
Picture does not represent the actual item
See what's in the box
This item is no longer available.
Review Summary
2024-02-12T03:14:32
The one star review obviously has never played a keyboard before and has no knowledge of how powerful and amazing this FANTOM O series really is This keyboard is a beast and is a very capable and usable production machine. A little patience and a bit of time watching the numerous easy to follow videos that Ed Diaz of Roland has made along with live zoom classes that are available will have a keyboard player making music in no time. This machine is awesome for gigging as well as studio. It may be extremely overwhelming for a new keyboard player maybe look into something more basic like the Roland Juno DS that is also a very capable and usable keyboard that is also a great gigging keyboard. Roland makes great keyboards and there are plenty of great videos out there to make a well informed decision before purchasing. I love this keyboard and recommend it for anyone that has been playing for a while and has a basic understanding of what it is and what it is not.
JOHN C.
2022-06-10T06:35:32
When I first saw this keyboard I got excited and new I wanted one. I had no idea how complicated this keyboard was to use. The advertisements said hoe easy it is it use and program. The documentation is useless except for diagramingthe different aspects of the keyboard. The YouTube experts and instructions are a nightmare. They go through their demonstrations like a fast flying jet. I tried to create step by step list if procedures for each part os this keyboard and after I completed three. I watched Ed D YouTube on recording a song. It was crazy complicated with at least 25 steps to accomplish. I decided to send it back. I think Roland could have done a much better job with there engineering instructions and documentation. I?m Sure not everyone who wants to purchase this keyboard is not an expert or wants to spend the incredible amount of time it would take to master the fantom.
PHILLIP W.
88 keys (Progressive Hammer action Mechanism and channel after touch)
128 voices (shared with the sampling section)
16 Parts
128 M bytes (16-bit linear equivalent)
1480
Patches: 1,152+ 256 (GM2)
Rhythm Sets: 40 + 9 (GM2)
Performances: 64
Patches: 256
Sample Patches: 2,000
Rhythm Sets: 32
Performances: 64
Patches: 256
Sample Patches: 7,000
Rhythm Sets: 32
Performances: 64
Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 78 types
Chorus: 3 types
Reverb: 5 types
Input Effects: 6 types
Mastering Effects: 3-band compressor
16-bit linear (File Type: .WAV/.AIFF)
44.1 kHz (fixed)
Standard (32 MB)
Mono: 360 sec. approx., stereo: 180 sec. approx.
When expanded with DIMM (544 MB)
Mono: 102 min. approx., stereo: 51 min. approx.
User memory: 2,000
Card memory: 7,000 (PC card)
Phrase tracks (16 MIDI channels per track): 16
Pattern track (16 MIDI channels per track): 1
Audio Track: 8 stereo
Tempo track: 1
Beat track: 1
480 TPQN
5 - 300
Approx. 400,000 notes
9,998 measures
Real-time recording, Step recording
Preset: 128
User: 128
Preset: 256 (32 groups)
User: 256 (32 groups)
Preset: 64
User: 64
Graphic 320 x 240 dots backlit LCD (Color)
16 pads, Velocity and Aftertouch sensitive
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
4x Control Knob
2x Assignable Switch
D Beam Controller
Headphones Jack
A (MIX) Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type
B Output Jacks (L, R): 1/4 inch phone type
Input Jacks (L/MONO/MIC, R): 1/4 inch phone type
[X6/X7/X8] Hold Pedal Jack (Half Pedal recognition)
[X6/X7/X8] Control Pedal Jack (assignable)
MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT, THRU)
USB Connector (supports file transfer (mass storage class) and MIDI)
Digital Audio Interface (COAXIAL INPUT/OUTPUT)
AC Inlet
Expansion of waveforms and patches for the internal sound generator
SRX expansion boards: 4 slots
Expansion of sampling memory
DIMM: 1 slot (supports 128 MB, 256 MB, 512MB (3.3 V))
PC card: 1 slot (supports SmartMedia and CompactFlash using a PC card adapter)
AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60 Hz)
AC 220 V (60 Hz)
17W
140.8 x 45.5 x 16.5cm (55.43 x 17.91 x 6.50")
65 lbs (29.48kg)
FANTOM O Series Is a Beast
By JOHN C.
The one star review obviously has never played a keyboard before and has no knowledge of how powerful and amazing this FANTOM O series really is This keyboard is a beast and is a very capable and usable production machine. A little patience and a bit of time watching the numerous easy to follow videos that Ed Diaz of Roland has made along with live zoom classes that are available will have a keyboard player making music in no time. This machine is awesome for gigging as well as studio. It may...
View full Review
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.
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.
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.
FANTOM runs multiple synthesis technologies simultaneously, for authentic acoustic and electronic sounds, both modern and classic. You can also sample your own sounds and trigger up to 2 GBs worth of loops and one-shots from the pad matrix. There’s a fully routable analog filter for extra warmth and grit, and you can even mix soft synths with FANTOM’s internal sounds.
Considered by many as the king of instruments, piano sits at the heart of the creative process for composers across a range of musical genres. FANTOM uses our V-Piano technology for pianos that don’t just sound real, they feel real. Craft pianos that play and respond like their acoustic counterparts and match your personal taste.
FANTOM’s synth engine is based on partials. Each partial starts with a discrete synth voice–complete with oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFO and effects. You can have up to four partials in a single tone, and a Scene can contain up to 16 tones for complex layers, splits, and sequenced parts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FANTOM doesn’t just work with computers—it fully integrates. It’s a high-quality 16x3 stereo audio interface and can control DAWs and plugins from its touchscreen. It can integrate soft synths into Scenes, and send parts composed on FANTOM directly to your DAW.
Customize your sound by integrating your plugin soft synths with FANTOM. Control Apple Logic, Garage Band, and Mainstage, and adjust soft synth parameters right from FANTOM’s touchscreen. Mix and layer soft synths with FANTOM’s internal sounds, and then route them through FANTOM’s analog filter section.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With the Roland Fantom-8 88-Note Music Work Station Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard, you can unlock a world of musical creativity and sophistication. This stylish and innovative keyboard is designed for the professional musician and producer, offering advanced features that cater to a wide range of musical styles and genres.
The Fantom-8 is more than just a keyboard; it's a comprehensive music workstation that provides the versatility and adaptability you need to create your unique sound. Its 88-note progressive hammer-action keyboard delivers a realistic and responsive playing experience, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
This advanced music workstation is equipped with a plethora of controls and buttons, allowing you to adjust settings and control different aspects of the music production process with ease. From creating intricate compositions to performing live, the Roland Fantom-8 88-Note Music Work Station Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard is your all-in-one solution for music creation and performance.
Experience the blend of style, sophistication, and innovation with the Roland Fantom-8 88-Note Music Work Station Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard, a top-rated product in the world of professional music production.