Why am I looking at this episode while I don’t own a Roland at all? Oh I know, because this channel stands for QUALITY. This channel inspires, I always learn! Thanks again.
I have to admit, I am getting the hang of Roland Cloud and Zenology bit by bit and these are blowing the capabilities of my already extraordinary set of instruments off the boards. Great job, folks!
it doesn't get any better than you two guys together, for sure: ED: you say you are excited about things yet to come: I sincerely hope that they will now turn towards beefing up the sequencer, as this is the one thing most sorely behind with this keyboard: instead of an 8/16 format, we need a full 16 sections of 16 instruments, we needs WAY more bars per pattern than the current 32, and we certainly need ALL of the various timings, not just a couple as currently. We are not taking revolution here: these features ARE already incorporated into so many other sequencers, in fact, my old FA has many of them, the Fantom G had them, so we are not talking ground breaking here.
You are spot on...WHY doesnt it have a linear sequencer? Ive said so many times that its just a really expencive midi controller with a sound engine....as you said....so many older Roland Workstations had more functionality ...it doesnt have so many industry things in it....even took Roland over 12 months to put a sampler in it and it still doesnt have Audio Tracks like the X and G...it wont even load/save a SMF....i would maybe look at buying a rack mount version....but NOT a midi controller with a sound engine. What i want to know is...WHO WERE roland listening to in its design? Kids in their bedrooms writing one bar beat loops? ....it seems like it....seriously. The title of this Video says "The Update we've all been waiting for" "NO" ITS FUNCTIONS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN IT WAS RELEASED....they are really just common functions of a workstation...are the designers 12yo kids that have never used a Fantom X? Im just annoyed as i was looking at a replacement for my X7...it controls my Fantom G and XR Live...and NO Laptop to be seen anywhere....and i dont want one...and it seems you have to use a laptop to make this new fantom into a workstation....it really doesnt deserve the "Fantom" name...as i said...its not a workstation....rather a controller with a sound engine...they should have called it something else....give me a rack mount version at a 3rd of the price....maybe.
@@justaname1862 unfortunately, the days of rackmounts are mainly behind us, we haven't seen a significant rack mount since the Integra....but you nailed it with the "one bar beat loops" comment: if that is the type of music you are doing, then, this sequencer will be more than adequate, but if you are doing REAL songs, such as pop and rock hits of the 70s through 90s, etc., then you need more parts, more bars, etc. and so on......
@@petek6428 actually , Pete, they have finally addressed some of the sequencers shortcomings: as of update 3.0, they doubled the number of bars from 32 to 64....and in version 3.01, they finally opened the flood gates on the timing choices, giving virtually every timing possibility, so these are steps in the right direction.
I figured the computer and internet connectivity would be the best asset to the new Fantom. The Fantom G had a lot of issues with connecting to the computer that seems to be ironed out with this one. I must have this Keyboard lol!! This looks amazing and so fun to work with. Can't wait to upgrade. Been on the Fantom G since 2010 so way overdue. I play out with the Fantom G, the FA-07, and Korg Krome. Thats my Trio right now.
Not exactly drag-and-drop, you have to save the expansions to a flash drive and import into the Fantom. Still, it holds them all at the same time and think how much all those SRX boards cost as hardware back in the day. The new tone packs are $.99 for about 16 tones & maybe a drum kit, good stuff.
The Fantom is a great bit of kit. Sometimes having so many presets is a double edged sword. Sometimes I just browse presets on presets.. You get lost and fail to create. Self control is needed.
I think's more practical to know what you want and where it is in the memory, or for synth sounds, to know how to dial in the sound that you want from an Init patch.
Definitely a great and informative review. I have to this day an xp 60. A great workstation. I am planning to buy mu next workstation. My choices are the Fantom, rhe korg kronos. Nuff said. The roland cloud really interests me aand this update.
Hi there, just a question to ask, the sound download from cloud can install into fantom permanently and use it without connect to computer ? What happen your cloud subscription over ? Can i still use the downloaded sound ?
Hey Simon, Fantom is not a workstation like its predecessors with the name. Its sort what the ultimate midi controller+ ultimate synthesizer is. The sequencer is just for quickly capturing down ideas and making each row a verse, chorus, intro, bridge or whatever you wish. If you want to sequence linearly, then you want to use a DAW.
Can we have more sounds for the FA? I'm after world sounds and Arabic instruments of which the FA is not well represented .can we have a retro fit for the FA virtual expansions? I don't want to change the FA!
@@Jason75913 I am disappointed that the large number of pcm tones on my FA08 are of poor quality. As a result I have better quality sounds loaded up on my iPhone using pure synth platinum, sample tank, audiokit synth one and sunrizer along with korg module..I am going to sell my FA08 and buy a vr-09b which I consider to be one of Roland's finest stage keyboards and use my iPhone with a 49 key midi controller for a powerhouse live and studio recording setup. I'll miss the FA's really useful sampler but I can get round that by sampling direct into garage band
I REALLY hope that expansions downloaded from Roland Cloud don’t stop working if you unsubscribe from Roland Cloud? Also, is there an editor that doesn’t require monthly subscription?
Hello Ed and Jack 🤗. I like that Fantom keyboard and Roland in general. Just a question for Ed. Why Roland Cloud doesn't exist for jupiter 80 ? I have a jupiter 80 and G70. Thank in advance for your answer.
Jupiter 80 is a Roland Legacy product. Plus the Supernatural Synth has been replaced by ZEN-Core which does so much more.The Jupiter 80 is a great synth (still love it to this day) but it lacks the Sampling and Sequencing capabilities of the Fantom. And the OS of the Jupiter does not support Expansion anymore since V2.In short for your answer without getting into to much info and complication is, ' It doesn't have the Zen-Core engine'. Hope this makes sense.
I'll admit, after the Fantom G, I was going to be a guinea pig for Roland again. They had to show me.. I was not going to fork over 4k and promises. They've showed me .. Now, If they add the FantomG's audio milt-track recorder...I'd scream!! :)
Hello Sir. I am a new customer to Roland Fantom 7 and I downloaded Roland cloud manger from your website. I use mac book pro with Sierra 10.12 OS. Most of the time when I try to login to Roland Cloud, it says "service is not available at the moment. please try again later". Why is this happening? I cant download anything from the cloud though Im ready to pay for membership. Please help or suggest. Thanks!
thanks.....I am an Yamaha user..I would like to update. which would be more user friendly for one who migrate from Yamaha ? Fantom 6 or 8 ? which can I select ? please reply.
They are functionally the same, except for the range and keybed. The 8 is relatively heavy, and thicker due to the hammer action. The top panel/display is not tilted as much on the 8.
Where’s the software updates for the RD2000??? I’m very upset with Roland that they haven’t shown any effort with supporting the RD2000. It’s still riddled with bugs and issues. The computer drivers leave a lot to be desired too.
Very Good question. Depends on your use. If your going to be doing mainly doing studio work then Soft Synths with a good midi controller will do the job. If you want the the Fantom's sounds then you can purchase Zenology Pro which is on sale at the time of writing for $499 with 4 model expansions. Unfortunately you won't get any supernatural sounds or the V.Piano. If live work is your preference then the Fantom is a solid keyboard with a 16x3 audio interface to use with Mainstage,Gig performer,Ableton live etc. It also takes around 40 seconds to boot up and has a 192Khz 24 bit DAC (according to Mark Watson from Roland and I do believe he is right) to output high quality audio. It also becomes your audio interface on stage so using one USB-B to USB-C or USB-A cable you transfer Midi,Audio, DAW control(if you are using Mainstage or Logic) and you can combine Fantom sounds and VST sounds from your laptop using the Fantom. It's a beast of a machine.
@@ablesam Thank you:-) I have some time to thing about this but I´m leaning towards the Fantom at the moment although I´m extremely excited about the Native Instruments package as well. I´m classically trained pianist so I would always need 88 note keyboard.
This FANTOM keyboard is the real keyboard, but it looks like I'm gonna have to sell my kidney for this one. 😅😥 Roland, don't forget us the plebians, we would love a Fantom too (probably a 2021 XA, who knows). 🙈
hmm..after having owned a Kronos 9 yrs now scenes have been there for a while...Roland is a bit late to the game imho :) BUT..the sounds int the cloud is good stuff even though i use Ableton Live and other analog HW. Ed does always a very nice job explaining stuff :)
DAW's provide more functionality and features when it comes to audio manipulation and effects processing. If you had audio tracks on the Fantom you might be limited to sharing a small number of effects like 2-3 whereas the scenes have a total of 20 mfx (1 mfx per zone,2 insert effects per scene, 2 global send effects per scene). An additional guess is that they don't have a lot of internal storage to store the audio tracks which would have to be per scene since the Fantom is mode-less. It's a great instrument don't get me wrong but audio tracks seems to be better used and has more advantage in a DAW where all sorts of possibilities exist. If you want to trigger audio use the Pad Banks and choose from the 256 locations.
@@ablesam just to clarify, you mean "PC DAW", as the Fantom is also a DAW it's weird that the entry-level Juno-DS can play audio tracks from a USB flash drive but the flagship Fantom cannot from SD memory or flash or whatever, FA also cannot Korg and Yamaha workstations can also play audio tracks
@@Jason75913 Fantom is a long way from a DAW. It is more like a midi DAW I would say. If you want to launch audio you can launch up to 8 samples that go up to 60 mins each from the sample pad. Korg workstations I can understand have audio tracks but I don't have a clue on Yamaha workstations. Can you please help clarify which have audio playback (from Yamaha). Edit, Motif Xf can do audio
Well, instead of doing crappy cloud stuff I'd love to see some significant update for my RD2000. It's kind of annoying that their flagship stage piano seems quite abandonned because they are busy pushing the damn subscription model of their cloud. Last 3 years have been quite disappointing by Roland in general .... Basically everything went into "Let's go the anti-consumer Adobe route".
@@ablesam That's correct I didn't really have something particular in mind because the RD2000 is pretty complete. Yet I have seen companies like Novation where the product like the Bass Station 2 also seemed quite complete and they added some great stuff even years later. It just shows some love for their product and customers. Stuff I could think off would be the expansion via Axial. It just kinda seemed to be quickly abandonned and was implemented not that conveniently (only being able to choose between 2 expansions). I don't know if those are hardware limitations but maybe you could use that rather useless update USB-port as extra storage (i have a compact 1cm 128Gb that could be happely sitting there taking all the expansions he likes). The whole modelled piano section was also not touched in 3 years IIRC. I won't spend much time fiddling through those menus by myself, because that sound engineering is just not fun on the RD and I rather do that on my software and hardware synths. So some new presets to try out would have been great. Also the left rotary encoder section with different levels could get some love .. why not hard-map some basic emulated synth functions over there? It's not like im directly missing something (since I don't know what the machine could be capable of if you'd think outside the box) its more like roland has seemed to stopped caring for anything but their damn cloud.
@@Xul I kind of understand what you are upset about. But Zen-Core seems to be Roland's way of gaining back in on the market right now. The RD-2000 seems to have hit the ceiling in its functionalities. As for the Axial part.... well, I think the hardware storage capacity is maxed out and there is nothing we can do on that. External USB-Drives like the 128GB you mentioned are only apparently good for recording the audio from the RD. I don't think it has the good read/write speeds of the built in flash memory of the RD to quickly load sounds as fast. I get you on the whole V-Piano modelling thing. I have to say it is time consuming and requires patience to get the piano to the sound you like. As for presets, that is no longer Roland's greatest strength. You have to customize the presets according to your liking but there are some good ones. As for the rotary encoders, that is all up to you. If you are using your Mainstage or Gig Performer; set those to control your live DAW. They are free to use to your liking. Also don't forget you can combine your DAW sounds with the RD-2000 sounds via the built in audio interface. I find that using the built in audio interface eliminates the need for an external bus powered interface and more cables. It helps with cable management as well.
@@Xul Plus if you are getting bored with RD's sounds, you can use your VST's in your case and use the RD as the master keyboard, audio interface and controller section. It's sort of a all in one package.
@@ablesam Yeah combining voices with the built in audio interface and it's mixer is great. The RD is still my main audio interface in my setup (though I could use several others). It has low latency, good integration in the mixer and is overall one of the things I'm extremly happy about in the RD. I also use the RD for some VSTi pianos like XLN's studio grand. Since the Keybed is just amazing on the RD. Regarding the rotaries - that was meant a bit differently: I know that I can set them up (though i am too lazy and rather use my SL MK3 or one of my hardware synths directly) ;) I just wondered if Roland could have added some preset internal routing for some of the sounds that would benefit from it (like their vintage synth expansion) ... I'm not sure what would be possible there since it is basically just sample playback ... In general I'm very happy with it and it actually brought me back to play more (not that I'm good but it is just always a nice feeling to sit and play something for myself). I just don't like the recent development of Roland ... If I compare it to others like Korg, Novation, Arturia and even newcomers like ASM - they seem to be a bit out of touch with the users and don't seem to persue and maintain a long-term concept. Hard to describe ...
If you are planning on buying this synth then be informed that this doesn't have a traditional sequencer on it. It has a very slow, basic, rudimental Ableton Live clip style that has a 32 bar limit. Even though this is called a Fantom, it is not a workstation so please don't make that mistake. Roland have no plans to include a traditional linear sequencer as this is mainly a performance synth. Furthermore, although it os a flagship, it doesn't have the same acoustic realism as say the Integra 7 which is a major disappointment. The onboard drum sounds are similar to a Casio keyboard and have no character and the TR drum sounds are not the same as on the TR-8s which are far superior in realism which means you'll need to buy another piece of hardware to get quality drum tones. Samples cannot be time stretched or manipulated in real time. You basically have to use a DAW to edit samples then import over USB ???? which is super slow and import at the BPM and key of the track you are working on.
3 года назад
I couldnt understand your comments , Roland give us idea generation machine not like a daw. If you want linear sequencer use ableton or logic. Once you completed the clips you can record your performance to the ableton directly. Drum sounds are not good? Try to use Roland cloud to download other drum packs. Or use a daw plugin , you can assign daw plugin to roland zone 1-16. You can play drum via Fantom. This machine designed as a Music center of your studio.
Hmmm...all very good BUT.... STILL NO Linear sequencer STILL NO ability to load/save SMF STILL NO ability/compatibility with GM files (i wont even mention SVQ) STILL NO Audio Tracks (and memory Non expandable) ALL OF THE ABOVE were standard features even on the Fantom X...WHY has Roland deleted basic features? This new Fantom still seems to be a really Expencive MIDI Controller with a sound engine Soooooo...you NEED a laptop to turn it into a Workstation....Something i will NOT use Live. Come on Roland....it took over a year to even put a basic sampler in it....seriously. The only thing i would look at buying is a Rack Mount version of it at a 3rd of the price to "maybe" replace my Fantom XR.... I was so wishing, hoping this new Fantom could replace my X or G...but sadly and very disappointingly ....NO!!!!!
@@Tigerex966 Actually the Fantom's been in the works since 2011-2012 I believe. Its there in the Sound on Sound review. Due to Roland' management buyout and financial crisis they couldn't afford to make a premium workstation and therefore released the Fa budget workstation to appeal to average consumers. It worked and they managed to stabilize a position for a new workstation which is the new Fantom. They never copied Yamaha on anything or any basis, the design was laid out probably a few years ago and updated with today's fancy colouring. The kronos and montage have a similar left side design for volume and other controls which seems to be an industry look. Apart from that nothing is similar between the three workstations in design.
@Just Aname The Fantom is intended for the modern day producers who want to get a quick idea down and easily make a song. Roland definitely did not get their sequencer idea's from bedroom producers. If you look at the artists who use the Fantom, they tour with the world's best singers and Bands. Example: Peter Gordeno from Depeche Mode, Ashton Miranda from Ed Sheeran, Anne Marie,L-Devine and Jim Daneker from Michael W Smith and many more artists. The linear sequencer method is what almost everybody uses on a day to day basis but nobody nowadays wants to do their whole song on their keyboards. Those days are way behind and people have transitioned to using DAW's on stage's and gigs. Of course reliability is way less when compared to an all in one unit but DAW's provide much more flexibility than any keyboard workstation in terms of sequencing, and most people nowadays who do gigs and lead worship in churches use Ableton Live and Roland have decided to stick with that trend. As for your claim that the Fantom cannot import a midi file, I have absolutely no idea where you got that from. The Fantom can load midi files but only 32 bars per row which gives you the possibility to put up to 128 bars from a midi file. (Watch this video for more info ruclips.net/video/ZjojZMGTPLU/видео.html ). As for audio tracks, like I said DAW's have much more flexibility with audio than any keyboard workstation which is why Roland decided it is useless to put it into a workstation that can incorporate and integrate a DAW. Yamaha did the same move and the MODX is selling like crazy and for those who can afford it....the Montage. Keyboard workstations were made because computer's in the 1990's and 2000's were not fully capable of running for multiple gigs and venues and were not powerful enough to do what keyboardist's needed from them. So workstations were the answer until a point where VST's hosted on a computer sounded better than a workstation did and provided more sampling and sequencing capabilities with the options for expansion (example: RAM, CPU, HDD/SSD) whereas workstations stuck to their nature to not change hardware and software. So in order to save their name and money Korg, Roland and Yamaha released workstations to integrate with computers rather than battle them and lose. Remember your Fantom-X and G came from a time where computer's were not fully trusted and workstations were the only option for a keyboardist to pay his bills. It is your opinion to not use a computer on stage so might as well stick with the keyboards from that era. In my opinion a Kronos or Nautilus might be the answer to your problems.
@@ablesam All of what you said has no bearing to me in the way i use a true Workstation....and if what you said were true...WHY put a sequencer in it "AT ALL" if its designed to go with an external DAW? Why market it as a Workstation when its not? Why put the Fantom name on it if it CANT do what its predecessors could? PS...the way it loads a GM file is pitiful and obviously an after thought...All i see the new Fantom is that its a really really expencive midi controller with a new synth engine
@@justaname1862 The sequencer was and will always be a feature of any Roland workstation. The reason Roland included it was so that artists can easily select an empty scene and immediately start working on their song without going through the trouble of starting your computer and setting up your DAW and the external hardware required with it. Instead load an empty scene and select your sounds quickly and start writing your song with a sequencer that is easy to use and not needing hundreds of menu's to access it. This is a type of workflow that people are using nowadays to get their music and if it isn't your workflow then go get another board that suits your needs. One last thing. Roland's old Fantom lineup (Fantom FA-76,Fantom-S,Fantom-X,Fantom-G) died in 2009 when they (Roland) cut their support for the Fantom-G lineup. The new Fantom is not the evolution of the old Fantom series. It is a completely new instrument that is born from the need of today's artists for a better workflow and a new range of sounds and functions for today's music while not forgetting the vintage Roland sounds for artists who used them in the past. So there is no point in comparing the past Fantom lineup and today's when they are two different boards for different purposes.
No people want to know when are you going to release a better version of this keyboard that fixes this TRASH Polyphony that Roland is charging almost $4,000 for!
My biggest peeve about the Roland is the organization of the tones, they're all over the damn place and let's be honest, no one needs a thousand freaking sounds, literally. The quality of the basic tones isn't the best either, the guitar sounds, all suck. The bass tones also suck, my $300 Casio ctk250 has better woodwind sounds, the fantom has the worst, cheapest, sounding sax tones and it's just frustrating.
They've actually updated it with Supernatural technology and all the PCM tones which use partials can be easily modified in tone edit. Try editing the sounds before you give your final opinion on them.
@@ablesam the supernatural is still trash. I'm not talking about the editing, I'm talking about the STOCK tones, they should already sound good, you shouldn't need to edit them to make them sound good, the editing should be there just as an extra. You pay for a $4500 piano, you expect amazing tones off the bat, before you even touch them, someone's I don't have time to sit there and edit. The fantom just doesn't cut it, they focused on quantity, wish I had just gotten the montage🥺🙄
@@youngeshmoney There is a big difference between the two boards. The montage is a performance synth oriented and the Fantom is a workstation oriented keyboard. Plus all of Yamaha's Woodwinds and saxophones are sampled from their own instruments (Yamaha makes saxophones and woodwinds and other acoustic instruments). And therefore you might get the better sound but less options. Roland's woodwinds come from different manufacturers and each of them are sampled and modeled so there is no looping of samples as there might be in the Yamaha and you get different variations of tone from a single saxophone. Your taste must be in Yamaha instruments if you don't appreciate the quality of Roland's modeling of various instrument and the options you get.
@@ablesam with acoustic sounds, if the samples aren't all that great, there's little that can be done to improve upon them electronic sounds are the serviceable ones, but sound design is something only a few of us ever get into, everyone else expects "plug 'n play" ease of use, yet Roland presets typically need tweaking
@@Jason75913 That's Roland for you. Many people buy Roland keyboards for the options you have in designing and crafting your sounds. If you're more into presets then Yamaha would be your answer. Also if you are into acoustic sounds like the guitar, Yamaha have some great samples. Roland are known more for their flexibility in sound design.
Make sure to tune in to our Part 2 for all the latest on sampling & how to Sample on the Roland Fantom!
ruclips.net/video/2HhF32kUB3A/видео.html
Why am I looking at this episode while I don’t own a Roland at all? Oh I know, because this channel stands for QUALITY. This channel inspires, I always learn! Thanks again.
I was looking at the price and realised a can't afford it. But still, I keep on dreaming
The Fantom 8 is incredible and keeps delivering the goods. Highly recommended!!
Jack can really really play! And over the years his chops have gotten even better. He is a monster now!
He could be a celebrity,great personality.
He really is a good player, but he also is friends with every other bad-ass keys player on old Blighty.
Ed and Jack!!! My two favorite RUclips keyboard wizards 🙏
I have to admit, I am getting the hang of Roland Cloud and Zenology bit by bit and these are blowing the capabilities of my already extraordinary set of instruments off the boards. Great job, folks!
I used to work at Guitar Center back in the day with Ed Diaz. He was a wiz selling and demonstrated keyboards.
Ed Diaz, I think you just sold me on the Fantom.
These guys are fun, educational, great & should team up more often (do I see a podcast team in the making?)!
Ed&Jack!! The best
Damn fine intro. Seriously love your playing and the patch
Great way to start video. Hi Ed!!!!
Has anyone noticed the crossaint lying on the table in the intro? :D
it doesn't get any better than you two guys together, for sure: ED: you say you are excited about things yet to come: I sincerely hope that they will now turn towards beefing up the sequencer, as this is the one thing most sorely behind with this keyboard: instead of an 8/16 format, we need a full 16 sections of 16 instruments, we needs WAY more bars per pattern than the current 32, and we certainly need ALL of the various timings, not just a couple as currently. We are not taking revolution here: these features ARE already incorporated into so many other sequencers, in fact, my old FA has many of them, the Fantom G had them, so we are not talking ground breaking here.
You are spot on...WHY doesnt it have a linear sequencer? Ive said so many times that its just a really expencive midi controller with a sound engine....as you said....so many older Roland Workstations had more functionality ...it doesnt have so many industry things in it....even took Roland over 12 months to put a sampler in it and it still doesnt have Audio Tracks like the X and G...it wont even load/save a SMF....i would maybe look at buying a rack mount version....but NOT a midi controller with a sound engine. What i want to know is...WHO WERE roland listening to in its design? Kids in their bedrooms writing one bar beat loops? ....it seems like it....seriously.
The title of this Video says "The Update we've all been waiting for" "NO" ITS FUNCTIONS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE WHEN IT WAS RELEASED....they are really just common functions of a workstation...are the designers 12yo kids that have never used a Fantom X? Im just annoyed as i was looking at a replacement for my X7...it controls my Fantom G and XR Live...and NO Laptop to be seen anywhere....and i dont want one...and it seems you have to use a laptop to make this new fantom into a workstation....it really doesnt deserve the "Fantom" name...as i said...its not a workstation....rather a controller with a sound engine...they should have called it something else....give me a rack mount version at a 3rd of the price....maybe.
@@justaname1862 unfortunately, the days of rackmounts are mainly behind us, we haven't seen a significant rack mount since the Integra....but you nailed it with the "one bar beat loops" comment: if that is the type of music you are doing, then, this sequencer will be more than adequate, but if you are doing REAL songs, such as pop and rock hits of the 70s through 90s, etc., then you need more parts, more bars, etc. and so on......
2 Years later still no beef on the sequencer
@@petek6428 actually , Pete, they have finally addressed some of the sequencers shortcomings: as of update 3.0, they doubled the number of bars from 32 to 64....and in version 3.01, they finally opened the flood gates on the timing choices, giving virtually every timing possibility, so these are steps in the right direction.
this keyboard just became my dream, still saving money to get it, this week I haven’t slept thinking about it, it’s beautiful :)
Awesome but so is that SE-02 😺
Luv this I'm about to get all up in my Fantom 8 and learn it's in and outs. This is it right here with V2. 🙌😎🔥
I figured the computer and internet connectivity would be the best asset to the new Fantom. The Fantom G had a lot of issues with connecting to the computer that seems to be ironed out with this one. I must have this Keyboard lol!! This looks amazing and so fun to work with. Can't wait to upgrade. Been on the Fantom G since 2010 so way overdue. I play out with the Fantom G, the FA-07, and Korg Krome. Thats my Trio right now.
Not exactly drag-and-drop, you have to save the expansions to a flash drive and import into the Fantom. Still, it holds them all at the same time and think how much all those SRX boards cost as hardware back in the day. The new tone packs are $.99 for about 16 tones & maybe a drum kit, good stuff.
The Fantom is a great bit of kit. Sometimes having so many presets is a double edged sword. Sometimes I just browse presets on presets.. You get lost and fail to create. Self control is needed.
I think's more practical to know what you want and where it is in the memory, or for synth sounds, to know how to dial in the sound that you want from an Init patch.
Definitely a great and informative review. I have to this day an xp 60. A great workstation. I am planning to buy mu next workstation. My choices are the Fantom, rhe korg kronos. Nuff said. The roland cloud really interests me aand this update.
Hi there, just a question to ask, the sound download from cloud can install into fantom permanently and use it without connect to computer ? What happen your cloud subscription over ? Can i still use the downloaded sound ?
one of best Roland ..love it...
Holy cow, I have waited for the update since never.
Jacks Back!!!
Thank you for this!
Happy new year to everybody.
My Question is: Will be there ever a linear sequencer like in Fantom X or G? That would be great.
Why do you need linear seq? Connect to your daw and record. Easy.
Hey Simon, Fantom is not a workstation like its predecessors with the name. Its sort what the ultimate midi controller+ ultimate synthesizer is. The sequencer is just for quickly capturing down ideas and making each row a verse, chorus, intro, bridge or whatever you wish. If you want to sequence linearly, then you want to use a DAW.
Jack, a 1-to-1 Zoom meeting can last 24h even on the free account. The 40min only applies for 3+ participants.
No way 🤯 Thanks so much for the headsup Bill, what a plonker!!
I would probably have to take a year or so of studying ,just to use this keyboard effectively,with all its capability’s,damn.
Will there ever be a rackmount or Desktop Module version of this Fantom? Thank you
Santa Claus is real. His name is Ed Diaz. :)
Great. I also hope (and wait) for an increase of Groups (and grouping). Only 8 steps per track is way too less....
Can we have more sounds for the FA? I'm after world sounds and Arabic instruments of which the FA is not well represented .can we have a retro fit for the FA virtual expansions? I don't want to change the FA!
some higher fidelity waveforms, too, like what EXP-11 comes with - this should have been the way from the start
@@Jason75913 I am disappointed that the large number of pcm tones on my FA08 are of poor quality. As a result I have better quality sounds loaded up on my iPhone using pure synth platinum, sample tank, audiokit synth one and sunrizer along with korg module..I am going to sell my FA08 and buy a vr-09b which I consider to be one of Roland's finest stage keyboards and use my iPhone with a 49 key midi controller for a powerhouse live and studio recording setup. I'll miss the FA's really useful sampler but I can get round that by sampling direct into garage band
SRX cards and EZX are not the same. Spectrasonics licensed sounds are not present in the EZX.
The fantom can fit all 15 current expansions and all current models with room to spare.
I REALLY hope that expansions downloaded from Roland Cloud don’t stop working if you unsubscribe from Roland Cloud? Also, is there an editor that doesn’t require monthly subscription?
Expansions work without the cloud subscription
Hello Ed and Jack 🤗.
I like that Fantom keyboard and Roland in general. Just a question for Ed. Why Roland Cloud doesn't exist for jupiter 80 ?
I have a jupiter 80 and G70.
Thank in advance for your answer.
Jupiter 80 is a Roland Legacy product. Plus the Supernatural Synth has been replaced by ZEN-Core which does so much more.The Jupiter 80 is a great synth (still love it to this day) but it lacks the Sampling and Sequencing capabilities of the Fantom. And the OS of the Jupiter does not support Expansion anymore since V2.In short for your answer without getting into to much info and complication is, ' It doesn't have the Zen-Core engine'. Hope this makes sense.
@@ablesam I agree. Thank you for your answer and I understood. Thank you so much.
I'll admit, after the Fantom G, I was going to be a guinea pig for Roland again. They had to show me.. I was not going to fork over 4k and promises. They've showed me .. Now, If they add the FantomG's audio milt-track recorder...I'd scream!! :)
Amen
I used to have the supreme dance srx board in my Fantom
When are you bringing Remi from Roland back ?
Hello Sir. I am a new customer to Roland Fantom 7 and I downloaded Roland cloud manger from your website. I use mac book pro with Sierra 10.12 OS. Most of the time when I try to login to Roland Cloud, it says "service is not available at the moment. please try again later". Why is this happening? I cant download anything from the cloud though Im ready to pay for membership. Please help or suggest. Thanks!
you must be very quick in eating and drinking ... no you're magic: food and drink are back in the end :D
thanks.....I am an Yamaha user..I would like to update. which would be more user friendly for one who migrate from Yamaha ? Fantom 6 or 8 ? which can I select ? please reply.
They are functionally the same, except for the range and keybed. The 8 is relatively heavy, and thicker due to the hammer action. The top panel/display is not tilted as much on the 8.
@@xp50player ok....thanks a lot....
Where’s the software updates for the RD2000??? I’m very upset with Roland that they haven’t shown any effort with supporting the RD2000. It’s still riddled with bugs and issues. The computer drivers leave a lot to be desired too.
The intro sounds like some Angels & Airwaves
Hope the Jupiter X gets some expandable Models or something soon
Jack you need to do some reviews on kurzweils.
Sadly Andertons do not stock Kurzweils, they only review their own stock.
@@geoffwebber8272well its time to get them in
So should I buy Fantom or wait for the new Mac and go for the whole NI package with the S88? Help me please😯
Very Good question. Depends on your use. If your going to be doing mainly doing studio work then Soft Synths with a good midi controller will do the job. If you want the the Fantom's sounds then you can purchase Zenology Pro which is on sale at the time of writing for $499 with 4 model expansions. Unfortunately you won't get any supernatural sounds or the V.Piano. If live work is your preference then the Fantom is a solid keyboard with a 16x3 audio interface to use with Mainstage,Gig performer,Ableton live etc. It also takes around 40 seconds to boot up and has a 192Khz 24 bit DAC (according to Mark Watson from Roland and I do believe he is right) to output high quality audio. It also becomes your audio interface on stage so using one USB-B to USB-C or USB-A cable you transfer Midi,Audio, DAW control(if you are using Mainstage or Logic) and you can combine Fantom sounds and VST sounds from your laptop using the Fantom. It's a beast of a machine.
@@ablesam Thank you:-) I have some time to thing about this but I´m leaning towards the Fantom at the moment although I´m extremely excited about the Native Instruments package as well. I´m classically trained pianist so I would always need 88 note keyboard.
Finally ;)
Roland is fun
From the Fantom 6, how do you search specifically for an expansion pack you imported in the workstation?
Does it come in Roland Phantom 6
This FANTOM keyboard is the real keyboard, but it looks like I'm gonna have to sell my kidney for this one. 😅😥
Roland, don't forget us the plebians, we would love a Fantom too (probably a 2021 XA, who knows). 🙈
I wander how its keyed feeling, but I found less information, so you guys don't care this key point?
Scenes? Is it visual narrative or just bad nomenclature?
hmm..after having owned a Kronos 9 yrs now scenes have been there for a while...Roland is a bit late to the game imho :) BUT..the sounds int the cloud is good stuff even though i use Ableton Live and other analog HW. Ed does always a very nice job explaining stuff :)
Que lindo, mas por enquanto só posso um fa06.
where is sampling ?
Coming in Part 2!
So little playing 😢
Why no audio tracks😠
DAW's provide more functionality and features when it comes to audio manipulation and effects processing. If you had audio tracks on the Fantom you might be limited to sharing a small number of effects like 2-3 whereas the scenes have a total of 20 mfx (1 mfx per zone,2 insert effects per scene, 2 global send effects per scene). An additional guess is that they don't have a lot of internal storage to store the audio tracks which would have to be per scene since the Fantom is mode-less. It's a great instrument don't get me wrong but audio tracks seems to be better used and has more advantage in a DAW where all sorts of possibilities exist. If you want to trigger audio use the Pad Banks and choose from the 256 locations.
@@ablesam just to clarify, you mean "PC DAW", as the Fantom is also a DAW
it's weird that the entry-level Juno-DS can play audio tracks from a USB flash drive but the flagship Fantom cannot from SD memory or flash or whatever, FA also cannot
Korg and Yamaha workstations can also play audio tracks
@@Jason75913 Fantom is a long way from a DAW. It is more like a midi DAW I would say. If you want to launch audio you can launch up to 8 samples that go up to 60 mins each from the sample pad. Korg workstations I can understand have audio tracks but I don't have a clue on Yamaha workstations. Can you please help clarify which have audio playback (from Yamaha).
Edit, Motif Xf can do audio
Well, instead of doing crappy cloud stuff I'd love to see some significant update for my RD2000. It's kind of annoying that their flagship stage piano seems quite abandonned because they are busy pushing the damn subscription model of their cloud. Last 3 years have been quite disappointing by Roland in general .... Basically everything went into "Let's go the anti-consumer Adobe route".
Sorry to ask. But in what way does the RD-2000 need an update in ? It already is pretty maxed out it's capabilities and functionality.
@@ablesam That's correct I didn't really have something particular in mind because the RD2000 is pretty complete. Yet I have seen companies like Novation where the product like the Bass Station 2 also seemed quite complete and they added some great stuff even years later. It just shows some love for their product and customers.
Stuff I could think off would be the expansion via Axial. It just kinda seemed to be quickly abandonned and was implemented not that conveniently (only being able to choose between 2 expansions). I don't know if those are hardware limitations but maybe you could use that rather useless update USB-port as extra storage (i have a compact 1cm 128Gb that could be happely sitting there taking all the expansions he likes).
The whole modelled piano section was also not touched in 3 years IIRC. I won't spend much time fiddling through those menus by myself, because that sound engineering is just not fun on the RD and I rather do that on my software and hardware synths. So some new presets to try out would have been great.
Also the left rotary encoder section with different levels could get some love .. why not hard-map some basic emulated synth functions over there?
It's not like im directly missing something (since I don't know what the machine could be capable of if you'd think outside the box) its more like roland has seemed to stopped caring for anything but their damn cloud.
@@Xul I kind of understand what you are upset about. But Zen-Core seems to be Roland's way of gaining back in on the market right now. The RD-2000 seems to have hit the ceiling in its functionalities.
As for the Axial part.... well, I think the hardware storage capacity is maxed out and there is nothing we can do on that. External USB-Drives like the 128GB you mentioned are only apparently good for recording the audio from the RD. I don't think it has the good read/write speeds of the built in flash memory of the RD to quickly load sounds as fast.
I get you on the whole V-Piano modelling thing. I have to say it is time consuming and requires patience to get the piano to the sound you like. As for presets, that is no longer Roland's greatest strength. You have to customize the presets according to your liking but there are some good ones.
As for the rotary encoders, that is all up to you. If you are using your Mainstage or Gig Performer; set those to control your live DAW. They are free to use to your liking.
Also don't forget you can combine your DAW sounds with the RD-2000 sounds via the built in audio interface. I find that using the built in audio interface eliminates the need for an external bus powered interface and more cables. It helps with cable management as well.
@@Xul Plus if you are getting bored with RD's sounds, you can use your VST's in your case and use the RD as the master keyboard, audio interface and controller section. It's sort of a all in one package.
@@ablesam Yeah combining voices with the built in audio interface and it's mixer is great. The RD is still my main audio interface in my setup (though I could use several others). It has low latency, good integration in the mixer and is overall one of the things I'm extremly happy about in the RD. I also use the RD for some VSTi pianos like XLN's studio grand. Since the Keybed is just amazing on the RD.
Regarding the rotaries - that was meant a bit differently: I know that I can set them up (though i am too lazy and rather use my SL MK3 or one of my hardware synths directly) ;)
I just wondered if Roland could have added some preset internal routing for some of the sounds that would benefit from it (like their vintage synth expansion) ... I'm not sure what would be possible there since it is basically just sample playback ...
In general I'm very happy with it and it actually brought me back to play more (not that I'm good but it is just always a nice feeling to sit and play something for myself). I just don't like the recent development of Roland ... If I compare it to others like Korg, Novation, Arturia and even newcomers like ASM - they seem to be a bit out of touch with the users and don't seem to persue and maintain a long-term concept. Hard to describe ...
oh? great!?
If you are planning on buying this synth then be informed that this doesn't have a traditional sequencer on it. It has a very slow, basic, rudimental Ableton Live clip style that has a 32 bar limit. Even though this is called a Fantom, it is not a workstation so please don't make that mistake. Roland have no plans to include a traditional linear sequencer as this is mainly a performance synth. Furthermore, although it os a flagship, it doesn't have the same acoustic realism as say the Integra 7 which is a major disappointment. The onboard drum sounds are similar to a Casio keyboard and have no character and the TR drum sounds are not the same as on the TR-8s which are far superior in realism which means you'll need to buy another piece of hardware to get quality drum tones. Samples cannot be time stretched or manipulated in real time. You basically have to use a DAW to edit samples then import over USB ???? which is super slow and import at the BPM and key of the track you are working on.
I couldnt understand your comments , Roland give us idea generation machine not like a daw. If you want linear sequencer use ableton or logic. Once you completed the clips you can record your performance to the ableton directly. Drum sounds are not good? Try to use Roland cloud to download other drum packs. Or use a daw plugin , you can assign daw plugin to roland zone 1-16. You can play drum via Fantom. This machine designed as a Music center of your studio.
@ I watched your coffin dance video. Where is your Fantom centre piece?
Pierdo las esperanzas de tenerlo, es muy caro😔
el FA-06 es bastante bueno, ¿sabes?
I like 90% music and not talking...
Making software a subscription instead of allowing people buy it is so greedy!
It's really just a computer with a general-purpose CPU in a keyboard shaped box though, right?
Plus optimized software and I/O.
Naw it’s more than that. To much to talk about unless you have a specific question.
The sounds are generated by proprietary DSP chips.
third comment
Hmmm...all very good BUT....
STILL NO Linear sequencer
STILL NO ability to load/save SMF
STILL NO ability/compatibility with GM files (i wont even mention SVQ)
STILL NO Audio Tracks (and memory Non expandable)
ALL OF THE ABOVE were standard features even on the Fantom X...WHY has Roland deleted basic features? This new Fantom still seems to be a really Expencive MIDI Controller with a sound engine Soooooo...you NEED a laptop to turn it into a Workstation....Something i will NOT use Live.
Come on Roland....it took over a year to even put a basic sampler in it....seriously.
The only thing i would look at buying is a Rack Mount version of it at a 3rd of the price to "maybe" replace my Fantom XR....
I was so wishing, hoping this new Fantom could replace my X or G...but sadly and very disappointingly ....NO!!!!!
Copying the Yamaha montage which took away a good sequencer and onboard sampler yet went up in price.
@@Tigerex966 Actually the Fantom's been in the works since 2011-2012 I believe. Its there in the Sound on Sound review. Due to Roland' management buyout and financial crisis they couldn't afford to make a premium workstation and therefore released the Fa budget workstation to appeal to average consumers. It worked and they managed to stabilize a position for a new workstation which is the new Fantom. They never copied Yamaha on anything or any basis, the design was laid out probably a few years ago and updated with today's fancy colouring. The kronos and montage have a similar left side design for volume and other controls which seems to be an industry look. Apart from that nothing is similar between the three workstations in design.
@Just Aname The Fantom is intended for the modern day producers who want to get a quick idea down and easily make a song. Roland definitely did not get their sequencer idea's from bedroom producers. If you look at the artists who use the Fantom, they tour with the world's best singers and Bands. Example: Peter Gordeno from Depeche Mode, Ashton Miranda from Ed Sheeran, Anne Marie,L-Devine and Jim Daneker from Michael W Smith and many more artists. The linear sequencer method is what almost everybody uses on a day to day basis but nobody nowadays wants to do their whole song on their keyboards. Those days are way behind and people have transitioned to using DAW's on stage's and gigs. Of course reliability is way less when compared to an all in one unit but DAW's provide much more flexibility than any keyboard workstation in terms of sequencing, and most people nowadays who do gigs and lead worship in churches use Ableton Live and Roland have decided to stick with that trend. As for your claim that the Fantom cannot import a midi file, I have absolutely no idea where you got that from. The Fantom can load midi files but only 32 bars per row which gives you the possibility to put up to 128 bars from a midi file. (Watch this video for more info ruclips.net/video/ZjojZMGTPLU/видео.html ). As for audio tracks, like I said DAW's have much more flexibility with audio than any keyboard workstation which is why Roland decided it is useless to put it into a workstation that can incorporate and integrate a DAW. Yamaha did the same move and the MODX is selling like crazy and for those who can afford it....the Montage. Keyboard workstations were made because computer's in the 1990's and 2000's were not fully capable of running for multiple gigs and venues and were not powerful enough to do what keyboardist's needed from them. So workstations were the answer until a point where VST's hosted on a computer sounded better than a workstation did and provided more sampling and sequencing capabilities with the options for expansion (example: RAM, CPU, HDD/SSD) whereas workstations stuck to their nature to not change hardware and software. So in order to save their name and money Korg, Roland and Yamaha released workstations to integrate with computers rather than battle them and lose. Remember your Fantom-X and G came from a time where computer's were not fully trusted and workstations were the only option for a keyboardist to pay his bills. It is your opinion to not use a computer on stage so might as well stick with the keyboards from that era. In my opinion a Kronos or Nautilus might be the answer to your problems.
@@ablesam All of what you said has no bearing to me in the way i use a true Workstation....and if what you said were true...WHY put a sequencer in it "AT ALL" if its designed to go with an external DAW? Why market it as a Workstation when its not? Why put the Fantom name on it if it CANT do what its predecessors could? PS...the way it loads a GM file is pitiful and obviously an after thought...All i see the new Fantom is that its a really really expencive midi controller with a new synth engine
@@justaname1862 The sequencer was and will always be a feature of any Roland workstation. The reason Roland included it was so that artists can easily select an empty scene and immediately start working on their song without going through the trouble of starting your computer and setting up your DAW and the external hardware required with it. Instead load an empty scene and select your sounds quickly and start writing your song with a sequencer that is easy to use and not needing hundreds of menu's to access it. This is a type of workflow that people are using nowadays to get their music and if it isn't your workflow then go get another board that suits your needs. One last thing. Roland's old Fantom lineup (Fantom FA-76,Fantom-S,Fantom-X,Fantom-G) died in 2009 when they (Roland) cut their support for the Fantom-G lineup. The new Fantom is not the evolution of the old Fantom series. It is a completely new instrument that is born from the need of today's artists for a better workflow and a new range of sounds and functions for today's music while not forgetting the vintage Roland sounds for artists who used them in the past. So there is no point in comparing the past Fantom lineup and today's when they are two different boards for different purposes.
No people want to know when are you going to release a better version of this keyboard that fixes this TRASH Polyphony that Roland is charging almost $4,000 for!
My biggest peeve about the Roland is the organization of the tones, they're all over the damn place and let's be honest, no one needs a thousand freaking sounds, literally. The quality of the basic tones isn't the best either, the guitar sounds, all suck. The bass tones also suck, my $300 Casio ctk250 has better woodwind sounds, the fantom has the worst, cheapest, sounding sax tones and it's just frustrating.
They've actually updated it with Supernatural technology and all the PCM tones which use partials can be easily modified in tone edit. Try editing the sounds before you give your final opinion on them.
@@ablesam the supernatural is still trash. I'm not talking about the editing, I'm talking about the STOCK tones, they should already sound good, you shouldn't need to edit them to make them sound good, the editing should be there just as an extra. You pay for a $4500 piano, you expect amazing tones off the bat, before you even touch them, someone's I don't have time to sit there and edit. The fantom just doesn't cut it, they focused on quantity, wish I had just gotten the montage🥺🙄
@@youngeshmoney There is a big difference between the two boards. The montage is a performance synth oriented and the Fantom is a workstation oriented keyboard. Plus all of Yamaha's Woodwinds and saxophones are sampled from their own instruments (Yamaha makes saxophones and woodwinds and other acoustic instruments). And therefore you might get the better sound but less options. Roland's woodwinds come from different manufacturers and each of them are sampled and modeled so there is no looping of samples as there might be in the Yamaha and you get different variations of tone from a single saxophone. Your taste must be in Yamaha instruments if you don't appreciate the quality of Roland's modeling of various instrument and the options you get.
@@ablesam with acoustic sounds, if the samples aren't all that great, there's little that can be done to improve upon them
electronic sounds are the serviceable ones, but sound design is something only a few of us ever get into, everyone else expects "plug 'n play" ease of use, yet Roland presets typically need tweaking
@@Jason75913 That's Roland for you. Many people buy Roland keyboards for the options you have in designing and crafting your sounds. If you're more into presets then Yamaha would be your answer. Also if you are into acoustic sounds like the guitar, Yamaha have some great samples. Roland are known more for their flexibility in sound design.
You lost me at that cloud nonsense.
Mucho bla bla y no tocan nada.
I hit dislike 3 times!
Lots of yak and not much really info or playing of those "what was that? It was like a wall" type sounds or how to make them... Such an advertisement
Sorry you felt like that Aussie. I hear ya though, thanks for the feedback X