Roland Fantom 8 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Full Description

State-of-the-art technology

Compatible with both hardware and software, the on-board ZEN-Core Synthesis system provides you with a widse range of sounds which can be twisted and configured to provide them with a new lease of life. Whether you're working on compatible Roland hardware, or are in your favourite DAW, you'll be able to keep the sounds that inspire you most, close to you at all times. Should you desire, you can take advantage of the on-board sound packs and engine expansions, using them as inspiration "on-tap".

If you find yourself frequently collaborating with other musicians and producers then ZEN-Core will be your best-friend. When you come across a new, exciting pad, bass, FX or lead patch, you'll be able to share this with any of your friends on their ZEN-Core Instrument or DAW. There's something for everyone here. If you're not big on synthesis and just want to dive straight in making music then you'll be pleased to know there's thousands of expertly-designed presets waiting for you to unwrap.

Built on 50 years of research and development, these virtual instruments may as well be the real thing. Not only do they sound like them, they play like them too. However, don't think Roland are merely interested in reminiscing their "glory days". Looking forward to the future of sound design, you'll be granted a wide range of innovative, never-before-heard sounds that will most-definitely set you aside from your peers.

Multiple sample mayhem

When you're using the Fantom 8, you're able to sample both internal and external sources. Should you desire, you can even do this simultaneously. The synth allows you to sample directly to the pads for instant triggering, as well as to the keyboard for immediate pitch changes. You can even broaden your sonic horizons by sculpting powerful multiples that support a maximum of 352 samples per tone. This handy feature takes sound design to the next level!

Enrich your productions and performances with the on-board low-frequency oscillators. These provide a seemingly infinite number of modulation possibilities. The Fantom 8 comes complete with two detailed LFOs per partial. Each tone consists of four partials, The inclusion of 16 tones provides you with a generous 128 LFOs per voice. How good is that! To create intricate lead lines and fast-paced rhythms make the most of the 16-step sequencer, this is beat synced for instant compatibility with the tempo of your track and offers 37 curve choices for each step.

There’s a huge amount of user memory for samples; 2GB in fact! This is perfect for live performers who need to re-create classic sounds from multiple machines that they can’t take out on the road. The best thing is that even with all this sampling time it doesn’t affect the Fantom’s fast start up time of around 40 seconds.

The ultimate creative hub and workstation

The Fantom 8 builds on the success of previous iterations, staying true to its core principles and fluid playability. With an ergonomic layout that is jam-packed with performance controls and a built-in TR-REC sequencer; the Fantom 8 sets a precedent in the workstation ranks. The fluid creative process makes it easier than ever to create music, tweak sounds and inspire your creativity. You can seamlessly switch between sounds, perfect for live performances and quick production decisions.

Focus on playing. The Fantom combines the latest technological innovations with fluid operation and deep computer integration. The modeless interface design means you never have to worry about what features work in which modes. The consistent workspace prepares you for any scenario, from music-based production to live stage performances.

Scene and always heard

One of the most useful performance features is the ability to customise your creative space and save the settings. The creative spaces are called “Scenes”. A Scene can be a full song, a segmented section of a song or even a selection of your favourite sounds, arranged to your liking. You can even chain multiple Scenes together and switch between them instantaneously with gaps or glitches.

Highly versatile sound engine with powerful DSP

The beating heart of the Fantom is the powerful and versatile sound engine. It's one of Roland’s most flexible and expandable sound engines today; the product of years of research and development. The myriad of sounds is further complemented by the ability to blend between tones and sound and even sculpt your own using the onboard analog filter and wide range of controls. The sounds range from authentic acoustic instrument to cutting-edge electronic and hybrid sounds. The new and improved technology pushes the Fantom into new sonic territory, whilst retaining the classic synth sounds that made the originals so sought after.

PHA-50 hammer action keybed with Plastic Hybrid Structure

What sets the Fantom 8 apart from the other synths in the series is the exclusive PHA-50 hammer-action keybed. This 88-key progressive hammer action keyboard provides ultra-responsive sensing, to further enhance the development between touch and sound. With beautiful wooden sides and durable molded materials, the PHA-50 delivers a traditional acoustic piano look and feel.

Whether you are building basic skills or delivering a demanding live performance, the PHA-50 puts you in full control of your tonality and dynamics. The PHA-50 delivers the perfect balance between a familiar feel and artisan design.

V-Piano technology – natural sound and feel

Further complementing the semi-weighted keybed, the Fantom features V-Piano technology. This specialised sound technology combines the authentic feel of the keybed with a meticulously crafted piano sound. The result is a natural grand piano sound that plays and responds like their acoustic counterparts.

Hands-on control with intuitive touchscreen interface

The Fantom features a comprehensive control section, comprised of a wide range of knobs, sliders and even RGB pads. You can use the sliders for controlling modulation and volume, perfect for making quick, on-the-fly changes. You can achieve everything from smooth sweeps to finer adjustments of texture and sound with the onboard controls. It also includes a dedicated synth section with oscillator, filter and envelope controls as well as buttons and pads for triggering and sequencing.

The main control hub of the whole workstation is the intuitive touchscreen interface. You can easily control settings and parameters from the touchscreen, as well as providing seamless integration with your favourite DAW. The touchscreen allows you to directly operate performance software like Ableton Live, Apple’s Logic Pro and MainStage, as well as virtual instruments from Roland Cloud and some others.

TR-REC step sequencer

Creating patterns and rhythms has never felt better. The onboard TR-REC style pattern sequencer is borrowed from classic Roland drum machines. This new stylised sequencer allows you to create patterns in a variety of different ways. You can create rhythms and pattern in real time or through step-time polyphonic sequencing.

A highly useful tool is the clip-based sequencing. Building up a track and arranging it can be one of the most tedious challenges musicians face. By constantly building and adding new clips you can easily start to see the puzzle pieces in an intuitive way. You can record drums, basslines pads and other patterns, which you can then trigger individually or in groups.

Wide range of analog and digital connectivity

The rear panel of the Fantom features a wide range of analog and digital connectivity, making it one of the most versatile workstations on the market. The Fantom doesn’t just work with computers, it fully integrates with them. It features a built-in 16x3 stereo audio interface, as well as the ability to integrate soft synths. You can even connect external MIDI and USB controllers from the three available USB ports. Should you desire to integrate it with analog synths and modules, the Fantom features two sets of CV/Gate which you can sync tempo or play them from Fantom’s keyboard and pattern sequencers.

Features

• Next-generation flagship synthesizer
• Built-in intuitive colour touch screen
• Powerful onboard DSP engine, run up to 16 parts with all effects at once
• PHA-50 hammer action keybed for authentic feel and playability
• Onboard RGB pads – ideal for finger drumming and triggering samples
• TR-REC style pattern sequencer
• Real-time recording with piano roll editing
• Deep integration with computers including DAWs and performance software
• Flexible and expandable sound engine
• Control DAWs and virtual instruments from touchscreen
• CV/Gate connectivity for use with analog synths and modules
• V-Piano technology provides authentic sound and feel
• Virtual Tone Wheel Organ for essential rock and pop performance tones
• Model Expansions - The greatest Roland vintage synths at your fingertips

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 and external)
• Scenes: 128 scene x 4 bank
• Tones: Over 3,500 tones, over 90 drum kits
• Effects:
  • Multi-Effects: 16 systems, 90 types
  • Part EQ: 16 systems
  • Drum Part COMP: 6 systems
  • Insertion Effect: 2 System, 90 Type
  • Chorus: 9 types
  • Reverb: 7 types
  • Master Compressor: 1
  • Master EQ: 1
  • Mic Input Reverb: 7 types
• Analog Filter Type: LPF1/LPF2/LPF3/HPF/BPF/Bypass/Drive/Amp
• 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
• 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
• 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 (Colour/Touch screen)
• Power Supply: AC 117-240V 50/60Hz
• Accessories: Owner’s manual, power cord
• Power Consumption: 50W
• Dimensions: 1,432 (W) x 439 (D) x 153 (H) mm
• Weight: 27.7 kg
• Product Code: FANTOM-8