Demystifying the TG77 / SY77 - FM Patch From Scratch 

Glad you like it!

You're welcome!

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you. Also used extensively by Wendy Carlos!

@B M Yes, it is important to have an idea in your head about the kind of sound you’re trying to make before you simply start programming, but with practice you’ll learn how to do it. It does take some time to get to grips with FM synthesis, as even a simple 4 operator synth is very different in its function than a traditional subtractive synth. Even knowing the different algorithms and when to use which one is a whole new world. The SY77 is probably not the first synth I’d suggest to someone trying to learn FM synthesis. I’d suggest checking out something like the Reface DX or even the Opsix. The Reface may simplify it enough that you could get a good understanding of the basics of FM sound creation or the Opsix may be the knobby hands on FM synth you need for faster programming to help you stay inspired. Good luck! The SY77 when learned is such an amazing synth, even by today’s standards!

@@huntergalloway3944 I prefer to have a preset sound an to manipulate that. I prefer to jam and tweak a little. Sound design is a whole other skill level that requires concentration and patience. If I spend too much time menus diving I’ll never have a single jam completed. I can feel the groove leaving when I waste too much time on designing a sound. Not cool… Hats off to designers who can also jam

The best FM tutorials I have seen on RU-vid are by this guy: www.youtube.com/@madFame/videos

Thank you. My next video will show tips and tricks that make the envelopes as easy as any ADSR ;-)

@@unalienate nice. When i get time i will be putting up a sy99 programming series

Awesome! Can't wait to try that out.

@@unalienate Did you ever try?

If you hit the second-to-right button underneath the screen, it will bring up what controls what with regard to modulation. I forget right offhand how to change that up, but it isn’t difficult.

*more expressive ( not more expensive!!)

A dx200 and you got your fm package complete 😉

Hi Wayne. I've recapped my power supply and replaced my display, so though I have had my machine open I'm not a repair expert. Unfortunately, a dead battery wouldn't prevent the machine from turning on. If literally nothing happens (no display, no lights on buttons etc.) you are most likely dealing with a dead power supply. Not something you could replace easily or with off-the-shelf parts. My dad told me when troubleshooting, start with the easiest and cheapest thing first, you might want to take a look at the power cord itself, maybe it's damaged, that would be something any electronic repair guy could fix.

@@ryangallagher4914 Appreciate it. Yeah, no power at all. I will start with the power cord to see if it's cut in any way. Your dad is correct, mine told me the same thing.

Hmm... I'm not sure I understand your question, but the SY77 will send send midi information like note on/off, velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, etc., however I'm not sure what exactly will be sent beyond that if anything. I only have the rack version. Both the SY and TG rely on MIDI sysex information to program patches and unfortunately sysex is handled very differently than say CC messages. Sysex is generally not realtime so you would probably not be able to capture that in a DAW for example. Hope that answered your question.

@@unalienate Thanks for the super quick reply! I believe most synths/keyboards that have real time parameter controllers like sliders and rotary dials will send it out these changes through MIDI so one can record then in the DAW and play them back later. I was hoping that changing parameters in the edit screens would also be sent out like this. I'll have a look at the MIDI implementation chart later. I wouldn't expect the device to send out complete SysEx dump messages on every small tweak as that would be way too slow.

@@nkronert hey guys, just want to let you all know the tg77 does send out sysex messages for every micro tweak of every single parameter. these messages can be recorded into a DAW and played back but not only that, the tg77 can be controlled in real time, just like an analog synth, by a midi controller that can send sysex messages such as the novation sl mk1 and 2 series. i have made several videos about this feature on my channel as well as many others about this fantastic synthesizer! here's a link to something to get started : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1wZfr2SrRjs.html

Yes, and consider it's even one of the few FM synts with a GUI!

Yep, you're right. Didn't notice that I misspoke. Thanks!

It's capable of similar sounds for sure. But it's also capable of a lot the DX series can't do. There's a lot more flexibility in routing feedback, and then there's the whole rompler side of the synth.

There are definite similarities. It can make almost any DX-series sound. But the SY77 also includes sampled sounds. They can be used alone or in conjunction with the FM sounds.

The TG77 can play the DX7 patches,. But it doesn’t sound like a DX7. The DX7 sounds fatter and warmer, and more vintage than TG/SY. Dynamic is better on the DX7. But a DX7 doesn’t sound like a DX7IID or IIFD.

I think the value ranges for DX7 and TG77 don't match 1:1. So even if you load the same patch, the parameters might be slightly off. Consider also the DX7mkI had 12 bit DAC, and the MkII had 16..

Yes. I've investigated and determined it's not so much a "bug" as it is expected unwanted behavior. The issue (I believe) is in the summing math of two carrier operator algorithms. Setting both operators to 127 (max) and velocity scaling to +7 results in wave folding at higher velocity values. Full output scaled up is > 100%. (As a result, both carriers are added but not scaled.) This happens with any algorithms that have only two carriers; algorithms with more don't exhibit this. I think the "bug" is that it doesn't happen with three and four carrier algorithms. ;-)

I have to correct my comment above. It WILL happen with algorithms with more than two carriers. But all carriers must be set 127 and +7. Small point, but still suggests to me that it's working as should be expected, summing and scaling two carriers with the above >100% amplitude and any other carrier with less than 100% amplitude does not result in foldover distortion. Summing any algorithm with all carriers >100% amplitude does.

Just preference. Somehow I really hate working with the mouse and computer to make music or program synths. I think if I went that route, I'd probably just use an FM soft synth. The TG/SY77 have some tricks still lacking in most hardware and VST synths. Maybe I'm just weird--OK, surely I am--but I enjoy working through the little 240x64 window. Well, sometimes anyway. Horses for courses as they say!