Roland FANTOM 8 Synthesizer (88-Key)

Product Overview

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as the quality and functionality have significantly improved, along with their relative affordability and convenience. That said, many musicians, even those who have access to great DAW software, still have a need for a powerful all-in-one workstation, especially those who prefer a more hands-on, interactive approach to music creation.

The FANTOM 8 is an absolutely loaded all-in-one workstation that more than justifies its price tag for those not interested in compromise. Everything you can create, from small musical snapshots to complex arrangements, can be saved with the click of a button via Scenes, which can instantly be edited and combined with over Scenes.

And this thing is so powerful, there’s no concern with running out of processing bandwidth, even when running all 16 parts with every possible effect…at the same time.

What about the sound you ask? The FANTOM 8 is loaded with multiple distinct tone generators; ZEN-Core analog modeling, PCM synthesis, plus Roland’s highly acclaimed acoustic piano engines with both the SuperNATURAL and V-Piano engines. There’s also an assortment of software synthesizers for creating your own customized sounds, plus an extensive effects list, along with an analog filter for that deeper layer of control. Add in Roland’s new Behavior Modeling Core chip (BMC), and you’ve got the latest in sound engine technology where you won’t be shorted on polyphony, along with full patch remain. If that’s not enough, there’s also

Roland Cloud provides tons of Sound Packs and Wave Expansions so your creations can continually evolve, along with constant updates generated via user feedback to ensure the FANTOM 8 evolves too.

And for those who want authentic, grand piano touch in their workstation, Roland covered that here too with the addition of their PHA50 Wood/Plastic hybrid action. This is one of the top actions available in any digital piano and can be found throughout the upper half of Roland’s digital piano lineup. If touch is really important to you, going with the FANTOM 8 over the FANTOM 6 or 7 is worth the premium.

Of course, there’s also a sequencer capable of the most complex polyphonic sequencing, clip-based sequencing, and step-sequencing via Roland’s 16 step TR-REC dance music sequencer, appropriated from Roland’s classic drum machines.

There are connectivity options galore, and it’s also actually a 16×3 stereo audio interface meaning it can control DAW’s and other plugins, as well as being able to send pieces composed on-board directly to your DAW.

And really, this is just scratching the surface. One might assume an instrument this complex would be equally complex to control, but the layout and interface of the FANTOM 8 was meticulously designed over a long period of time to ensure maximum ease of use. Add in a tough metal show, and you’ve got nothing to worry about when bringing your FANTOM 8 onto the stage.

Piano Action

Roland’s other two FANTOM models featured smaller, non-weighted keyboards – not so with the FANTOM 8 as Roland has equipped it with the 88-note, fully weighted PHA50 Wood/Plastic hybrid action.

This was Roland’s top action until very recently (Roland’s new Hybrid Grand Keyboard is now their top digital action), and features a triple sensor, escapement, and synthetic ivory key-tops. This action has been around for a few years now and has developed an almost legendary reputation for durability, meaning it’s more than ready for even the busiest studios.

Sound Engine

The FANTOM 8’s sound engines are about as flexible and malleable as it gets. Roland has loaded this thing with cutting-edge acoustic and electronic sounds numbering over 3,500, with over 90 drum kits as well. The various engines combine the latest in sound modeling, sampling and synthesis technology and makes room for new sound expansions as they become available.

The various sound engines are Roland’s ZEN-Core’s analog engine, PCM synthesis with multisampling, as well as the SuperNATURAL and V-Piano engines found throughout their high-end digital piano lineup. There’s also a variety of software synths as well, and underneath it all is Roland’s new Behaviour Modeling Core chip (BMC) which has been getting rave reviews.

The ZEN-Core analog engine is built around what Roland calls partials. Every partial allows access to effects, dual LFO, amplifier, filter, and oscillator. A single tone can consist of up to 4 different partials, whereas a single Scene has the potential for a max 16 tones.

The on-board sampling potential is vast. With the option to sample both internally and externally, you can direct to the pads for instant triggering, the keyboard, or you can customize your own multi samples with a max of 352 samples per tone.

The FANTOM 8 also offers Model Expansions, which essentially gives you access to the entire catalogue of Roland synthesizers, and the Roland cloud offers a multitude of sound packs and continuous updates generated from user-feedback.

Connectivity

The FANTOM 8 boasts a murder’s row of connectivity options, with pretty much everything you’ll need for modern studio use. The main outs are both ¼” L/MONO, R as well as XLR L, R.

There are two sub outs with ¼” L/R, two ¼” analog outs, and both ¼” and XLR Mic/Line input jacks.

After that, there are 2x CV outs, 2x Gate outs, four different pedal inputs, MIDI in, and 2x MIDI outs.

In terms of USB connectivity, there’s a USB memory port and USB Audio with 3 stereo output, and 16 stereo input with and MIDI with three-port support.

There are also three external device ports, compatible with the Roland A-49 or A-PRO series MIDI controllers.

Notable Features

Amidst an almost endless list of features, probably what’s most notable about the FANTOM 8 is just how easy it is to use. Roland clearly spent serious time making sure the FANTOM 8 would be the perfect vehicle for creating, without being hindered by awkward controls or overly complex workflows.

• 88-note PHA50 Wood/Plastic hybrid action with escapement
• Zen-Core Sound Engine
• Multiple Modeled Engines
• V-Piano Engine
• SuperNATURAL Acoustic Engine
• Expansion capability
• 16 Zones
• 128 Scenes
• Multitude of Effects including 9 chorsus’s, 7 reverbs, Master EQ, and more
• Analog Filter
• Vocoder
• Sequencer
• Sampler
• Huge array of controllers
• Backlit LCD Colour Display
• 61 lbs

Conclusions

In the world of DAW’s there is still a place for a dependable, hands-on workstation. If you’re looking for the best, don’t look past the FANTOM 8.

Roland Fantom 8 Owner’s Manual

• [English] Fantom 8 Owner’s Manual

Keyboard	88 Keys (PHA-50 Wood and Plastic Hybrid Structure, with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel, channel aftertouch)
Sound Generator	ZEN-Core Various MODEL sound generators V-Piano Technology SuperNATURAL Acoustic * ZEN-Core 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 Technology 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
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 support / Automation support), Microscope
Song	1 (per Scene)
File format	Original, SMF export/import supported * Sampler trigger data can be recorded.
Format	16/24-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF
Number of Samples	8000
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.
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 manipulation it.
Size	2GB
Other	Yes
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)
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) (*1) MIDI connectors (IN, OUT1, OUT2/THRU) (*2) USB MEMORY Port USB COMPUTER Port (AUDIO: Max 24bit/96KHz 3 Sereo Output, 16 Stereo Input / MIDI: 3 Port support) 3 x External Device Port: A Roland A-49 or an A-PRO series MIDI Controller can be connected. (*3) *1: 1024 Step value support *2: High-resolution velocity data output support *3: Operation is not guaranteed if a generic MIDI device is connected.
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.
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

Weight	75 lbs
Dimensions	61 × 23 × 11 in