SeriesRoland Fantom

Very good keyboard 76 note synth with big improvements compared to XP80. It has 4 controllers with dual functions editable and the famous D-Beam. It also has 4 OUTPUT, 3 pedals, 2 digital outputs S / PDIF (optical / coaxial), 3 doses noon. There are also lots of sounds but it is the quality that predominates. Building on the sound engine of the XV 5080, 128-PATCH users, especially users of 64 against 32 for the PERF XP80, and 16 KIT Rhythm. Of course, it is GM2. The major criticism is the meager 64-voice polyphony (128 XV5080), the lack of slots for cards SRJV80 (DAC 1??) And especially the complexities of using the beast. (Why such a big screen for not being a touch ????? KORG TRITON example !!!!) UTILIZATION Not very easy to use. Although the functions are the same as for XP, nothing is set as the latter. Eg to switch the mode PERF PATCH must enter the MODE menu, with the arrows or PERF PATCH go and confirm with a button below the screen but not in front of the function!! Galley for live. no !!!!! regarding the editing of sounds or other effects, it's the same thing. It must have all pages and sub menus at the top of the keyboard or else ......! For the manual, it is so far only in English (I'm French) but well done. SOUNDS The sounds are beautiful. Significant efforts on the drums, guitars, pianos, organs, finally, that the good and mostly beautifully highlighted by the dual arpeggiator. The effects are coming to realize most of the series of COSM. So property. The keyboard is much improved also firmer. I have been using OVERALL OPINION September 20, 2001. I tried all the models before you buy it because I'm hi-tech salesman in a music store (which is easier). I also have a Triton, a Nordlead 2, a CX3 an XP 80 and EMU B3. The price / quality ratio is faithful to ROLAND. Ie it is always the same price for all synths premium brand but it can never be too expensive! To conclude, I do not regret my choice.

Features worthy of a modern piano. It came out in 2004 but it is still a well-respected workstation due to the quality of its manufacturing, sounds, interface, but especially due to its SRX 01 to 12 expansion cards, which can be found at very good prices. They are a real plus, even if the factory sounds are already terrific, like the acoustic and electric piano, the electronic sounds, strings, percussion/drums. It's up to you to see what the piano lacks depending on your needs. Follow this link to make yourself an idea of the SRX series: https://www.rolandus.com/flash/demos/srx/ Personally, I'm a big fan. Roland used to be ahead of the game, it's a pity they are trailing behind in terms of workstations nowadays. UTILIZATION Nothing could be clearer, I haven't found a better interface (except for the fantom g, whose interface is simply perfect). The manual is very clear, there's no need to fear anything. Sound editing is super easy, just like using effects. SOUNDS In terms of sounds, it limps a bit when it comes to brasses and electric guitars, but a simple SRX card fixes it all. Otherwise, there's not much to remark. It's great! ;-) OVERALL OPINION I would surely buy it again, the only thing that makes me think it twice is the weight: 65 lbs. Plus a betonex/readyroad type flycase, which makes 130 lbs. Good luck...and pump some iron if you plan on buying it lol lol lol I sold it for that, I don't pump iron lol But other than that, you can buy it with your eyes closed. Just watch for the wear and tear of the knobs and buttons, if you buy it secondhand you may end up with an ugly surprise. For example, changing the sensors of the keys and damaged buttons can cost you $400-$500, if you need to change the motherboard, make sure to get an unbeatable price to make up for the repair at a Roland authorized service shop.

The roland fantom g 6 is extremely powerful, everyone in the industry uses this board or has used it at some point in their musical career. The price for it is pretty high, but if you look around on eBay or Craig list you can find a used one for very cheap, that’s what I did. UTILIZATION DAW like sequencer. Plug in a USB mouse and you have computer-like sequencing at your fingertips. Highly robust, reliable, accurate sequencer with 128 MIDI track capability. Unheard of. No button pressing delays like the XS. SOUNDS Buffet of extraordinary preset patches that are mix ready and can be seamlessly overdubbed together right out of the box. Roland sets up presets ready for your mixes. Drum kits are banging, EQ'd just right. Pianos, organs, Rhodes, wurlies, bass (acoustic and synth), leads, pads, brass, etc etc are all AWESOME. Can not wait for new Keyboard expansion card. Incredible. No glitch LIVE mode that guarantees no delays between switching performances live in concert. Finally a company listened to us. Thank you Roland. Live mode is SO cool OVERALL OPINION Overall its great, but if you don’t need the sequencing you can always go with the fantom rack and have all of the sounds, I think the fact that it’s a workstation is what makes it so expensive, because the rack is over a grand cheaper. but still roland always comes out with great products and this one is perfect.

The Roland Fantom x6 is a 61 key workstation that has all the bells and whistles that you will need. It probably has more than you will use! I compare this to the Yahama Motif and I feel they are alike and do the same thing. The Fantom sticks out a little more to be because of the screen and flow of the (software). It just seems more put together and easier to operate. It also has pads on the right side that you can assigned samples and such too. That is something that the motif doesn’t have. UTILIZATION This keyboard’s sound editing can be a bit overwhelming if you havent used it before but once you get the hang of it you will be just fine. Or you could pick up the manual and figure it all out pretty quick. The general set up is pretty easy. When it turns on it just loads everything up and you can start working right away. SOUNDS Sounds are great! I love the strings and brass. Some of the sounds are a little dry and thin though. that’s where I feel like the Motif wins at. The Motif sounds are much more full and thick. Also, they could have used a few more sounds that are distinct. I feel like some of these sounds are the same as other previous fantom boards. But I guess that’s what is suppose to happen. OVERALL OPINION Overall, a great quality board. But if you love this one check out the Motif, it will blow you away! This board cost a good dollar though so make sure you can afford it. Most all of the popular workstations cost a good amount of money so be prepared to spend your savings on them. But they will last you a very long time unless you are dropping it or getting it wet. Keep it nice and clean and it will last you a lifetime. Great board, I recommend it.

The Roland Fantom s61 has 61 beautiful semi weighted keys. It also has a big screen so you can work in song mode to create your whole song right on board without having to transfer files and .wavs somewhere else. You can even master right in the Fantom 61. Its an all in one board to take care of the whole musical process. UTILIZATION The craftsmanship is incredible, .pretty solid/heavy keyboard feels very sturdy not so delicate like the Triton. This is the best thing that I've ever bought in my life!!! At least musically anyway. If I had to give everything else up my PC, software, mixer, speakers, mics, processors, etc. I would definitely keep the Fantom and start over with everything else! It really is the heart and soul of my studio! SOUNDS The overall sound quality is superior! Especially the guitars, and synth sounds. Roland always does a great job on creating warm and realistic sounds. I have only had this board for a week, but I really can't complain about any of the sounds. I've worked with several workstations, and the factory drum sounds are some of the best that I've heard. The drum kits are very nicely laid out.(Of course if you want the cutting-edge percussion. well that's where sampling comes in) The Fantom even comes with mastering effects including compression and eq! OVERALL OPINION Overall, The Fantom is easy to start with right out the box you will have no problems setting it up. But in order to know what's really going on, and capture all of it...I really suggest checking out the manual. If only for reference every now and then, reading the manual and not strictly playing everything by ear will help you to understand how the Fantom and operates. Overall the user interface is very friendly for anyone who understands the basic makeup of workstations/synths.

Nice USB connectivity to the PC. $1200 UTILIZATION Very easy to use. ROland even posts a Cubase patch file on their web site. And Roland techs will walk you thru setting it up with Cubase (over the phone). Hasn't broke down on me yet, but I heard there were defects in the early models. SOUNDS The sound quality is pretty good. Nice variety to choose from. OVERALL OPINION It's definitely one of my staples in the studio. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: SaltyDawg ( 8-, 2005)

The Roland XS 7 was a keyboard that I purchased back in 07 pretty much on a sudden impulse after I fell in love with it at guitar center. After messing around with it for 3 hours (in the store) I new that I had to have it. The sales guy didn’t even have to sell me on it, I whipped out the credit card and purchased it. When I purchased it I had the though that I wanted it to be the main part of my studio with my drum machine and other audio gear coming into it with audio and midi connections, then from there I would export into pro tools in my mac. But after using it for about a month I just didn’t feel like that was the best workflow for me so it then became more of like just a sound module and a midi controller. Which I was upset with because for 26 hundred dollars is a lot of money just for a sound module and a midi controller. So I even though about returning it but I never did. UTILIZATION It was easy to use, if you have any problems there is a website by roland that you can go to that will have a bunch of other users that can help as well or you can go the old fashioned way and crack open the manual and start reading. SOUNDS The sounds are good, there really arnt too many effects that are on board that you can use to add to them though which also surprised me for the price I would think that you would have a ton of effects to work with. OVERALL OPINION Yes you should get this board, this was one of the best boards out and still is even though its around 7 years outdated now maybe even more I can remember exactly when it came out. But its still worth the buy today, it doesn’t cost that much brand new now though. Because of time, the price as came down a good bit.

sweetwater sound. 1499.00 Easy to use. Sequencer laid out nice. Pads are nice for laying drum tracks. Overall good sounds. Piano, drums are great. I like the look of the keyboard as well. String sounds are a little weak. Other than that I really like it. Upgrade of SRX card would solve the strings problem Solid. I feel like it can handle the rigors of road use etc. I think it is a great keyboard. I use it for recording mostly and am generally pleased with the sounds and tweaking abilities also. the pads are nice for certain things. I haven't used the sampler much but what little I have used it has worked fine. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com