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Description

Step into a world of sonic innovation with the Roland Fantom-X6, a powerhouse of a synthesizer designed for musicians who crave flexibility and high-quality sound. This 61-note synth-action keyboard is an ideal blend of traditional and cutting-edge technology, allowing you to seamlessly integrate audio and MIDI with breathtaking new ROM waves and real-time time-stretch capabilities. Whether you're a producer crafting beats, a live performer seeking dynamic expression, or a composer scoring your next masterpiece, the Fantom-X6 has the tools you need to bring your musical visions to life.

Equipped with a robust 128-note polyphony and room for up to four SRX expansion boards, this workstation is built to handle complex compositions with ease. The Fantom-X6 features an 8-track stereo audio recorder, perfectly synced with its MIDI sequencer, enabling you to capture ideas on the fly. With its Skip Back Sampling function, you’ll never lose a moment of inspiration.

The onboard 128MB wave ROM is filled with quality-focused sounds, including a stunning 88-key split piano and a rich array of strings, drums, and guitars. Plus, the dynamic pad bank and V-LINK provide further creative options for live performance and video integration. Its color LCD screen—the first in a workstation keyboard—ensures intuitive navigation, while the USB port allows for effortless MIDI and audio file transfers.

Key Features:

  • 128-note polyphony with 61-note synth-action keyboard
  • 8-track stereo audio recording with MIDI sequencer sync
  • 128MB wave ROM with high-quality sounds
  • Skip Back Sampling to capture spontaneous ideas
  • Color LCD for intuitive navigation
  • USB connectivity for MIDI and WAV/AIFF file exchange
  • 4 x SRX expansion slots for customizable soundsets
  • Dynamic Pad Bank and V-LINK for versatile performance options

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model Fantom-X6 61-Key Workstation Keyboard
Finish Silver
Year 2004 - 2008
Made In Japan
Categories Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Number of Pads 16 Pads
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland Fantom-X6 use?

The Roland Fantom-X6 utilizes a combination of digital sampling and synthesis, offering a powerful sound engine that includes stereo-sampled piano sounds and a variety of other tones suitable for diverse musical styles.

How many keys does the Roland Fantom-X6 have, and are they weighted?

The Roland Fantom-X6 features a 61-key keyboard with full-size, weighted keys, providing a responsive feel suitable for both live performance and studio work.

Can the Roland Fantom-X6 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Roland Fantom-X6 can function as a MIDI controller, featuring MIDI Input, Output, and Through, along with USB MIDI connectivity for integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What is the polyphony capability of the Roland Fantom-X6?

The Roland Fantom-X6 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sequencing without note dropouts during performance.

Does the Roland Fantom-X6 have built-in pads for triggering samples or loops?

Yes, the Roland Fantom-X6 includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads that can be used for triggering samples, loops, and other performance elements, enhancing live and studio capabilities.

Nice Sounds

Nice Sounds

Bank 1 (Favorite) Roland Fantom X6 sounds

Video thumbnail for Bank 1 (Favorite) Roland Fantom X6 sounds by Nice Sounds

Bank 1 (Favorite) Roland Fantom X6 sounds

Nice Sounds

Nice Sounds

Video thumbnail for Part 01 Roland Fantom G6 VS Fantom X6 | Difference Between Roland Fantom G6 And Fantom X6 by Musical Facts

Part 01 Roland Fantom G6 VS Fantom X6 | Difference Between Roland Fantom G6 And Fantom X6

Musical Facts

Musical Facts

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom X6: A great chapter in synth history! by Gearfacts

Roland Fantom X6: A great chapter in synth history!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for How to backup and install tones in Roland Fantom X6 || A R Music || Anil Sharma by Musical Facts

How to backup and install tones in Roland Fantom X6 || A R Music || Anil Sharma

Musical Facts

Musical Facts

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom X6: Don't Like Synth Bass? Record Your Own! (Part One) by gearwire

Roland Fantom X6: Don't Like Synth Bass? Record Your Own! (Part One)

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Transfer tones from Laptop, Pc or CF Card in to Roland Fantom X6 Keybord by Used Musicals Instruments

Transfer tones from Laptop, Pc or CF Card in to Roland Fantom X6 Keybord

Used Musicals Instruments

Used Musicals Instruments

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom X6 demo tunes by Gearfacts

Roland Fantom X6 demo tunes

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for EASY Disco | Pop Tutorial  Roland Fantom X6 Making the beat by FizzENT

EASY Disco | Pop Tutorial Roland Fantom X6 Making the beat

FizzENT

FizzENT

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom X6: Banging Beats And Slamming Beats - The X6 Creates Them Both by gearwire

Roland Fantom X6: Banging Beats And Slamming Beats - The X6 Creates Them Both

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Multi Sampling In Roland Fantom X6 Part 01  || A R Music || Anil Sharma by Musical Facts

Multi Sampling In Roland Fantom X6 Part 01 || A R Music || Anil Sharma

Musical Facts

Musical Facts

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive for beginners, with a helpful tutorial video

  • Large, easy-to-read screen simplifies navigation

  • Well-labeled controls avoid the need for memorization

  • Includes sampling and drum pads, enhancing versatility

  • Durable build, reliable for long-term use in studios and live setups

CONS

  • Lacks 128 polyphony, limiting sound layering capabilities

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Fantom-X6.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland Jupiter Xm offers mini-keys, which could be a trade-off for portability.

    Source
  • The Hydrasynth Explorer, despite having only one engine, is praised for its power and fun factor.

    Source
  • The Fantom-X6 includes a sequencer and drum pads, which are praised for their ease of use, particularly for hip hop production.

    Source
  • The Fantom 6 EX update includes a German Concert V-Piano and a new tonewheel organ, offering unprecedented control over sound.

    Source
  • The Fantom 6 EX lacks a proper librarian on the PC, unlike the Montage M6, which offers an editor for easier management.

    Source
  • Fantom's effects implementation is limited; each track gets one dedicated effect, with all tracks sharing reverb and chorus, which some users find restrictive.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha MODX6 is noted for being half the weight of the Fantom-X6, offering a more compact option.

    Source
  • Alternatives such as the Korg Monologue and Minilogue are suggested for beginners seeking inexpensive, hands-on synth learning experiences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fantom-X6 is frequently used for background/layering sounds in punk and heavy post-punk bands.

    Source
  • Known for hip hop presets, it's a popular choice among producers like D Rich for its signature sound in trap and hip hop genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that synthesizers with fewer than 5 octaves typically require a combination of a controller keyboard and an external sound module for full functionality.

    Source
  • Sampling on the Fantom-X6 is considered cumbersome, with a low-resolution screen that requires constant attention.

    Source
  • The aftertouch on the Fantom 6 EX is stiff, requiring significant pressure, but a workaround involving the 'Aftertouch Pressure Range' setting can improve usability.

    Source
  • The Fantom 6 EX's mod matrix is considered inadequate, with limited preset sources and destinations that are poorly labeled and difficult to utilize effectively.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Lacks class-compliant USB, necessitating older computers or reliance on 5-pin MIDI for editing and connectivity.

    Source
  • The Fantom's sequencer is pattern-based and includes TR-style drum recording, facilitating users familiar with TR-8S programming.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland Fantom X

soundonsound.com

The Roland Fantom-X6 impresses with its 128-note polyphony, expandable sample memory up to 544MB, and standout quality piano samples. Its backlit trigger pads and color display enhance the user experience, offering a modern twist to a classic workstation. However, the Fantom-X6 falls short with fewer effects compared to competitors and a limited number of user locations for performances. Despite these drawbacks, it holds its ground with an intuitive interface and powerful sampling capabilities, making it a solid contender for musicians seeking an all-in-one solution.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mike_eastman

Excellent sounds and presets.

I worked in a Hi-Tec duo from 1983, and this machine became the 'backbone' of our set up. It is still in use to this day and now features regularly on tracks recorded in my studio.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Favourite sounds:- Concert Grand piano, Warm Strings. Lead synth.

stefano_venom_sartori

.

Used often for rehearsals

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas DeLonge uses Roland Fantom-X6

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via iHeart

DeLonge is opening up a Reverb Shop on March 24, which features synthesizers, keyboards, amps, pedals, road cases and more. Some of the highlights include Marshall JMP-1 and Mesa Boogie Triaxis amps that blink toured with beginning in 2000; two Roland Fantom X6 workstation keyboards used on every AVA recording and tour prior to 2011; seven MXR EVH-117 Flanger and five Fulltone Full-Drive2 Mosfet pedals that DeLonge began using during blink’s 2009 tour; a synthesizer that still has AVA presets; and over a dozen road cases plastered in blink and AVA stickers from tours.

See how Travis Barker uses Roland Fantom-X6

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via reverb.com

The Roland Fantom-X6 synthesizer was owned by Travis Barker, as verified by a listing on Reverb.com. The instrument features stickers on the keys to denote notes and has minor scuffs, with a setlist written on a sticker. The keyboard is reported to function as intended, confirming its use by the artist.

See how Alicia Keys uses Roland Fantom-X6

Alicia Keys

Singer, Keyboardist

All Star Tribute

...
Verified via YouTube

She is singing on a studio session seated in front of a rack with a Roland Fantom X6 on the bottom. The item can be seen 0:50 into this video.

See how Benny Blanco uses Roland Fantom-X6

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

BenZel

...
Verified via Photo

In the image, Benny Blanco's Roland Fantom-X6 is positioned beneath a Polysix and Juno, showcasing his setup.

See how Mannie Fresh uses Roland Fantom-X6

Mannie Fresh

Rapper, Music Producer

Cash Money Millionaires

...
Verified via YouTube

Mannie Fresh using the Fantom-X6 in unknown studio to make beats

See how Caleb Shomo uses Roland Fantom-X6

Caleb Shomo

Singer, Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified via Photo

In This Picture of Caleb Playing Live, He's playing on a Double Keyboard stand, The Roland X6 is at the bottom, this is definitely used after the recording of "Someday Came Suddenly"

See how John Linnell uses Roland Fantom-X6

John Linnell

Singer, Keyboardist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which comes from TMBG's 2013 concert, Linnell can be seen playing the Roland Fantom X6.

See how Stargate uses Roland Fantom-X6

Stargate

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

A pair of Fantoms: the team's Roland Fantom G6 (top) and X6 keyboards. Photo: Lucas Thorpe

See how Dr Luke uses Roland Fantom-X6

Dr Luke

Drummer, Keyboardist

Saturday Night Live Band

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:18 you can see a lot of his keyboards.

See how Matt Wachter uses Roland Fantom-X6

Matt Wachter

Bassist, Keyboardist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via YouTube

If you slow the video down you can see the "x 6", on the back of the synth, in the last few seconds.

See how KayKay uses Roland Fantom-X6

KayKay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 12:39, Kay shows her Fantom X6.

See how Mike Score uses Roland Fantom-X6

Mike Score

Singer, Guitarist

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via Photo

Photo of Mike Score playing a Roland Fantom X6.

Album Usage

The Roland Fantom-X6 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-X6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Moog Little Phatty
2
E-Mu Proteus 2000
E-Mu Proteus 2000 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Akai MPC 5000
Akai MPC 5000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Korg MS-20 Mini
Korg MS-20 Mini Synthesizers
1
Arturia Spark LE
Arturia Spark LE Drum Machines
1
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle Condenser Microphones
1
Roland Fantom G6
Roland Fantom G6 Synthesizers
1
Roland JV-1010
Roland JV-1010 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

1 alternative for Roland Fantom-X6, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland XP-50

$297.70

high-end alternative

I use the Fantom to drive the XP50 via MIDI to give heavy fat synth lead solos in my music.

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