The SY77 is like having a super-sized sample-memory workstation with the added synthesis and sounds of a DX7mkII. For its synthesizer section it employs a 6 operator AFM synth engine similar to, if not better than, the original DX's. The AFM section offers 45 algorithms, 3 feedback loops and 16 waveforms for creating some of those unique FM sounds. Sampled sounds (AWM2) which are in memory (or on external ROM cards) can then be mixed with the AFM sounds to create entirely wild new sounds! And these sounds are quite shapeable thanks to the resonant multi stage Time Variant Filters which offer the chance to recreate the warm analog sounds of classic synths, or create something entirely new.

There's an on-board sequencer section for creating your songs right on the SY77. It's got 16 tracks, channel 16 belongs to the SY77's built-in drum synthesizer which holds up to 61 sounds. The sequencer can hold up to 16,000 notes, 99 patterns and 1 song. And since the SY77 features 16 voices of polyphony for the AFM section, and another 16 voices for the sampled sounds, there are (32) plenty of voices to go around to build your song. Add the fact that there are 4 independent digital multi-effects which include reverb, delay, chorus, panning and more and you have yourself a classic music production workhorse.

The SY77 was also marketed in a rack-mount module called the TG77. All the same features as the SY77, except the keyboard, sequencer and 3.5" disk drive are gone. Following the SY77 came the upgraded SY99. Its main features and guts were the same however it had increased memory, waveforms and a bigger keyboard. The SY77 (or TG77) is great for really controlling and creating sounds for use in various electronic forms of music and has been used by 808 State, Skinny Puppy, Brian Eno, Europe, Toto, Vangelis, Chick Corea, and Front 242.

Atomichrist

March 24, 2011 @ 9:02 pm

Thanks, I found a new backlight on ebay.

AlterSack

March 6, 2011 @ 5:10 pm

Guess it needs a new backlight. Look here: http://www.midi-rakete.de/ Sorry, it´s mostly german. I just have changed the backlight at a Korg 01/wpro.

Atomichrist

March 3, 2011 @ 2:47 am

Is the screen supposed to be backlit on the SY77? Mine is totally dark.

bret

February 10, 2011 @ 12:44 pm

How one of THE best synths of all time only gets a 4 is beyond me. This thing can replace almost any synth in your vast collection when it comes to it's chameleon powers and it's uniqueness. In the mix the '77 can cut through AND do what would normally take a room full of other synths, all without breaking a sweat.

#1 synth of all time, keep your trendy analogs cos this baby does the lot.

rib

January 29, 2011 @ 12:07 pm

I have the massive TG rack and it's an excellent synth. It has completely updated 6 op. FM which is less noisy than the DX7, has more algorithms, has flexible feedback routing and 15 waves other than sine which are really useful. The AWM section is another world entirely and fits extremely well with the FM. Great filters, bright sounding waves, decent fx (which it doesn't need, unlike most V.A.s). It doesn't sound like a DX synth but it's extremely impressive indeed. Pity they don't make them like this anymore.

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