# Mazetools Soniface — Create sound & music visually

> Visual music creation tool with motion control and modular instruments. (iPhone/iPad app by Ectoplastic.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mazetools-soniface/id1273836217 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ectoplastic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1103228660)
- Category: Music, Graphics & Design
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 25 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 478 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-01-18
- Data updated: 2026-07-17
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mazetools-soniface/id1273836217/reviews.md

## What is Mazetools Soniface?

Mazetools opens up a unique approach to music and creativity. It's about exploring sounds in a new way, experiencing them visually, changing them through gestures, coming across something in the process, a sound, a melody, a groove, a song... 

For the first time, we have integrated an interface that allows you to control sound through movement. This is done through the camera of your device and ML-based body recognition. It enables new musical experiences and shared creative moments.

Mazetools are unique in their operation and complex in their own way. For some it's a welcome change, for others it's too crazy, for some it's just the right introduction to the world of sound.

There are currently two Mazetools: Mutant and Soniface. Mutant is comparable to a loop machine and works with a defined number of instruments. It produces results quickly, but thanks to the Hypercube it offers the possibility to change everything with a swipe and to hear sounds that always surprise us.

Soniface, on the other hand, is more modular when it comes to adding instruments. The settings of the synth, sampler and rhythm modules go into great detail. An important feature is the Gridsynth, an area of lines that correspond to a scale over several octaves. Automation plays a major role in Soniface: all instruments and their controllers can be controlled via LFOs, touch and camera-based body tracking.

Key Features 
- Creative space to explore sound, music and geometric visuals 
- Experiment with audio and visual objects and create your own scenes 
- Operate controllers and play instruments via multitouch 
- Motion interface to control instruments and parameters through gestures, movements and dance 
- Cross-platform compatibility of project files 
- Simple design for mobile devices, complex (regular) design for tablets and desktops 
- Advanced in-app guide, FAQ & help function in English and German 

Instruments 
- Gridsynth - A generative, visual synthesizer for drones and melodies incl. sequencer & arpeggiator 
- Rhythm sequencer for sample- and synth-based basses and drums 
- Spatial & granular soundscape sampler incl. mic input, sample library and file integration 
- Key interface for cross-instrument tonality incl. progression sequencer 
- Interactive LivePad and keyboard for Gridsynth, Bass & Sampler 

Automation & Connectivity 
- Advanced controller automation incl. multi-touch editor, body tracking interface 
- MIDI input and output
- Master FX and Ableton Link 
- Audiobus & Inter-App Audio (experimental support)
- Normal mouse and keyboard support 

Mazetools Soniface is free worldwide and without advertising. You can support our work, our vision and all Soniface users by purchasing Soniface Pro, which includes additionally: 

- Unlimited instruments (Mazes)
- Pattern mode to create unlimited scenes for songs and performances
- Visual mode with Airplay live video output for performance & VJing 
- Unlimited internal audio recording (.wav, up to 7.1 on desktop).

We do our best to avoid bugs. So feel free to write us bugs and problems. Much more content, terms of use, credits and FAQ are in the app's guide.

About Mazetools
We are Stephan and Jakob, when we were 13 in 1999, we exchanged our first beat loops on floppy disks and wrote raps on them. Today we are still fascinated by sound, release our music and realize multimedia performances. You can find more information on Ectoplastic.com.
 
With this background, we share a lot of practical experience with Mazetools, from generative sound & visual patches to the development of multi-touch & motion tracking interfaces and VR sound development. 
 
We use this technological core to empower creativity, make musical expression inclusive and thus democratize electronic music. We are still within this process, but there is a lot of potential! We invite you to join us. Every purchase directly supports, every positive review, post and constructive feedback. Thank you very much!

## Key features

- Visual sound and music exploration
- Motion interface for gesture control
- Modular synth, sampler, and rhythm modules
- Generative Gridsynth synthesizer
- Advanced controller automation
- MIDI input/output and Ableton Link

## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mazetools-soniface/id1273836217/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Generative sequencing made fun

*2025-01-27*

Soniface offers several two Plex ways of creating real time music of a generative nature. It takes a little time to learn, but is very much worth doing so I work with other people and we tend to use our favorite tools in a computer circle if you will. It’s really an iPad circle where we choose what type of music programs we enjoy creating in. My first instrument was guitar but soon I learned synthesizers and I’m used to working in ways that challenge me. Soniface can be as simple or complex as you desire. It’s that simple so I might use this where someone else uses a synthesizer or Samplr but I could also use it by my own and it would be easy enough to get the output of what’s going on Digitally so that an audience could see as one creates. There is a considerable learning curve, even though the program itself is simple. It has a beautiful interface that’s inviting to learn and the results tend to be useful. I strongly recommend this to someone who enjoys trying new things and is able to Work in environments that might not be consistent with the workflow they are used to. 
Highly recommend..

### 1/5 — runs constantly in background eating battery

*2024-08-24*

Couldn't figure out why my iPad Air 5th gen was running hot and losing power so fast, checked battery in Settings and discovered this app has been chugging along for days just burning through the iPad's power--as in, 85% of the power usage yesterday was from this app, even though I never once opened it. I don't even remember launching it, as I was testing a bunch of audio apps at the same time last week. I probably had this open less than a minute, but it's been using max resources ever since. This morning I deleted it and apologized to my iPad for installing a vampire app. Maybe my battery hasn't been too damaged. 😡

### 5/5 — love it

*2024-05-17*

Different way of making music I'm loving it

### 1/5 — Ein Witz, Zeitverschwendung

*2021-08-02*

UI-Design von Nerds für Nerds. App wird frustriert wieder gelöscht!
Habe jetzt wohl das x-te Mal ca 1/2h rumprobiert, selbst mir als Akademiker erschliesst sich trotz der mehrfachen Anläufe die Bedienung nur zu winzigen, für den Betrieb niemals ausreichenden Teilen. Einfach alles anders machen heisst nicht, es auch besser zu machen.
Die Anleitung, die eh nur aus wenigen Zeilen Text besteht, hilft Null. Meines Erachtens ein gut gelungener Fail auf ganzer Linie.

**Developer response:** Hi! Wahrscheinlich ist es immernoch von Nerds für Nerds, aber es hat sich mit dem Update auf Version 4 einiges getan. Außerdem gibt es einen Guide und die Hilfe auf deutsch. Beste Grüße aus Halle!

### 2/5 — Impenetrable; crashed while trying to comprehend it

*2021-06-20*

I had this thing running for maybe five minutes before it just crashed on me. Deleted.

iOS 12.x, iPad Pro (12.9” 1st gen)

**Developer response:** Hi! You might try it again, the 4.0 version is hugely improved. Best regards!

### 1/5 — A music app that doesn’t work with headphones!!!

*2020-10-31*

Huge potential wasted by one of buggiest and poorest implementation I’ve seen so far. Rather than adding fancy and sophisticated stuffs, the developer should (re)start making the basics work, e.g. connectivity.
What a shame

**Developer response:** Hi! You might try it again, the current 4.0 version is hugely improved. Best regards!

### 3/5 — Problem with Bluetooth sound

*2020-09-15, version 2.51*

Love the app. Is it normal that there’s no sound when I connect a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth ear phones? I’m afraid to buy the pro version and encounter the same problem. Works with wired headphones tho. Also, does the pro version allow multitasking? When switching away from the app, does the sound play in the background?

### 4/5 — Amazing with tons of potential

*2020-08-23, version 2.51*

If you want to have a different approach to composing/producing/beatmaking, this is an excellent tool that invites to jam in innovative ways. I love that this lite version has a lot for anyone to play with and find out if you like the workflow.

### 5/5 — AMAZING

*2020-06-17*

I’m dumb struck.

### 1/5 — useless

*2020-05-04*

I’ve ipad 2017 and it crash only, stop and close automatically

**Developer response:** Hi! Please recheck the App. With the latest 4.0 update it should work fine now. Best regards!

## Frequently asked questions about Mazetools Soniface

### What is Mazetools Soniface?

Mazetools Soniface is a music creation application that allows users to explore sound and music visually. It features a unique motion interface for controlling instruments and parameters through gestures and body tracking.

### How does Mazetools Soniface use motion control?

The app utilizes the device's camera and ML-based body recognition to translate movements and gestures into musical control. This enables new ways to interact with and shape sounds.

### What instruments are available in Mazetools Soniface?

Soniface includes a Gridsynth for generative melodies, a rhythm sequencer for basses and drums, and a spatial soundscape sampler. It also offers a key interface for tonality and interactive pads/keyboards.

### Can I connect Mazetools Soniface to other music software?

Yes, Mazetools Soniface supports MIDI input and output, Ableton Link, and experimental support for Audiobus & Inter-App Audio, allowing integration with other music production tools.

### What are the benefits of Mazetools Soniface Pro?

While the base app is free, Soniface Pro offers unlimited instruments, a pattern mode for creating unlimited scenes, visual mode with Airplay live video output, and unlimited internal audio recording on desktop.

### Does Mazetools Soniface have ads?

No, Mazetools Soniface is free worldwide and without advertising. Users can choose to support the developers by purchasing the Pro version.

### What devices is Mazetools Soniface compatible with?

Mazetools Soniface is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It also has a complex design for tablets and desktops, with cross-platform compatibility for project files.

### How often is Mazetools Soniface updated?

The latest version, 4.0.4, was released on March 14, 2024. The app is actively developed, indicating regular updates to improve features and performance.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0.4 — 2024-03-14

Functions
- New Automation Interface: Maze Connect - to connect a controller with controller of another Maze
- Improved Controller view for automation and loop recording function
- New Trigger Env Controller within the Sampler Effects

UI
- Improved Maze Modules Hub: Switch directly between Mazes and active Modules, get directly to the automation list of each module
- Rename function for Patterns and Mazes
- Improved Simple Design Navigation

General
- Bug fixes & performance improvements- Improved Rotation Visual
- Updated Guide & In-App help function

### 4.0.3 — 2024-01-10

4.0.3
Bug fixes & improvements 
Extended presets structure for sets 
Added demo sets
New interface background color in visuals setup

4.0
Improved app performance, structure, sound & visual quality
New design mode for small displays
Webcam based motion tracking to sound interface
New Preset structure for all instruments
Rhythm Sequencer Pattern Mode
Parametric EQ for Master, Rhythm & Sampler 
New effects for Sampler & Rhythm 
Key Interface with chord & scale picker
Keys for live instrument input  
Improved MIDI system, Gridsynth MIDI Out
Apple 3D Audio support with HRTF (experimental, Sampler only)
New Guide, improved in-app help in english & german
Background Audio, Inter-App Audio & Audiobus (experimental)

### 4.0.2 — 2023-12-25

4.0.2
Bug fixes & improvements 
Extended presets structure for sets 
Added demo sets
New interface background color in visuals setup

4.0
Improved app performance, structure, sound & visual quality
New design mode for small displays
Webcam based motion tracking to sound interface
New Preset structure for all instruments
Rhythm Sequencer Pattern Mode
Parametric EQ for Master, Rhythm & Sampler 
New effects for Sampler & Rhythm 
Key Interface with chord & scale picker
Keys for live instrument input  
Improved MIDI system, Gridsynth MIDI Out
Apple 3D Audio support with HRTF (experimental, Sampler only)
New Guide, improved in-app help in english & german
Background Audio, Inter-App Audio & Audiobus (experimental)

### 4.01 — 2023-12-19

4.01
Bug fixes & improvements 
Extended presets structure for sets 
Added demo sets
New interface background color in visuals setup

4.0
Improved app performance, structure, sound & visual quality
New design mode for small displays
Webcam based motion tracking to sound interface
New Preset structure for all instruments
Rhythm Sequencer Pattern Mode
Parametric EQ for Master, Rhythm & Sampler 
New effects for Sampler & Rhythm 
Key Interface with chord & scale picker
Keys for live instrument input  
Improved MIDI system, Gridsynth MIDI Out
Apple 3D Audio support with HRTF (experimental, Sampler only)
New Guide, improved in-app help in english & german
Background Audio, Inter-App Audio & Audiobus (experimental)

### 4.0 — 2023-10-30

- Improved app performance, structure, sound & visual quality
- New design mode for small displays
- Webcam based motion tracking to sound interface
- New Preset structure for all instruments
- Rhythm Sequencer Pattern Mode
- Parametric EQ for Master, Rhythm & Sampler 
- New effects for Sampler & Rhythm 
- Key Interface with chord & scale picker
- Keys for live instrument input  
- Improved MIDI system, Gridsynth MIDI Out
- Binaural mode (experimental, Sampler only)
- New Guide, improved in-app help in english & german
- Background Audio, Inter-App Audio & Audiobus (experimental)

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## More apps by Ectoplastic

- [Mazetools Soniface Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mazetools-soniface-pro/id1232018647)
- [Mazetools Mutant](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mazetools-mutant/id1483123496)

All apps by Ectoplastic: https://appshunter.io/developer/1103228660

## Related topics

[ectoplastic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ectoplastic)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-17.*
