Get Creative with Melda MComb

Modulation Effects Power

Modulation effects have evolved significantly in past decades. Effects like flangers, phasers, ring modulators, and frequency shifters have left a mark on some of the most popular music genres. Moreover, these effects introduced countless new and exciting ways of bending and reshaping the sound. For this reason, I will dedicate the following tutorial to one plugin with enormous potential to alter and manipulate the sound signal.  

MComb by Melda Productions

MComb by Melda Productions is a potent multi-comb filter plugin. Using it's two highly versatile modulators, it becomes a powerful processor that can follow a simple LFO react to input levels, MIDI, and input pitch. So, without further delay, let's hear it in action. I have created two new audio channels in SoundBridge. One contains a rhythm guitar sequence, and another a drum loop. Consequently, I will place a fresh instance of the MComb plugin on both channels. Nonetheless, let us first hear how this guitar and drum loop sounds unprocessed.  

 

~Rhythm guitar - Unprocessed

~Drum Loop - Unprocessed  

Let's Start

Now, let's explore the Mcomb plugin I will use on the guitar first. The interface of Mcomb looks more-less straightforward, but don't let that discourage you.  

The Interface

We can see the dry/wet and output sections in the top part of the interface. Additionally, below are four independent filters, each containing the same parameters. Furthermore, the bottom part is reserved for the graphical representation of the filters. Graph editor includes a visual representation of the filters. Each point is one filter. The horizontal position is its frequency, and the vertical part is its feedback. The flat pull bar controls its panorama, and the vertical pull bar controls its gain. In addition, if we click on the sheer panel named "Meters & Subsystems, "we'll enter the sub-menu, which contains a valuable metering system and modulation routing paths. 

By clicking on "MOD 1 "or "MOD 2, "we will enter a new and complex modulation panel. Here we have a significant number of options for further sound manipulation. LFO, Pitch follower, Envelope follower, and many more modulation routings could be helpful.  

 

The Examples

Once we were introduced to MComb's interface and possibilities, let us hear some examples. Here is how it sounds on the rhythm guitar: I just automated the dry/wet parameters while the LFO controls frequency and feedback from the filter one.

~Rhythm Guitar - Processed with Mcomb  

Lastly, the final example would be to process the drum loop with Mcomb. Here, I have made a delay-like effect and automated the frequency parameter of filter 2. Let's hear how this sounds.

~Drum Loop- Processed with Mcomb