Back in 2007 Yamaha launched their popular Tenori-On tone matrix instrument. The original hardware instrument boasted a 16x16 LED step sequencer that gave it a futuristic look and quite a unique way of sequencing music.
The instrument experienced instant success with big name artists such as Bjork, Little Boots and even British comedian Bill Bailey, who used it on his 2009-2010 world tour.
Although the original Tenori on experienced instant success it had quite a high price tag which ment that it's unique charm could only be enjoyed by a cirtain few.
Over the following years we've seen numerous software reincarnations of the tone matrix style of sequencing (especially on the iPhone/iPad) and it was only a matter of time before we saw an official software version of the Yamaha Tenori-On.
The official Tenori on iOS app entered the app store the other week but at £12 I was a little hesitant to buy it. After a little thought and a bit of googling I decided it was indeed worth the price.
The cheapest hardware Tenori-On (the TNR-O) is roughly £500 where as the current price of the iPad 2 is £499 (cheapest wifi only model) so considering that both the devices are pretty much exactly the same price (and I already own an iPad) it makes sence to get the iOS version.
Fair enough, you don't get the same feel as the hardware version and it's nice to have a dedicated instrument for live use but if your just looking to experience the Tenori-On style of sequencing or you're just looking to use some of the sounds included then the iPad version is definitely the way to go.
The iPad is the perfect platform for the TNR-i software. The 9.7 inch touchscreen display really is the perfect way to experience the hands on approach to sequencing that the original Tenori-On offers.
The software version also includes all of the original sounds that are found in the original Tenori-On. Which gives you a wide choice of cool sounds to choose from (127 in total), so you're not stuck with those boring sine wave or basic piano sounds that are overused in most of the other tone matrix sequencers that are floating around the app store.
What's more, the TNR-i features midi in/out via the iPad camera connection kit. This means that if you get a bit tired of using the built in sounds then you can connect it to an external synthesizer or DAW using a midi/USB cable. It also means that you can play the sounds in a more traditional way the sounds using and external midi keyboard.
Another cool feature is that when you connect TNR-i to an external sequencer or a midi keyboard can can edit some of the perameters with CC messages. These include control of the filter cutoff and resonance as well as the attack and release of the amp envolope. You can also control the vibrato depth with the mod wheel and pitch bend with the pitch wheel. These are some pretty basic controls but if you can access them then it turns the app into a really expressive sound modual.
In fact the iPad version of the Tenori-On is pretty much exactly the same as the hardware version. All the sequencing modes are there and the usability is pretty much straight forward (when you get used to the L&R buttons).
At £12 the Yamaha TNR-i app is a really useful (and fun) piece of software, it comes with 127 high quality sounds and some really inspiring ways of sequencing. Couple it with an external midi device and you can get some really creative sounds out of it.
The app is also universal, so I can also have it on my iPhone (at no extra cost) and use it on the go. But for a £10 app I would expect it to be universally compatible anyway (I'm looking at you Korg). The iPhone version is a little small but the zoom feature helps a lot with the tiny size of the LED grid. Even with the small screen on the iPhone it's still very playable and easy to use. But to be honest, the bigger screen on the iPad is better and makes a lot more sence.
The ability to join live collaborations using Apple Game Centre seemed a bit strange to me at first but after thinking about it it does seem like a pretty cool idea. The TNR-i is the ultimate collaberation instrument mostly because if you stick to the in-built scales then you can't really go wrong. Collaborations can often be frustrating if you're working with someone that has absolutely no experience or knolage of music theory. Stick with the scales and they can be as creative as they want without having to worry about staying in the same key as each other.
Look at the original Tenori-On, your getting all of that sequencing power and innovation for a fraction of the price, £12 (rather than £500). It's a steal but you have to wonder how this is going to effect the market for the original Tenori-On.
Pros:
Way cheaper than the real thing
Quality sounds
Fun sequencing
Core midi
Apple Game Centre collaboration
Cons:
The lights don't seem to be bright enough (background should be darker)
L&R buttons can be awquard at first
A bit small on the iPhone
Below is a YouTube video of me showing off some of the performance setting in the Tenori- On app.
Update: just to clarify, the TNR-i app does support both midi in and out. it can send and receive midi messages on 16 midi channels (1 for each of it's layers). This means that it can be a very powerful sequencer for your hardware gear.
