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.

gridsleep

September 21, 2011 @ 3:26 am

I've just been reading the TG77 manual. What an incredibly complex and powerful machine. AWM2 and AFM combining and separating and enveloping and adding to each other in unbelievable methods of combination. With the possible exception of the FS1R, the TG77 (or SY77 if you don't have a powerful MIDI keyboard) replaces I don't know how many other synthesizers. I was looking at other ROM and FM synths, thinking what good prices, but I think of my pair of TG77s and I don't feel like wasting the money. Oh, and the TG77 can act like 16 individual synths all at once. Top that.

rib

August 18, 2011 @ 4:02 pm

The SY77 is the Rolls Royce of hardware synthesisers. DX7+++

Matt

July 22, 2011 @ 7:48 am

This is great, powerful sound. ok the rom sounds can't stand up themselves by todays standards, however u can use them as a modulation source. U can get some scary basses out of this thing, however I'm not accomplished enough yet with FM to get more advanced textures, but I'm sure they are possible.
A top synth and low prices - see one in good nick at the right price - get it.
Oh yeah the disk drive may not be working but very easy to fix as it's usually a broken belt.

Steve

April 16, 2011 @ 12:39 pm

Power Brass, searing leads, etheric pads and crystaline EP sounds makes the SY77 one of the all time great digital synths. It took FM to another level after the DX7 and combining it with AWM Sample + Synthesis puts it up there with the Roland D50 and Korg M1 though in my view the SY77 surpasses both of those machines in terms of sheer sonic potential, especially if you're prepared to scratch the surface and get into propgramming it. At current prices coupled with the availability of resources make the SY77 an absolute bargain!

Electrovox

April 5, 2011 @ 2:40 pm

Hi! EL-Replacements for SY77 display
in German:
http://www.backlight4you.com/index.php/cat/c130_EL-Replacements.html
http://www.midi-rakete.de/eng/elfolie.htm
in USA:
http://www.telesisgear.com/id16.html

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