Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $175

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the rhythm with the Boss DR-770 Dr. Rhythm, your compact powerhouse for creating dynamic beats and grooves. This drum machine stands out with its 255 percussion sounds and extensive library of 400 preset patterns, making it a versatile tool for musicians and producers alike. Whether you're crafting ambient textures or laying down solid grooves, the DR-770's velocity-sensitive pads and on-board effects offer tactile control and sonic flexibility. Its user-friendly interface and expansive memory make it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances. Let the Boss DR-770 be the backbone of your rhythm section, where inspiration meets precision.

Key Features:

  • 255 percussion sounds for versatile beat-making
  • 400 preset patterns to jumpstart your creativity
  • Velocity-sensitive pads for expressive performance
  • On-board effects for sonic sculpting
  • 10,000 pattern memory for extensive composition

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model DR-770 Dr. Rhythm
Finish Blue
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads 16 Pads
Polyphony 14 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Boss DR-770 drum machine?

The Boss DR-770 features 255 high-quality drum and percussion sounds with revamped samples, 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic playing, and a polyphony of 14 voices, making it versatile for various music styles.

Does the Boss DR-770 support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Boss DR-770 includes both MIDI input and output, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

How many pads does the Boss DR-770 have, and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Boss DR-770 is equipped with 16 pads, which are velocity-sensitive, providing dynamic response and expressive rhythm programming.

Is the Boss DR-770 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss DR-770 is designed for both studio use and live performances, offering a range of high-quality sounds and user-friendly features that make it suitable for various live settings.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Roland Boss DR 770 Promo (1999)

Video thumbnail for Roland Boss DR 770 Promo (1999) by Perfect Circuit

Roland Boss DR 770 Promo (1999)

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Demo Boss Drum Machine DR-770 by MaerooBand @ KKBA

Demo Boss Drum Machine DR-770

MaerooBand @ KKBA

MaerooBand @ KKBA

Video thumbnail for Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-770 Plugging it in and showing some samples by Alan Smith

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-770 Plugging it in and showing some samples

Alan Smith

Alan Smith

Video thumbnail for BOSS DR-770 DR. RHYTHM Factory Demo Songs 1996 by Synthesizer Home

BOSS DR-770 DR. RHYTHM Factory Demo Songs 1996

Synthesizer Home

Synthesizer Home

Video thumbnail for Boss Dr-770 Test by U S.

Boss Dr-770 Test

U S.

U S.

Video thumbnail for Polyend Seq with Juno-106 Boss DR-770 by Polyend

Polyend Seq with Juno-106 Boss DR-770

Polyend

Polyend

Reviews

PROS

  • User "Kits" allow for adaptable/interchangeable sounds, ideal for creating soundscapes

  • Intuitive interface makes it player-friendly and easy to use

  • Versatile with the ability to assign different drum kits to preset patterns

  • Good sound quality, especially through a PA system

  • Design influenced by Roger Linn, enhancing its sound capability

  • Affordable for the features it offers

CONS

  • Prone to overheating, especially the internal processor and power adaptor

  • Limited appeal for those highly interested in MIDI and advanced programming

  • Can feel outdated for some users, despite its solid performance in basic functions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DR-770.

Use cases and applications

  • One owner describes the DR-770 as an excellent metronome, highlighting its utility beyond standard drum machine functions.

    Source
  • The DR-770 is connected to Squarepusher, who used its predecessor, the DR-660, as a main drum sequencer on his debut album, adding a layer of credibility for experimental electronic music producers.

    Source
  • The ability to stop recording without playback interruption is a crucial feature for live pad performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DR-770 is noted for having punchier kicks and snappier snares compared to the Alesis SR-16, appealing to those seeking more dynamic electronic sounds.

    Source
  • DR-770 surpasses DR-670 with individual output, making it more versatile for live performances.

    Source
  • The TR-505 is noted for easier beat programming and more usable built-in patterns compared to the DR-770, despite being less flexible.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Internal battery replacement is straightforward if the coin cell holder is intact; a video guide simplifies this process.

    Source
  • Owners caution against using generic Chinese power adapters due to potential overheating and damage, recommending original BOSS Japan AC power adapters instead.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DR-770 allows parameter modifications like decay, pitch, and effects, with real-time note value adjustments, enhancing live jamming flexibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience cross-talk issues with upper row pads, causing double triggers, which are challenging to fix.

    Source
  • The DR-770 is favored for producing unconventional electronic sounds, offering an alternative to the more traditional, real-sounding drum patterns of the SR-16.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss DR770

soundonsound.com

The Boss DR-770 impresses as a versatile, no-nonsense drum machine with a rich collection of sounds and user-friendly features. Its high-quality samples and intuitive interface make it a worthy successor to the DR660. While the effects are basic and the display could be brighter, the DR-770's new sound set, dual footswitch capability, and abundant user pattern space are significant enhancements. However, it falls short in MIDI real-time control and lacks multiple individual outputs, which might limit some advanced users. Overall, it's a solid, all-around beatbox ideal for both studio and live settings.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
k_g_b_

Quick, easy beats for cheep

Interface designed by Roger Linn, it sounds good (better when run through some effects). It's usually only $100, so why not get it and make some sweet beets?

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Boss DR-770

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified

This vintage drum machine was sold on Billy Corgan’s official Reverb.com shop.

See how Orgue Electronique uses Boss DR-770

Orgue Electronique

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Sternstudio

Orgue Electronique uses the Boss DR-770, similar to the DR-660 but with distinct features, as noted on Sternstudio's website.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DR-770, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ensoniq EPS
Ensoniq EPS Audio Samplers
1
Kawai R-100
Kawai R-100 Drum Machines
1
Casio RZ1
Casio RZ1 Drum Machines
1
x0xb0x
x0xb0x Synthesizers
1
Siel DK-80
Siel DK-80 Synthesizers
1
Korg 707
Korg 707 Synthesizers
1

More Boss Drum Machines

Boss DR-670

$132.44 - $218.00

# 84

Rank

Noko (Ryōsuke Ōshima)
1 artist using
Boss DR220E

$23.49 - $114.99

 
Aeroplane Wojtek Olszak
2 artists using
Korg Volca Beats

$119.99 - $159.99

# 6

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Damon Albarn
53 artists using
Korg Volca Kick

$109.99 - $159.99

# 20

Rank

Damon Albarn emma essex Ela Minus
7 artists using
Behringer RD-9

$237.00 - $339.00

# 26

Rank

Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey goreshit Kerrie
7 artists using
Korg Volca Drum

$119.99 - $159.99

# 30

Rank

Ricky Jamaraz Xarakter Doviak
4 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides