FutureRetro Announces 777 Re-issue

via Kickstarter

"The Return of a Legend - Our Re-issue of the 777 analog synthesizer with Updated Sequencer Features from the Revolution and Swynx!

In 1997, The 777 was the first 303 clone to include the all-important sequencer, and provide real-time editing of patterns during playback. However, it really was much more than a clone..

...The first 30 units produced were the purple 777 models. Approximately 25 of the blue 777 models were then produced. There were 7 custom hand-brushed silver front panels created, and only 3 of those were ever sold to the public. The white 777 is the only one in existence. The majority of 777’s produced were the black and white models. Notice these models had slightly different screen-printing with the 777 name typed out instead of using a symbol like the first models had. ...It sounded fabulous but also caused the output to increase drastically in volume. So a completely new overdrive stage was implemented on later models that kept the output more consistent as the overdrive was increased. I would say later models had a cleaner sound overall, and slightly better stability.

All 777’s were hand assembled, and the first 200 plus units of the 777 were made entirely by myself. It took at least 8 hours to assemble a single unit. As demand grew for the 777, I hired another hand assembly company to do the majority of component placement, while I focused on final assembly, testing, and tuning of each unit, and the day-to-day chores of running a business. The 777 quickly became the acid synth of choice by many well known artists including: Skylab2000, Uberzone, The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, KMFDM, Nine Inch Nails, Jason Nevins, Air Liquide, Alex Gopher, Richie Hawtin, Aphex Twin, BT, The Juan MacLean, Terra Firma/Union Jack, Nortec Collective, Atomic Babies, Electric Skychurch, and many others. Bands like Hardfloor and Plastikmand inspired the original concept for the 777, with the minimal acid house music they were creating using only a drum machine or two, and a TB-303.

I wanted to create similar music using only the 777, as digital multi-tracking was becoming more accessible at that time. The 777 provided built in distortion to achieve those ripping acid leads that were becoming popular, and also provided enough additional circuitry to allow analog percussion and other sounds to be generated. The 777 was originally called the Bassix, which can be seen printed on the PC boards. Although it was never publicly called this, it was simply a nickname given during development. This was a derived combination of the TB-303’s “Bassline” name and the TR-606’s “Drumatix” name. As this unit could sound like the 303, but its sequencer operated more like the 606 with its live note entry and editing features.

In 2003 production of the 777 stopped, with a total of 678 units being produced in all. These units quickly became collector like commodities, and continue to command high prices in the used market. We are very excited to bring it back! As of 2025 we have been prototyping the 777 for over 2 years to bring it back to the market. We have been through many iterations of the analog board in order to make it sound as much like my personal vintage unit while also designing it for manufacture.

Now we are asking for you help to do it the way we would like to. We are wanting to upgrade the processor and code base so that we have the ability to include the remix feature from the Revolution/Orb sequencers as well as the time signatures and swing features from the SWYNX!"

See Kickstarter for additional details.

Futureretro SWYNX Available in Extremely Limited Quantities & Other Updates / Tariff News

via Futureretro

Futureretro Swynx available in super limited quantities ONLY through our online store.

Using recently found old stock parts, Futureretro has built and is offering the long out of production SWYNX in super limited quantities (less than 10 units available). These use the same chassis, circuit boards, and parts as the original run (knobs are slightly different) and serves as a test for a possible re-introduction of the unit into the Futureretro catalogue in the near future.

The Swynx is a sync box that converts incoming MIDI messages to MIDI clock, DIN sync, CR-78 clock, and Analog clocks. In addition, the Swynx provides the ability to swing the timing of all these clock outputs and select different time signatures in real-time with the front panel controls, and can also act as a CR-78 pattern programmer. After you try it in your setup, you will realize just what you've been missing. For instance, many DIN sync devices do not provide a built-in swing function. And many MIDI sequencers and drum machines suffer from poor implementation of swing, preventing changes to be made live, or only providing swing for 4/4 patterns. Quite a few MIDI sequencers don't offer any swing function, including our own 777 and Mobius products. Now you can apply swing to any MIDI sequencer, and select new time signatures as well Need to sync your analog sequencer or arpeggiator with MIDI gear? No problem! Not only can you do so, but now you can swing the timing of those devices as well. You can even use the analog clock output to Gate the envelopes in a synthesizer. The clock duty cycle is 50% of a note duration. If you are a Roland CR-78 owner, you may have realized finding a WS-1 or TS-1 to program the CR-78 is next to impossible. The Swynx can replicate the programming capabilities of these units, plus provide sync to MIDI, and realtime swing adjustment. The ability to add swing to the CR-78's preset patterns alone will breathe new life into this old friend. The Swing value is accurate to 0.5% providing much more control resolution than is typically found in sequencers and drum machines. The Swynx provides 12 different time signatures to choose from. Some time signatures are duplicate, but provide different shuffle patterns for that time signature. Time signatures include 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, and 6/4. The Swynx is all about making the gear you have sound better!

Swynx Features
Converts MIDI messages to MIDI clock, DIN sync, CR-78 clock, and analog clock
Can be used as a CR-78 pattern programmer
Control over the swing amount
Swing - 50% - 75% (0.5% resolution)
Time-signatures include 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, and 6/4

No more NEW Vectra units will be sent out to stores after this month.
We have a very small order to fill with one US Store that will be filled by the end of May. After that, we will be out of Vectra parts and do not plan on restocking the product. The build time and cost is too excessive for us to continue this unique product. If you are wanting a Vectra and have not yet ordered a unit, the time to get them is now. Please check with your favorite stores for availability.

The 777
Many have asked, many are waiting and wanting to know details. ALL we can say at this point is that this product has been sent back to engineering. The 777 project has been a major undertaking and while close, seemingly minor issues have been exaggerated by parts availability. We continue to work towards this goal but no further information is available.

Furthermore, NO NEW manufacturing can be put in place until tariff issues are worked out.

Future Retro Swynx

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Search for Swynx below for demos and more info.

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Hawkmoth "Dual Ring Modulation in E Minor"

Published on Apr 19, 2016 SGE

"2 sets of 2 analog sine waves from the PerFourmer ring modulating each other, one panned left, the other panned right. The sequences are offset pendulums in e minor scale. Percussion is noise from a WMD Geiger Counter processed by a Microbrute filter and Wombtone phaser.

Sequencers used: 2x Doepfer MAQ, Future Retro Orb & Swynx. Effects used: Roland RE-20, Eventide Space, Chase Bliss Wombtone. Digital Ring Mods: EHX Ring Thing and Expert Sleepers Disting module (VCA mode)."

Roland CR-78 SN 873085 with FutureRetro Swynx

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction
Update: link fixed.

"Metal beat! The Roland CR-78, is it the best drum machine of all time? It is definitely a distinctive and revered instrument, notably providing the backing for countless electronic innovators. This one is very clean, with very good looking tolex for its age, only a little scratch on the logo on the panel, and a little oxidation on the jacks. This machine is fully functional and sounds tremendous. This classic rhythm box includes the Future Retro Swynx (with TRS to stereo TS cable), a Midi/Din Sync converter box which also adds time divisions, swing, and write switch capability for user programming."

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Modbox Swing (Future Retro Swynx modular clock tempo)

Published on Jan 14, 2015 alternatingbitmusic

"Funky little patch I thought worth sharing."

Future Retro Zillion & Swynx

Published on Jul 9, 2014 Switched On



"In this two part series Jered Flickinger of Future Retro gives us an in depth look at the new Swynx and Zillion devices.

Future Retro Annouces Release of 1x4x2 Thru Box

via Future Retro

"We are pleased to announce the release of our new 1x4x2 Thru box. While MIDI Thru boxes have been around for some time, never before has there been a MIDI DIN Sync Thru box.

The new 1x4x2 product provides 4x MIDI Thru outputs and 4x DIN Sync Thru outputs simultaneously. This unit is powered via MIDI so no external power supplies are required.

The 1x4x2 was designed as an output expander for the Future Retro Swynx product, and can also be used as a standalone Thru box.

The 1x4x2 Thru box is now in stock and currently shipping with a list price of $110."

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Future Retro Releases the Zillion and Swynx

"Austin, TX, May 27 2014—Future Retro is proud to announce the release of two new products, the Zillion and Swynx.

The Zillion is a single track algorithmic MIDI sequencer based on the principles of the Triadex Muse. While the Muse used counters and a shift register to generate more than a million musical melodies, the Zillion expands on these ideas to add more features and functionality, providing a zillion possibilities for you to discover.

There are 16 operating modes including: Playback, Tempo, Swing, Direction, Loop, Transpose, Scale, Scale Program, Melody, Rhythm, Velocity, Theme, Shift Register, MIDI OUT, MIDI IN, and Sync.

Many unique features not found in other sequencers.

The Zillion provides the ability to store all parameter settings of where you last were. You can also reset parameters to typical Triadex Muse settings as a quick way of starting new adventures.

This product comes with a universal power supply and can be used anywhere in the world.

Each product is hand made in the USA, has a list price of $300, and is currently shipping.

For more information on the Zillion please visit:
http://www.future-retro.com/zillionoverview.html"

Swynx details and pics below.

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Future-Retro introducing the SWYNX on NAMM

Future-Retro introducing the SWYNX on NAMM from Andreas Schneider on Vimeo.

"SWYNX is a swing generating midi device for midi input and din sync and midi outputs. The Inventor Jered Flickinger alias Future Retro explains all the possibilities including the additional available Thrubox next to it in this video with examples on NAMM 2014."