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Roland Fantom-G6 61-Key Sampling Workstation
Advanced sound engine with double wave capacity of previous Fantoms. ARXexpansion ready.
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For a limited only! Purchase a new Fantom-G6 and get a FREE M-Audio Microtrack II (a $199 value!). Must select "New, with Free M-Audio Microtrack II" option.
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Searching for a workstation keyboard that can truly "do it all"? It's not an easy task. Some workstations are powerful but clunky, better suited to the studio, whereas others are fantastic stage instruments with only limited sequencing ability. The Roland Fantom G6, on the other hand, is equally impressive both on tour or as part of your production studio.
A stage and studio instrument? It seems like a contradiction, but the Fantom G is sure to defy any expectations you might have as to what a "workstation keyboard" is. It's got thousands of beautiful, sophisticated sounds, yet they're easy to access quickly and adjust on the fly. It's got a powerful sequencer that supports both MIDI and audio recording, yet the smart control layout and mouse support make it easier to navigate than most computer-based software. It's a road-worthy, rugged instrument, yet it's one of the sexiest looking keyboards around with its huge, full color LCD screen and gleaming aluminum chassis.
SuperNATURAL Sounds
Regardless of how sexy the Fantom looks, how many functions it boasts, and how easy it is to learn, a sub-par sound would be a deal-breaker. Fortunately, the Fantom G boasts all these amazing features as well as one of the most amazing sound engines in the industry. The Fantom line has always been hailed for the quality of its voices, and this newest incarnation has double the wave capacity of its predecessor. Classic acoustic and electric piano sounds, thick and flexible synth patches and an assortment of orchestral sounds all sound impressive, but the Fantom G really shows off its stuff when you add an ARX SuperNATURAL expansion board to one of the Fantom's two expansion slots. SuperNATURAL is one of the most powerful synthesis engines at any price range; it's called SuperNATURAL, because the sounds these expansion card produce goes beyond realism. For example, the ARX-01 card specializes in incredibly detailed and realistic drum sounds, and thanks to SuperNATURAL technology, you can build the simulated drums from the ground up, dictating things like shell width, wood type, snare buzz and room dimensions. Since the ARX expansion cards sport their own processor, the complex sound generation won't slow down your Fantom in the least. If you dig tons of layered, lush, stereo effects, the Fantom is your best friend. Each multi-voice patch can support up to 22 simultaneous effects, with extensive routing and editing options to keep the tweak-prone happy for hours on end.
Touring Machine
You'll undoubtedly want to show these stunning sounds off on the road, and the Roland Fantom G6 is geared for world-class live performance. Like a luxury sports car, the Fantom has the power of a sophisticated machine, but the feel of a finely-tuned instrument, due in large part to the G6's top-notch, semi-weighted keyboard. 61 "Ivory Feel" keys have the action of a concert-class piano. They're quick and robust enough for the most wicked of chops-meisters, but anyone who's tickled some real ivories will appreciate their satisfying feel. The Fantom's intuitive control layout also contributes to the keyboard's live credentials. Eight sliders provide quick control over assignable parameters live multi-voice mix levels, and five rotary encoders are solid and smooth; in conjunction with the combination pitch-bend/modulation joystick, the additional real-time tactile controls make every patch even more expressive, and are sure to inspire some wild live performance moments. The phenomenal "Ivory Feel" keys are matched by equally responsive, groove-box style trigger pads. These sixteen rubberized pads can be used to trigger samples, construct rhythm patterns, play loops or mute or un-mute individual channels in a sequence for DJ-style dropouts. Clever organizational features like "Set List" make it easy to access specific sounds quickly on stage, and the huge LCD screen makes it easy to double-check every aspect of a patch with a mere glance.
More Than A Sequencer, A Complete Studio
The generous screen also comes in handy when you're using the Roland Fantom G in its alter-ego mode: as a totally decked-out production studio. Any workstation is going to have a sequencer on-board for composition, but the Fantom G6 boasts Roland's "Power Sequencer", a fully fledged, multi-track audio and MIDI sequencer that behaves more like a computer-based DAW than a traditional keyboard workstation. The Fantom G's arranger can handle up to 24 real audio tracks in addition to 128 MIDI tracks, with an expandable recording memory for up to almost two hours of CD-quality digital audio. With its plethora of analog inputs, audio can be recorded from just about any source--even high-end condenser mics--thanks the the phantom-power-supplying, Neutrik "combi" XLR-1/4-inch jack. Use it to sample live drums, record studio-quality vocals, or plug a Hi-Z instrument like a guitar or bass directly in and make use of the Fantom's guitar-based effects. The G6's sliders, rotary knobs, four-way cursor control and Jog Wheel make it easy to operate and navigate through the mixer window and effects patch lists, but the Fantom G also supports USB mouse integration. Who needs a computer?
The Roland Fantom workstation has been around for almost nine years now, and with every iteration they get more powerful, sound more amazing, and are even easier to use. If you're looking for a single instrument that can master every aspect of modern music, from performance to composition to production, look no further than the Roland Fantom G6.
A stage and studio instrument? It seems like a contradiction, but the Fantom G is sure to defy any expectations you might have as to what a "workstation keyboard" is. It's got thousands of beautiful, sophisticated sounds, yet they're easy to access quickly and adjust on the fly. It's got a powerful sequencer that supports both MIDI and audio recording, yet the smart control layout and mouse support make it easier to navigate than most computer-based software. It's a road-worthy, rugged instrument, yet it's one of the sexiest looking keyboards around with its huge, full color LCD screen and gleaming aluminum chassis.
SuperNATURAL Sounds
Regardless of how sexy the Fantom looks, how many functions it boasts, and how easy it is to learn, a sub-par sound would be a deal-breaker. Fortunately, the Fantom G boasts all these amazing features as well as one of the most amazing sound engines in the industry. The Fantom line has always been hailed for the quality of its voices, and this newest incarnation has double the wave capacity of its predecessor. Classic acoustic and electric piano sounds, thick and flexible synth patches and an assortment of orchestral sounds all sound impressive, but the Fantom G really shows off its stuff when you add an ARX SuperNATURAL expansion board to one of the Fantom's two expansion slots. SuperNATURAL is one of the most powerful synthesis engines at any price range; it's called SuperNATURAL, because the sounds these expansion card produce goes beyond realism. For example, the ARX-01 card specializes in incredibly detailed and realistic drum sounds, and thanks to SuperNATURAL technology, you can build the simulated drums from the ground up, dictating things like shell width, wood type, snare buzz and room dimensions. Since the ARX expansion cards sport their own processor, the complex sound generation won't slow down your Fantom in the least. If you dig tons of layered, lush, stereo effects, the Fantom is your best friend. Each multi-voice patch can support up to 22 simultaneous effects, with extensive routing and editing options to keep the tweak-prone happy for hours on end.
Touring Machine
You'll undoubtedly want to show these stunning sounds off on the road, and the Roland Fantom G6 is geared for world-class live performance. Like a luxury sports car, the Fantom has the power of a sophisticated machine, but the feel of a finely-tuned instrument, due in large part to the G6's top-notch, semi-weighted keyboard. 61 "Ivory Feel" keys have the action of a concert-class piano. They're quick and robust enough for the most wicked of chops-meisters, but anyone who's tickled some real ivories will appreciate their satisfying feel. The Fantom's intuitive control layout also contributes to the keyboard's live credentials. Eight sliders provide quick control over assignable parameters live multi-voice mix levels, and five rotary encoders are solid and smooth; in conjunction with the combination pitch-bend/modulation joystick, the additional real-time tactile controls make every patch even more expressive, and are sure to inspire some wild live performance moments. The phenomenal "Ivory Feel" keys are matched by equally responsive, groove-box style trigger pads. These sixteen rubberized pads can be used to trigger samples, construct rhythm patterns, play loops or mute or un-mute individual channels in a sequence for DJ-style dropouts. Clever organizational features like "Set List" make it easy to access specific sounds quickly on stage, and the huge LCD screen makes it easy to double-check every aspect of a patch with a mere glance.
More Than A Sequencer, A Complete Studio
The generous screen also comes in handy when you're using the Roland Fantom G in its alter-ego mode: as a totally decked-out production studio. Any workstation is going to have a sequencer on-board for composition, but the Fantom G6 boasts Roland's "Power Sequencer", a fully fledged, multi-track audio and MIDI sequencer that behaves more like a computer-based DAW than a traditional keyboard workstation. The Fantom G's arranger can handle up to 24 real audio tracks in addition to 128 MIDI tracks, with an expandable recording memory for up to almost two hours of CD-quality digital audio. With its plethora of analog inputs, audio can be recorded from just about any source--even high-end condenser mics--thanks the the phantom-power-supplying, Neutrik "combi" XLR-1/4-inch jack. Use it to sample live drums, record studio-quality vocals, or plug a Hi-Z instrument like a guitar or bass directly in and make use of the Fantom's guitar-based effects. The G6's sliders, rotary knobs, four-way cursor control and Jog Wheel make it easy to operate and navigate through the mixer window and effects patch lists, but the Fantom G also supports USB mouse integration. Who needs a computer?
The Roland Fantom workstation has been around for almost nine years now, and with every iteration they get more powerful, sound more amazing, and are even easier to use. If you're looking for a single instrument that can master every aspect of modern music, from performance to composition to production, look no further than the Roland Fantom G6.
Introducing the most powerful and luxurious live workstation in Roland history. The Fantom-G is a dream instrument that redefines the boundaries of playability and creativity with its advanced sound engine, revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, large-sized color LCD, powerful new audio/MIDI sequencer and more.
Features
Advanced sound engine with double wave capacity of previous flagship workstations
2 x ARXexpansion with SuperNATURAL — the world’s greatest performance-expression technology
Graphic user interface with extra-large 8.5 inch wide color LCD and mouse connectivity
Newly developed onboard audio/MIDI sequencer with 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks
Multi-FX for each part; up to 22 effects routings can be programmed simultaneously
Heavy-duty casing with aluminum panel
Advanced Sound Engine
Driven by a powerful new audio processor, the Fantom-G provides new sonic depth and versatility. With twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains a treasure trove of Roland’s world-famous SRX-quality sounds, but what really sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful live workstation.
SuperNATURAL ARX Expansion
Fantom-G provides ARX slots that accommodate two SuperNATURAL expansion boards. SuperNATURAL is Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression previously unattainable in synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool for electronic and non-traditional sounds, breathing amazing new life and expression into synthesis.
Power Sequencer Onboard
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland’s newly designed power sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully intergraded audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can be also incorporated for computer-like speed and ease. Other convenient features include combo XLR and TRS connector, phantom power for condenser mics, Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, and line input.
Luxurious Extra-Wide LCD
One look and touch and you’ll know that the Fantom-G is an instrument without equal. Only the highest-quality materials have been used to create this dream synth, with a stylish, futuristic design that will turn heads. Front and center is the extra-large 8.5 inch wide TFT color LCD for enhanced productivity. A first-class assortment of hands- on controls is provided as well, including eight sliders, four knobs, and ten buttons below the LCD.
Amazing FX
Fantom-G is loaded with a state-of-the-art effects engine, with multi-effects available for each Fantom-G sound/part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Create complex setups with 16 insert effects per multi-timbral patch group, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.
Supreme Keyboard Feel & Action
The Fantom-G8 is outfitted with Roland’s top-of-the-line PHA II “Ivory Feel” keyboard. This amazing keyboard technology reproduces the real surface feel of ivory acoustic piano keys providing a familiar stability and comfort to the pianist. The white keys have a two-piece structure which reduces the developed keyboard surface material is designed to absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof feel that your fingers will love.
Keyboard: 61 keys, with velocity and channel aftertouch
Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices, shared with the sampling section
Parts: 16 parts (Internal) + 16 parts (External) + 2 parts (ARX)+ 24 parts (Audio Track)
Wave Memory: 256MB (16-bit linear equivalent)
Waveforms: 2,153
Preset Memory:
- Patches: 1,500 + 256 (GM2)
- Rhythm Sets: 64 + 9 (GM2)
- Live Sets: 512
- Studio Sets: 128
User Memory per one project:
- Patches: 512
- Rhythm Sets: 64
- Live Sets: 512
- Studio Sets: 128
Effects:
- Patch Multi-Effects (PFX): 16 systems, 76 types
- Multi-Effects (MFX): 2 systems, 78 types
- Chorus: 1 system, 3 types
- Reverb: 1 system, 10 types
- Input Effects: 1 system, 6 types
- Mastering Effects: 1 system, 3-band compressor
Data Format: 16-bit linear, .WAV or .AIFF
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
Maximum Sampling Time:
- When sampling memory isn't expanded (32MB): mono: 360 sec. approx., stereo: 180 sec. approx.
- When sampling memory is expanded with DIMM (544MB): mono: 108 min. approx., stereo: 54 min. approx.
Number of Samples per one project: 2,000
Sequencer Section
Tracks:
- MIDI tracks (Internal/External/ARX): max. 128
- Audio track: max. 24
- Tempo track: 1
- Beat track: 1
Resolution: 480 TPQN
Tempo: 5.00 to 300.00
Song per one project: 50
Phrase per one project: 2,000
Note Capacity per one project: approx. 1,000,000 notes
Song Length: 9,998 measures
Recording Method:
- Realtime recording
- Step recording
Controllers
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
Control Knob x 4
Control Slider x 8
Assignable Switch x 2
D Beam Controller
Connectors
Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type
A (MIX) Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type
B Output Jacks (L, R): 1/4 inch phone type
Input Jacks (L/MONO/MIC, R): 1/4 inch phone type
Mic./Guitar Input Jacks: 1/4 inch phone type / XLR type (Phantom power)(Hi-Z)
Pedal Jacks:
- Hold Pedal Jack (Half Pedal recognition)
- Control Pedal Jack (assignable) x 2
MIDI Connectors: IN, OUT, THRU
USB Connectors:
- USB Computer Connector (supports file transfer or mass storage class, and Audio/MIDI)
- USB Mouse Connector
Digital Audio Interface: COAXIAL INPUT / OUTPUT
Other
Display: Graphic Type, 8.5 inch, Wide VGA (800 x 480 dots), backlit LCD (Color)
Pads: 16 pads, Velocity and Polyphonic Aftertouch sensitive
Expansion for sound generator: ARX expansion boards: 2 slots
Expansion for sampling memory: DIMM: 1 slot, supports PC133, CL=2/3, 3.3 V, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
External Storage Device: USB Flash Memory
Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60Hz), AC 220 V (60Hz)
Power Consumption: 30 W
Included Accessories
Owner's Manual
CD-ROM (Editor, USB MIDI driver)
Power Cord
Size and Weight
Width: 42 inches (1,066 mm)
Depth: 16-3/16 inches (411 mm)
Height: 5-5/8 inches (142 mm)
Weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
Features
Advanced sound engine with double wave capacity of previous flagship workstations
2 x ARXexpansion with SuperNATURAL — the world’s greatest performance-expression technology
Graphic user interface with extra-large 8.5 inch wide color LCD and mouse connectivity
Newly developed onboard audio/MIDI sequencer with 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks
Multi-FX for each part; up to 22 effects routings can be programmed simultaneously
Heavy-duty casing with aluminum panel
Advanced Sound Engine
Driven by a powerful new audio processor, the Fantom-G provides new sonic depth and versatility. With twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains a treasure trove of Roland’s world-famous SRX-quality sounds, but what really sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful live workstation.
SuperNATURAL ARX Expansion
Fantom-G provides ARX slots that accommodate two SuperNATURAL expansion boards. SuperNATURAL is Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression previously unattainable in synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool for electronic and non-traditional sounds, breathing amazing new life and expression into synthesis.
Power Sequencer Onboard
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland’s newly designed power sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully intergraded audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can be also incorporated for computer-like speed and ease. Other convenient features include combo XLR and TRS connector, phantom power for condenser mics, Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, and line input.
Luxurious Extra-Wide LCD
One look and touch and you’ll know that the Fantom-G is an instrument without equal. Only the highest-quality materials have been used to create this dream synth, with a stylish, futuristic design that will turn heads. Front and center is the extra-large 8.5 inch wide TFT color LCD for enhanced productivity. A first-class assortment of hands- on controls is provided as well, including eight sliders, four knobs, and ten buttons below the LCD.
Amazing FX
Fantom-G is loaded with a state-of-the-art effects engine, with multi-effects available for each Fantom-G sound/part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Create complex setups with 16 insert effects per multi-timbral patch group, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.
Supreme Keyboard Feel & Action
The Fantom-G8 is outfitted with Roland’s top-of-the-line PHA II “Ivory Feel” keyboard. This amazing keyboard technology reproduces the real surface feel of ivory acoustic piano keys providing a familiar stability and comfort to the pianist. The white keys have a two-piece structure which reduces the developed keyboard surface material is designed to absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof feel that your fingers will love.
Technical Info
Keyboard and Sound Generator SectionKeyboard: 61 keys, with velocity and channel aftertouch
Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices, shared with the sampling section
Parts: 16 parts (Internal) + 16 parts (External) + 2 parts (ARX)+ 24 parts (Audio Track)
Wave Memory: 256MB (16-bit linear equivalent)
Waveforms: 2,153
Preset Memory:
- Patches: 1,500 + 256 (GM2)
- Rhythm Sets: 64 + 9 (GM2)
- Live Sets: 512
- Studio Sets: 128
User Memory per one project:
- Patches: 512
- Rhythm Sets: 64
- Live Sets: 512
- Studio Sets: 128
Effects:
- Patch Multi-Effects (PFX): 16 systems, 76 types
- Multi-Effects (MFX): 2 systems, 78 types
- Chorus: 1 system, 3 types
- Reverb: 1 system, 10 types
- Input Effects: 1 system, 6 types
- Mastering Effects: 1 system, 3-band compressor
Data Format: 16-bit linear, .WAV or .AIFF
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
Maximum Sampling Time:
- When sampling memory isn't expanded (32MB): mono: 360 sec. approx., stereo: 180 sec. approx.
- When sampling memory is expanded with DIMM (544MB): mono: 108 min. approx., stereo: 54 min. approx.
Number of Samples per one project: 2,000
Sequencer Section
Tracks:
- MIDI tracks (Internal/External/ARX): max. 128
- Audio track: max. 24
- Tempo track: 1
- Beat track: 1
Resolution: 480 TPQN
Tempo: 5.00 to 300.00
Song per one project: 50
Phrase per one project: 2,000
Note Capacity per one project: approx. 1,000,000 notes
Song Length: 9,998 measures
Recording Method:
- Realtime recording
- Step recording
Controllers
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
Control Knob x 4
Control Slider x 8
Assignable Switch x 2
D Beam Controller
Connectors
Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type
A (MIX) Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type
B Output Jacks (L, R): 1/4 inch phone type
Input Jacks (L/MONO/MIC, R): 1/4 inch phone type
Mic./Guitar Input Jacks: 1/4 inch phone type / XLR type (Phantom power)(Hi-Z)
Pedal Jacks:
- Hold Pedal Jack (Half Pedal recognition)
- Control Pedal Jack (assignable) x 2
MIDI Connectors: IN, OUT, THRU
USB Connectors:
- USB Computer Connector (supports file transfer or mass storage class, and Audio/MIDI)
- USB Mouse Connector
Digital Audio Interface: COAXIAL INPUT / OUTPUT
Other
Display: Graphic Type, 8.5 inch, Wide VGA (800 x 480 dots), backlit LCD (Color)
Pads: 16 pads, Velocity and Polyphonic Aftertouch sensitive
Expansion for sound generator: ARX expansion boards: 2 slots
Expansion for sampling memory: DIMM: 1 slot, supports PC133, CL=2/3, 3.3 V, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
External Storage Device: USB Flash Memory
Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60Hz), AC 220 V (60Hz)
Power Consumption: 30 W
Included Accessories
Owner's Manual
CD-ROM (Editor, USB MIDI driver)
Power Cord
Size and Weight
Width: 42 inches (1,066 mm)
Depth: 16-3/16 inches (411 mm)
Height: 5-5/8 inches (142 mm)
Weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
61 Keys
11/20
New inventory arrives, New, with Free M-Audio Microtrack II, order now!
07/15
New lower price, Warehouse Resealed, saves you $100.00, now $2099.00.
06/16
Big price drop! New, with Free M-Audio Microtrack II, was $2595.00, now only $2295.00.
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Roland Fantom-G6 61-Key Sampling Workstation Reviews
10 out of 10
"Fantastic Machine, nothing to fear with this one."
Feature:
I am truly in awe when I play with this board - still. The exapandability is a great feature, the sound engine itself is great, the ease of recording audio with midi is great; the LCD is very impressive looking and even better in terms of it's practical use. I don't know how I ever got along without such a big beautiful display! Tons of sounds and ease of recording make this a great composing machine. I do sound for film and this baby works great for my workflow. From sampling for foley to voice overs and simple pads, this thing is really great. The display is just awesome to look at. They did a great job with the layout and colors and use of pictures. THere is a lot to it so it takes some getting used to but like any good machine once you have yer mind around it the basics will quickly become second nature. If you've spent any time with some if the recent (last ten years) music workstations you will quickly grasp the concepts and features of this machine, but will likely spend a long time learning and exploring the nuances. To me, thats a good thing!
Quality:
Roland stuff is generally very good. I still have the first Roland product (SH09 synth / keyboard) I bought, circa 1978 and it works fine. I have other Roland products - never had a problem with any of them. This unit seems to be well made and has a very solid feel about it. The brushed alum face is sweet - its technical and modern yet not austentatious. Who uses that word anyway. But seriously, the way the display is integrated into the face is nice and seems like it will be durable. Time will tell, but I'm not a bit concerned about the durability of this unit.
Value:
It is right in the ballpark with the competing workstations, i.e. triton, motif, etc. I love this thing. I don't see how anyone wouldn't like this thing. It's a great machine. It reflects the years and years of experience that Roland has - thats probably the best thing about this machine - it's the best of everything! Geez, now I really sound like Roland sales guy. I promise I'm not. I just love this machine that much, and if my input can help someone thinking about buying this machine, maybe allay their fears 'cause lets face it, this board aint exactly cheeap, then it's all good. I don't mind telling everyone how much I like this thing!
Desirability:
I wanted it enough to buy it! I don't lay down 2500 for just any product - it has to be good. But then I don't think twice about the price...it is what it is and, IMHO, they deserve to get whatever they can for this machine. Go Roland!
Sound:
The sound is very good. It may be a little on the predictable / Roland-esque side of the scale, but in all, it is recording-worthy, in my humble opinion. Since the ROM is all samples anyway it can sound like anything you need it to sound like. The factory presets are very good and easily and infinitely tweakable. The DSP is sweet - both the global 'verb and chorus, and the individual processes are great too. It is very deep.
Ease of Use:
The factory sounds are fine - suitable for at least some basic uses for sure. THe infinite tweakability is nice though, and if you like to mess with the factory patches to make them "your own" this board will satisfy. There are tons of user-defined storage locations. The display makes it easy to see a lot of info at once. The navigation via softkeys is easy to learn although this board is deep with tons of features. It will take a while to memorize the whole thing. For as powerful as it is, I'd have to say it is very easy to use. There are three basic modes, "Studio", "Live", and "Single". All of them are easy to use but Single is the easiest, most straight-forward or basic way of working with the machine. In Single mode you simply select from one of the 1664 preloaded patches and rock on! In Studio mode you can work with the 24 track mixer in "DAW style". Very cool. In Live mode you get eight patches that can be layered and / or split. Basically any patch can be assigned to any keyboard range. The Dynaic Pad area is cool too - it's another way to access patches parameter (i.e. "Part Mute"), or to invoke rhythm patterns, amoung many other things. ONe final note: as I'm writing this I have yet to open the owners manual! I was able to figure out all this other stuff without reading anything about it. I'd say that makes this thing about as easy as it could be, particularly for the depth and breadth of features and functionality it has. Dang, I ought to be a sales guys for them!
Support:
Nope
Overall:
I think I will be happy with this board for at least a few years...probably 10!
I am truly in awe when I play with this board - still. The exapandability is a great feature, the sound engine itself is great, the ease of recording audio with midi is great; the LCD is very impressive looking and even better in terms of it's practical use. I don't know how I ever got along without such a big beautiful display! Tons of sounds and ease of recording make this a great composing machine. I do sound for film and this baby works great for my workflow. From sampling for foley to voice overs and simple pads, this thing is really great. The display is just awesome to look at. They did a great job with the layout and colors and use of pictures. THere is a lot to it so it takes some getting used to but like any good machine once you have yer mind around it the basics will quickly become second nature. If you've spent any time with some if the recent (last ten years) music workstations you will quickly grasp the concepts and features of this machine, but will likely spend a long time learning and exploring the nuances. To me, thats a good thing!
Quality:
Roland stuff is generally very good. I still have the first Roland product (SH09 synth / keyboard) I bought, circa 1978 and it works fine. I have other Roland products - never had a problem with any of them. This unit seems to be well made and has a very solid feel about it. The brushed alum face is sweet - its technical and modern yet not austentatious. Who uses that word anyway. But seriously, the way the display is integrated into the face is nice and seems like it will be durable. Time will tell, but I'm not a bit concerned about the durability of this unit.
Value:
It is right in the ballpark with the competing workstations, i.e. triton, motif, etc. I love this thing. I don't see how anyone wouldn't like this thing. It's a great machine. It reflects the years and years of experience that Roland has - thats probably the best thing about this machine - it's the best of everything! Geez, now I really sound like Roland sales guy. I promise I'm not. I just love this machine that much, and if my input can help someone thinking about buying this machine, maybe allay their fears 'cause lets face it, this board aint exactly cheeap, then it's all good. I don't mind telling everyone how much I like this thing!
Desirability:
I wanted it enough to buy it! I don't lay down 2500 for just any product - it has to be good. But then I don't think twice about the price...it is what it is and, IMHO, they deserve to get whatever they can for this machine. Go Roland!
Sound:
The sound is very good. It may be a little on the predictable / Roland-esque side of the scale, but in all, it is recording-worthy, in my humble opinion. Since the ROM is all samples anyway it can sound like anything you need it to sound like. The factory presets are very good and easily and infinitely tweakable. The DSP is sweet - both the global 'verb and chorus, and the individual processes are great too. It is very deep.
Ease of Use:
The factory sounds are fine - suitable for at least some basic uses for sure. THe infinite tweakability is nice though, and if you like to mess with the factory patches to make them "your own" this board will satisfy. There are tons of user-defined storage locations. The display makes it easy to see a lot of info at once. The navigation via softkeys is easy to learn although this board is deep with tons of features. It will take a while to memorize the whole thing. For as powerful as it is, I'd have to say it is very easy to use. There are three basic modes, "Studio", "Live", and "Single". All of them are easy to use but Single is the easiest, most straight-forward or basic way of working with the machine. In Single mode you simply select from one of the 1664 preloaded patches and rock on! In Studio mode you can work with the 24 track mixer in "DAW style". Very cool. In Live mode you get eight patches that can be layered and / or split. Basically any patch can be assigned to any keyboard range. The Dynaic Pad area is cool too - it's another way to access patches parameter (i.e. "Part Mute"), or to invoke rhythm patterns, amoung many other things. ONe final note: as I'm writing this I have yet to open the owners manual! I was able to figure out all this other stuff without reading anything about it. I'd say that makes this thing about as easy as it could be, particularly for the depth and breadth of features and functionality it has. Dang, I ought to be a sales guys for them!
Support:
Nope
Overall:
I think I will be happy with this board for at least a few years...probably 10!
Submitted: 05/31/2008
Style of Music: Rock
7 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Fantom or V-synth hard choice"
Feature:
well its got some expansion cards that dont seem to include anything like the v-synth expansions but there alright i guess. the thing that got me was with my x6 i go into a catagory and i have such a big selection of sounds , but when i go into the same catagory on my fantom g i dont have nearly as much to choose from, this is so weird, thats why i think if they included more rom for user patches i might be able to remedy this. they still have there wannabe thermin on here wich has ocilators so why couldnt they just put a synth on it.
Quality:
roland makes sold os's and keyboards. and the thing looks sexy as hell.
Value:
i mean this is expensive but its a roland state of the art workstation, but for the same about you can get a mpc5000 and that has a vs synth on it.
Desirability:
i own it
Sound:
the multi fx for each channel are great, but the isnt the same for the reverb so don't expect that in multi mode. the sounds are good theres more wave rom but i think the user memory for patches still lacks space. i keep hopping that there going to let me edit audio like you can in v-producer software wich isnt possible but you do get kinda close.
Ease of Use:
roland products are so easy to use, the only thing on this that isnt is its step editor and the mircoscope editor from what i can tell havent been changed from the x6, i would like more of a grid editor like the tr-909 but they dont seem to want to add that :(
Support:
i used to get in fights with the techs at roland lol last time i called them they helped me and so it kinda depends on who you talk to.
Overall:
I like the fantom but i think it still needs work when it comes to about of sounds, im a synth guy but im also a workstation guy, so i guess i dont see why they don't put an actual synth on this instead of making retarded supernatural cards lol.
well its got some expansion cards that dont seem to include anything like the v-synth expansions but there alright i guess. the thing that got me was with my x6 i go into a catagory and i have such a big selection of sounds , but when i go into the same catagory on my fantom g i dont have nearly as much to choose from, this is so weird, thats why i think if they included more rom for user patches i might be able to remedy this. they still have there wannabe thermin on here wich has ocilators so why couldnt they just put a synth on it.
Quality:
roland makes sold os's and keyboards. and the thing looks sexy as hell.
Value:
i mean this is expensive but its a roland state of the art workstation, but for the same about you can get a mpc5000 and that has a vs synth on it.
Desirability:
i own it
Sound:
the multi fx for each channel are great, but the isnt the same for the reverb so don't expect that in multi mode. the sounds are good theres more wave rom but i think the user memory for patches still lacks space. i keep hopping that there going to let me edit audio like you can in v-producer software wich isnt possible but you do get kinda close.
Ease of Use:
roland products are so easy to use, the only thing on this that isnt is its step editor and the mircoscope editor from what i can tell havent been changed from the x6, i would like more of a grid editor like the tr-909 but they dont seem to want to add that :(
Support:
i used to get in fights with the techs at roland lol last time i called them they helped me and so it kinda depends on who you talk to.
Overall:
I like the fantom but i think it still needs work when it comes to about of sounds, im a synth guy but im also a workstation guy, so i guess i dont see why they don't put an actual synth on this instead of making retarded supernatural cards lol.
Submitted: 04/10/2009
Style of Music: rap r&b
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