Comparison

Senode vs Fugue Machine Rubato

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

Head to head
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.

About

Fugue Machine Rubato

This app offers a unique musical canvas for creating and manipulating MIDI sequences. It features a nonlinear time engine that allows for expressive acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes of playheads, along with robust parameter automation for notes and other elements.

Highlights
  • Time-bending playheads
  • Parameter automation
  • Nonlinear time engine
  • Sculpt envelopes with curves
  • Up to eight playheads
  • Per-playhead note echoes
  • Multiple MIDI outputs
Features
Read full description

Bend time. Automate notes. A single grid as a multi-dimensional musical canvas — for iPad, iPhone, and Mac. Fugue Machine Rubato dives deeper into the multi-playhead piano roll concept of Fugue Machine Classic by adding time-bending playheads, parameter automation, and much more. At the heart of the sequencer is a nonlinear time engine that lets playheads move with a natural — or surreal — feel. Unlike conventional sequencers, where time advances at a constant rate, time in this engine can expressively accelerate, decelerate, freeze, and change direction. Playheads are now free to swing, strum, bounce, move elastically, and more. Built upon the time engine is a robust parameter automation system with time-bending automation playheads and envelopes sculpted with points, curves, and shapes. Nearly everything can be automated — even the notes. Eight years in the making, Fugue Machine Rubato is rock-solid and absolutely packed with features. HIGHLIGHTS • Bend time with curves, rates, and offsets • Automate notes and nearly everything else • Sculpt envelopes with curves and shapes • Position playheads anywhere on the grid • Play up to eight playheads at once • Apply note echoes per-playhead • Arpeggiate notes from multiple playheads • Blend notes from multiple playheads • Offset, stack, spread, and invert pitches • Clamp, compress, and expand velocities • Program drums via per-note Drum Trigs • Route notes to up to eight MIDI outputs • Organize patterns in nestable folders • Launch patterns quantized to the beat • Revert state via auto-saved Snapshots • Learn contextually via popovers • Explore ~150 built-in patterns • Control via touch, keyboard, and cursor • Resize Mac window at native resolution COMPATIBILITY Fugue Machine Rubato supports iPad, iPhone, Mac (Intel & Apple Silicon), Ableton Link, MIDI, and AUv3* MIDI. With the included AUv3 MIDI plugin, you can run multiple instances of Fugue Machine Rubato within AUv3 host apps — like AUM, Logic Pro for iPad, Loopy Pro, and Cubasis. UNIVERSAL APP — ONE-TIME PURCHASE Pay once and use on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. LEARN MORE — TRY A FREE DEMO To learn more or try a free demo via TestFlight, visit fuguemachinerubato.com.

Screenshots

Senode2 screens
Fugue Machine Rubato4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Senode at $12.99 against Fugue Machine Rubato's $39.99. Senode also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). Fugue Machine Rubato's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and device support 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

Senode costs $12.99 and Fugue Machine Rubato $39.99 up front. Senode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Fugue Machine Rubato asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Fugue Machine Rubato holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 35 and 68 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Senode's written reviews are positive against 75% of Fugue Machine Rubato's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Senode ships an update every 5 months, Fugue Machine Rubato weekly. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Senode versus Fugue Machine Rubato: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSenodeFugue Machine Rubato
Price$12.99 — better$39.99
Rating4.6 (35 ratings)4.8 (68 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.8% of reviews74.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3568 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSebastian ArnoldAlexandernaut

Customer experience

Senode

All ratings35 ratings
Positive88.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive68.8%
Neutral15.6%
Negative15.6%

Fugue Machine Rubato

All ratings68 ratings
Positive95.6%
Neutral1.5%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews63 reviews
Positive74.6%
Neutral6.3%
Negative19.0%

Bugs and requests

Senode

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Fugue Machine Rubato

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Doesn't work with Logic Pro
  • Compatibility issues with older macOS versions

Requested features

2 requests
  • Add a parameter randomizer feature
  • Improve documentation and provide a complete manual

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Senode

One-time3
  • AUv3 pluginFree
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Generous Tip$4.99
None

Fugue Machine Rubato

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Senode free?
Senode costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Fugue Machine Rubato free?
Fugue Machine Rubato costs $39.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Senode or Fugue Machine Rubato?
Fugue Machine Rubato is rated higher. Senode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while Fugue Machine Rubato averages 4.8 from 68 ratings.
Do Senode or Fugue Machine Rubato have ads?
Neither Senode nor Fugue Machine Rubato shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Senode or Fugue Machine Rubato?
Senode ships an update every 5 months, and Fugue Machine Rubato weekly. Most recently, Senode was updated on October 16, 2026 and Fugue Machine Rubato on October 16, 2026.

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