Digital Drum Machine
The DR-770 is a direct descendant of the longstanding and popular Boss’ DR “Dr. Rhythm” line of drum machines that dates back to the minuscule DR-55.
The successor to the DR-660, the 770 improves on several aspects, including number and quality of samples, memory, and most of all, it features DPP, useful and lots of fun, especially in a live, jam or rehearsal situation.
The sample ROM is very generous, with many sounds to choose from, including vintage, jazz, hard, electronic, and ethnic samples – most people are not going to miss the expansion capability of other drum machines, such as – say – Roland (of which Boss is part of) ‘s classic R-8.
The 770 is an extremely compact instrument, with the buttons spaced pretty tight next to each other. Two alpha dials serve duty for volume and value changes. The inclusion of ambience and modulation effects is a big plus, especially for genres like reggae (the kits have great echo/delay effects on the right instruments) and electronica that can always benefit from them – as opposed to more classic styles like rock, that pretty much are okay with just a pinch of reverb.
In all, this blue wonder is a great tool for composing, and certainly great-sounding, and thanks to its large sample ROM, can be used in any recording or live situation that requires being able to provide percussion in several different styles.
Boss DR-770 audio demos
Here is the DR-770 on-board factory song:
and following are examples of the preset patterns:
Boss DR-770 manual
Boss DR-770 specs
- light and portable;
- deep editing and programming;
- high quality sounds;
- Direct Pattern Play is an awesome feature;
- On-board FX.
| Year of release | 1999 |
| Polyphony | 14-voice |
| Instruments | 255 |
| Songs | 100 |
| Display | yes, LCD non backlit |
| Preset Patterns | 400 Preset + 400 User |
| Pads | sixteen |
| Pads respond to velocity: | yes |
| Pads respond to aftertouch | |
| Sound generation method: | PCM |
| MIDI: | in, out |
| Sound expansion capabilities: | no |
| Outputs: | One pair stereo out, one individual, phones |
| Effects: | yes |
| Controls: | 2 jog-wheels; buttons; drum pads |
| Pedal controls: | Pedal switch |
| Tape Sync: | n/a |
| Options | Foot Switch: FS-5U Pedal Switch: DP-2 Foot Switch Cable: PCS-31 |
| Dimensions: | 215 (W) x 165 (D) x 59 (H) mm 8-1/2 (W) x 6-1/2 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches |
| Weight: | 715 g / 1 lbs 10 oz |
BOSS DR-770 photos
IM000380.JPG 
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BOSS DR-770 links