Nikolozi Mela 5 is the latest update of its virtual analog Synthesizer for iOS and macOS, now free with modules available via in-app purchase
iOS is a fascinating mobile music creation platform. With the introduction of the AUv3 interface, Apple has made it even more exciting and interesting. More and more developers are also venturing into the platform. See Eventide, FabFilter, or iZotope, who today published the third generation of Trash. Updates, however, are still a problem child on iOS.
Even if free updates are preferred, developers must make a living from their apps and thus want to charge money for new features. This is understandable, especially with apps that often only cost $5 or $10. Apple, on its side, currently does not offer a simple mechanism to purchase app updates, so apps often disappear and are republished.
The developer Nikolozi also has this problem with the Mela 4 app. So he decided to release Mela 5 with a new business model
Nikolozi Mela 5
Mela 5 is now a free virtual analog Synthesizer for iOS and macOS (Apple Silicon computers). Unlike Mela 4, the engine is now based on modules and dedicated collections.
It ships with the free collection 0 and offers a core feature set, allowing you to explore Mela’s features for free. This includes oscillators, filters, etc. More features can be unlocked via the collections 1 to 3 in-app purchases.
Good news for existing Mela 4 users. You get Collection 1 and 2 for free with the download, giving you all the functions of the M4 synth in Mela 5. If this doesn’t work, press “restore purchases”.
New Features In Mela 5
Besides the new business model, Mela 5 also introduces new features available in Collection 3. This includes the new release functions and features that will be part of future Mela 5 updates.
Seven new modules are available through the new Collection 3 in-app purchase. The first is a digital delay module with straight repeats and ping-pong options. It also has feedback with built-in lowpass and highpass filters.
Then, it comes with a simple LFO module with classic shapes and random glide and hold. It outputs either unipolar or bipolar signals.
Various new modules, with a major focus on signal routing/processing, are also included.
The dual pan module lets you pan left and right signals independently. Great for creating interesting stereo effects. Other new modules are mid-side and stereo pan processors for controlling the mid-side balance of a stereo signal and positioning of your signal in the stereo field.
Plus, it ships with new phase inverter and balance modules. Lastly, it comes with various improvements and bug fixes.
First Impression
Even though I’m not a fan of in-app purchases, I can understand Nikolzi’s decision in Mela 5. This makes it easier to release big updates for which you are paid fairly. A nice update with interesting features. I’m excited to see what Collection 3 will contain.
Nikolozi Mela 5 is available now as a free download. You can unlock module packages via in-app purchases. Collections 1 & 2 are 25% OFF, and Collection 3 is 50% OFF until March 12, 2024
More information here: AppStore
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