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Roland Fantom-G8

Item ID: FantomG8

88-key Sampling Synth Workstation with Advanced Sound Engine, ARX SuperNATURAL Expansion Bays, Large Graphic Interface, 128-track Sequencer, and Multi-FX

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  • Retail Price$4699.00
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From Our Research Team:

Roland's Full-sized Flagship Sampling Synth Workstation!

The Roland Fantom-G8 88-key sampling synthesizer workstation represents Roland's most powerful live workstation ever. The Fantom-G8 features a full-sized weighted PHA II keyboard for incredibly natural feel and easy expression. a comprehensive set of buttons and sliders, combined with a large graphic user interface, gives you command over its incredibly powerful sound engine. The onboard audio/MIDI sequencer allows up to 128 tracks (including 24 audio), and you get an astounding set of audio effects. And an ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay lets you take the G8 to an even higher level of performance!

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Roland Fantom-G8 88-key Sampling Synthesizer Workstation at a Glance:
  • Exclusive operating system update
  • Advanced sound engine
  • Extra-wide LCD
  • Sequencer
  • SuperNATURAL ARX expansion
  • Effects
  • Natural keyboard feel and action

Sweetwater exclusive - operating system update
We've taken the time to update the Fantom-G's operating system to the most current version, saving you the trouble of downloading and uploading. It features great new piano sounds and new arpeggio flexibility, in addition to other benefits.

Fantom-G Operating System 1.31 Features:
  • Four new piano sounds have been added to the preset patches.
  • Now you can create your own Arpeggio Styles.
  • The number of Arpeggio Styles has been increased to 128 presets + 128 user styles
  • User styles have also been added.
  • The Tempo and RPS / Rhythm Pattern Set Number can now be stored in the Live/Studio Set.
  • You can now play RPS / Rhythm Pattern Sets not only from the pads, but also from the keyboard.
  • The number of RPS / Rhythm Pattern Sets has been increased to 64 sets.
  • The knobs, sliders, D Beam and S1/S2 buttons can now be used to control multiple parts simultaneously.
  • The time signature can now be specified for phrases.
  • In Create Project, you can now select Internal memory as well as USB memory.


Advanced sound engine
Driven by a powerful new audio processor, the Fantom-G provides new sonic depth and versatility. With twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains a treasure trove of Roland's world-famous SRX-quality sounds, but what really sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful live workstation.

Extra-wide LCD
One look and touch and you'll know that the Fantom-G is an instrument without equal. Only the highest-quality materials have been used to create this dream synth, with a stylish, futuristic design that will turn heads. Front and center is the extra-large 8.5" wide TFT color LCD for enhanced productivity. A first-class assortment of handson controls is provided as well, including eight sliders, four knobs, and ten buttons below the LCD.

Sequencer
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland's newly designed power sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully intergraded audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can be also incorporated for computer-like speed and ease. Other convenient features include combo XLR and TRS connector, phantom power for condenser mics, Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, and line input.

SuperNATURAL ARX expansion
Fantom-G provides ARX slots that accommodate two SuperNATURAL expansion boards. SuperNATURAL is Roland's unique behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression previously unattainable in synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of real musical instruments. It's also a powerful tool for electronic and non-traditional sounds, breathing amazing new life and expression into synthesis.

Effects
Fantom-G is loaded with a state-of-the-art effects engine, with multi-effects available for each Fantom-G sound/part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Create complex setups with 16 insert effects per patch, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.

Natural keyboard feel and action
The Fantom-G8 is outfitted with Roland's top-of-the-line PHA II "Ivory Feel" keyboard. This amazing keyboard technology reproduces the real surface feel of ivory acoustic piano keys providing a familiar stability and comfort to the pianist. The white keys have a 2-piece structure which reduces the surface 'click' noise when playing. The newly developed keyboard surface material is designed to absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof feel that your fingers will love.

Roland Fantom-G8 88-key Sampling Synthesizer Workstation Features:
  • Advanced sound engine with double wave capacity of previous flagship workstation
  • 2 x ARX expansion with SuperNATURAL performance-expression technology
  • Graphic user interface with extra-large 8.5" wide color LCD and mouse connectivity
  • Newly developed onboard audio/MIDI sequencer with 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks
  • Multi-effects for each part; up to 22 effects routings can be programmed simultaneously
  • Heavy-duty casing with aluminum panel
  • Top-of-the-line keyboard action; weighted PHA II "Ivory Feel" keyboard on Fantom-G8

The Roland Fantom-G8 brings Roland's live sampling workstation to a whole new level!

Fantom-G8 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Sound Engine Type(s) ROM, Sampling, Modeling
Number of Keys 88
Type of Keys Weighted
Other Controllers Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever, Control Knob x 4, Control S
Polyphony 128 Notes
Wave Memory 256MB
Number of Presets 2633
Expansion 2 x ARX Slots, 1 DIMM Slot (RAM)
Number of Effects 176
Effects Types Multi-FX, Chorus, Reverb, Mastering, EQ
Arpeggiator Yes
Sampling Yes
Audio Playback Internal 24-track Playback, USB Thumbdrive
MIDI Sequencer 128-Track (and 24-Track Audio)
USB 1 x Mouse, 1 x MIDI, 1 x Audio Playback
Number of Audio Inputs 3
Audio Input Types 1 x Combo (Mic, Guitar), 2 x TS
Number of Audio Outputs 5
Audio Output Types 1 x TRS (Headphone), 2 x TRS, 2 x TS
Number of Digital Inputs 1
Digital Input Types 1 x S/PDIF
Number of Digital Outputs 1
Digital Output Types 1 x S/PDIF
MIDI I/O In, Out, Thru, and MIDI
Pedal Inputs 2 x Controller, 1 x Sustain
Height 7.25"
Width 55"
Depth 16.19"
Weight 74.13 lbs.
Power Supply AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60 Hz), AC 220 V (60 Hz
Manufacturer Part Number Fantom-G8

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Reviews

based on 10 reviews

What a beautiful machine!

by Barbie Lee from Germantown Maryland
December 20, 2011
Music Background: Singer, song writer, Keyboard and guitar player
Still learning about this wonderful workstation and all the things it's capable of. It sounds great and the keys feel like a real piano. It's very heavy though. Not something I would recommend as a gi... read more [+]g piano unless you have roadies! But it IS a great addition to anyone's studio. I got the drum expansion pack so the possibilities are endless. It's pricey but well worth the money. Roland did a great job with the documentation and the tutorials and Sweetwater are sweetheart when it comes to customer service. close [-]

Awesome Keyboard

by Craig Tate from Texas
December 24, 2008
Music Background: Producer, Musician and Songwriter
Just heard the Roland, Fantom G8; very well put together and great sounds that are sure to record with perfect sonic character. I currently have to major workstation by Yamaha (Motif) and Korg (Trito... read more [+]n). Both keyboards offer something special; however, the Triton is the best for both live and studio. I often layer the sounds of the Motif with my Roland 3080 or Triton for balance and fullness. I will be purchasing the Fanton G8 for both live and studio use as it will offer something that neither the Triton nor the Motif can offer. Number one, the keys on the keyboard is the best I have ever felt and will provide some extreme articulation. Number two, the sounds are very real and effects appropriate for any creative style. Number three, it has the capability to do some serious sequencing and audio recording. This board will become my new lead synth in my studio in the place of the Triton. I can see my self producing and writing more hits faster. close [-]

The G8 is a very impressive instrument!

by Todd from VA
April 24, 2010
Music Background: (Part time) Pro musician
First the good news: keyboard feel is excellent, sounds are excellent except for the strings, the user interface is powerful and easy to navigate with a USB mouse. The screen is very easy to read.... read more [+]

The bad: the manual is awful and very confusing. The OS has been updated many times but seems to be mostly bug free in v1.31. The drums don't have a great timbre to them - I can hear why someone would buy an ARX card for this. If you think you will sing into the phanton powered mic input and get a decent vocal reverb, think again. The effects are good for guitars and generic sounds but the reverbs are not up to vocal quality.

Summary: If you shop, you can find some amazing deals on this keyboard but I would not recommend purchasing it at full retail price. It's a great instrument but sounds on par with maybe a K2500X with a big screen. close [-]

Fantom G8 - Up Close!

by Mr. H from Columbus, Ohio
August 13, 2008
Music Background: Contemorary Jazz, Fusion, Pro Musician, Songwriter
My first impression of the Fantom G8 was very good. The "ivory" feel of this keyboard is really amazing. It feels like a real piano. The sounds are cool, but I prefer the piano and rhodes in my S90ES.... read more [+] I love the color screen on the Fantoms. The LCD on this is HUGE!!!!! It's the biggest I've ever seen on a workstation. If you're composing, arranging, sampling, editing, this will make your task much easier. It's a very USER-FRIENDLY workstation. The design is very futuristic which really draws your attention.

I do wish the expansion bay was on top like on the previous X8 model for easier access. Other than that, this is a very solid axe that I wouldn't mind having myself.

You should check it out! close [-]

First hand look...

by Chuck from McRae / Baxley, GA
June 23, 2008
Music Background: performer, teacher, multi-instrumentalist, studio owner, carnivore
Now that I've had a closer look at the Fantom G, I must say that the big color screen is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, even my old Fantom X7. I was amazed at how brilliant the colors wer... read more [+]e! When you consider the smooth transition between performance patches and the ability to utilize a mouse, then this keyboard becomes more and more attractive.

I wish I could comment on the sounds, but the speakers used on the demo were only average, so I don't feel qualified to comment just yet.

Also, I got to try out the Motif XS at the same store visit (I'm a former ES owner). I was impressed at its improved screen layout and functionality. The screen doesn't even come close to the Roland. But, when considering a performance keyboard, you can't go wrong with either the Motif or the Fantom. The sounds are getting so good, it's becoming more and more redundant to listen to the arguments of which is better, apples vs. oranges, blah, blah, blah. For me, it's more about function now.

Although the Roland has the incredible screen, mouse option, and performance transition, I don't feel comfortable placing it above the Motif yet. I'm really torn about which keyboard to buy! If you are a creative keyboard player or performer, you really can't go wrong with either keybaords. I know, as a performer and a studio owner, I hear sounds and samples all the time from all sorts of companies. It's all about functionality. Pick the one you feel most comfortable and creative with, and make it your axe. close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: Work Stations , Roland , Roland Keyboard Workstations

Roland Fantom-G8

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