Roland FANTOM-8 synth

Here's what Roland says about the FANTOM-8:

FANTOM is a new kind of creative hub, made for rapid production and expressive performance. Inspiring onboard production tools and deep computer integration fuel an experience that feels intuitive, natural, and full of possibilities.

The expandable sound engine delivers our best electronic and acoustic sounds, with the depth and control to combine and shape them in exciting new ways. And it’s built from premium materials, with a purposeful design, and the best 61-, 76-, and 88-note keyboards we’ve ever made.

Creation

At every turn, FANTOM fulfills the need to create. Its smooth, rapid workflow has no confusing modes, frustrating technical limits, or trade-offs with sound quality. FANTOM’s creative process reflects how today’s musicians work, with fluid composition tools, instantly recallable creative environments, and deep computer integration.

No modes. Just seamless workflow.

When the creative juices are flowing, there should be no barriers. With FANTOM, you won’t compromise your sound or suffer workarounds due to outdated technical limits. And forget worrying about what features work in which mode. FANTOM is always in full-on creative mode and your workflow stays consistent, no matter what.

Make a scene.

When you’re ready to create, so is FANTOM—and all it takes is a single touch. Your sounds, patterns, and performance layouts are arranged into custom creative spaces called Scenes. A Scene can be an entire song, section of a song, or a starting point with your favorite sounds laid out just how you like. Scenes can be chained together and changed instantly with no gaps or glitches. 

Everything. Always.

You shouldn’t have to wonder how many effects are available, or if you can change sounds seamlessly without limiting complex patches. With FANTOM, you can focus on playing music, not rationing processing power. And with so much power under the hood, you can run all 16 parts with all available effects—simultaneously—with full patch-remain for seamless transitions. It’s like having the power of two complete FANTOMs in one.

Sound

FANTOM’s flexible and expandable sound engine leverages decades of research and development, dishing out inspiring and authentic electronic, acoustic, and hybrid sounds by the bucketload. Combine different synthesis and sampling technologies along with the onboard analog filter for new and unusual sounds—and take advantage of new sound expansions and capabilities as they arrive.

One engine. Infinite possibilities.

Drawing from over four decades of genre-defining sounds, FANTOM’s expandable sound engine nails our classic synths but pushes into new sonic territory as well. Our custom Behavior Modeling Chips power FANTOM’s core, with smooth and precise control, loads of polyphony, and full patch remain. And FANTOM is part of an expandable platform, with new sounds and new possibilities coming.

Authentic, evocative sounds.

FANTOM runs multiple synthesis technologies simultaneously, for authentic acoustic and electronic sounds, both modern and classic. You can also sample your own sounds and trigger up to 2 GBs worth of loops and one-shots from the pad matrix. There’s a fully routable analog filter for extra warmth and grit, and you can even mix soft synths with FANTOM’s internal sounds.

The piano is key.

Considered by many as the king of instruments, piano sits at the heart of the creative process for composers across a range of musical genres. FANTOM uses our V-Piano technology for pianos that don’t just sound real, they feel real. Craft pianos that play and respond like their acoustic counterparts and match your personal taste.

Sonic Superpowers.

FANTOM’s synth engine is based on partials. Each partial starts with a discrete synth voice–complete with oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFO and effects. You can have up to four partials in a single tone, and a Scene can contain up to 16 tones for complex layers, splits, and sequenced parts.

LFOMG

Low-frequency oscillators add movement to static sounds. More LFOs mean more modulation possibilities and more ways to explore new ground. FANTOM has two LFOs per partial, four partials per tone—and since you can stack 16 tones, that’s a staggering 128 LFOs per voice. And FANTOM’s Step-LFOs have 16 steps of beat-synced automation with 35 curve choices per step. This creates long evolving passages, modular-style animated textures, and sounds with deeply intricate movement.

Playability

After sound quality, what’s more important than playability? The way an instrument feels under your fingers, and how it helps you express yourself, is vital. FANTOM focuses on the experience of playing, from its immersive keyboard action to its arsenal of performance controls.

Player's paradise.

FANTOMs have our best keyboards ever, including the acclaimed PHA-50 on the 88-note model and a brand new semi-weighted action on the 61- and 76-note models. Each feels solid, precise, and supremely playable, with the expressive capabilities of aftertouch. We make our own keyboards to exacting standards, each model an evolution of the previous generation.

High-res, hands-on control.

FANTOM has plenty of knobs and sliders for intuitive and immediate control, with high-resolution for buttery-smooth sweeps and fine adjustments. There’s a dedicated synthesizer section with oscillator, filter, and envelope controls, along with numerous buttons and pads for triggering and sequencing.

Go ahead. Express yourself.

There are many ways to play expressively on keyboards. Some players like levers, some like wheels, some prefer pedals, while others prefer aftertouch. With FANTOM, you can use any of them—or all of them. You can even connect USB controllers to any of FANTOM’s three USB ports for enhanced expression.

Sequencing

FANTOM is a complete musical composition platform that excels at fast creation and fluid arrangement. You have RGB pads, a classic TR-REC style pattern sequencer, real-time recording with piano-roll editing, and a grid for recording and launching clips. Use any or all, whenever you want.

From spark to fire.

Different musical genres need diverse production styles and specialized tools. You can create patterns on FANTOM in a variety of ways including real and step-time polyphonic sequencing, or the TR-REC pattern sequencer—perfect for rhythmic parts—as used on our iconic drum machines.

Clip-based sequencing.

A great way to build up a track is by arranging clips that contain musical patterns. Drums, basslines, pads, and other patterns can be recorded into clips that you can trigger individually, or in groups. It’s a lightning-fast way to compose and ideal for triggering backing tracks during live performance.

TR-REC Step-Sequencer.

The foundation of dance music is the step-sequencer, specifically the 16-step TR-REC variety found on our drum machines like the TR-808, TR-909 and modern TR-8S. FANTOM’s onboard TR-REC sequencer is fully modernized with sub-steps for ratcheted parts, motion control for per-step automation, and support for chords.

Connectivity

While FANTOM is powerful by itself, its powers grow exponentially when connected to other gear like computers or analog synthesizers. FANTOM can control software synthesizers directly from the touchscreen, drive modular and analog synthesizers from its dual CV/Gate outputs, and is also a high-quality audio interface capable of 16 stereo outputs and 3 stereo inputs.

Computer expert.

FANTOM doesn’t just work with computers—it fully integrates. It’s a high-quality 16x3 stereo audio interface and can control DAWs and plugins from its touchscreen. It can integrate soft synths into Scenes, and send parts composed on FANTOM directly to your DAW.

Deep soft synth integration.

Customize your sound by integrating your plugin soft synths with FANTOM. Control Apple Logic, Garage Band, and Mainstage, and adjust soft synth parameters right from FANTOM’s touchscreen. Mix and layer soft synths with FANTOM’s internal sounds, and then route them through FANTOM’s analog filter section.

Dual CV/Gate.

While FANTOM provides enormous creative potential, you may also want to integrate analog synths or drum machines with your setup. FANTOM has two sets of CV/Gate outputs so you can sync tempo or play them from FANTOM’s keyboard or its many pattern sequencers.

Design

A clean and intuitive layout, premium materials, and our best-ever keyboard action. The result? An instrument that begs to be played.

Everything in its place.

FANTOM is designed to propel the creative process and play beautifully. The placement of each control, and how it interacts with the creative heart inside FANTOM, has been thoroughly considered with today’s workflow in mind.

Built to last.

FANTOM is made of tough metal with high-grade components throughout. Everything about it is sturdy and built to withstand the perils of live gigs and life on the road.

It’s the little things.

The more you get to know FANTOM, the more you appreciate the thoughtful details that simplify your life as a keyboardist. From the slight curvature of the top-panel labels for rear connections, to the informative RGB-lit controls and buttons, FANTOM facilitates creativity and eliminates frustration.

Updated & Expanded

Roland describe the Fantom as a platform that they are actively developing for, with many new features and sounds added over time. True to their word, the Roland Fantom firmware is now running on Version 1.60 which allows for 16 virtual expansion slots and the inclusion of some great new additions for users:

Hi-Res SuperNatural Acoustic Sounds

Supercharge your Fantom with expansions of ultra-realistic SuperNatural Acoustic Sounds. SuperNatural technology uses behaviour modelling along with traditional sampling techniques to provide stunning recreations of traditional tones in full 24bit/48KHz resolution and this sounds truly fantastic through the Fantoms crystal clear digital to audio convertors. So far Roland have made SuperNatural Acoustic Pianos, Electric Piano, Strings, Solo Woodwind and Brass, Harp and electric bass, with more to come!

Visit the Roland Cloud website to download and install your Fantom updates.

Roland Cloud

The Fantom can now support expansion packs made available through Roland Cloud. With a huge number of packs already available covering everything from classis SRX Cards to modern Zen-Core patches you’re sure to find what you need.

32-Band Vocoder

Plug in a microphone to take advantage of this powerful vocoder. With over 32-bands bands of adjustment, the Fantom’s vocoder offers huge performance potential for gigging and studio musicians looking to expand their sound.

Share & Collaborate

Save and export your Fantom Scenes and Tones to share with other users around the world.

Version 2.0

The Fantom now has its biggest update yet with version 2.0 which introduces huge sampling capabilities. Here are some of the highlights:

Easy Sampling and Multisampling

In Fantom Version 2.0 it’s now possible to use create keyboard instruments from individual samples or create your own highly detailed multi-sampled instruments using multiple samples across specific key ranges. The sampling process is incredibly easy and straightforward too with an intuitive user interface, making it perfect for players wishing to re-create sounds from their favourite gear in a live environment.

You can now also apply any of Fantom’s 90+ high quality DSP effects to the inputs before sampling allowing for greater creative control.

2GB Wave Memory

The Fantom has 2GB of Wave user memory, meaning there is plenty of space for storing extensive samples. What’s more is that the Fantom still retains its 40 second start up time even when loading huge sample libraries which offers great peace of mind in a live situation when quick change overs are needed.

Sequencer microscope and automation

A new microscope view in the pattern sequencer gives you detailed control over your composition and now you can also draw parameter automation within the pattern piano roll editor too.

Convert SoundFont SF2 Multi-samples and use within the Fantom

Many pro keyboard players use the popular SoundFont SF2 sample format when creating their multi-samples for use in live performance. Roland has now released converter software to allow uses of this format to convert their existing SF2 multi-sample files into the Fantom .SVZ format. Simply drag your SF2 file into the converter and it will create the .SVZ file, and it will even retain the original sampled-key and loop point information.

This is a great time saving feature for many pro players and will easily allow them to use their existing SoundFont sample libraries as multi-samples within the Fantom. Users can download the SoundFont converter free of charge from the Roland Fantom web page.

Firmware update V2.5 is here!

Only 18 months after releasing next-FANTOM in 2019, Roland have launched a new firmware update to V2.5. The greatest new addition is the seamless integration with Ableton Live, which enables you to work smoothly without pausing your creativity. FANTOM's touchscreen is a powerful Launch controller in Live's Session view, moreover, you can access mixer parameters and trigger transport functions. FANTOM's wealth of knobs, pads and sliders is the perfect match to actively control and modify your performance: manage your macros, drum racks and more! 

FANTOM now also features a Virtual Tone Wheel Organ modelled on the famous Roland VK organ series. Its engine faithfully reproduces a real tonewheel organ and you can access several tonewheel types with adjustable percussion, key click, leakage and more. The built-in rotary effect has variable speed, brake control and tube distortion for a lush musical effect. 

Specifications

Keyboard‹

• 88 Keys (PHA-50 Wood and Plastic Hybrid Structure, with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel, channel aftertouch)

Sound Generator

• ZEN-Core
• V-Piano Technology
• SuperNATURAL Acoustic

Expansion

• EXZ Series
• EXSN Series

Parts

• 16 Zones(Internal + External)

Scenes

• 128 Scenes x 4 Bank

Tones

• Over 3,500 Tones
• Over 90 Drum kits

Tone Remain

• 16 Parts (16 zones / 16 scenes

Effects

• Multi-Effects: 16 systems, 90 types
• Part EQ: 16 systems
• Drum Part COMP: 6 systems
• Insertion Effect: 2 System, 90 Type
• TFX: 1 System, 90 Types
• Input MFX: 2 Systems(in Parallel), 90 Types
• Chorus: 9 types
• Reverb: 7 types
• Master Compressor
• Master EQ
• Input Reverb: 7 types
• Input EQ: 2 Systems (in Parallel)

Analog Filter

• STEREO
• Type: LPF1/LPF2/LPF3/HPF/BPF/Bypass
• Drive
• Amp

Vocoder

• Band: 13, 20, 32
• Type: Mono, Stereo
• Preset Setting: 10
• User Setting: 20

Scene Chain

• Chain: 16 Scenes x 32 Pages (Total 512 Scenes) per 1 Chain set
• Set: 100
• Marker: 62 (0-9, A-Z, a-z) per 1 Chain Set

Sequencer

• MIDI Tracks: 16 (Internal/External)
• Group:16
• Pattern: 8 (per each Track)
• Pattern Length: 32 mesures
• Recording Method: Realtime recording, Step recording, TR-REC
• Editing Method: Piano roll edit (Touch Edit support / Automation support), Microscope
• Song: 1 (per Scene)
• File format: Original, SMF export/import supported

Sampler - Keyboard Multisample

• Format: 16/24-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF
• Number of Samples: 8,000
• Number of Multisamples: 128
• Sampling Time: The maximum is 2 minutes 44 second (1 Sample)

Sampler - Pad Sampler

• Format: 16-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF import supported
• Maximum Polyphony: 8
• Number of Samples: 16 Pads x 4 Banks
• Sampling Time: The maximum is 60 minutes (the equivalent of approximately 660 MB).

Controllers

• Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
• Assignable Switch x 2 (S1/S2)
• Control Knob x 8
• Slider x 8
• USB Audio Slider
• Wheel x 2
• Function Knob x 6
• Sound Modified Knob x 11
• 4 x 4 Pad

Display

• Graphic Type, 7", Wide VGA (800 x 480 dots)
• Backlit LCD (Color/Touch screen)

Other

• Rhythm Pattern: Yes
• Arpeggiator: Yes
• Chord Memory: Yes
• Motional Pad: Yes
• PAD Mode: Sample Pad, Note Pad, Partial Sw/Sel, DAW Control, Zone Mute, Zone Solo, Kbd Sw Group, Rhythm Pattern, Pattern, Variation Play, Group Play
• AIRA LINK: Yes
• CV/Gate Control: 2 x CV/Gate or 3 x CV/1 x Gate

Connectors

• Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
• MAIN OUT Jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4-inch phone type)
• MAIN OUT Jacks (L, R) (XLR type)
• SUB OUT1 Jacks (L, R) (1/4-inch phone type)
• SUB OUT2 Jacks (L, R) (1/4-inch phone type)
• ANALOG OUTPUT Jacks(1,2)(1/4-inch phone type)
• Mic/Line Input Jacks: (1,2) (1/4 inch phone type/XLR type)
• 2 x CV OUT, 2x GATE OUT
• FOOT PEDAL JackS(HOLD, CTRL1,CTRL2,CTRL3)
• MIDI connectors (IN, OUT1, OUT2/THRU)
• USB MEMORY Port
• USB COMPUTER Port (AUDIO: Max 24bit/96KHz 3 Sereo Output, 16 Stereo Input / MIDI:3 Port support)
• 3 x External Device Port: A Roland A-49 or an A-PRO series MIDI Controller can be connected.

External Memory

• USB Flash drive (sold separately)

Power Supply

• AC 117-240V 50/60Hz

Power Consumption

• 50 W

Dimensions‹

• In mm: 1,432 (W) x 439 (D) x 153 (H)
• In inches: 56-7/16 (W) x 17-5/16 (D) x 6-1/16 (H)

Weight‹

• In kg: 27.7
• In oz: 61 lbs 2

Accessories

• Owner's manual
• Power Cord