Comparison

Fugue Machine vs Senode

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Fugue Machine

This music sequencer uses multiple playheads to create complex melodic patterns inspired by Baroque and serialist composition techniques. Manipulate speed, direction, and pitch to generate unique soundscapes.

Highlights
  • Multi-playhead piano roll
  • Manipulate speed, direction, and pitch
  • Create complex melodic patterns
  • Inspired by Baroque and serialist music
  • Supports MIDI, AUv3 MIDI, Ableton Link
  • Inter-App Audio and Audiobus compatibility
Features
Read full description

A music sequencer reimagined with multiple playheads. "How Bach would have made a sequencer." (Create Digital Music) "A musical feat." (Creator's Project) "A new approach to sequencing." (XLR8R) "A next generation music sequencer." (Ask Audio) Fugue Machine Classic is a tool inspired by composition techniques used in Baroque music and Serialism — e.g. Bach’s canons and fugues, and Schoenberg’s twelve-tone technique. The idea was to design a tool to manipulate a melody’s speed, direction, and pitch, as well as play multiple variations of the melody simultaneously. As it turned out, the best implementation for this was to reimagine one of the most fundamental building blocks of all music sequencers: the piano roll. Fugue Machine Classic is the world’s first multi-playhead piano roll. Create a music sequence and play it back with up to four playheads at once — each at various speeds, directions, pitches, and more. Watch the playheads dance, and hear the complex patterns that emerge. It’s mesmerizing. Fugue Machine Classic supports iPhone, iPad, MIDI, AUv3 MIDI, Ableton Link, Audiobus, Audiobus 3 MIDI, and Inter-App Audio. Thanks to the AUv3 standard, you can run multiple instances of Fugue Machine Classic on a single device when hosted in an AUv3 MIDI host app — like AUM, Logic Pro for iPad, Loopy Pro, and Cubasis.

About

Senode

This app offers a unique approach to music creation using a generative node-based sequencer. It allows for complex, probabilistic sequencing and real-time performance control. Integrate with other music apps or control external hardware for a versatile creative experience.

Highlights
  • Generative node-based sequencing
  • Probabilistic steps
  • MIDI control and binding
  • AUv3 plugin integration
  • Ableton Link sync
  • Integrated subtractive synthesizer
  • Real-time performance control
Features
Read full description

SENODE is an innovative music app based on the idea of finite state machines. It works like a polyphonic modular step sequencer with probabilistic steps. This app is perfect for generative music and complex sequencing setups. Senode syncronizes its clock to Ableton Link or integrates as AUv3 plugin. All actions are MIDI bindable, so the steps can be triggered in real time from drum pads, sensors or other apps – a real live-performance instrument! "Senode is something quite different when it comes to sequencing" - Create Digital Music "I highly recommend Senode to everyone who is interested in generative music. It's such a fun app to work with!" - haQ attaQ "A Killer App!" - A4iRebirth CREATE COMPLEX SEQUENCES WITH RANDOMIZATION The core of Senode is a graph of nodes connected by edges. You decide if Senode acts like a simple vending machine or a complex pinball game. Each node triggers a sound when activated, while edges determine the direction of travel. Instruments are controlled by emitters which send their tokens onto the graph and generate MIDI signals. That means, you can compose a generative music piece for a whole orchestra using the graph notation and a couple of emitters! It gets more interesting if you add random directions or emit multiple tokens at different time positions. GRAPHICAL MULTI-TOUCH INTERFACE Compose and perform your music live using the intuitive multi-touch interface. Create, drag and connect nodes with multiple fingers. The on-screen keyboard helps you to visualize and edit notes easily. INTEGRATED SYNTHESIZER The standalone app contains a simple but powerful subtractive synthesizer with main OSC (sine, saw, square, noise), sub OSC (sine), 1-pole lowpass filter, stereo reverb and ADSR envelope. Try the demo patches to get inspired! MIDI CONTROL AND STEP RECORDING Use the step record function to create new nodes on the fly, from single notes or using the chord detection. Use a drum kit, wearable sensors or any other MIDI device to control the steps of Senode. Enjoy the unique experience of being your own clock! CONTROL MUSIC APPS AND EXTERNAL DEVICES Senode is the perfect sequencer for all MIDI-capable apps. Play in sync with other apps using Ableton Link. Integrate with your favourite DAW using the AUv3 plugin (in-app purchase required). If you connect a MIDI interface, you can even control your hardware synths with the app. REALTIME CONTROL Senode is made for live music performance. There are no default "beats" or "bars" and all actions are performed in real time. Tokens can be quantized to a clock (16th resolution) and support catch-up, which means you can hit all functions like a drummer "on the spot" and stay in sync, even if you're too early or a little late. By the way, the really cool stuff will happen if you break free from 4/4 bar schemes, start your sequences on off-beat timings or create crazy polyrhythmic cycles... KEY FEATURES - innovative non-linear graphical sequencer with draggable multi-touch interface - standalone app and AUv3 MIDI plugin (in-app purchase required) for iPad and iPhone - unlimited notes or chords per step with velocity, legato or fixed-length notes - unlimited number of steps and directions: cycles, randomized, round-robin, one-shot - multi-timbral patches with polyphonic emitters - live arpeggiator mode with hold and monophonic option - integrated polysynth with sine, square, saw and noise OSC, ADSR, filter, reverb - real-time sequencer control with clock sync and catch-up quantization - scene handling for creating song arrangements - MIDI device input and output - velocity-sensitive binding support for all sequencer operations like step, emit, tick, trigger or clear - tempo and start/stop synchronization using Ableton Link - step recording with chord detection - copy and paste functionality - transpose and clock divide functions - comes with tutorial and example patches that you can instantly play See senode.org for more details.

Screenshots

Fugue Machine4 screens
Senode2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Fugue Machine at none against Senode's 3. Fugue Machine also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 5 months) and review sentiment (90% vs 68%). Senode's advantage is price ($12.99 vs $19.99). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Fugue Machine costs $19.99 and Senode $12.99 up front. Senode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Fugue Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Fugue Machine holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Fugue Machine has 623 ratings behind it against 35, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Fugue Machine's written reviews are positive against 68% of Senode's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fugue Machine ships an update every 8 days, Senode every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Fugue Machine versus Senode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFugue MachineSenode
Price$19.99$12.99 — better
Rating4.9 (623 ratings) — better4.6 (35 ratings)
Positive reviews90.3% of reviews — better67.7% of reviews
Number of ratings623 — better35
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexandernautSebastian Arnold

Customer experience

Fugue Machine

All ratings623 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.4%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews238 reviews
Positive90.3%
Neutral5.0%
Negative4.6%

Senode

All ratings35 ratings
Positive88.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews31 reviews
Positive67.7%
Neutral16.1%
Negative16.1%

In-app purchases

None

Fugue Machine

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Senode

One-time3
  • AUv3 pluginFree
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Generous Tip$4.99

Questions

Is Fugue Machine free?
Fugue Machine costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Senode free?
Senode costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Fugue Machine or Senode?
Fugue Machine is rated higher. Fugue Machine averages 4.9 out of 5 from 623 ratings, while Senode averages 4.6 from 35 ratings.
Do Fugue Machine or Senode have ads?
Neither Fugue Machine nor Senode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fugue Machine or Senode?
Fugue Machine ships an update every 8 days, and Senode every 5 months. Most recently, Fugue Machine was updated on September 17, 2026 and Senode on September 1, 2026.

Other comparisons