Workstation with FM and AWM sample playback. FM operators 6 to 16 waveforms, 45 algorithm, three feedback loops configurable injection or white noise waveform in AWM operators with adjustable level.
AWM 48KHz with sixty waveforms (included percussion)
2 multi-effects (chorus / flanger + reverb / delay / distortion) is used simulanément 4 effects on the voice.

A voice is composed of 1 or 2 element FM and AWM element 1 or 2 (mono possible). Each element passes through two filters in series 12dB/oct LPF and which one is the other LPF or HPF configurable. The resonance is common to both.
You can assign the cutoff velocity but not the amplitude of the filter envelope, which is unfortunate.
2 LFOs per voice which one can modulate the pitch.
Otherwise envelope generators have four break points and can loop over the segment you want (cool!)

Each element has its voice settings range, velocity, etc.., Pitch envelope and (original) pan!

Multi 16 votes.
Sequencer 10,000 events, 1 piece, 16 tracks including one for patterns (100), KSEQ proprietary format (not recording and will not play MIDI files)
2 sets of stereo outputs, if connectivity standard. Two modulation wheels.
Sturdy construction and nice keyboard compared to current stews.

UTILIZATION

The manual is adequate without being exhaustive. The screen is not too many parameters to display. Navigation requires the use of the ENTER key not very conveniently located on the numeric keypad. Can enter values ​​for alpha-dial potentiometer, + / - buttons or digitally.
Screen but 2 or 3 tenths of a second to change is rapid but not immediate. Its brightness is adjustable but in general there's nothing too.

I find it convenient to use enough given the number of parameters. The screen can display curves, keyboard or things like that that help visualier what we do.
The copy function is very convenient (adpate is the context from which it was called).
I regret qu'li there are only 64 user memories voice.

Also, given the power of this machine, it does not sound in 5 minutes, it requires to spend time, you better enjoy it!

SOUNDS

Thanks to the improvement introduced by Yamaha FM SY-77 can produce sounds much more varied than the DX-7, and the combination with the AWM really makes the possibilities endless!
Effects are downright bad (even for me who did not usually there too manic above) is faintly audible but the chorus goes easily if necesary DX-7 with simple tips for programming. It has at least the advantage that are in a multi-mode sound almost like "voice"!

There are some great sounds in all fields (EP, strings, wood, clavicle, organs, perceived chromatic synths and of course), and even if they are not always as realistic as rompleurs present, they have a life and charm that only allows FM. The bass is punchy, highs are clear and vivid. This is one of the few digital synths you can put next to a D-50 that do not crash!

There really is (too) little drum sounds, the bare minimum and it sounds like drum machines RX -> it is better to love her 80 or go without!

OVERALL OPINION

I for 1 month and I spend all my free time on it. This synth is the most "inspiring" I know (with D-50), the quintessence of FM technology from Yamaha.

I love his synthesis engine. I rather regret the way we navigate and requires to press a lot of buttons, but a free editor for Atari exists. I regret that the effects are not better, they suck.

I have a TX-81Z and I owned a DX7II/FD, I wanted to find the FM synthesis to 6 operators. For less than a DX7 I infinitely better with the SY-77 sequencer as a bonus! I paid € 200 for SY-77 to review a little, but it is a very good choice I would do without hesitation.