u-he MELT is a new 14HP Eurorack module featuring analog low- and band-pass filtering, mixing, and variable core saturation.
For most people, the name u-he brings to mind when it comes to software is Berlin-based. Plugins like Diva, Zebra 3, and Repro are very popular. Urs Heckmann’s team has also been developing Eurorack modules for several years.
MELT is the latest module, joining u-he’s existing Eurorack lineup alongside CVilization, Wiretap, and CEN2RION.
u-he MELT
MELT is a new 14HP analog Eurorack filter module. According to u-he, MELT is designed to function as the final tone-shaping stage in a traditional monophonic Synthesizer voice.
The signal path starts with a three-channel audio mixer that sums the inputs before they go into the filter. Input 1 carries a VCA with a CV input (LVL1), letting you modulate the input separately from the cutoff.
From there, it goes into the filter built around a four-pole low-pass cascade. The low-pass slope is switchable between 12, 18, and 24dB/octave, corresponding to two, three, and four poles.
Neatly, it comes with resonance bass-drop compensation built right into the filter. Once switched on, your sound will retain a big portion of its low-end information at high resonance settings.
You can control the filter manually with classic big cutoff and resonance knobs, or via CV. Two dedicated cutoff CV inputs, FM1 and FM2, each with an attenuating knob.
FM1 ships with a polarity switch and its own VCA, letting you modulate depth more dynamically with a modulator. For example, you can work with stepped random voltages to dynamically vary the envelope-to-cutoff depth without a second modulation source mangling the scaling.
MELT is not just a low-pass filter; it also has a dedicated band-pass output that runs in parallel to the low-pass, each with its own VCA and CV input.
Saturation & Other Twists
u-he MELT also has an intriguing core temperature control that is basically a saturation stage but different.
As you turn the knob, headroom inside the filter core is reduced, and the interaction between the input signal and resonance becomes increasingly nonlinear. At high settings, the input itself starts to distort. Try it out in the 12dB/configuration, says u-he.
MELT’s character also depends on the combined levels of its three audio inputs, the resonance setting, and whether resonance compensation is active.
Further, you have an AUX input that bypasses the filter entirely and feeds directly into the output VCAs. This allows a separate signal like an overtone-rich signal to be blended into the final output without passing through the filter core.
With jumpers on the rear of the module, you can set which output will receive the AUX signal.
First Impression
The MELT filter was announced some time ago and shown several times at various Superbooth editions. Now it’s here, very nice.
It looks like a lovely analog filter with a few interesting twists. The many VCAs and the ability to route signals around the filter are particularly interesting. And an additional band-pass output is also neat.
u-he Melt is available now for 299€.
More information here: u-he
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