Roland new Fantom-0 series

[TheFrozenSea]

I received my Fantom 06 yesterday and it's a MONSTER workstation for the money! The filters are indeed magnificent, the key-bed is surprisingly good, the layered presets are insane, and although the menu-layouts on the screen are very logically laid out....I'm a bit lost(as I've been a Korg-guy for decades and the differences between the 2 companies is huge.)
At the moment, I've been in the process of choosing presets within song mode and I picked an e.bass and cannot figure out why it's layered with 2 other synth presets? I'm also having trouble trying to remove those 2 other synth sounds from the bass sound & I am wondering why this preset is configured in this way by default?
So much to learn....but I'm sure it will be insanely easy, once I get my bearings.....

Glad you're having fun with the Fantom, it's a wonderful synth Ah, yeah I usually don't get into understanding presets, but I guess an instrument with a screen makes that easier than with just knobs. I usually end up creating my own sounds from scratch anyway though

[TheFrozenSea]

What sounds does this have that Rolland cloud doesn’t? I kinda interested in it but just don’t see the point when most of its sounds are on Roland cloud already. If it had all supernatural sounds maybe. Wish they released a new integra.this year.

I had a FA06 long ago but sold it. Saw no point in buying it back as Roland cloud released all the srx expansions. It only had a few supernat instruments

- 61 keys
- knobs and sliders etc
- Portability for live performance (everything in one piece)
- Built in sequencer
- Much shorter boot time than my computer + Reaper + Roland Cloud

Those would be my main reasons for choosing this over Roland Cloud.

[AlesisVi61]

What sounds does this have that Rolland cloud doesn’t? I kinda interested in it but just don’t see the point when most of its sounds are on Roland cloud already. If it had all supernatural sounds maybe. Wish they released a new integra.this year.

I had a FA06 long ago but sold it. Saw no point in buying it back as Roland cloud released all the srx expansions. It only had a few supernat instruments

- 61 keys
- knobs and sliders etc
- Portability for live performance (everything in one piece)
- Built in sequencer
- Much shorter boot time than my computer + Reaper + Roland Cloud

Those would be my main reasons for choosing this over Roland Cloud.

Don't quite understand why anyone would question the usefulness & tremendous value the Fantom-0 series is(unless of course, they never bothered to research it.) I liked some of the features of the old FA-series....but it was mainly PCM data with a modicum of SuperNatural tones and I didn't like how dark the screen was.

[anotherscott]

I still have no idea why people would use such keyboards as workstations when you got daws like cubase, pro tools etc that makes the process 10x more coinvent...

Fantom-0 is not a workstation. There is no DAW-like linear multitrack sequencer.

Why do some people go monkey-sh*t when they find out that a budget keyboard doesn't have aftertouch?? All it is...is a hands-free effect implementation

A hands-free implementation is useful when your other hand is playing another part.
Aftertouch feels more organic/expressive than a pedal.
It's frustrating when it's not there, because the equivalent "budget keyboards" used to have it.
The Korg TR had it, the replacement M50 didn't.
Roland XP-30 had it, the subsequent RS models did not.
Yamaha S30 had it, after that it wasn't available in anything priced below the Motif level.

honestly the roland-fa can do the same job for less money.

I have the FA-08. Is the Fantom-08 worth upgrading to? Does anyone have a chart of differences and updates?

The FA *is* a workstation.

But here are some things Fantom-0 can do that FA cannot.
...keyboard-playable user-sampled sounds (up to 256 mb worth)
...seamless sound switching between all sounds except organ (FA only supports seamless switching among pre-defined sets of 16 sounds)
...better sounding tonewheel organ engine, with C/V implementation, and live slider controls (8)
...touchscreen patch selection and editing

Each has some SuperNATURAL Acoustic Tones that the other does not. The VA synth engines are different.

MODX? Comparing apples to oranges, aren't you? The MODX is NOT a workstation.

True, but MODX and Fantom-0 are both not workstations.

What sounds does this have that Rolland cloud doesn’t?

I'd say the Fantom-0 is not so much about the sounds as in the way you work with them, with the touchscreen patch selection and editing interface, assembling tones into scenes, having all the live knobs and sliders, etc. Plus it's a self-contained live performance package.

[AlesisVi61]

Fantom-0 is not a workstation. There is no DAW-like linear multitrack sequencer.

MODX? Comparing apples to oranges, aren't you? The MODX is NOT a workstation.

True, but MODX and Fantom-0 are both not workstations.

Actually....I discovered today, that the MODX(via Yamaha's 2,0 update from 2 years ago)...has incorporated a pattern-based linear sequencer...so it is now...in fact, a workstation.
The Fantom-0 series isn't a workstation? Well....not in the traditional sense(with the linear format missing)...but you can create entire songs in great detail(which is what separates the Fantom from pseudo-workstations like arranger keyboards that have multi-track performance recording, but no editing & customization.)
I think what really defines a keyboard as a workstation, is one that is equipped with a song sequencer that allows deep editing....so essentially, the Fantom is in fact, a workstation( but a different type of workstation....or rather, a clip-based workstation. I think that with Roland's tight integration with Ableton, this will solve the problem with the Fantom's lack of linear sequencing( can't confirm this though, as I am still hung up on trying to wrap my head around the Fantom's internal functions.)

[3ptguitarist]

Fantom-0 is not a workstation. There is no DAW-like linear multitrack sequencer.

I have the FA-08. Is the Fantom-08 worth upgrading to? Does anyone have a chart of differences and updates?

The FA *is* a workstation.

But here are some things Fantom-0 can do that FA cannot.
...keyboard-playable user-sampled sounds (up to 256 mb worth)
...seamless sound switching between all sounds except organ (FA only supports seamless switching among pre-defined sets of 16 sounds)
...better sounding tonewheel organ engine, with C/V implementation, and live slider controls (8)
...touchscreen patch selection and editing

Each has some SuperNATURAL Acoustic Tones that the other does not. The VA synth engines are different.

To qualify as a workstation, the 0 series needs a linear sequencer?

Do you know how deep the synth tone editing is for the VA engine and any other engines? The FA seems to have a lot of editing possibilities. Also, is the zencore worth it?

[anotherscott]

To qualify as a workstation, the 0 series needs a linear sequencer?

Yes. A multitrack, fully editable, linear sequencer. The idea is to be able to create a full beginning-to-end composition right in the box. That's what makes something a workstation. That's why Roland's web site calls FA a workstation, and Fantom a synthesizer. Go to https://www.roland.com/us/categories/sy ... tation/and scroll down to see how each model is described in its subheading. Or look at the FA and various Fantom models (old and new) in the manuals page at https://www.roland.com/us/support/owners_manuals/ and see how they are described there.

Actually....I discovered today, that the MODX(via Yamaha's 2,0 update from 2 years ago)...has incorporated a pattern-based linear sequencer...so it is now...in fact, a workstation.

Nope, for the same reason as above.

The Fantom-0 series isn't a workstation? Well....not in the traditional sense(with the linear format missing)...but you can create entire songs in great detail(which is what separates the Fantom from pseudo-workstations like arranger keyboards that have multi-track performance recording, but no editing & customization.)
I think what really defines a keyboard as a workstation, is one that is equipped with a song sequencer that allows deep editing....so essentially, the Fantom is in fact, a workstation( but a different type of workstation....or rather, a clip-based workstation.

Building songs out of loops/patterns isn't the same thing as a multitrack, editable, linear sequencer (whether Fantom or MODX). You are free to make up your own terminology and definitions, but these are not generally what people have considered workstations, nor what the industry (including the manufacturers themselves) call those boards.

An arranger CAN also be a workstation. Not all of them are, but Yamaha Genos, and some of the Korgs (at least PA700, PA1000, Pa4X) also include full workstation sequencer functionality. I believe the only current Yamaha keyboards that Yamaha themselves describe as workstations are Genos and MOXF6 (which is older but still available). They do not call MODX a workstation. So again, the same definitions hold.

Though Yamaha does adopt a bit of confusing terminology of their own here... they call the Genos a "digital workstation", but they call the lower end arrangers that don't include those full sequencers "arranger workstations" where the word "arranger" is seemingly used as a qualifier, indicating it does not actually have a traditional workstation sequencer in it, but is based on arranger functionality instead. (Unlike the Genos, for example, which has both functionalities.) So terminology can change and be adapted. So who knows, maybe your idea of calling something a "clip based workstation" will catch on.

[anotherscott]

Do you know how deep the synth tone editing is for the VA engine and any other engines? The FA seems to have a lot of editing possibilities.

There are differences, but both permit extensive editing. Check the video below. Also, you can download the Parameter Guide for the Fantom-0 and check out pages 20-36.

[3ptguitarist]

Do you know how deep the synth tone editing is for the VA engine and any other engines? The FA seems to have a lot of editing possibilities.

There are differences, but both permit extensive editing. Check the video below. Also, you can download the Parameter Guide for the Fantom-0 and check out pages 20-36.

Do you think the fantom-0 is better than the FA? I'm a beginner and a bedroom musician. I mainly use my FA to play piano. I'm kinda disappointed in the piano sounds and the synth engine has a lot of menu diving that isn't so fun to use lol. I do want better piano sounds and more controls that I can use with uhe diva and ableton. The fantom-0 has zencore and I'm wondering if that sounds better than the va engine in the FA? Do you think the fantom-0 would accomplish the above?

[anotherscott]

AFAIK, the Fantom-0 piano is no better than FA... in fact, the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano seems to be a step backwards from the version in the FA. I'd say synth editing is better with the touchscreen (again, check that video... you may have to make it fullscreen to be able to see the board's screen when he manipulates it)). All the knobs and sliders do give you more potential for control over your soft instruments. I'm not sure there's any board that's strong for synth editing that's also strong for piano. (Maybe a Nord Stage 3?) But if you're hooking up to your computer anyway, you can get better piano sounds there.

[Lazerlike42]

AFAIK, the Fantom-0 piano is no better than FA... in fact, the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano seems to be a step backwards from the version in the FA. I'd say synth editing is better with the touchscreen (again, check that video... you may have to make it fullscreen to be able to see the board's screen when he manipulates it)). All the knobs and sliders do give you more potential for control over your soft instruments. I'm not sure there's any board that's strong for synth editing that's also strong for piano. (Maybe a Nord Stage 3?) But if you're hooking up to your computer anyway, you can get better piano sounds there.

All in all, as someone who (I think?) has used both boards as well as several others in the same general range, what might you recommend? I suppose this is a question specifically about me, but I also mean this in a more generic way.

For me, I'm looking to replace an aging 700NX which was formerly serving as my main piano. It's got a couple of repairs that are needed and the keys are wearing down a bit so I figure to just replace it, BUT now I have an acoustic piano and so I really want something to A) be a second piano for when it's late or for whatever reason I can't be on the acoustic B) jam with for fun and mess around with different sounds for inspiration C) act as a MIDI controller for VSTs.

I've considered the Fantom-08, the Modx8, and the FA08 along with a few others.

Fantom-08
Positives: Like having the SN acoustic. Love having the expandability and, theoretically, some minor level of future proofing as Roland seems to be looking to support this platform with downloads. Like having little things that other boards lack at this range like the balanced outs. Keybed seems the best of the bunch at this price. Seems like as a MIDI controller it would be outstanding.
Negatives: Weak SN pianos and E-pianos. Roland acoustic sounds (I'm largely an acoustic sound person) are generally sortof weak other than the SN sounds and, some of those old SRX patches are pretty good.

FA08
Seems like a lot of what the Fantom-08 offers with better SN pianos/E-pianos, BUT probably no future expansions to look forward to and otherwise not as strong in various areas. Seems like the only real reason for this one would be if the pianos absolutely had to be as good as possible.

Modx
Positives: I like the idea of having the Yamaha sampled piano sounds, which are still not top of the line but at least different in character from what I've had for many years. I think some (but not all) of the acoustic patches sound great. I suspect the arpeggiator would be a lot of fun to mess around with. It feels like more of a "known quantity" than the Fantom-08 - maybe in some ways fewer overall things to get excited about, but fewer questions about the ones that are there. I also really like the diversity in the different sounds it comes with. E.g, there are a ton of lower quality pianos on there but which have distinctive characters to them.
Negatives: Keybed. Lots of little corners cut that the Roland does better, e.g., no balanced outs, fewer knobs/faders. Seems like a passable MIDI controller, but weaker than Fantom-08 for sure, especially if the faders don't tx. Expandability seems in theory strong but perhaps in practice not nearly as strong as with Roland? Maybe I'm wrong on that. Overall the AWM2 engine feels so dated to me. Some of the acoustic stuff sounds awful to me, for instance the strings - at least from what I can hear in videos.

[anotherscott]

A) be a second piano for when it's late or for whatever reason I can't be on the acoustic B) jam with for fun and mess around with different sounds for inspiration C) act as a MIDI controller for VSTs.

I've considered the Fantom-08, the Modx8, and the FA08 along with a few others.

For the specific things you listed there, I'd look at Kawai MP7SE. Probably better piano sound and action than the three you mentioned, adequate variety of other sounds to mess around with for inspiration (though not nearly as deep there as those others), decent albeit not outstanding MIDI controller functionality.

If you want to stick with things that have a wider variety of sounds and more MIDI control functions, also consider Kurzweil PC4 (or K2700 particularly for its better action, if your budget goes that high). Best MIDI control of the bunch, deep sound set, good pianos that I'd say at least beat Roland's, maybe Yamaha's.

[Lazerlike42]

A) be a second piano for when it's late or for whatever reason I can't be on the acoustic B) jam with for fun and mess around with different sounds for inspiration C) act as a MIDI controller for VSTs.

I've considered the Fantom-08, the Modx8, and the FA08 along with a few others.

For the specific things you listed there, I'd look at Kawai MP7SE. Probably better piano sound and action than the three you mentioned, adequate variety of other sounds to mess around with for inspiration (though not nearly as deep there as those others), decent albeit not outstanding MIDI controller functionality.

If you want to stick with things that have a wider variety of sounds and more MIDI control functions, also consider Kurzweil PC4 (or K2700 particularly for its better action, if your budget goes that high). Best MIDI control of the bunch, deep sound set, good pianos that I'd say at least beat Roland's, maybe Yamaha's.

Hmm, thanks for the suggestions; I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I'd considered both of these but didn't find them appealing.

I looked into the PC4 after you mentioned it recently but to be honest my initial reaction was that it looked like a fantastic option as far as the control surface, the design, it has aftertouch, etc., and I was really hoping to like it, but listening to demos I thought it sounded terrible, really some of the worst pianos I've ever heard in a modern board. To me there's a clear "electronic" sound I hear in them that reminds me of the way all the digitals used to sound in guitar center when they were all hooked up to mono keyboard amps with the EQ overly favoring the lows, or as if they're being run through a tube amplifier, but there's also this metalic sort of harshness I notice over almost the entire range that reminds me of the same kind of harshness I always hear in the octave above middle C in Casio DPs which ruins for me what I think are otherwise good units from Casio.

The Kawai is closer to the mark. I think my biggest knock against it is that if I'm going to go Kawaii but not get the GF3 action it doesn't make sense to me, because that's almost the entire reason for going the Kawai route at least from all I've seen over the years - but more generally, I do very much want stronger non-piano sounds and I don't think Kawai really has those.

[phreaque]

Looks there's no real round-robin zone triggering & ability to modulate the sample start point in Zen-core technology why is that?

[D-Fusion]

Do you know how deep the synth tone editing is for the VA engine and any other engines? The FA seems to have a lot of editing possibilities.

There are differences, but both permit extensive editing. Check the video below. Also, you can download the Parameter Guide for the Fantom-0 and check out pages 20-36.

Do you think the fantom-0 is better than the FA? I'm a beginner and a bedroom musician. I mainly use my FA to play piano. I'm kinda disappointed in the piano sounds and the synth engine has a lot of menu diving that isn't so fun to use lol. I do want better piano sounds and more controls that I can use with uhe diva and ableton. The fantom-0 has zencore and I'm wondering if that sounds better than the va engine in the FA? Do you think the fantom-0 would accomplish the above?

I don't see a Reason to Swap the FA for the Fantom 0 since they are so simmilar.
Shure the Fantom 0 has the New Shiny Zen Core instead of the Supernatural Synth and i like the sound and options on the Older SN Synth Better than the the New Zen Core.

Have you installed the SRX Banks for your FA that can be had for free at http://axial.roland.com/category/fa-06_fa-07_fa-08/ ?

You can have 2 SRX Banks loaded in your FA at the same time and there are 2 Piano Srx Banks there too.