Future Retro has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of a new version of their legendary 777 synthesizer, which has been unavailable for more than 2 decades.
The 777 is a monophonic analog synthesizer with a digital sequencer, inspired by the Roland TB-303.
The new version builds on the synth engine of the original. As part of their project plans, they plan to update the sequencer with the remix features of their Revolution synth.
The 777 has been used by The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, KMFDM, Nine Inch Nails, Richie Hawtin, Aphex Twin, BT, Nortec Collective and many others.
The 777 is available to project backers starting at $888.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. Visit the project site for details.
The video, via Oakland Ghosts, takes an in-depth look at the Cyma Forma ALT soundscape synthesizer.
The ALT features five analog voices, a stereo filter inspired by the Korg MS-20, patch-matrix editing, 4 modulation sources and more.
“I’ve been waiting almost 2 years to get this bad boy in my hands,” they note, “and the wait it finally over with the first units currently shipping. Let’s take a look at the artful packaging, what comes in the box and the unit itself with a general overview and first play with this one of a kinds synth!”
Topics covered:
00:00 Intro
01:02 ALT Unboxing
06:24 General Overview
07:00 Voice (Oscillators)
09:06 Notes (changing Scales and Keys)
11:12 Waveshapes
11:45 Build a Chord
12:15 Alter (Filters & Delay)
15:16 Delay
16:08 Movement (Modulation)
17:23 LFO1 to Cutoff on Filter 1
18:34 Random to OSC5 Frequency
20:04 LFO2 to OCS3 Frequency
20:50 LFO2 to Cutoff on Filter 2
21:48 Random to OSC4 Frequency
22:20 LFO1 to OSC2 Amplitude
23:15 ARP to LFO2
24:25 LFO1 to Time
25:55 First Impressions/Final Thoughts
Check out the video and share your thoughts on the Cyma Forma ALT in the comments!
Roland has introduced the Aerophone Brisa, the latest member of the company’s Aerophone family of digital wind instruments.
The Aerophone Brisa combines the design and key layout of a traditional flute with Roland’s SuperNATURAL Winds sound engine, which they say mirrors the immediacy and dynamic control of traditional instruments.
Aerophone Brisa features 100 built-in sounds, including flute family instruments such as concert and bass flutes, piccolos, and jazz flutes, along with saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and other wind instruments. Also included are orchestral strings, world sounds like pan flute and shakuhachi, plus synthesizers and drum sounds.
For flutists, the instrument introduces a unique way to shift octaves by directing their breath between two mouthpiece holes as they play. Flute and trumpet fingering modes are available, along with a special Brisa mode that’s ideal for saxophone and recorder players and anyone new to wind instruments.
Aerophone Brisa’s digital engine allows players to add harmonies and drones, enriching solo and ensemble sessions with tonalities that typically require multiple musicians. There are many ways to control sounds in real time, including customizable thumb and S1/S2 buttons and an integrated motion sensor to apply vibrato, pitch bend, and other effects with simple body movements.
Aerophone Brisa features an onboard speaker, headphone jack, and rechargeable battery, letting you play anywhere. The USB-C port provides audio/MIDI communication with music production apps, and the headphone output can also be used to connect with a sound system for live performances. Bluetooth MIDI is also available to send wireless MIDI data to Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The Aerophone Brisa will be available in November 2025, including on the Amazon site for $1,759.99.
