
The Tenori-On, by Yamaha, is a unique 16 x 16 LED button matrix performance instrument with a stunning visual display. For DJs & producers it is a unique performance tool enabling them to perform using MIDI and load the TENORI-ON with samples to ‘jam / improvise’ within their set BPMs.
The odd machine’s 16 x 16 LED button matrix is both a performance input controller and display. By operating and interacting with the LED buttons and the light they produce you gain access to the Tenori-On’s numerous performance capabilities.
The Tenori-On provides six different performance and sound/light modes for broad performance versatility, and these modes can be combined and used simultaneously for rich, complex musical expression.
Layers
TENORI-ON layers can be thought of as “performance parts” or “recording tracks.” The TENORI-ON has a total of 16 layers. Separate notes and voices can be assigned to each layer, and all layers can be played together in synchronization.
The 16 layers are divided into six performance mode groups as shown in the illustration below. The six modes have different note entry methods and operation. Up to 16 layers created using different modes can be combined for rich, complex musical expression.
Just FYI, this is not an instrument. Instruments are capable of generating their own sound. This thing you have to input sound into it, somewhat like a beat machine.
Blocks
Once complete set of 16 layers is called a “block.”
The TENORI-ON can store up to 16 programmed blocks (16-layer groups) in memory, and you can switch from block to block instantly during performance.
You could, for example, create a musical composition in one block, then copy that composition to another block and edit it to create a variation of the original composition. Or you can load a number of previously-created compositions into separate blocks from an SD Memory Card and switch between them to create variation during playback.
Still skeptical? Listen to a “song” created by the Tenori-On by clicking on the mp3 link here.
Tags: audio, dj, mp3, music, tenori-on, visual audio, yamaha












One Comment
This looks really cool but I don’t know how practical it would be in actually DJing or producing music.
You should uhh have them send us one so we can uhhh test it out!