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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
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What is the key action like on the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation?
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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.
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How many tracks can the sequencer on the Roland Fantom G8 handle?
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The Fantom G8's onboard sequencer can manage up to 128 tracks, including 24 audio tracks, allowing for complex compositions and detailed arrangements.
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Does the Roland Fantom G8 support external sound expansion?
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Yes, the Fantom G8 supports ARX expansion with SuperNATURAL technology, enabling users to enhance their sound palette with additional expressive performance options.
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What connectivity options are available on the Roland Fantom G8?
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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.
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Is the Roland Fantom G8 suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
PMTVUK
Roland Fantom G8 Workstation Keyboard Demo - PMT
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
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The Fantom 8's grand action keys are praised for feeling the closest to real piano keys, especially valued by piano tuner-technicians.
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Features and functionality
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The Fantom 8's sequencer follows an Ableton-style clip launcher, which may not suit users preferring linear sequencing for composition.
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The RPU-3 pedal unit, especially its Sostenuto pedal, significantly enhances the Fantom 8's functionality for those seeking more expressive piano capabilities.
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The Fantom G8 lacks CV outputs, which limits integration with modular setups compared to other models with this feature.
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The Fantom-08's smaller screen and fewer onboard controls reduce real-time performance tweak flexibility compared to the larger Fantom models.
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The Fantom G8 supports Roland Cloud model expansions, but requires an active account, which might involve data mining concerns.
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Software and compatibility
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Using Roland Cloud's Zenology Pro allows potential buyers to explore the Fantom's ZenCore sounds and model expansions before purchasing.
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V-Piano and N/zyme engines are absent from the Fantom-0 series, potentially impacting users seeking advanced piano modeling and wavetable synthesis.
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Fantom-0 series offers four synth modules for free, but are $150 each for the full Fantom series, affecting cost considerations for sound expansion.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
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
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In the YouTube video by Pelo Music Group titled "Fabiana Cantilo & Fito Páez - Nada es para Siempre," Fito Páez is seen using a Roland Fantom G8 Workstation during a live performance.
In this video, Composerily demonstrates the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation while explaining how to achieve an Alan Walker sound.
Persing is the founder of Spectrasonics, a company specializing in developing World Class software 'virtual instruments' since 1994. He has produced dozens of the sampling industry's top selling titles and gone on to create the award-winning Omnisphere, Keyscape, Stylus RMX, Trilian, Atmosphere and Trilogy software virtual instruments. Eric's ground-breaking instruments and sound libraries are the best selling and most widely used in the world. Spectrasonics products are in constant use on thousands of major film, television, music, game and multimedia productions.
In addition to being the Creative Director of Spectrasonics, Eric was a longtime consultant and the Chief Sound Designer for Roland Corporation Japan from 1984-2005, creating the key sounds for many popular Roland synthesizers, samplers, CD-ROMs, expansion boards, processors and groove devices - from the vintage Jupiter and JX series, to the legendary D-50, D-70, JD-800/990, R8, S-series samplers, JV-880/1080/2080, the Sound Canvas, JP-8000/8080, MC-505/909, The V-Drums, XV-5080, Fantom series, the V-Synth and many more.
In a YouTube video titled "Vinyl Theatre: What To Pack - Chris," Chris Senner showcases the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation as part of his gear setup.
At 1:47 of this video, Caroline Campbell can be seen playing her Roland Fantom G8 Workstation at Wacken Open Air 2012.
Paul Mirkovich is seen using the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation in the Rolling Stone article titled 'The Voice' Bandleader Sees 'Jaw-Dropping' Talent for New Season, published by Rolling Stone.
In a photograph shared on Instagram by SDot, the keyboardist and music producer can be observed utilizing a Roland Fantom G8 Workstation. The image, posted on September 23, 2023, under the caption "Final Lap Tour 🎹 3 more months too go ! @50cent", serves as evidence of SDot's use of this specific musical instrument. This photo provides a clear visual confirmation of SDot's preference for the Roland Fantom G8 Workstation in his musical setup.
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.