Mela 5.7 Update – Note Chance, Random Modulator Modes, Preset Search

Nikolozi

Hey all, just letting you all know about the Mela 5.7 update. As always, feel free to ask follow-up questions. I'm planning to make more short tutorials for Mela, let me know if there are specific topics or modules you want me to cover.

Mela 5.7 is packed. Let's start with the Note Chance module. This module allows MIDI notes to pass through based on a specified probability, with its Chance parameter setting the likelihood. It's ideal for generative MIDI chains and adding controlled randomness. Note Chance is a Mela Lab module and part of Collection 3.

Next, the Random module is now more powerful with new modes and the Tilt parameter. The new Mode parameter lets you choose between three random signal generation algorithms: Random I, Random II, or Chance. The Tilt parameter adjusts the bias in randomness. Check out the help for the full details about the algorithms.

Finally, Mela now supports preset search for both user and factory presets. The search field is conveniently located above preset groups in the Preset Browser. Just tap the search field to begin searching.

As a bonus, check out the Create Pitch Noise tutorial to learn how to create pitched noise using white noise and the Degrader module. I also created a dedicated Mela Tutorials page.

Mela 5.7 Changelog

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.

Grab Mela from the App Store.

Jumpercollins

The filter note midi device is a great addition outside of Mela aswell.

Nikolozi

@Jumpercollins said:
The filter note midi device is a great addition outside of Mela aswell.

Yep, there are no limits to how you use it. You can use it to filter out notes coming from other plug-ins.

eross

this thing just keeps getting better and better.

auxmux

Excellent news. Note chance will be super useful.

Nikolozi

@eross said:
this thing just keeps getting better and better.

Yes 🧡🙏

@auxmux said:
Excellent news. Note chance will be super useful.

Yes! Random's Chance mode can be super useful too for generative stuff and can be used to turn things on or off at specified probabilities, e.g. module bypass parameter. I should probably do a video exploring this idea.

(As a side note, initially, I was considering creating a separate Chance modulator module, but then I realised it could just be one of the modes in Random and inherit all of its rich parameter set.)