# Mela Classic (AUv3) — The Classic Version of Mela > Virtual analog synth, multi-effects, and MIDI processor AUv3 plugin. (iPhone/iPad app by Nikolozi Meladze.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-classic-auv3/id1612218703 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Nikolozi Meladze](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612048764) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: $4.99 (on sale, was $9.99) - Rating: 4.90/5 from 52 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 7 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2022-03-22 - Data updated: 2026-09-01 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-classic-auv3/id1612218703/reviews.md ## What is Mela Classic (AUv3)? Note that this is the classic version of Mela. The modern version of Mela is available as a separate app on the App Store. It receives regular updates and new features. And you may want to consider downloading it instead. Mela is an intuitive virtual analog synthesiser and multi-effects processor with a streamlined interface. It can be loaded either as an instrument, audio effect or a MIDI processor plug-in inside a host application such as AUM, BeatMaker, Cubasis, GarageBand, Ableton Live or Logic Pro. If you begin working on a track in Logic Pro on your iPad, and later open the project in Logic Pro on your Mac, then all instances of Mela Classic plug-ins will load just as you left them on your iOS device. Synth Audio Unit Plug-in (AUv3) - 4 great sounding oscillators - 2 virtual analog-style filters - 3 envelopes with adjustable level, time and curve parameters - Envelope modes: sustain, trigger and loop - 3 tempo syncable LFOs - Effects: distortion, phaser, chorus, flanger, delay and compressor - Fully featured modulation matrix - Flexible signal routing options - Voice modes: monophonic, polyphonic, legato and glide Multi-FX Audio Unit Plug-in (AUv3) - Input section with pan and level controls - 2 virtual analog-style filters - Effects: distortion, phaser, chorus, flanger, delay and compressor - 3 tempo syncable LFOs - Envelope follower with peak and RMS modes - Follower can be driven by the audio unit's normal input or side chain - Fully featured modulation matrix - Flexible signal routing options - Global dry/wet mix and bypass controls MIDI Processor Audio Unit Plug-in (AUv3) - The MIDI plug-in comes with many MIDI processor modules - These modules can be arranged in any order on up to 4 lanes - Each lane can receive and send MIDI to the host via different virtual MIDI cables - The modules can be combined in creative ways to create interesting MIDI processor chains - The LFO and Random modules can modulate any parameter - MIDI Modules: Arpeggiator, Chord, Control Change, Note Echo, Note Length, Pitch Range, Pitch, Scale, Strummer and Velocity - Modulator Modules: LFO and Random - Utility Modules: Logger and Panic Oscillators - Standard selection of saw, sine, square and triangle waveforms - Ability to morph between the waveforms or distort them using the shape parameter - Modern phase distortion algorithm with an additional harmonics parameter - Harmonics adjusts the richness of the generated waveform and modulating it sounds similar to filter sweeps - Great sounding noise oscillator, which sounds warmer than pure white noise - Other features: transposition, tuning, pan and level Filters - Selection of great-sounding self-oscillating resonant filters - Ability to morph between low-pass, band-pass and high-pass Modulation Matrix - Both Mela synth and Mela effect come with a fully featured modulation matrix - Most parameters of the audio units can be modulated - Modulation sources: envelope generators, envelope follower and LFOs - MIDI sources: velocity, key, mod wheel, aftertouch and pitch bend - The matrix supports both positive and negative modulation intensities Routing - Oscillators can be routed to filters in 5 different ways - FX section can be inserted before filter 1, after it or after both filters Plug-in Features - Customisable Perform View that gives you access to the parameters that you care about most - Highly flexible layout, makes the best use of the space provided by the host's window - Preset management with import/export features Mela App - The Mela synth can be used by simply launching the app - Supports all orientations on both iPhone and iPad, including split-screen on iPad - It can respond to MIDI input from external sources - Supports background audio ## Key features - Virtual analog synthesizer - Multi-effects processor - MIDI processor - AUv3 plugin support - Modulation matrix - Flexible signal routing ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-classic-auv3/id1612218703/reviews.md ### 5/5 — It's great *2025-03-07* I was thinking about getting the new version of mela but classic works better for what I'm doing I don't need the other features of the new one ### 5/5 — All three Mela versions are amazing. *2023-05-14* I have been a supporter since version 1. Mela 3 falls right in line with the consistency and quality of the developer. After playing with each of them for differences , there are slight improvements with each version. Is it worth the upgrade? Absolutely, is it worth buying if you never heard of it? Without a doubt. ### 5/5 — Cross device Synths are THE future *2023-04-14* Very nice synth and high quality synth. ### 1/5 — Deleted synth for design changes *2022-11-30* Having to manually enable background audio EVERY TIME I play it in the background is very dumb (right up there with ripiff subscriptions)! You’re fostering dropping IQs by thinking for less intelligent people exacerbating the situation. I can’t endorse this kind of thinking. I love Mela but sorry, but I cannot endorse that philosophy. **Developer response:** Update: After talking to more users and asking them what behaviour they prefer, I decided to make Mela retain the Background Audio setting even after the app is restarted. So, it now behaves as you expect it to. Previous reply: Hey, when implementing features I always think about what sort of experience I want from an audio/music app. Too many times I've woken up to a dead iPad because some audio app was draining its battery all night by running in the background because I launch it for a few minutes to do something quickly with it. Or sometimes I would accidentally pocket-launch an audio app on my iPhone which would drain the battery. I didn't want Mela to cause this issue for me or others. So, that behaviour was a design decision, that if the user wants background audio mode they need to enable it again after the app is killed. Having said that, after you emailed me about this I took your feedback and said I would figure out a solution for it. Sorry, you found this behaviour frustrating. I'll see if I can improve it. Btw this feature didn’t change over time. It was always like this, since Mela v1. ### 4/5 — great, amazing synth *2022-11-29* U cant get it yo ryn un abelton, like many mac au or vst. ipad works perfectly. Super creative and fab UI **Developer response:** You should be able to run Mela and Mela FX plug-ins in Ableton Live 11.2 or later. If you still have issues please email me directly and we’ll investigate. ### 5/5 — Amazing range of sounds and effects... *2022-10-17, version 3.4* ... with an easy to use and understand user interface. Great design and a great synthesizer. Works great in both iOS and on macOS (and you get the desktop version for free if you buy it on iOS!). ### 5/5 — Great synth and audio effects. MIDI plug-in is buggy in Cubasis. *2022-04-14* This is a great, package deal for the price. One thing I really like is that you can scroll through the parameters in the Cubasis effects frame. That makes parameters easy to get to without feeling cramped. I really like the synth and effects. The synth and audio auv3 plugins come with a lot of mice presets. The midi plug-in with only 10 presets, but it’s enough to get you started. The Mela MIDI plug-in works in Cubasis, but it’s not very usable. When I loop a section in Cubasis with the Mela plug-in activated, the plug-in stops arpeggiating when the loop repeats. When I hit the MIDI panic button, the arp starts playing by itself. I really hope that the developer fixes this. Otherwise, I feel that this plug-in is great for someone who is looking for an all-in-one plug-in deal. UPDATE: The developer fixed the issue! The MIDI effects plugin now works as expected! This my favorite MIDI effect plugin, now. 5 stars. Thank you, very much! **Developer response:** Hey, thanks for the review. I will look into the arpeggiator issue in Cubasis. And more presets will be added to Mela MIDI as I add more modules over time :) Update: I’ve just released the Mela 3.0.1 update, with fixes to the Arpeggiator. Let me know if you experience any more issues. ### 4/5 — Amazing synth! *2022-03-27* This is a very good sounding synth. Very inspiring to play with. GUI is very neat and intuitive. Only downside is that it can be quite heavy on CPU in AUM. ### 1/5 — Vivement Mela 4 *2022-03-26* C’est tellement mieux de ressortir un nouveau mela que de mettre à jour les vieux. **Developer response:** Hey, sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience. Feel free to get in touch and I’ll be more than happy to try to address any issues or concerns. If you are unhappy about the purchase, please contact Apple for the refund. The details on how to request a refund is available on the Mela FAQ page. Thanks Nikolozi ### 5/5 — Mela 3 is compact, solid, discrete FX give possibilities. *2022-03-25* I had Mela 2 and although in Mela 2 it’s billed as an ‘upgrade’, your Mela 2 does not disappear, it’s just Mela 3 appears as a separate synth. The FX warrant a special mention - I lost a ‘dual delay’ from the appstore recently (not the common meaning of ‘stereo delay’ but two in series), and it’s kind of useful to have an identical set of effects, you can shove into an AUv3 FX slot in eg GarageBand, outside of the synth itself. In short - a delay of say 1/4 on the actual synth can be set up, then a delay of say 1/2d on the ‘FX’ slot, giving rise to a long, slowly damping echo/delay into the distance. Mela 3’s FX like delay are in fact, stereo anyway, so you can have TWO stereo delays, in series, allowing permutations. The same can be done with the other effects, so ‘doubling-up’ of FX in series, can be accomplished. This is a great feature to explore, this ‘carving out’ of the FX unit from the synth, so it can sit as a separate AU to use either on Mela 3 itself (or Mela 2 of course!), or ANY other synth or track. This seems like great value. If the sound needs beefed-up, add some saturator effect, or similar, even a guitar distortion effect, the usual trick for enhancing keyboards is to add flanger/chorus/saturation not necessarily in that order, ‘to taste’ as it were. Dodgy/fragile/fickle Audio Units are thankfully becoming more rare, and in this regard Mela 3 is very good. It loads and plays, without glitches or drama and that was true on my older iPad Pro 2 as well as my ‘new’ iPad Pro M1 (bought used is great value - keep making new stuff please Apple, I need the cast-off gear). This is probably a little understated this synth, and although it does not produce lush complex tones ‘out of the box’ it’s actually only possible to have a limited amount of those in a song before it sounds like mush anyway, so Mela is good for those ‘cutting’ synth sounds, and more pure sine waves. But, I’ve only done limited use with it to date. More is possible, and the M1 slowly leaking out into the used-gear market, is going to help democratise music. For those not in a position to grab their slice of Apple silicon quite yet, Mela 2 or 3 is a good low-overhead way to let the less capable hardware like an iphone or intel-based iPad, drive several tracks with this compact synth, letting multiple layers of synth/sequencer/arpeggio come forth without over-taxing the device capabilities. Then later, when you upgrade, you can try swapping out some of the tracks in songs created with Mela 3, and introduce more lush or complex tones as and when budget allows. But, just to reiterate, Mela can be made more complex by adding FX into the chain in Apple’s baby GB, or Cubasis 2 or 3, etc. And of course, Mela also runs standalone, so the FX built-in, is very useful, if you don’t want to run a DAW session every time to try out melody ideas, or making your own sound patches. To that end, there’s a neat window view of the ‘waveform’ and the user can make adjustments graphically for Attack etc. I have a soft spot for Mela because it works, it’s got the FX built-in and a separate (identical) FX unit, and it’s very compact and not too CPU-intensive (or DSP intensive). It’s standalone and Audio Unit v3, and the new amber colour scheme is more mellow on the eye as well (is that just cos my ‘night-time’ setting is on?!). The economical use of device resources enables anyone to explore even quite complex multi-track sequencer runs. If I had a grumble, it’s a very ‘generic’ grumble, not peculiar to Mela 3, that not everything that can be done, is ‘baked-in’ when recording in for example, GarageBand, with the Audio Unit. Typically, for a lot of synths, any ‘clever’ features like an x-y pad effect, do not end up in the finished recorded track ie not automated. This common aspect that many more expensive AUs have too, shouldn’t detract from any synth in particular - it’s going to arrive, in time. In summary : Mela is compact; solid; CPU/DSP-efficient; has a built-in and ‘detachable’ FX module deployable on ANY track/instrument in the DAW; and it’s not a fortune either. Understated really - if Mela 3 occupied a piece of hardware, it’d have a pretty big fascia, because one small section (eg ‘flanger effect’) actually when tapped, displays an entire module just for itself. ## Frequently asked questions about Mela Classic (AUv3) ### What is Mela Classic (AUv3)? Mela Classic (AUv3) is a powerful audio plugin that functions as a virtual analog synthesizer, a multi-effects processor, and a MIDI processor. It's designed to be used within compatible music production applications on iOS and macOS. ### What kind of synthesizers does Mela Classic (AUv3) offer? It features a virtual analog-style synthesizer with 4 oscillators offering saw, sine, square, and triangle waveforms. It also includes 2 virtual analog-style filters and a comprehensive modulation matrix for shaping your sound. ### What audio effects are included in Mela Classic (AUv3)? The multi-effects processor includes distortion, phaser, chorus, flanger, delay, and compressor effects. These can be combined with filters and LFOs for extensive sound manipulation. ### Can Mela Classic (AUv3) be used on Mac? Yes, Mela Classic (AUv3) can be loaded as a plug-in within compatible DAWs on your Mac, allowing you to use your Logic Pro projects seamlessly between your iOS device and Mac. ### How often is Mela Classic (AUv3) updated? The app was last updated on February 3, 2025, indicating active development and support. The developer also notes that the modern version of Mela receives regular updates and new features. ### What is the price of Mela Classic (AUv3)? Mela Classic (AUv3) is available for a one-time purchase of $19.99. ### Does Mela Classic (AUv3) have ads? No, Mela Classic (AUv3) does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application that offers an ad-free experience. ### What is the age rating for Mela Classic (AUv3)? Mela Classic (AUv3) has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.9.3 — 2025-02-03 - Changed the app name from Mela 3 to Mela Classic, to differentiate it from the modern version of Mela. - Various minor bug fixes and improvements. ### 3.9.2 — 2023-06-22 - Fixed a typo. ### 3.9.1 — 2023-05-23 - Added the Mela 4 App Store link in the settings. ### 3.9 — 2023-02-24 Arpeggiator Module: - Added the Retrig parameter, when enabled the arpeggiator pattern restarts on the first note-on. - The new Sync and Offset parameters replaced Arpeggiator's Rate parameter. This aligns with how the other modules work. - The Sync parameter allows you to set the Arpeggiator's timing in powers of 2. - The Offset parameter allows you to make the Arpeggiator rate triplet or dotted, or anything in the 50-200% range. - Modulate these parameters to achieve interesting results. - Renamed the Length parameter to Gate to reduce confusion about its functionality. LFO Module: - Added the Tilt parameter to the LFO module for the Triangle and Square waveforms. - When Tilt is at -100% and +100% the Triangle morphs into the Ramp Down and Ramp Up waveform. - For the Square, the Tilt parameter sets the pulse-width amount. - Creatively modulate it to generate even more interesting and weird LFO shapes. Other MIDI Module Improvements: - Now it's easier to set the sync’s Offset parameter to triplet and dotted values. In the following modules, Arpeggiator, LFO, Note Echo, Note Length, Random and Strummer, you can tap on the Offset parameter's label and select either the Triplet or Dotted item from the pop-up menu. - Improved the design of MIDI modules' on/off toggle. - Fixed Note Length module causing stuck notes when a note-off event would fall beyond the host's loop end beat position, while the looping was enabled. - Fixed Note Echo module sometimes erroneously accumulating notes to repeat when the host has looping enabled. - Set a maximum number (32) of notes Note Echo will track for repeating. MIDI Buses: - Added MIDI Buses to the Mela MIDI plug-in. - In addition to having external MIDI I/O now you can route MIDI messages between lanes. Other Changes: - Fixed checkmarks not showing for selected items in the PopUpList on macOS. - In Settings, the Audio Engine section now also displays which type of Mela plug-in is loaded by the host: Instrument, Audio Effect or MIDI Effect. Double tapping it will show aumu, aufx or aumi respectively. - Improved plug-in's beat position synchronisation with the host. - Added new presets. - Updated the User Guide. ### 3.8 — 2023-01-07 Mela MIDI Modules: - Repositioned the module toolbar as a vertical bar on the left side of the module, freeing up vertical space for improved parameter control layouts. - Tapping on the sidebar of a module collapses or expands it. - The LFO and Random modules now feature a segmented control that clearly indicates which page, Modulator or Targets, is being displayed. - Added the ability to insert a new module in front of another using the actions menu of the latter. - The modules are now grouped into categories to make it easier to find the desired one for insertion. The categories are Processor, Modulator and Utility. Strummer Module: - Added the Strummer module to Mela MIDI. - The timing of strums can be synced to the host's tempo or be specified in milliseconds. - The module allows you to customise the strumming pattern. LFO & Random Modules: - Added the Waveform parameter to the LFO module, offering the options of Sine, Triangle and Square. - Added the Retrig parameter to both the LFO and Random modules. When enabled, the modulator signal resets to its start value on a note-on event. - Added the Phase parameter to both the LFO and Random modules. - Updated the Depth parameter in both the LFO and Random modules to default to 50%. This allows you to quickly make the signal unipolar by setting Bias to 100%. - Updated the algorithm in the LFO and Random modules so that the Bias amount is applied before Depth, allowing the Depth parameter to control the amplitude of the modulator signal when it is unipolar (Bias = 100%). - Added the ability for a double tap on the oscilloscopes of the LFO and Random modules to reset the Rate/Offset and Depth parameters to their default values. - Updated the interaction with the LFO and Random modules to allow you to adjust the Depth (rather than Bias) parameter by dragging the oscilloscope vertically. Settings: - Renamed the "Standalone Mode" section in Settings to "Audio Engine". - The section now also displays the sample rate used by Mela. - The tempo field is now also visible in Mela plug-ins but is in read-only mode as the tempo is provided by the host. - Both the sample rate and tempo information can be useful for troubleshooting potential mismatches between the plug-in and host. Other Changes: - Optimised and improved the internal engine of the Mela MIDI plug-in. - Added presets showcasing new features. - Updated the User Guide. ## Apps similar to Mela Classic (AUv3) | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428) | 4.8 (79) | Free | Music | | [Sunrizer synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267) | 4.7 (183) | $12.99 | Music | | [Cubasis 3 - DAW & Music Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cubasis-3-daw-and-music-studio/id1207839273) | 4.6 (3,456) | $49.99 | Music | | [AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-synth-one-synthesizer/id1371050497) | 4.9 (26,818) | Free | Music | | [Lorentz - AUv3 Plug-in Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lorentz-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1016055431) | 4.8 (24) | $8.00 | Music | | [NERD Synth A2x + AUv3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564) | 4.9 (1,342) | $5.99 | Music | ## More apps by Nikolozi Meladze - [NFM – AUv3: FM Synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfm-auv3-fm-synth/id1247473972) - [Lyrics View 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lyrics-view-3/id1268342463) - [Mela – AUv3: Synth, FX, MIDI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mela-auv3-synth-fx-midi/id1668299428) All apps by Nikolozi Meladze: https://appshunter.io/developer/1612048764 ## Related topics [bb17 binaural auv3 synth](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bb17-binaural-auv3-synth) · [mksensation xtreme](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mksensation-xtreme) --- *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.*