News - Fantom-EX series

Introducing the Roland Fantom EX series: a brand-new line of synthesizer workstations that blend a familiar look with powerful new technology. With three models to choose from – the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX – these keyboards offer versatility for musicians at any level.

Each Fantom EX comes with the EX Upgrade already installed, giving you access to enhanced sound capabilities right out of the box. Plus, you'll get the JX-3P ACB Expansion for even more variety in your music.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, the Roland Fantom EX series lets you explore new sounds and push the boundaries of what you can create. Welcome to the future of music with the Roland Fantom EX series.

Roland Fantom EX Series keyboard

The new Fantom EX series offers three different sizes to suit your playing style. The Fantom 6 EX and Fantom 7 EX come with semi-weighted synth action keybeds, providing 61 and 76 notes respectively. Meanwhile, the Fantom 8 EX boasts an 88-note hammer action for a more authentic piano feel.

All three models feature velocity sensitivity and channel (monophonic) aftertouch, allowing for expressive playing.

The EX Core

Experience the pinnacle of synthesis with the EX upgrade for the Roland Fantom series, featuring the next-generation Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine. This groundbreaking upgrade introduces new versions of iconic Roland synthesizers, including the Jupiter-8, SH-101, and JX-3P, meticulously recreated with unparalleled realism and authenticity.

But that's not all. Alongside the new ACB engine, the EX upgrade also includes Model Expansions, further expanding your sonic palette. Dive into a world of sound with the n/zyme wavetable synth, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions, each offering unique textures, timbres, and possibilities for sonic exploration.

Hardware specifications

While the new EX logo distinguishes these models, the hardware remains unchanged from the original Fantom series. This continuity ensures that users can expect the same level of performance, reliability, and build quality that they've come to rely on from Roland synthesizers.

Design of the Fantom EX Series

The Fantom EX Series has a powerful and intuitive user interface designed for free-flowing creativity. Despite its advanced features, the Fantom EX series maintains a familiar interface. The only visible indicator of the new model is the "EX" print on the front panel. Retaining the same layout of buttons, knobs, sliders, and a vibrant colour touchscreen in the center, the Fantom EX ensures ease of use for both new and experienced users.

On the right side, you'll find 16 RGB pads, perfect for triggering sounds, samples, and clips. Additionally, the onboard Roland TR-REC step sequencer offers intuitive sequencing capabilities, adding a layer of creativity to your music production.

Turning to the rear panel, the Fantom EX series provides a comprehensive array of connections, ensuring seamless integration with a wide range of gear.

Sound engines

Step into a realm of sonic mastery with the Roland Fantom EX series, where innovation meets performance. Harness the power of Roland's most advanced sound engines, including ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, Virtual ToneWheel, and more, to compose and perform like never before.

Among the highlights of the Fantom EX series are two new grand pianos: the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01 and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. Powered by advanced Behavior Modeling technology, the SuperNATURAL acoustic pianos offer unparalleled realism, with lifelike presence, smooth tone, and responsive playability. With the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion, you can explore 15 distinct piano sounds, ranging from bright and dynamic tones perfect for stage performances to darker, moodier variations ideal for ambient explorations.

But the Fantom EX series doesn't stop there. It introduces the new Virtual ToneWheel organ, expanding your sonic palette and adding yet another dimension to your music. With these powerful sound engines at your fingertips, the Fantom EX series empowers you to unleash your creativity and elevate your performances to new heights.

Effects

The enhancements to the Fantom series extend beyond its sound engines and models with a suite of new effects and expanded DAW control capabilities. With the EX upgrade, you'll have access to cutting-edge effects like the shimmer reverb and modulation reverb, adding depth and dimension to your soundscapes.

Moreover, Fantom's integration with DAWs has been elevated with dedicated profiles for Steinberg Cubase and PreSonus Studio One, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your productivity. Whether you're composing, recording, or mixing, the Fantom EX series seamlessly integrates with your preferred digital audio workstation.

In addition, the Master FX processor has received a makeover with new preset templates, facilitating a faster and more intuitive workflow. Refreshed graphical interfaces for the Mastering Comp and Mastering EQ sections ensure clarity and ease of use, empowering you to achieve professional-quality results with ease.

Connectivity

There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O and dual CV/Gate outputs are also available for driving all kind of synths and other external gear. Fantom EX also works as a 16×3 audio/MIDI USB interface.