# Mononoke — Expressive Drone Synthesizer

> Expressive drone synthesizer for evolving soundscapes and musical textures. (iPhone/iPad app by Bram Bos.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mononoke/id1492577124 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444)
- Category: Music
- Price: $8.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 103 App Store ratings · 76 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-01-17
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mononoke/id1492577124/reviews.md

## What is Mononoke?

Mononoke is an unconventional synthesizer, designed to compose evolving soundscapes and musical textures. 

Feedback routing
What sets Mononoke apart from other synths is that its voices (4 in each section) can be routed back into each other in multiple ways, creating all sorts of overtones and pulsating resonant frequencies. Sometimes harmonic, sometimes weirdly atonal. Sometimes clear and delicate as icicles, sometimes harsh as metallic blades, sometimes soft as fresh snow. This interaction between voices helps fuse all layers together into a coherent musical landscape. 

A tale of two engines
The synthesizer engines (each of the two sections has its own independent engine) have relatively simple controls, which influence a complex system of many invisible, interconnected LFOs. But this is not your bread-and-butter general purpose synthesizer: think of Mononoke as one huge FM synthesizer where each voice is an independently playable operator. Together all operators contribute to a single soundscape.

Expressive pads
Complex soundscapes can be created live, using the 8 performance pads which let you modulate each voice independently in several dimensions. Your interactions with the pads will also be sent out as MPE/MIDI (when loaded as an AU plugin in a compatible host) so you can record and tweak your session. The onscreen pads can be latched individually so some voices can be used as drones, while others as can be added and removed as extra sonic layers. The pads are fully integrated in the Audio Unit plugin.

Connectivity
Mononoke is designed as an AUv3 plugin, with advanced Audio Unit features such as MPE input and output (!), a fully exposed array of AU parameters for automation and all the connectivity and scalability you can expect from modern plugins. 

The standalone mode is basic (just meant for jamming and creating presets) and does not offer any connectivity, so if you want to use Mononoke in conjunction with other apps and effects you'll need to load it into a host, such as Garageband, Audiobus, AUM or Cubasis.

Summary:
- Audio Unit (AUv3) plugin
- 8 voice polyphony, 2 independent engines with 4 voices each
- Compatible with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and MIDI
- MIDI Input and Output (only available when used as an Audio Unit plugin)
- Limited standalone mode for jamming (full screen, no connectivity)
- 8 independently tunable performance pads for expressive interaction
- Universal, fully scalable to any screen size, supports fullscreen mode in AU hosts
- Freely tunable voices, or quantized to semitones (with overall finetuning)
- iOS10 (MIDI/MPE output from the plugin requires iOS11) or higher

Also contains Mononoke Pads: an extra AUv3 MIDI controller plugin for playing MPE compatible synths using Mononoke's pads. Note: this is a separate plugin which will be installed in your MIDI Plugin collection. Mononoke Pads requires iOS 11.

## Key features

- Feedback routing between voices
- Two independent synthesizer engines
- 8 performance pads for live modulation
- MPE and MIDI input/output (AUv3)
- Expressive soundscape composition
- Scalable universal design

## What do users think of Mononoke?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- ✨ Unique sound design
- 🎹 Incredible sound quality
- 🎶 Excellent MPE playability
- 🎨 Intuitive and great interface
- 💡 Innovative and unique instrument
- 🚀 Fast and easy to work with (in AUM)
- 🎧 Masterfully recreates and improves on Lyra-8
- 🌟 Expressive and evolving drones
- 🎵 Easy to use and make amazing sounds
- 🎛️ Innovative and well-laid-out
- 🤩 Visceral and organismic sound
- 💯 Worth every penny
- ✨ Beautifully expressive synth
- 🌈 Versatile soundscapes
- 🧘 Relaxing and hypnotic sounds
- 🚀 Great for ambient and drone music
- 🎶 Makes ambient music easier and more fun
- 🤩 Incredible textures
- 🎹 Tunable playing pads
- 🎶 Great for soundtracks and soundscapes
- ✨ Ethereal and haunting sounds
- 💯 Brilliant and versatile
- 🎶 Super expressive
- ✨ Darkly warm and hypnotic
- 🎵 Ambient masterpiece
- 🎶 Atmospheric cadence
- ✨ Gorgeous and unique
- 🚀 Expands horizons
- 👍 Accessible yet deep
- 🚀 Drama-in-a-box
- 🌟 Well-thought-out classic
- 🎶 Majestic base for guitar
- ✨ Perfect original sounding synth
- 💯 Favorite synth
- 🎶 Beautiful UI
- 🤩 Great developer
- 🚀 Breaks the mold
- 🎶 Insane in the best way
- 💯 Massive sound
- ✨ Instant purchase developer
- 🎶 Drone-centric

**Cons**

- 🚫 No record function in standalone
- 🎛️ Lacks a dedicated volume knob
- 🎛️ Limited control voltage structures
- ⚠️ Requires an open mind, not traditional synth
- 🤔 Bit of a learning curve

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Notes hang when pressing more than one on MIDI controller
- No aftertouch
- Crashes frequently
- Sound cuts off after a few minutes
- App not appearing as Inter-App or AUv3
- App opens and freezes, does not load

**Most requested features**

- More pads or a play surface page
- Add on top of current features
- More tone shaping controls
- Built-in delay with modulation
- Random button for pads
- Random button for synth

## Recent user reviews (10 of 76)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mononoke/id1492577124/reviews.md

### 5/5 — This one...!!!!! Incredible...Awesome developer

*2026-05-29, version 1.2.2*

Unique mpe playability and absolutely incredible aound design...also the Sampler ... Perfect keyboards and Sonic Heaven!!!!!

### 5/5 — Exactly what I was looking for

*2026-04-20*

Its a mix between a Lyra 8 and an Elmyra 2, very good

### 5/5 — Fun to use

*2025-01-14*

Mononoke is fun and easy to use. Sounds great. Looks great. It could be mistaken for a toy but it's not.
Normally you'd use this as AUv3 in something like Cubasis, GarageBand, Logic, AUM, et cetera (I recommend AUM because it's so fast and easy to work in). Mononoke does not have a record function in standalone, so if you want to capture an impromptu performance record the screen (then separate the audio and video in something like LumaFusion if you just want sound).
The best control and most fun is in using the built-in keyboard. Play around with it and you'll quickly see why.

### 5/5 — Awesome! An instrument of a kind.....

*2024-04-10*

Please continue to update the app as it is-because it is absolutely perfect-almost.. Could use more pads or a play surface page to set up with user input of pads and effect control surfaces live control surface improvements... But please don't change anything as it is, as it's perfect!!! Maybe add on top of it?-it's amazing and unique!!!!!

### 5/5 — Spectacular

*2023-10-17, version 1.2.2*

This is one of my favorite iOS synths. Absolutely incredible sounds, and a great interface for expressions. Kudos to the devs. I adore Mononoke.

### 4/5 — I’ve been chasing that sound

*2023-06-09, version 1.2.2*

I finally took the Euro-Rack plunge after hearing a Radigue recording.  The Arp 2500 modules are intriguing, but this stunning App takes great strides at the price of a sandwich.   And plays with the new Logic Pro.

### 3/5 — Bad Midi Controllability

*2023-06-05*

note to dev: learn to take some criticism for your work. its a great app, just needs some attention in some areas. settle down bram wow

This app makes notes hang when you press more than one on any midi controller. Also there is no aftertouch which makes playing it with a keyboard even more useless. ty.

**Developer response:** Hi, the default control mode is set to MPE. If you want to control it with a standard MIDI controller you can switch to MIDI mode. The switch is in the center of the UI. If you have issues with my apps it’s better to email me than to use the review system.

### 5/5 — This can never go away.

*2022-07-01, version 1.2.2*

I will require this synthesizer in hardware format please.. thank you ;)

### 5/5 — Innovative and very well laid out

*2021-11-25, version 1.2.2*

I gave initially just one star because it wasn’t working, but Bram replied immediately to my request providing the very simple solution.
I’d definitely recommend this unique Synth

### 5/5 — Monster drone synth!

*2021-05-26*

When I first bought this app, I didn’t know what to make of it. Then, I watched videos on the Lyra-8 and everything fell into place. This app masterfully recreates and improves on the original design. Not only does it have the crazy feedback modulations on the oscillators, it has added LFO waves, wavefolding, and MPE sensitive buttons with individual holds and velocity. This synth is worth every penny, and once you delve into modulating the voices and put the presets aside, you will find that this app is every bit as visceral and organismic as the Lyra-8. In my opinion, it is even more so.

## Frequently asked questions about Mononoke

### What does Mononoke do?

Mononoke is an unconventional synthesizer designed to compose evolving soundscapes and musical textures. It utilizes feedback routing between its voices and two independent engines to create complex harmonic and atonal sounds. The app also features performance pads for expressive live modulation.

### What are the key features of Mononoke?

Key features include feedback routing between voices, two independent synthesizer engines with 4 voices each, 8 independently tunable performance pads for expressive interaction, and MPE/MIDI input and output when used as an AUv3 plugin. It also supports universal scaling and fullscreen mode in AU hosts.

### How much does Mononoke cost?

The application is a paid app. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned in the provided description, indicating a one-time purchase model.

### What devices is Mononoke compatible with?

Mononoke is designed as an AUv3 plugin and requires iOS 10 or higher. For MIDI/MPE output from the plugin, iOS 11 or higher is required. It is a universal app, scalable to any screen size.

### How can I use Mononoke with other apps?

Mononoke is primarily designed as an AUv3 plugin and needs to be loaded into a compatible host app such as Garageband, Audiobus, AUM, or Cubasis to connect with other apps and effects. The standalone mode is basic and intended only for jamming and preset creation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.2 — 2021-09-17

Minor internal fix

### 1.2.1 — 2020-03-13

Slightly tweaked the Wavefolder effect to avoid excessive loudness peaks across the range.

### 1.2 — 2020-03-10

What's new in this Mononoke update:
- Dynamic Saw oscillator in the voice section (which can blend in and out with its own LFO)
- Sample&Hold LFO type for rhythmically randomizing your oscillator effects
- Wavefolder between the Mood and Ambiance effect units

### 1.1 — 2020-01-28

Lots of little improvements in this update:
- You can now tune the knobs to a selected scale automatically
- Selected notes are now displayed inside the tuning knobs
- UI optimizations for use on phones

Now also includes an extra MIDI AUv3 plugin: "Mononoke Pads", which lets you play other MPE synths using Mononoke's performance pads. Have fun!

### 1.0.2 — 2020-01-19

- MPE Pitch Bend range is now +/- 24 semitones... bend away!
- Optimized MOOD effect
- Changed default settings when starting the app
- Display of free tuning is now correct in the LCD
- Disabled legacy MIDI CC control on channel 1*

* it is recommended to automate synth settings using AU Parameters. In case you want to change settings using the legacy CC method, make sure you send these controls on channels 2-16. This is to keep channel 1 free for hardware MIDI/MPE controllers while still being able to map knobs to AU Parameters; and to avoid that Mononoke receives parameter changes twice: via AU Parameters and via direct MIDI input. 

More details in the user manual on Ruismaker.com

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## More apps by Bram Bos

- [Ruismaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker/id1122156899)
- [Ruismaker FM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker-fm/id1143644577)
- [Phasemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832)
- [Troublemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/troublemaker/id1180892130)
- [Ripplemaker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripplemaker/id1207806723)
- [Rozeta Sequencer Suite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rozeta-sequencer-suite/id1292546479)

All apps by Bram Bos: https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444

## Related topics

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

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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 2026-08-26.*