Fugue Machine: Your "Happy Accident" iPad Sequencer

I'll level with you. I know this app has been out for a while, and there are countless demos on YouTube showcasing its amazing capabilities. I get it. But now, it’s my turn to give a shoutout to this incredible app and its developer, and to send a last call to anyone who hasn’t finished their beer or given this app a try. What app, you ask? Well, I’m talking about:

The Fugue Machine on iOS

Let me ask you this: Do you think I’d spend my Saturday night writing about an 8-year-old app unless it was practically my default Audio Unit in AUM every time I open it? Probably... But the truth is, it has become my most-used app, hands down. That’s why I wanted to take a moment to praise its existence and highlight what it has brought to my workflow, both on and off the iPad.

Developed by Alexandernaut, Fugue Machine is no ordinary sequencer. It’s a multi-playhead sequencer, meaning that it allows you to create complex, interweaving musical patterns by running multiple sequences simultaneously. Each playhead can move independently, at different speeds, directions, and starting points, allowing for a unique and dynamic approach to melody creation. The app’s design is a nod to the classical fugue, where different musical lines interact and develop in harmony with one another.

Why Fugue Machine Stands Out - MIDI

Fugue Machine’s true brilliance lies in its ability to connect with hardware synthesizers via MIDI. This opens up a world of possibilities for those who want to integrate their digital compositions with physical instruments. By sending different sequences to different synths or channels, you can create a complex, layered sound that’s incredibly satisfying to listen to and perform.

Moreover, with the addition of AUv3 MIDI support, Fugue Machine’s capabilities are exponentially expanded. You can now run multiple instances of the app, each controlling different elements of your composition. This turns your iPad into a veritable orchestra, where each Fugue Machine instance contributes to a massive, evolving soundscape.

The Verdict: I've used this app more than deodorant

Having used a variety of iPad sequencers over the years, I can confidently say that Fugue Machine stands out in a way that few others do. It’s strange that there isn’t a desktop VST version of this tool, especially considering the plethora of VST sequencers available. Yet, none of them seem to capture the magic that Fugue Machine does. What I love most about Fugue Machine is its ease of use combined with the unexpected, “happy accidents” it produces. It’s these moments of serendipity that make creating with Fugue Machine so enjoyable. The multi-playhead approach invites experimentation, leading to surprising results that can spark new ideas and directions in my music. It’s a rare combination of simplicity and depth, making it an indispensable part of my creative process.

So, if you’re looking to push the boundaries of your musical creations, Fugue Machine is an app that deserves a place in your toolkit. With its unique multi-playhead functionality, seamless MIDI integration, and AUv3 support, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.

Fugue Machine is Available Now for $20 on IOS (iPhone and iPad).