New ideas in sequencing are always welcome, that is to say if they’re actually workable. Not all are, but once in a while you’ll see something that seems to make sense more than the normal sequencing concepts. Perhaps SENODE is one of those. It’s been a long time coming, and perhaps it’ll take time to decide. For now I’ll let you know the app’s details. Here you go:
SENODE is a new music composition app for iPad. It extends the concept of linear step sequencers to a freely connectable graph with an unlimited number of instruments traveling along the edges. The simple “finite state machine” model allows you to create complex polyphonic sequences and play them in real-time!
CREATE COMPLEX SEQUENCES WITH RANDOMIZATION
The core of Senode is a graph of Nodes connected by Edges. You decide if it behaves 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. 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
You can compose and perform your music live using the intuitive multi-touch interface. The on-screen keyboard helps you to visualize and edit notes assigned to the currently selected Node. Drag and connect Nodes with multiple fingers or use the lasso tool. Activate a sequence by sending Tokens onto the graph. Use your fingers to step through sequences manually or tap the master clock. All synth parameters are accessible from the main panel with multi-touch as well.
INTEGRATED SYNTHESIZER
Each Emitter contains a simple but powerful subtractive synthesizer with main OSC (sine, saw, square), sub OSC (sine), 1-pole lowpass filter, stereo reverb and ADSR envelope. Try the demo patches to get inspired!
CONTROL MUSIC APPS AND EXTERNAL DEVICES
Senode is the perfect sequencer for all MIDI-capable apps. If you connect a MIDI interface, you can even control your hardware synths with the app.
EASY COMPOSITION WITH MIDI INPUT AND STEP RECORDING
Use the step record function to create new nodes on the fly, either from single notes or with chord detection. For advanced compositions, we recommend to connect a MIDI keyboard via lightning adapter and capture your song ideas as you play.
REALTIME CONTROL
Senode is made for live music performance. There are no default “beats” or “bars” and all actions are performed in real time. However, Tokens can be quantized to a master 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
– integrated polyphonic synthesizer with sine wave, square and saw oscillators, ADSR, filter and reverb
– unlimited number of steps and directions: cycles, randomized, one-shot – everything possible
– real-time sequencer control with master clock and catch-up quantization
– support for single notes or chords with velocity, legato or fixed-length notes
– chord detection, hold and replace modes
– transpose and clock divide functions
– polyphonic traversal with unlimited number of tokens and different instruments on the same graph
– quickly record nodes or chords via on-screen keybard or MIDI input
– control other music apps or external gear via MIDI
– comes with tutorial and example patches that you can instantly play
SENODE costs $7.99 on the app store now: