Mighty Motif Max Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 Tiago Mallen has just uploaded a demo of the Fantom! In Portuguese for the speaking portion, but playing starts at 8:30. [video:youtube] Quote Yamaha: Motif XF8, MODX7, YS200, CVP-305, CLP-130, YPG-235, PSR-295, PSS-470 | Roland: Fantom 7, JV-1000 Kurzweil: PC3-76, PC4 (88) | Hammond: SK Pro 73 | Korg: Triton LE 76, N1R, X5DR | Emu: Proteus/1 | Casio: CT-370 | Novation: Launchkey 37 MK3 | Technics: WSA1R Former: Emu Proformance Plus & Mo'Phatt, Korg Krome 61, Roland Fantom XR & JV-1010, Yamaha MX61, Behringer CAT Assorted electric & acoustic guitars and electric basses | Roland TD-17 KVX | Alesis SamplePad Pro | Assorted organs, accordions, other instruments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I lucked out at a local GC. They had MODX 88 and a Fantom 88 next to each other. I still like MODX for sure. It was inspiring in many ways. for my music production, Fantom screams tomorrow and IMO sound programming is a higher level. Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zephonic Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Yes, never thought I"d say this but I"m looking forward to making tracks on the Fantom rather than in Cubase. I"ve concluded that my grooviest tracks were all started outside of the DAW. Something about Cubase just ain"t swinging. Quote gear list.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I think some song writers on keys are switching from their DAW back to hardware. I am biased with my Kronos SEQ. whenever there's a hitch in my process , I find a solution. I started to crack a new song on Fantom. Plan to study the recording process in depth to get up to speed, determine if any issues, etc. I am keeping my Kronos. And I am still waiting for Jan NAMM Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I lucked out at a local GC. They had MODX 88 and a Fantom 88 next to each other. I still like MODX for sure. It was inspiring in many ways. for my music production, Fantom screams tomorrow and IMO sound programming is a higher level. Hey Greg, are the keys on the MODX8 similar to the older MOXF8? I can't find a place to try the MODX8. I am thinking about moving from my MODX6 to the MODX8. I know the description says they're both the GHS... just wondering if there's any difference in feel in the newer (MODX8) board. Quote David Gig Rig:Depends on the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I lucked out at a local GC. They had MODX 88 and a Fantom 88 next to each other. I still like MODX for sure. It was inspiring in many ways. for my music production, Fantom screams tomorrow and IMO sound programming is a higher level. Hey Greg, are the keys on the MODX8 similar to the older MOXF8? I can't find a place to try the MODX8. I am thinking about moving from my MODX6 to the MODX8. I know the description says they're both the GHS... just wondering if there's any difference in feel in the newer (MODX8) board. Hi, I can't say , as I did not own the MOX, 88 key. I ran thru my scales and ARPS, left/right hand on the MODX 8. It felt pretty good. I noticed a strange momentary decay at the end of a note value , sort of like a reverse after touch, while playing MODX 8 pianos. It may be no big deal, and it might be due to demo condition. You know how keyboards get abused at GC. If I were you, I would give the MODX 8 a solid demo. See if you local GC's will break open a factory MODX 8 box for you. In my area, they are very accommodating , want to make a sale, etc etc. If it wasn't for the new Fantom, MODX 8 would be a no brainer. Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherScott Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 If it wasn't for the new Fantom, MODX 8 would be a no brainer. Have you looked at the Kurzweil PC4? Tough competition for the MODX8, I think. Fantom is beyond my gig-weight limit, besides being in a different price range. But I do think it has the best control surface of the three. Quote Maybe this is the best place for a shameless plug! Our now not-so-new new video at https://youtu.be/3ZRC3b4p4EI is a 40 minute adaptation of T. S. Eliot's "Prufrock" - check it out! And hopefully I'll have something new here this year. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 If it wasn't for the new Fantom, MODX 8 would be a no brainer. Have you looked at the Kurzweil PC4? Tough competition for the MODX8, I think. Fantom is beyond my gig-weight limit, besides being in a different price range. But I do think it has the best control surface of the three. we are cross posting on the Korg forum. The PC4 is on my radar. Heck, if its great for my studio work , and if the LCD allows good navigation, at $2k, I will jump on it. I don't care about an extra 5 pounds or a few inches more here and there. I don't gig. No limit on those ' logistics '. Thanks ! Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Yes, never thought I"d say this but I"m looking forward to making tracks on the Fantom rather than in Cubase. I"ve concluded that my grooviest tracks were all started outside of the DAW. Something about Cubase just ain"t swinging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRaM3kWpw4w&feature=youtu.be suggest you check this out ! I am a ' section ' song writer, using Mr Corrells terminology Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zephonic Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I lucked out at a local GC. They had MODX 88 and a Fantom 88 next to each other. I still like MODX for sure. It was inspiring in many ways. for my music production, Fantom screams tomorrow and IMO sound programming is a higher level. Hey Greg, are the keys on the MODX8 similar to the older MOXF8? I can't find a place to try the MODX8. I am thinking about moving from my MODX6 to the MODX8. I know the description says they're both the GHS... just wondering if there's any difference in feel in the newer (MODX8) board. AFAICT, when the boards are powered off they feel the same. But the velocity response of the new piano and rhodes samples on the MODX is better. Quote gear list.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I lucked out at a local GC. They had MODX 88 and a Fantom 88 next to each other. I still like MODX for sure. It was inspiring in many ways. for my music production, Fantom screams tomorrow and IMO sound programming is a higher level. Hey Greg, are the keys on the MODX8 similar to the older MOXF8? I can't find a place to try the MODX8. I am thinking about moving from my MODX6 to the MODX8. I know the description says they're both the GHS... just wondering if there's any difference in feel in the newer (MODX8) board. AFAICT, when the boards are powered off they feel the same. But the velocity response of the new piano and rhodes samples on the MODX is better. Thanks guys. I had an MOXF8 for a little while, and really didn't like the keys....hence my move to the PX5S. The Fantom 6 is still heavily on my radar for many reasons. I may just go with that, with the PX5S underneath. Too many choices now that I've saved my pennies from gigs this year. Quote David Gig Rig:Depends on the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 [quote. Too many choices now that I've saved my pennies from gigs this year. did I hear Save Your Pennies ? Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echo66 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Although I've been trashing the new Fantom, I have ordered a Fantom 8 which I'll have in the next week or so. I'll report back. As for the MODX, I felt the action is bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aellison62 Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Was just watching 'The Voice' and it looks like Paul Mirkovich got a new Fantom 8 ? I know he had the G8 for many years. Quote Kurzweil Forte 7, Mojo 61, Yamaha P-125, Kronos X61, Nautilus 73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echo66 Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Just thought I'd give an update. Received bnib Fantom 8 about 9 days ago. Wouldn't always boot up properly. It is now bricked, won't boot up, white 'Roland' screen of death. Has been buggy since the start even after 1.1 upgrade. I have to send it back today. :-( I wouldn't recommend buying one at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 it hard to say if that defect is common or a modest %. Nevertheless , I am waiting for January NAMM. Even with the attractive Black Friday incentives Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan_evett Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Just thought I'd give an update. Received bnib Fantom 8 about 9 days ago. Wouldn't always boot up properly. It is now bricked, won't boot up, white 'Roland' screen of death. Has been buggy since the start even after 1.1 upgrade. I have to send it back today. :-( I wouldn't recommend buying one at this point. Sounds like a random issue; sometimes happens with electronic devices, especially new-to-market items. You might want to return it for a replacement, vs scrapping the idea altogether. In 2015 my Kurz Forte 7 did similar things at first. Though updates did help the unit, my dealer would have gladly replaced the instrument if necessary. Lots of good things happening with the Fantom, and much more to come.. Quote 'Someday, we'll look back on these days and laugh; likely a maniacal laugh from our padded cells, but a laugh nonetheless' - Mr. Boffo. We need a barfing cat emoticon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echo66 Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Thanks. Yeah I think I"ll get my $$ back for now and see if I"ll want one in 2020. Despite knowing it is incomplete sound/feature-wise, I also found it very buggy/crashy when it was working. Judging by some posts on other boards, seems like my issue is not isolated. My first thought is 'Shame on you Roland", although really it"s my own fault. The warning signs were there. Nice keyboard/concept, but too early to the market IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devnor Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Nah, you just need a board that works. My Fantom locked up once otherwise it's been wonderful just fantastic. I wrote a tone, then when I pressed write then soft touched TONE to save the second tone the screen went black. Had to pull the plug and restart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestrophillips Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 Thanks Devnor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uhoh7 Posted December 3, 2019 Share Posted December 3, 2019 I quenched my fantom gas by pre-ordering a osmose..... Quote RT-3/U-121/Leslie 21H and 760/Saltarelle Nuage/MOXF6/MIDIhub, SL-880/Nektar T4/Numa Cx2/Deepmind12/Virus TI 61/SL61 mk2 Stylophone R8/Behringer RD-8/Proteus 1/MP-7/Zynthian 4 MPC1k/JV1010/Unitor 8/Model D & 2600/WX-5&7/VL70m/DMP-18 Pedals Natal drums/congas etc & misc bowed/plucked/blown instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PianoManChuck Posted December 7, 2019 Share Posted December 7, 2019 Here's a look at the Roland Fantom from a Pianist Perspective: Link: Quote PianoManChuck Authorized reseller: Casio, Dexibell, Kurzweil, Nord, iLoud, Viscount Keyboard Reviews + Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Keys Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 I am a lifelong Roland fan. From my Jupiters/Junos/JX's, to my D50, U20/XP10/XP50 then the RD700NX. This Fantom looks great, but, and I might be being unfair here, this synth sounds so, well....ordinary. But I'm guessing the price tag isn't ordinary, right? Tell me why I'm wrong... Quote Yamaha YC73 Korg Kronos2 61 Yamaha CP88 Roland Jupiter 8 Roland JX3P Roland D50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xp50player Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Right now the sounds ARE mostly ordinary, but the specs, keybed and interface aren"t. The polyphony is high & 256, with 16 Stereo USB. You have the TR-REC programming interface and competitive display & control surface. The Step LFO makes for some interesting sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyray Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 I am a lifelong Roland fan. From my Jupiters/Junos/JX's, to my D50, U20/XP10/XP50 then the RD700NX. This Fantom looks great, but, and I might be being unfair here, this synth sounds so, well....ordinary. But I'm guessing the price tag isn't ordinary, right? Tell me why I'm wrong... That is the reason I haven't purchased the Fantom hoping for updates sounds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleer Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Don"t pass on that analog filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Emm Posted December 9, 2019 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Here's a look at the Roland Fantom from a Pianist Perspective: Link: Thank you, Chuck, excellent review. I began on piano, so my synth world is always filtered through that perspective. I know online demos often have a lack similar to that of MP3 compression, but the main body of these pianos seems very nuanced and full. I've had my share of Rolands, so I can tell where the line is between the V-Pianos and the rest, but its a thin one when the sound is that good. I do find some lack in the release elements on the demo, so its natural to say 'Yeah, but can it compare with Pianoteq or Ivory?' You can program in the better tails, but of course, we all want that more detailed, natural decay. That aspect is TBD, but its clear that the piano is a strong selling point. Quote "Why can't they just make up something of their own?" ~ The great Richard Matheson, on the movie remakes of his book, "I Am Legend" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Emm Posted December 10, 2019 Share Posted December 10, 2019 I am a lifelong Roland fan. From my Jupiters/Junos/JX's, to my D50, U20/XP10/XP50 then the RD700NX. This Fantom looks great, but, and I might be being unfair here, this synth sounds so, well....ordinary. But I'm guessing the price tag isn't ordinary, right? Tell me why I'm wrong... That is the reason I haven't purchased the Fantom hoping for updates sounds! Perhaps you're confusing "ordinary" with "super-flashy." We're spoiled by ear-popping presets from Mars in bank A of most instruments, but many of those one-finger event patches or spectrum-fillling wow-leads make a quick exit in the real world. You have to massage it into being the synth you want to some extent. I understand the point, but despite its wild presets and immense flexibility, the V-Synth came and went pretty quickly. Its very playable in real-time and a seeming natural DJ fave, but it was near $3K and took some study to apply, so POOF. People want instant gratification, so Roland stays afloat in part by catering to the vintage craze. If people wanted a bold new Roland, the market would say so. There's also the fact that only so many very serious people will be buying a costly new Fantom because its an Everything synth, so there will be far fewer outside patch sets for it. That energy is going towards the Korg 'logue line. At least in my case, buying a workstation was a clarion call to program several patch sets for my own purposes and to learn what its perform-ability was like under the hood. If you're not up for that, then you more likely need a Prophet, a new VST or two and a Nord for the other hand. Whether its a central workstation environment or a stack, it still takes 4 layers of synthesis to get to show time. Quote "Why can't they just make up something of their own?" ~ The great Richard Matheson, on the movie remakes of his book, "I Am Legend" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PianoManChuck Posted December 10, 2019 Share Posted December 10, 2019 I think you nailed it with your very astute observations Dave!! There's another aspect to the new Fantom with their TR-REC functionality. Not limited to Drums & Bass like most people think.... you can use just about anything with it! And not monophonic either, you can actually use chords with it too. I demonstrate that Quote PianoManChuck Authorized reseller: Casio, Dexibell, Kurzweil, Nord, iLoud, Viscount Keyboard Reviews + Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyray Posted December 10, 2019 Share Posted December 10, 2019 I am a lifelong Roland fan. From my Jupiters/Junos/JX's, to my D50, U20/XP10/XP50 then the RD700NX. This Fantom looks great, but, and I might be being unfair here, this synth sounds so, well....ordinary. But I'm guessing the price tag isn't ordinary, right? Tell me why I'm wrong... That is the reason I haven't purchased the Fantom hoping for updates sounds! Perhaps you're confusing "ordinary" with "super-flashy." We're spoiled by ear-popping presets from Mars in bank A of most instruments, but many of those one-finger event patches or spectrum-fillling wow-leads make a quick exit in the real world. You have to massage it into being the synth you want to some extent. I understand the point, but despite its wild presets and immense flexibility, the V-Synth came and went pretty quickly. Its very playable in real-time and a seeming natural DJ fave, but it was near $3K and took some study to apply, so POOF. People want instant gratification, so Roland stays afloat in part by catering to the vintage craze. If people wanted a bold new Roland, the market would say so. There's also the fact that only so many very serious people will be buying a costly new Fantom because its an Everything synth, so there will be far fewer outside patch sets for it. That energy is going towards the Korg 'logue line. At least in my case, buying a workstation was a clarion call to program several patch sets for my own purposes and to learn what its perform-ability was like under the hood. If you're not up for that, then you more likely need a Prophet, a new VST or two and a Nord for the other hand. Whether its a central workstation environment or a stack, it still takes 4 layers of synthesis to get to show time. Agree with everything but I have owned 2 Kronos and very aware of the layout of the Fantom in fact I played one about 5 months ago when they first came out. Great keyboard! Most likely get one in a few months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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