MMorph

Name: MMorph
Price: 149 USD
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Multi-FX · Spectral morphing effect

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MMorph is a spectral morphing plugin from MeldaProduction that blends two audio sources by analysing and merging their important features, rather than crossfading.

It can run from one knob or from a deeper set of controls, with spectral compression, harmonic generation and four modulators, for $168.

Best for: Sound Design, Vocals, Keys & Synths, Drums. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Pop.

Keywords: spectral, vocals, drums, sidechain input, harmonic enhancer, creative, advanced, auto-gain, bass, beginner-friendly, cinematic, full mix, live performance, macro controls, minimal controls, mixing, orchestra, randomize, single knob, sound design, sub bass.

What it does

MMorph is MeldaProduction's spectral morphing effect. Rather than crossfading, it analyses a main input and a sidechain input, finds their important features and morphs between them, which the developer compares to morphing a photo of one person into another.

Two-source setup: insert it on one track and route a second track to its sidechain; the inputs can be swapped. It works on very different material, such as sub-bass with vocals or drums with orchestral parts.
One main knob: a large Ratio control sets how far the sound moves between the two inputs, with advanced parameters behind it when you want them.
Signal preparation: eight shaping processes per input, including compression, tone control and harmonics, to make the two signals fit before they blend (per Computer Music).
Formant Shift: shifts the spectrum of one input to help it match the other.
Spectral extras: spectral compression and harmonic generation.
Modulation: four modulators with LFO, level follower, ADSR envelope, randomizer and pitch detector modes, plus Melda's multiparameter macros.
Melda platform: A to H setting switching, A to D morphing on an X-Y pad, automatic gain compensation, a safety limiter, and up to 8-channel surround or 64-channel ambisonics.

The developer aims it at composers, producers and DJs, for voice and instrument hybrids, robotic voices or morphing between whole songs. Updates are free for life, and you can download it to try before buying.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MMorph is the pick when you want to fuse two different sounds into one, not just process a single track. Unlike Infiltrator 2, Multipass or Effectrix2, which chain or sequence effects on one source, it needs a second signal on the sidechain and blends the two spectrally. Compared with a vocoder such as Waves Morphoder, which imposes a voice on a carrier in a fixed way, it gives a gradual, adjustable morph and works on any pair of sources, including drums. The trade-off is effort: reviewers found results take patience to get right.

Best for: sound designers and producers making hybrid textures, talking instruments, robotic vocals and transitions between two parts.
Genres: electronic, cinematic and ambient work, and creative pop production.
Look elsewhere if: you only need a classic vocoder sound (Waves Morphoder is quicker to set up), or you want rhythmic multi-effects on one track (Effectrix2 or Infiltrator 2).
Tip: MusicTech got the best results with a sustained sound on the main input and a rhythmic one on the sidechain, or two instruments playing the same MIDI part.

What producers say

Magazine reviewers rated it highly for originality and sound, with the learning curve, manual and price as the main reservations.

Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2016) called it "the most original, inviting, useful and sonically interesting Melda plugin yet" and praised its versatility and 63 presets, but criticised the manual, the price and the look of the GUI.
MusicTech (Alex Holmes, 2016) gave it a MusicTech Choice award and found its blends "nuanced and detailed", but said results are "a little hit and miss" and you can't judge settings until both signals are playing.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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