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Average Price: $627
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Description
Discover the sonic universe at your fingertips with the Roland Fantom-X8, an 88-key workstation that combines unparalleled sound quality with seamless operability. This synthesizer is not just an instrument; it's a comprehensive music production studio that allows you to dive deep into sound exploration and creation. With its robust architecture, the Fantom-X8 offers an exceptional foundation for both live performances and studio sessions, ensuring that your musical visions come to life with precision and flair.
Key Features:
- 88-key workstation for a full range piano experience
- 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded, offering a vast sound palette
- A powerful synth processor ensures 128-note polyphony, allowing complex layers and textures
- Includes an 88-note stereo sampled piano with realistic sound and response
- Capability to add up to four SRX expansion boards for enhanced sound customization
- Integrated sampling and digital recording, featuring eight stereo tracks synchronized with the MIDI sequencer
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | Fantom-X8 88-Key Workstation Keyboard |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2003 - 2004 |
| 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 | 88 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
| Polyphony | 128 Voices |
FAQs
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Does the Roland Fantom-X8 have weighted keys?
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Yes, the Roland Fantom-X8 features a fully weighted 88-key keyboard with hammer-action, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both studio and live performance.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland Fantom-X8 support?
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The Roland Fantom-X8 supports up to 128 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex compositions and layered sounds without note dropouts.
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What are the main connectivity options on the Roland Fantom-X8?
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The Roland Fantom-X8 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for integration with various studio setups and live rigs.
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Are there built-in pads on the Roland Fantom-X8?
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Yes, the Roland Fantom-X8 includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used for triggering samples, loops, or creating beats.
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What type of synthesis does the Roland Fantom-X8 use?
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The Roland Fantom-X8 is a digital workstation synthesizer that combines sampling, digital modeling, and analog synthesis styles for diverse sound creation.
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Is the Roland Fantom-X8 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its robust build, weighted keys, and extensive sound library, the Roland Fantom-X8 is well-suited for live performances, offering versatility and reliability on stage.
Videos
Johann Dirschl
Vladimir Sterzer - Church Bells (Soundtrack, Composition, Roland Fantom X8, Klavier, Filmmusik)
Reviews
PROS
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Significant upgrade from older models like XP80
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Powerful interface for users
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Excellent sound quality
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Versatile for both beginners and experienced users
CONS
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Limited appeal for those who prefer software synths
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Stock sounds may not satisfy all users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Fantom-X8.
Features and functionality
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The Fantom-X8 allows for 128 polyphony and 16 sequencer tracks, with an impressive 400,000-note memory.
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The sequencer can change time signatures within a track, a feature not available in some modern equivalents.
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It features 8 audio tracks but lacks infinite record mode and audio track capabilities in its sequencer.
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Recording in stereo rather than mono is critical to avoid phase cancellation that can thin out the sound.
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Software and compatibility
Mods and upgrades
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Uses SRX expansion cards, which are readily available on platforms like eBay and Reverb.
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User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Monitoring volume consistency is crucial; volume differences can affect perceived tonal quality, causing tracks to sound "thinner" at lower volumes.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
342
Considering an 88-key controller and piano VST over hardware sounds
Honestly if I could do it over I'd get an 88-key controller and use some piano VST. I got this several years back and it has served me well but I use mostly software synths now. Don't have much use for its stock sounds, other than when I just wanna play piano for a bit.
73
It was my first keyboard its not sold anymore but is still a nice keyboard
It was my first keyboard its not sold anymore but is still a nice keyboard :)
Artist usage
Add artist
Rick Wakeman, a long-time Roland user, recently used the Roland Fantom-X8 synthesizer for live performances, as noted by Starmus.
Can clearly be seen on the keyboard stand in the back of the room, also can be seen in his studio before Immersion was released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65RKR7Jtk8M
Scooter utilizes the Roland Fantom-X8 synthesizer, as shown in their official Facebook photo.
John Linnell plays a Roland Fantom X8 with a Radial JD6 6-channel rackmount direct box underneath. He also plays a bass clarinet miked with a Sennheiser 908 and G3 wireless system.
Having launched his career in the music industry as a session keyboardist, the studio keyboard is very important to Marius. The Roland’s Fantom X8 is the instrument of choice, proving to be so favourable that he owns three of them! “It has a fantastic feel to the keyboard and the piano responds very musically. It has some great sounds onboard but, to be honest, it rarely gets used beyond the piano sound! I might under-use it, but I depend on it; it is a very comforting thing to have around. Keyboard-wise I am extremely loyal to Roland – they make the best synths and always have done."
"We use a lot of Roland stuff. I only use a Fantom-X8 live, and so does Martin [Cooper, OMD’s second keyboardist]."
Eric Levy uses a Roland Fantom-X8, as evidenced by a picture of his home studio. The image, originally posted on Facebook, clearly shows the Roland Fantom-X8 among his equipment.
Album Usage
The Roland Fantom-X8 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-X8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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