The 777 is a monophonic analog synthesizer with a digital sequencer. Built with the highest quality of components, the 777 is housed in a rugged aluminum chassis, has solid cherry end pieces, with top of the line knobs, switches, and electrical components. This machine is built to last.
The 777 is capable of reproducing the oh-so-famous sound of the TB-303 in every way, but that’s the least of it. TheTB-303 has only six knobs and one switch to control the sound, while the 777 has all these, plus five times more. There are 32 knobs and 7 switches to be exact, all instantly available with their single dedicated feature. The sequencer part of the synthesizer contains 28 illuminated keys, keeping all the features readily available for the user to tweak at any time. No menus, no virtual analog synthesis–this is the real thing!
Not only can the 777 recreate the TB-303 sounds to a “T” (or should we say “TB”), but it can also produce everything from deep basses to lead synthesizer parts, electronic percussion (kick drums, high hats, snares, toms, etc.), plus all the crazy ambient sounds you can dream of. This is the instrument of the future!
It’s fat, it’s warm, it’s fuzzy, and it’s packed with oodles of cool features. Let’s start with the seven possible audio sources. There’s Oscillator A and B, which both have a continuously variable waveshape from saw tooth to square. Then there’s Sub Oscillator A and B, each being one octave in pitch lower than their respective oscillator and both having square waveforms, with the exception that Sub A has a higher frequency content than Sub B. Also available are a white noise source and an external input jack that allows any external audio to be routed through the filter and amplifier section. And, the filter is capable of self-oscillation, producing sine waves.
For frequency modulation, you can modulate Osc A’s frequency with Osc B and Osc B’s frequency with Osc A. An envelope is also provided to sweep Osc B’s frequency.
The Filter section contains a selectable 3-pole or 7-pole lowpass filter complete with cutoff, resonance, res max, and accent controls. A highpass filter is provided with an adjustable cutoff. A pre-filter gain stage is also standard to fatten up the oscillators.
On the Filter Modulation section, a selectable CV-type switch is present with normal (Standard key follow type), and warp modes. The control voltage amount is also adjustable. Then there’s the continuously variable waveshape control to set the shape for Oscillator B’s frequency to modulate the filter, plus its amount control. There’s also a dedicated envelope with adjustable decay time and amount controls.
Finally, in the Amplifier section, there’s an accent decay and normal decay control for the amplifier’s envelope. You can select either the envelope or a gate to control the Amplifier section. There’s a bass control switch to select either normal or boost. Two different types of overdrives are available with an amount control. There’s also an amplifier accent control, and last but not least a volume knob.
You’re probably saying to yourself, “Hey this thing doesn’t have any LFOs or built-in effects.” Actually, you can get everything from tremolo effects to chorusing and phasing to massive distortion. It all depends on the sound parameters. Users will find that the oscillator cross-modulation can produce an extreme amount of new sounds and effects. Remember, this keyboard doesn’t fit well in the norm of features given on most synthesizers–it goes beyond those limits to complete new possibilities.
The sequencer in the 777 is one of the easiest you will ever use, yet it’s still packed with unique features. There are 256 recordable patterns available, each recording note duration, pitch, accent , glide, loop point, and time signature. If that’s not enough, all editing and recording can be done while the sequencer is running, and it will automatically save all your edits so you don’t have to stop creating! There are 16 songs to arrange the patterns in, each recording its tempo, the bank/pattern for each step, the transposition of each step, and the song loop point. Each of the 16 songs can contain up to 3,580 measures, which is a lot!
The 777 also comes with MIDI for those who like to communicate with machines. You can synchronize via MIDI to an external clock or have the 777 act as a master device, sending clock signals to external sequencers, plus send and receive MIDI Note data, and velocity. The 777 also supports SysEx dumping of patterns and songs. And we wouldn’t want to leave out our brothers, the firm believers in analog, so we included control voltage in/out, gate in/out, accent in/out, filter in, and audio out 1/4″ jacks on the back panel. You can also use the 777 as a MIDI to control voltage converter with CV, Gate, and Accent outputs being controlled by MIDI.
ANALOG CONTROLS
AUDIO SOURCES
Oscillator A: control voltage internal/external, range, waveform (continuously variable from saw to square wave), level
Oscillator B: control voltage internal/external, range, waveform (continuously variable from saw to square wave), level
External Audio In: level
Sub Oscillator A: level
Sub Oscillator B: level
White Noise: level
Filter: (when set to self-oscillate)
FREQUENCY MODULATION
Glide: time variable
Waveform B: continuously variable from saw to square wave to modulate Oscillator A’s frequency
Amount A: amount of effect Oscillator B has on Oscillator A’s frequency
Waveform A: continuously variable from saw to square wave to modulate Oscillator B’s frequency
Amount B: amount of effect Oscillator A has on Oscillator B’s frequency
Envelope Decay: adjustable decay time for the frequency modulation envelope
Envelope Amount: amount of effect the modulation envelope has on the frequency of Oscillator B
FILTER
Gain: amount of pre-filter gain
Slope: selectable 3-pole or 7-pole lowpass filter
Cutoff: adjusts the filter cutoff frequency
Resonance: adjusts the lowpass filter’s feedback (capable of self-oscillating)
Resonance Maximum: adjusts the maximum amount of resonance the filter has
Accent: amount accented notes affect the filter’s cutoff frequency
Highpass: adjustable cutoff frequency for the highpass filter
FILTER MODULATION
CV Type: normal/warp (selects how the sequencer’s control voltage affects the filter
CV Amount: amount of effect the sequencer’s control voltage has on the filter
Waveform B: continuously variable from saw to square wave to modulate the filter
Modulation Amount: amount of Oscillator B to modulate the filter
Envelope Decay: adjusts the decay time for the filter modulation envelope
Envelope Amount: amount of effect the filter’s modulation envelope has on the filter
AMPLIFIER
Accent Decay: adjustable decay time for the accented notes
Envelope Decay: adjustable decay time for non-accented notes
Shape: select the gate or envelope to control the amplifier
Bass: select normal or boost for bass response
Overdrive Type: select normal or phase for the overdrive
Accent: amount of effect accented notes have on a sound’s volume
Volume: level of audio output
SEQUENCER
Number of Patterns: 256 patterns (16 banks x 16 patterns each)
Recorded Pattern Content: note duration, pitch, accent, glide, loop point, time signature
Number of Steps Per Pattern: 3/4 time = 12 steps, 4/4 time = 16 steps max
Note Pitch Range: C1 – D#6
Loop Point: 1 to 16 notes per pattern to loop
Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones
Other Pattern Features: copy and paste patterns, pattern shifting, permanent pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing (for chaining patterns together live), LED chase, real-time editing of pattern information while the sequencer is playing or stopped, sequencer automatically saves all editing
Number of Songs: 16
Number of Steps Per Song: up to 3,580 measures each
Recorded Song Content: tempo, bank/pattern for each step, transpose value for each step, song loop point
Song Pattern Transpose: from -36 to +36 semitones for each song step
Tempo Range: from 20 to 250 beats per minute
MIDI Functions: on/off, channel 1-16
MIDI Sync: internal or external
MIDI Sysex: for backing up patterns and songs
Note Data: transmitted and received
MIDI to CV Converter: converts internal patterns or external MIDI note data into control voltage and gate signals for controlling other analog synthesizers
INTERFACING
MIDI: In, Out
1/4″ Analog Inputs: V/oct CV, gate (positive polarity), accent, external audio
1/4″ Analog Outputs: V/oct CV, gate (positive polarity), accent, master audio out
POWER
12 volt AC input, current rating of 1 amp or 1000 mA
DIMENSIONS
18″ width, 9″ depth, 3″ height
WEIGHT
5 lbs.
777 V3.10 UPGRADE
V3.10 is the latest OS for the 777, which adds numerous features to the sequencer section of the 777. For more information on the V3.10 additional features, please refer to the files available on the 777 Downloads page.
“A strange and wonderful device. Absolutely possesses that indescribable quality of inspirational weirdness that only classics like the TB-303 or MS-20 have… The 777 is the best (and only?) hardware solution for 303-style sequencer programming. Since the sequencer sends CV/Gate and MIDI, I can slave any other synth to it and record the sequences into the computer, which is not possible with any other 303-style device. Far more flexible than any other solution; simply fantastic… I’ve been getting insanely slippery drum-like loops out of the thing, as well as using the audio input to give an interesting wobble to other synths. Truly inspirational gear. A must-have for anybody who’s serious…Destroys all other 303 wanna-be’s. End of story”
– Charlie Clouser (Nine Inch Nails)
“I used to laugh at all the 303-like sound modules coming out, one of the most important things in trying to emulate one is the way it’s sequenced. 16 step, one bar sequencing with the “slide” control is the only way to go! The sound of the 777 can cop the 303 easily, but I like going way beyond. This box is the S#!^…Round, sturdy knobs; deep and hard filters; fat-ass sound… and MIDI; the 777 rocks!”
– Ken Jordan (The Crystal Method)
“HIGHEST DROOLFACTOR!
My favorite piece of gear came in the mail yesterday… The ultimate bang for the buck is the Future Retro 777. It is finally the reincarnation of the TB-303, just much better… and not made in Germany for once… words can’t describe it.”
– Sasha K. (KMFDM)
“First impressions: Wicked! It’s really a crazy beast, and the variety of possibilities is incredible. Very cool to play with. Way more fun than most other synths. Wild stuff.”
– Dennis Barton (Skylab2000)
“I have a TB-303 and its been collecting dust since I got the 777 Future Retro.! I keep coming up with completely unique and new sounds and have had it over six months! Running guitar through it has to be heard to be believed(.You can hear that on the remix of Megadeth’s top ten rock hit “Krush ’em”.) I can’t recommend this piece more, destined to be a classic….”
– Anthony J. Resta [producer/mixer/(Duran Duran, Blondie, Megadeth, etc.)]
“First, take the synth section of the Sequential Pro-One, & a TB-303, blend them up into a fine liquid. Pour out into a mold & bake at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes. What do you have, the Future Retro 777. Make no mistake about it, the 777 is the synth to end all currently made mono synths. It can float like a 303 butterfly or sting like a Pro-One bee. It has the most user friendly sequencer on the planet. Constructed like a Hummer, & looks nice next to your mom’s picture. And, it’s all analogue!! So no stair stepping filters. Get yourself on the waiting list NOW. BTW, I am keeping my 303=0) This thing does cross modulation like you wouldn’t believe. Downright SCARY!”
– Larry Kleinke (Computer Controlled/DJ Frantik)
“So what does it sound like?…Uncompromising, the 777 is one of the most aggressive sounding machines I’ve encountered. From the moment you hit the sequencers run switch you’re met with a barrage of bubbling, gut-wrenching bass that flaps and farts it’s way out your speakers. It really is frightening in it’s intensity…”
– Nigel Lord (Future Music Magazine)
“I am FULLY impressed with the quality of the unit…metal and Wood, the way all synths should be made. And, now for the sound… Back to back with Rebirth (I know that Rebirth is not a real 303, but its all I have on hand for reference) I send sync out of the 777 and play the same pattern, and it sounds identical cept the 777 has a little more groove to it.. It just sounds funkier. I think it lies in the analog oscillators ability to never to behave in exactly the same manner so it sounds like it has more groove to it, plus, the built in distortion kills rebirths foul distortion attempt. The 777 has a HUGE variety of sounds it is capable of that go far beyond rebirth, a real TB-303, and many other synths I have owned. …all displayed within this box…and, all without help from an external sequencer! The sequencer is about as easy as it gets. Of course, it’s a little different than the original 303, but in some ways it’s better and note, patterns, etc. can be changed in real-time.. This is really the do-all box.. BUT it is still the MOST capable TB-303 replica…it is indistinguishable and exact. I cannot stress this enough. I would hand over a TB-303 for a 777. There would be no question about it.”
– Rob Brzykcy (CyborgZero Productions)
My first impressions of it are that it is beautiful, construction is very solid, and last but not least the possibilities for sound are immense. Just that fact alone that the 777 has 32 knobs and 7 switches must give you some sort of idea that a lot more sound design is possible than your typical 303. Anything from the typical to the weirdest is possible. Very cool machine, sounds excellent and highly recommended.
– Brana Gavrilovic (New Science Music)
“A true monster in a box! The 777 isn’t just another clone, its a whole new step in acid music. You can identically recreate the famous acid bassline from the infamous TB 303, and take it to a whole new level with pure ease. Why own a synth that has limitations when you can own one with infinite possibilities? With the 777 you can do things that have never been done, and that’s what people want to hear.”
– Pete Zavala (ReZo-99/HIGH SOCIETY )
“I used your machine and instantly knew I had to have it. I sold my brand new pristine TB-303 the very next day. The 777 is AMAZING!!! I thought I had peed my pants when I started tweaking around with it. Then what sold me is when the neighbors were pounding on their floor! I don’t understand why anyone in their right mind would spend so much money on a TB-303 when they have the 777 at their disposal??? Anyway, keep up the great work!”
– Anthony Close (sensedatum: refluxcompany/nsf)
