Roland 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.

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.

FEATURES

• Seamless workflow with no confusing modes

• Expandable sound engine delivers authentic electronic and acoustic sounds

• Fresh hybrid sounds combining modern PCM, virtual analog, and a routable analog filter

• V-Piano technology for stunning realism and expression

• Scenes contain settings for all 16 layers, plus effects and patterns

• Multitrack clip-based sequencing with instant pattern recording and triggering

• TR-REC sequencer as found on classic Roland drum machines

• High-resolution controls with dedicated synth control section

• Massive DSP power for plenty of polyphony and smooth sound transitions

• Deep integration with DAWs and softsynths and 16x3 stereo audio interface

• Acclaimed 88-note weighted keyboard with aftertouch

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 With FANTOM, you won’t compromise your sound or suffer workarounds due to outdated technical limits.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 multiple 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.

Sonic Superpowers.
FANTOM’s sound engine combines ZEN-Core’s analog modeling and PCM synthesis with deep multisampling, SuperNATURAL and V-Piano technologies—and even software synthesizers—for unique sounds and intricate performance setups. There are dozens of effects for space and depth, and an analog filter for extra warmth and grit. And thanks to our custom Behavior Modeling Core processors, control is smooth and precise with loads of polyphony, and full patch remain.

Zen At The Core.
FANTOM’s ZEN-Core synth engine is based on partials. Each partial contains a discrete synth voice—complete with an 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 splits, layers, and sequenced parts.

Deep Sampling.
With FANTOM, you can sample internal and external sources, or even both at the same time. Sample directly to the onboard pads for triggering, to the keyboard for instant pitched sounds, or create detailed multisamples with up to 352 samples per tone. You can even use samples as the basis of a ZEN-Core tone, taking custom sound design to a new level.

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 and SuperNATURAL technologies 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.

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 37 curve choices per step. This creates long evolving passages, modular-style animated textures, and sounds with deeply intricate movement.

Model Expansions.
From rare and sought-after classics to the designs of tomorrow, Model Expansions give you unprecedented access to the historic and ever-evolving world of Roland synthesizers. Infuse your FANTOM with the characters of entirely different instruments, each with their own sonic personalities, features, and preset tones. Split and layer multiple Model Expansions or mix them with V-Piano sounds, custom multisamples, or other ZEN-Core tones for unique voices and textures.

Vital Organ.
Evolved from the famous Roland VK organ series, FANTOM’s Virtual ToneWheel engine faithfully emulates the sound-generating process of a real tone wheel organ and includes several tone wheel types with adjustable percussion, key click, leakage, and more. There’s also a lush rotary effect with variable speed, brake control, and tube distortion characteristics. FANTOM’s touchscreen, sliders, knobs, and keyboard action are automatically configured to complete the authentic organ experience, providing hands-on sound control and classic quick-fire playability.

Expand Your Creative Horizons.
Roland Cloud offers dozens of Sound Packs and Wave Expansions to keep your music sounding fresh, while a steady stream of updates bring user-requested features and refinements to broaden the FANTOM experience.

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.

Players 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 touchscreen piano-roll editing, and a grid for recording and launching clips. Use any or all, whenever you want.

From Spart 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 and TR-909. FANTOM’s built-in TR-REC sequencer makes it quick and easy to create rhythmic parts and is modernized with support for polyphonic parts.

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 is the perfect creative hub for any computer-based production setup. Touchscreen control and deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and MainStage keep you focused on your music when the creative juices are flowing. FANTOM is a high-quality 16x3 audio/MIDI interface that connects with a single USB cable so you can send parts composed on FANTOM as discrete tracks to your computer, route DAW tracks through FANTOM’s effects, and much more.

Deep Soft Synth Integration.
FANTOM’s free-flowing structure seamlessly unites the software and hardware worlds, bringing unmatched creative power to your live performances and studio sessions. Mix and layer soft synths with FANTOM’s internal sounds, enhance them with the onboard effects and analog filter, and instantly recall your favorite hybrid setups with Scenes. You can even view and control soft synth parameters from FANTOM’s touchscreen, giving you the feeling of playing one ultra-flexible, fully integrated instrument.

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.

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.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard
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 (Only ZONE1)

• VTW Organ (Only ZONE2)

• SuperNATURAL Acoustic

• SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano (Require adding EXSN01)

• SuperNATURAL Electric Piano (Require adding EXSN02)

• Various MODEL sound generators (Require adding EXM Series)

* ZEN-Core Tones and Model Tones can import and export.

Expansion:

• EXZ Series

• EXSN Series

• EXM Series

* The expansion are rewritable internal sound generator memory.
You can download data from the Roland Cloud and write it via a USB flash drive into the FANTOM's internal memory.

Parts: 16 Zones (Internal + External)
Scenes: 128 Scenes x 4 Bank
* The Scenes can import and export.
Tones: Over 3,500 Tones, Over 90 Drum kits
Tone Remain: 16 parts (16 zones / 16 scenes).
* Tone Remain does not apply to V-Piano and VTW sounds.
Favorite: Rating System: 4 Steps (0-3)
Tone Search / Scene Search: Raiting, Character
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 measures
Recording Method: Realtime recording, Step recording, TR-REC
Editing Method: Piano roll edit (Touch Edit / Automation support), Microscope
Song: 1 (per Scene)
File format: Original, SMF export/import supported
* PAD Sampler trigger data can be recorded.

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)
* A total of approximately 2 GB (Share with Expansion titles)"
* Keyboard Multisample can import and export as ZEN-Core Tone.

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).
* A total of approximately 2 GB can be saved (including imported WAV files)
* When you use the PAD samples as KBD Wave, then you have to manipulate it.

Sampler - Internal Storage Space For Files
Size: 2GB

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
* When connect to MX-1
CV/Gate Control: 2 x CV/Gate or 3 x CV/1 x Gate
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

* 1024 step editing support
It can be use with Cutoff, Resonance, Attack , Decay , Sustain , Release , Amp , FX Depth.

Display: Graphic Type, 7", Wide VGA (800 x 480 dots), backlit LCD (Color/Touch screen, Wallpaper support)
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) * 1024 Step value support

• MIDI connectors (IN, OUT1, OUT2/THRU) * High-resolution velocity data output support

• USB MEMORY Port

• USB COMPUTER Port (AUDIO/ MIDI)

3 x External Device Port: A Roland A-49 or an A-PRO series MIDI Controller can be connected. * Operation is not guaranteed if a generic MIDI device is connected.
Audio Interface:

• Max 24 bit/96 KHz

• Record 16 Stereo Channel

• Playback 3 Stereo Channel

External Memory: USB Flash drive (sold separately)
Power Supply: AC 117–240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 50 W
Accessories: Owner's manual, Power Cord
Options (sold separately):

• Keyboard Stand: KS-10Z, KS-12

• Pedal Switch: DP series, RPU-3

• Expression Pedal: EV-5

• USB Flash drive (*)

* Use a commercially available USB flash drive. However, we cannot guarantee that all commercially available USB flash drives will work.

Dimensions
Width: 1,432 mm / 56-7/16 inches
Depth: 439 mm / 17-5/16 inches
Height: 153 mm / 6-1/16 inches
Weight: 27.7 kg / 61 lbs 2 oz

For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.