Roland Fantom-X8 88-Key Sampling Workstation

The Fantom-X Series are the world's first 'Giga-Workstation' keyboards, giving musicians nearly 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded and powerful 128-voice polyphony. The synthesis section has all-new waveforms and room for 4 SRX expansions, while the sampler's RAM can be expanded to 544MB, with an inexpensive DIMM chip - enough memory to use like a digital recorder. The Fantom-X Series is also the first line of workstation keyboards with a color LCD screen.

Features

128-voice workstations with 61-note keyboard (Fantom-X6), 76-note keyboard (Fantom-X7), or 88-note (Fantom-X8) Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard

Seamless integration of audio and MIDI using gorgeous new ROM waves and sampling with realtime timestretch capability

128MB wave ROM includes quality-focused sounds like 88-key split piano and more

32MB sample RAM expandable to 544MB with optional DIMMs

New color LCD screen - a first in a workstation keyboard!

Innovative features like Skip Back Sampling, Dynamic Pad Bank and V-LINK*

3 MFX processors, plus dedicated reverb, chorus and mastering processor

USB port for MIDI, .WAV/AIFF file exchange and 4x SRX expansion

PC card slot for backing up samples and data with up to 1GB capacity

4 Line outputs (2 stereo or 4 mono), stereo Line input and 24-bit S/PDIF I/O

*V-LINK requires optional Edirol DV-7PR with software version 1.50 or higher.

V-LINK: The Future of Performance
The Fantom-X Series is not only a great choice for studio musicians, but also for live performers. Using Roland's V-LINK technology, musicians can trigger and manipulate video clips when connected to an Edirol video editor like the DV-7PR. Imagine being able to instantly trigger clips from the Dynamic Pad Bank, or create transitions and effects using the pitch bender and knobs. It's a live performer's dream!

The Fantom's 2nd most obvious unique feature is the new, improved 16 rubber Dynamic pads. Use them for drums, vocals or sounds with the Fanom's amazing realtime timestretch, wave edit and chop capability and its ability to load .WAV/AIFF files right off your computer. (Of course it samples - analog or digital.) For that matter use the PC card slot for up to 1 GB storage or even an external drive. The very cool USB file sharing feature has been upgraded to also act as an MIDI interface.

Another unique tool is the Skip Back sampling that always lets you go back in time and capture whatever you just played. These waveforms immediately draw themselves on the color display. If you are playing to a groove, the wave is set to be cut and adjusted by the beat (it appears on a barline grid).

When you are gazing at the hi-rez LCD screen you will feel like you are at a powerful computer based sequencer... and you are! In fact, these keyboards use a new Roland chip that is their most powerful integrated DSP ever. The Fantom can record 400,000 note songs, with 480 TPQN. The sequencer section has been refined. Check out the very cool 'tiled' screen that shows your favorite 16 edit pages, instantly available from the sample pads. All editing options exist, with amazing graphics.

Finally you can work in a completely seamless world of audio/MIDI without feeling like you are at an office terminal. Of course, you can instantly store all your work to your home computer if that is convenient. Also the arpeggiator is completely programmable with the coolest display screens around.

We've left the sounds for last, but they may be the Fantom's strong suit. With 128 meg of over 1400 classic Roland waveforms, and room for 4 64 SRX expansion boards, every sound you need is at your fingertips. One piano patch alone, boasts over 700 samples (4 stereo samples for EACH note).

On the back panel you will find 4 Line outputs (2 stereo or 4 mono), stereo Line input and 24-bit S/PDIF I/O.

Technical Info

Specifications

Keyboard:
- X6: 61 keys (with velocity and channel aftertouch)
- X7: 76 keys (with velocity and channel aftertouch)
- X8: 88 keys (Progressive Hammer Action Mechanism and channel aftertouch)

Sound Generator Section Maximum: Polyphony 128 voices (shared with the sampling section) n Parts 16 parts

Wave Memory: 128 MB (16-bit linear equivalent)

Waveforms: 1,436 n Preset Memory Patches: 1,024 + 256 (GM2), Rhythm Sets: 40 + 9 (GM2), Performances: 64

User Memory:
- Patches: 256
- Rhythm Sets: 32
- Performances: 64

Card Memory (PC card):
- Patches: 256
- Rhythm Sets: 32
- Performances: 64

Effects:
- Multi-Effects: 3 systems
- 78 types
- Chorus: 3 types
- Reverb: 5 types
- Input Effects: 6 types
- Mastering Effects: 3-band compressor

Sampling Section Data Format: 16-bit linear (File Type: .WAV/.AIFF)

Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz (fixed)

Maximum Sampling Time:
- Standard: 32 MB (mono: 360 sec. approx., stereo: 180 sec. approx.)
- Maximum (expanded with DIMM): 544 MB (mono: 102 min. approx., stereo: 51 min. approx.)

Number of Samples:
- User memory: 2,000 (maximum total approximately 32 MB)
- Card Memory: 7,000 (PC card)

Sequencer Section Track:
- Phrase Tracks (16 MIDI channels per track): 16
- Pattern Track (16 MIDI channels per track): 1
- Tempo Track: 1
- Beat track: 1

The Pattern Track can hold up to 100 patterns. n Resolution 480 TPQN

Tempo: 5 - 300

Note Capacity: Approx. 400,000 notes

Song Length: 9,998 measures

Recording Method: Realtime recording, Step recording

Others

Arpeggiator:
- Preset: 128
- User: 128

Rhythm Patterns:
- Preset: 256 (32 groups)
- User: 256 (32 groups)

Chord Memory:
- Preset: 64
- User: 64

Display Graphic 320 x 240 dots backlit LCD (Color)

Pads: 16 pads, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive

Controllers: Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever, Control Knob x 4, Assignable Switch x 2, D Beam Controller

Connectors: Headphones Jack, A (MIX) Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type, B Output Jacks (L, R): 1/4 in. phone type, Input Jacks (L/MONO/MIC, R): 1/4 in. phone type, Hold Pedal Jack (Half Pedal recognition), Control Pedal Jack (assignable), MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT, THRU), USB Connector (supports file transfer (mass storage class) and MIDI), Digital Audio Interface (COAXIAL INPUT/OUTPUT), AC Inlet

Expansion Slots:
- Expansion of waveforms and patchs for the internal sound generator): SRX expansion boards: 4 slots
- Expansion of sampling memory: DIMM: 1 slot (supports 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB (3.3 V))

External Storage Device: PC card: 1 slot (supports SmartMedia and CompactFlash using a PC card adapter)

Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60 Hz), AC 220 V (60 Hz)

Dimensions (W x D x H):
- X6: 41-3/8 x 14-1/8 x 4-15/16 in. (1050 x 358 x 125 mm)
- X7: 49-11/16 x 14-1/8 x 4-15/16 in. (1262 x 358 x 125 mm)
- X8: 55-7/16 x 17-15/16 x 6-1/2 in. (1408 x 455 x 165 mm)

Weight:
- X6: 12.5 kg / 27 lbs 9 oz
- X7: 14.5 kg / 32 lbs
- X8: 29.5 kg / 65 lbs 1 oz

Accessories: Handbook, Owner's Manual, Sound/Parameter List, Sample Data (Audio) CD, CDROM (Editor, USB MIDI driver), Sticker, Power Cord

Options:
- Wave Expansion Board: SRX Series
- Pedal Switch: DP Series
- Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U
- Expression Pedal: EV-5

*'Phantom' is a registered trademark of and is licensed by Phantom Guitar Works, Inc.

Audio Samples
  Fantom X8 Interactive Demo

Since the analog heyday, Roland has led the industry in the development of professional synthesizers. From the Jupiter 8 to the TR-808, and all the way up to the Fantom X, Roland can be counted on to deliver tools that empower the pros. The Fantom X is available in 61-key, 76-key, and 88-key hammer action versions, each with 16 dynamic pads for sample/loop triggering. These systems provide nearly 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded (with 4 SRX optional boards). Out of the box you get hundreds of brilliant sounds to inspire innovation in your music; a huge selection of pianos, strings, basses, drums brass synth sounds and much more provide the finest musical palette available. Paint your aural masterpiece with a 128-voice polyphonic canvas. The pro features of the Fantom X are too numerous to list. They include a color LCD screen for easy visible maneuvering, tons of sample and sound memory, 3 multi-effects processors, USB for file transfer (WAV/AIFF) and MIDI interfacing, a hefty selection of connectivity, smart skip-back sampling to capture musical phrases you've already played, and much more. The Fantom XR puts the same sound engine and I/O in a 1-space rack. Whether this is your first workstation or the last you will ever need, the Fantom X will empower you to let others hear the music in your head.