. **Developer response:** 🙏🧡 ### 5/5 — Wow *2025-01-01* I don’t know what to say. V5 was amazing and I might be somewhat of a fanboy…. but I’ll have to do more testing and update this.. because I think it might be exactly what I wanted routing-wise. I think it makes it even more flexible as in crazy situations you can dream up, like in a really big way. And I think it made a lot more tasks streamlined as well. **Developer response:** 🙏🧡 ### 5/5 — An Synth as effect in Aum-Unbelievable! *2024-12-21* I kept seeing “runs as an effect and as a synth”in the write-up for many synths. However, what I got a was a synth’s actual effects in the effects slot and for the Special synths that explicitly stated runs as an effect in the effects slot—There were none that even worked. I was wary when I saw this one, lo and behold it runs as an effect in the fx slot. Imagine, a synth with more parameters(Egs,Lfo’s…and I mean……)than any of the others I own in Ios,as an effect right alongside my Blackhole,Shimmer Delay and UA Needlepoint! How would you know if you created a sound from an alternte Universe, anyways. ### 5/5 — To be honest, I just played around with it, so far. *2024-12-19* But I think this development needs to be supported. Very deep Modular. Great APP! ### 5/5 — Amazing!!! *2024-12-16* This is probably the best synth/effect out there, because of the sheer amount of things that can be done with it. I haven’t even tapped i to 10% of it yet. I’m still stuck on using the phase distortion oscillator with FM. I enjoy it so much I usually end up doing some variation of that, maybe combined with noise or something else, but that combo usually forms the body of the sound. I’d love to see more options for the phase distortion, I think it’s so under appreciated as a synthesis method, it has a really nice sound for me, any ways of adding way to manipulate the wave with that are welcome. It’s already way more comfortable to work with than bitwig’s way of doing it, and as far as i can tell they do it pretty much the same way. It’s just more fun and definitely better to experiment with over in Mela. And one thing I absolutely love that doesn’t have anything to do with the sound…. you can make a color theme in a minute or two, so you really can have the interface suit your mood. It would be cool if you could build it into a patch. I’d do it. It’s just so dang friendly, wiring stuff up in this program, if you’re used to a mod matrix then you should feel right at home. The way it’s done, it feel’s very clear and readable, so going back to old work or even looking at other people’s work is fairly painless as far as these things go. That in itself is a pretty big achievement, if you’ve ever used other modular software you know how messy it can get. I have a pretty good module collection in Voltage modular, but I’d rather use this, I’ll just get more done and with less headache. Like no headache. Score! **Developer response:** 🙏🧡 ### 5/5 — Modularity *2024-10-13* Dive in, dive deep, dive deeper into this fantastic modular Oscillator-Lab. Explore the endless possibilities to set up unique Synthi- Midi- and FX-configurations. Great app! ### 5/5 — great modular system! *2024-09-28* and sounds great! some preset packs would be nice 😅 **Developer response:** Thanks for the positive review 🧡 Presets are usually added with every update and should become a large collection over time. Also, there's a dedicated page for artist presets, where anyone can create preset packs for Mela, and I link them there: https://nikolozi.com/mela/artist-presets/ ### 5/5 — I love it! *2024-09-10, version 5.7* Wonderful music app….really worth it….thank you. ### 5/5 — Excited to see more from dev *2024-07-01* Really enjoyed DYLM as both my post fx chain, or isolated to the Tom’s on my drums- the sound was clear, the delay was tempered (useable). I am super excited for the audio projects our Russian contemporaries are pooping out. Something about the sound of Soviet tech/DSP is endearing and feels more real that lo-fi or down - tempo. Imagine an extreme intoxication from radiation, amphetamine, and Mountain Dew liquor and well you would then have something that is NOT DYLM. It’s more akin to taking some Xanax and watching a fire. Wait, I didn’t even go over the presets yet!!!! Okay, so download this free delay, load it up and test your mic with the dozens of presets - it will show u what DLYM is way better than my words. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Insane pricing tier *2025-03-30* Seems like a cool synth but the pricing is crazy! I understand we are in a weird time for synth prices and subscriptions etc. I tried the demo and its seems interesting I like the module-style synth building and it sounded good from what I could try so I figured I’d unlock the whole version…until I saw the pricing tier! Something like $15 per group of modules and there are 3 or 4 “groups” so essentially if you want the entire synth it’s going to be what like $40-$50 plus…that’s crazy when synths/daws like Drambo are much less. I’m a sound designer, I make presets and samples for a living so I’m not unfamiliar with the ecosystem of synth pricing on iOS but this tier pricing tactic is mental, there are several very capable synths in the iOS realm that are half the price and that don’t sell it in chunks like this…it’s a bad strategy and it makes me delete the app entirely instead of purchasing it. ### 1/5 — Requiring iOS 18 loses customers. *2025-01-25* Goodbye. **Developer response:** Hi Eriptron, I know you are a long-time Mela user and it's a bit disappointing to see you leave a 1-star review. But I understand the frustration, especially if you can't update to the latest iOS because it may break some music apps you are currently using. However, you can continue to use Mela 5.8.3 until you are ready to update and when you do, the Mela 6.x version will be waiting for you with the latest features. I've always been upfront about Mela's approach to the OS updates. It's been in the FAQ since Mela's early days. This is what it says: "Unfortunately, Mela will not support earlier versions of iOS and macOS. I know it’s very upsetting to the users on older devices that can’t upgrade to the latest OS. But I have very limited resources. I currently have to test and support all 3 types of Mela plug-ins (Instrument, Audio Effect and MIDI Processor) inside multiple AUv3 hosts (GarageBand, Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, Live etc) on multiple devices with different form factors (iPhones, iPads and Macs). That’s a lot of work as it is, and supporting older OS versions would significantly increase the debugging and testing required. Furthermore, Mela usually utilises the latest OS features. Writing code to incorporate the same functionality on older devices is non-trivial work. Finally, I have a long list of user feature requests, and I would rather focus my efforts on that." I hope you change your mind and update the rating :) ### 1/5 — This to toy *2024-12-07* This is to toy Witt no sound please make more professional thanks **Developer response:** I'm sorry to hear you didn't have a positive experience. Could you please elaborate on why you think it's a toy and what aspects you feel make it less professional? It also sounds like you're unable to get any sound out of it—please feel free to contact me directly so I can investigate the issue. You can find my email in Mela's settings. ### 2/5 — Error city *2025-08-12, version 6.2* Dunno why but it has that thing where notes constantly play forever when they were not told to… and I wish there wasn’t an annoying noise every time you add an oscillator… can’t it just default to having no vol unless a linked amp env is there to control it? Also, the fm operators could do with waveform options, and there ought to be mseg envelopes too… if the bugs were sorted and the shortcomings solved this would be a really good all purpose synth… but that note bug happens way, way too often. Needs fixing. Update… been contacted by the developer. Apparently, msegs and more fm controls are things that he is working on. It’s looking like some more updates may be on the way… they are needed. When the bugs are plugged this synth could prove to be the all purpose low mem synth it was probably meant to. ### 3/5 — Great synth and layout *2026-06-15* 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 **Developer response:** 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 ### 3/5 — Why I like it, Why I don’t *2026-06-07, version 7.9* So I’ve been using it for quite some time. Sonically it’s fantastic. No Notes. However I can see it getting very VERY expensive once you start buying all the individual modules. I don’t mind paying for a well thought out synth, but this would get expensive to the point of madness…lol. There should be one price. If you want to charge for major updates down the line, then buy all means do so. ### 3/5 — Is it really necessary to have iOS 18.x as minimum requirement? *2024-12-19, version 6.0* Sadly I won’t use this. I won’t upgrade to 18 soon, because there are still problematic areas and I don’t want to risk trouble with older apps. I always appreciate when developers have an “as low as possible” system requirement approach. It will not just open a bigger Market but reduce electronic waste as well. ### 4/5 — Good Sounding Synth *2026-06-10, version 7.9* Lots of features, no data collected, optional paid stuff. Love it. ### 4/5 — Crashes on Lateset iPad OS *2024-08-01* Was going to buy the IAPs but can’t even launch it. **Developer response:** Sorry about that. I've investigated the crash and it looks like it was happening because on launch Mela tried to preselect the last preset group used. The factory preset group names changed over time and it probably tried to open the group that doesn't exist anymore. Please download the 5.6.1 update which includes the fix. Once again sorry you had a bad experience, and thanks for the report. Feel free to get in touch for any feedback or if you experience any more issues. Use the contact form on my site. ### 5/5 — Best synth on iOS? *2026-08-15* This thing is deceptively powerful. I use it as an effect chain a midi processor and a synth. It’s completely modular so ur imagination is the only limit and unlike so much of the music apps on here, the dev is actively adding to it. With so much abandonware on iOS it’s nice to have something that gets regular updates beyond just bug fixes. Dude is responsive with the community and seems eager to help when u have an issue. Oh yea and it runs great, I have made some monster patches on this thing and my iPad doesn’t break a sweat. Buy it! **Developer response:** Thank you 🧡 ## Most praised reviews (9 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Update!! *2026-08-12* Exellent Auv3 midi in Daw. Plz! Presets Arp for Atlanta trap, glitch flow. Plz! Midi cool!!!! ### 5/5 — So good! *2026-07-29, version 7.12* I was search in the store for a free synth to start learning and it sounds amazing. Looks great too ### 5/5 — Add note sliding *2026-05-14* When I drag my finger on the keyboard, I want to hear keys that are touched. **Developer response:** 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 ### 5/5 — Great on BOTH iPad and laptop *2026-04-06* 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. **Developer response:** Thank you 🙏 ### 5/5 — Modular Comes to Mac and iOS *2026-04-04* 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. :-) **Developer response:** Thank you Ned 🧡 ### 5/5 — I have no idea what I'm doing... *2026-02-28* ...but I'm having so much fun. **Developer response:** That’s the best way to explore :) Drop me an email anytime with follow-up questions. ### 5/5 — Mela Forever *2025-11-08* This is my third ever app review. My first was for the iOS version of this very app, Mela – AUv3. I’m particular with my software selection to a sometimes uncomfortable degree, so any time an app displays native iPhone, iPad, and Mac compatibility, my heart flutters. My interest in music technology and its surrounding topics is strong, but my time and attention are limited, so I’m unable to dive in as deeply as I’d like. Mela is a paradigm-shifting creative application that fits into your workflow—and your heart—with such ease that it’s mind-melting when you really think about it. There are plugins like Phase Plant and Reaktor, creative environments like Max/MSP and Pure Data, DAWs like Live and Bitwig. They all contribute something powerful to this scene. However, some are instruments only, or available solely on desktop platforms, and some come with higher technical or financial barriers to entry. Mela gracefully dances around all of this. It’s an AUv3, so it runs on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Universal purchase. It’s an instrument and an audio/MIDI processor. It can be a notepad, an oscilloscope, a MIDI quantizer, EQ, clipper—and a polyphonic synthesizer. No programming knowledge required, and everything inside the app is well documented. You can patch on your Mac, save it, then open that very patch on your iPhone while you’re out. There’s even a public, community-driven roadmap. Are you kidding me?? Everyone else is playing tic-tac-toe and Nikolozi is playing Elder Scrolls. **Developer response:** Wow, thanks for the amazing review Tristan 🧡 ### 5/5 — What synth would I buy? THIS ONE *2025-10-16* For a synth sound designer or a midi manipulator you CANNOT beat this app. It’s basically 3 modules in one. Sound, FX, and midi all of which are modular routable and modulatable. **Developer response:** Thank you 🧡 ### 5/5 — Outstanding, powerful, unique synthesiser. *2025-09-06, version 6.9* This synthesiser is really quite special. Mela can do stuff that other synths can’t. It has amazing scope as both an instrument and an audio effect app. Not a beginners synth, but its unique modular design and flow are sensible and fun if you spend a little time with it. Mac/iPad/iPhone in one purchase makes all the expansions great value for me. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*