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Description

Unlock a new world of creative possibilities with the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation, a powerhouse in live performance and studio production. With its 88-key weighted PHA II "Ivory Feel" keyboard, this synthesizer offers an authentic piano experience that ensures every note is rich in expression and nuance. The Fantom G8 is not just about feel; it's about unleashing creativity with its cutting-edge sound engine, boasting twice the wave-ROM capacity of previous models. This allows you to dive into an extensive library of SRX-quality sounds and expand further with the revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay for unparalleled sonic expression.

Navigate your musical journey with ease using the Fantom G8's large 8.5" wide TFT color LCD, perfectly complemented by a comprehensive set of controls, including sliders, knobs, and buttons for intuitive sound shaping. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or performing live, the advanced audio/MIDI sequencer with 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks, ensures nothing holds back your creativity. Add to this the robust effects engine, providing up to 22 simultaneous multi-effects routings, and you've got a workstation that truly embodies versatility.

Key Features:

  • 88-key weighted PHA II "Ivory Feel" keyboard for authentic playability
  • Advanced sound engine with double the wave-ROM capacity
  • ARX SuperNATURAL expansion for dynamic sound modeling
  • 8.5" wide TFT color LCD for enhanced control and navigation
  • Onboard audio/MIDI sequencer with 128 tracks, including 24 audio
  • Comprehensive effects engine with 22 multi-effects routings
  • Supports mouse connectivity for streamlined workflow
  • High-quality materials and futuristic design for durability and style

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model Fantom-G8 88-Key Workstation Keyboard
Finish Silver
Year 2008 - 2012
Made In Japan
Categories Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Number of Pads 16 Pads
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What is the key action like on the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation?

The Roland Fantom G8 features a weighted PHA II "Ivory Feel" keyboard, providing a realistic and responsive playing experience similar to an acoustic piano, making it ideal for professional pianists and serious keyboardists.

How many tracks can the sequencer on the Roland Fantom G8 handle?

The Fantom G8's onboard sequencer can manage up to 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks, allowing for complex compositions and detailed arrangements.

Does the Roland Fantom G8 support external sound expansion?

Yes, the Fantom G8 supports ARX expansion with SuperNATURAL technology, enabling users to enhance their sound palette with additional expressive performance options.

What connectivity options are available on the Roland Fantom G8?

The Fantom G8 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through, USB MIDI, and mouse connectivity, providing versatile options for integrating with other gear and computer setups.

Is the Roland Fantom G8 suitable for live performances?

With its advanced sound engine, robust build quality, and comprehensive effects routing, the Fantom G8 is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable and dynamic sound capabilities.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Roland Fantom G8 Workstation Keyboard Demo - PMT

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom G8 Workstation Keyboard Demo - PMT by PMTVUK

Roland Fantom G8 Workstation Keyboard Demo - PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom G8 Sound Demo by killerddt

Roland Fantom G8 Sound Demo

killerddt

killerddt

Video thumbnail for ROLAND FANTOM G8 DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

ROLAND FANTOM G8 DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom G-8 Demonstration (1/2) by Roland Benelux

Roland Fantom G-8 Demonstration (1/2)

Roland Benelux

Roland Benelux

Video thumbnail for 50 piano sounds from the Roland Fantom G8 by REWO by REWO_Channel

50 piano sounds from the Roland Fantom G8 by REWO

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom G8 piano playing demonstration by REWO_Channel

Roland Fantom G8 piano playing demonstration

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Fantom G8 Workstation.

Build quality

  • The Fantom 8's grand action keys are praised for feeling the closest to real piano keys, especially valued by piano tuner-technicians.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Fantom 8's sequencer follows an Ableton-style clip launcher, which may not suit users preferring linear sequencing for composition.

    Source
  • The RPU-3 pedal unit, especially its Sostenuto pedal, significantly enhances the Fantom 8's functionality for those seeking more expressive piano capabilities.

    Source
  • The Fantom G8 lacks CV outputs, which limits integration with modular setups compared to other models with this feature.

    Source
  • The Fantom-08's smaller screen and fewer onboard controls reduce real-time performance tweak flexibility compared to the larger Fantom models.

    Source
  • The Fantom G8 supports Roland Cloud model expansions, but requires an active account, which might involve data mining concerns.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Using Roland Cloud's Zenology Pro allows potential buyers to explore the Fantom's ZenCore sounds and model expansions before purchasing.

    Source
  • V-Piano and N/zyme engines are absent from the Fantom-0 series, potentially impacting users seeking advanced piano modeling and wavetable synthesis.

    Source
  • Fantom-0 series offers four synth modules for free, but are $150 each for the full Fantom series, affecting cost considerations for sound expansion.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Korg Kronos, despite its age, is considered comparable with Fantom 8, offering nine sound engines and high-quality multisamples, often sold at lower prices in the used market.

    Source
  • The Fantom-08's PHA-4 keyboard is noted as feeling closer to a synth action, unlike the PHA-50, which emulates a traditional upright piano.

    Source

User experience

  • The Fantom-08's lighter weight is highlighted as a benefit for gigging musicians needing portability without sacrificing too much functionality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
timeofsilence

it has everything, but it weighs a ton

I've owned this keyboard for many years. It has only recently cause me any trouble. The main left and right outputs are no longer balanced. I believe its a physical problem with the actual conductors in the jack. I will open it up at my next opportunity and see what I can find out. The keyboard has countless sounds, a huge screen, a very decent onboard sequencer. I added 1GB of memory to mine but I rarely use the sampler. You can plug a mouse directly in to the keyboard and have a pointer show up on the screen. The key bed feels great. They keys feel like ivory and Roland's Hammer Action has always been a winner. The actual piano samples are great. I'm still partial to a Nord Stage for the piano sound (and hammond and analog synth). I own this keyboard, it has more than paid for itself, and it weighs a ton!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Guetta uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Photo

In his instagram post, you can see a roland fantom g8

See how Mike Dirnt uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo, we can see him using on of these keyboards.

See how Owl City uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Rolandus

"I love the Fantom-G8. That served as a lot of the inspiration, just having the main piano patch pulled up all the time. I was always writing on that, and I used it as my main MIDI controller as well."

See how Jordan Rudess uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

You can clearly see that on the 4:20 minute mark, he's playing a Roland Fantom G8

See how Gareth Emery uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Gareth Emery

Music Producer

Gareth Emery & Jon O'Bir

...
Verified via YouTube

Gareth is seen playing his Fantom G8 in a shot of his Los Angeles studio.

See how DJ Jazzy Jeff uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

DJ Jazzy Jeff

Music Producer, DJ

The Roots

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Jazzy Jeff is using a Roland Fantom G8 to trigger his sounds on Ableton at 3:41 and on.

See how Lil Jon uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Lil Jon

Rapper, Music Producer

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17 seconds into the video, you can see a Roland Fantom G8 workstation. It scrolls be pretty fast but you can tell it's a G8 b the distance of the pads from the end of the keyboard.

See how Geoff Downes uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Geoff Downes

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

At :10 of this video, Downes states he uses a Roland Fantom G8, and then demonstrates it.

See how GRYFFIN uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

GRYFFIN

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Gryffin is using the Roland Fantom G8 keyboard in this picture.

See how Jason Freese uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Jason Freese

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Weezer

...
Verified via YouTube

this is just one example of the various times we can see freese using this keyboard on the internet series on green day's youtube channel, the jeff matika show which in every episode so far he is seen using this keyboard under his nickname, whitewolf.

See how Howard Jones uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via YouTube

Howard Jones performs, i like to get to know you well ,live using Roland Fantom G8 .

See how Shaun Martin uses Roland Fantom G8 Workstation

Shaun Martin

Keyboardist, Composer

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can clearly see Shaun Martin Plaing a Roland Fantom.

Album Usage

The Roland Fantom G8 Workstation has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland Fantom G8 Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

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