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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

Does the Roland Fantom-X8 have weighted keys?

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.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland Fantom-X8 support?

The Roland Fantom-X8 supports up to 128 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex compositions and layered sounds without note dropouts.

What are the main connectivity options on the Roland Fantom-X8?

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.

Are there built-in pads on the Roland Fantom-X8?

Yes, the Roland Fantom-X8 includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which can be used for triggering samples, loops, or creating beats.

What type of synthesis does the Roland Fantom-X8 use?

The Roland Fantom-X8 is a digital workstation synthesizer that combines sampling, digital modeling, and analog synthesis styles for diverse sound creation.

Is the Roland Fantom-X8 suitable for live performances?

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.

Johann Dirschl

Johann Dirschl

Vladimir Sterzer - Church Bells (Soundtrack, Composition, Roland Fantom X8, Klavier, Filmmusik)

Video thumbnail for Vladimir Sterzer - Church Bells (Soundtrack, Composition, Roland Fantom X8, Klavier, Filmmusik) by Johann Dirschl

Vladimir Sterzer - Church Bells (Soundtrack, Composition, Roland Fantom X8, Klavier, Filmmusik)

Johann Dirschl

Johann Dirschl

Video thumbnail for Roland  Fantom X8 Sampler by paul mulcahy

Roland Fantom X8 Sampler

paul mulcahy

paul mulcahy

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom X8 demonstration of sounds and sequences by REWO_Channel

Roland Fantom X8 demonstration of sounds and sequences

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for Late night piano with Roland Fantom X8 by aioxio music

Late night piano with Roland Fantom X8

aioxio music

aioxio music

Video thumbnail for ROLAND FANTOM X8 | No Talking by MeX by Synth Cloud

ROLAND FANTOM X8 | No Talking by MeX

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for Sound Test Keyboard Roland Fantom X8 by Hary Kurniawan

Sound Test Keyboard Roland Fantom X8

Hary Kurniawan

Hary Kurniawan

Video thumbnail for PIANO SOUNDS ON THE ROLAND FANTOM X8 by Joshua Lee D productions

PIANO SOUNDS ON THE ROLAND FANTOM X8

Joshua Lee D productions

Joshua Lee D productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Significant upgrade from older models like XP80

  • Powerful interface for users

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Versatile for both beginners and experienced users

CONS

  • Limited appeal for those who prefer software synths

  • 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

  • The Fantom-X8 allows for 128 polyphony and 16 sequencer tracks, with an impressive 400,000-note memory.

    Source
  • The sequencer can change time signatures within a track, a feature not available in some modern equivalents.

    Source
  • It features 8 audio tracks but lacks infinite record mode and audio track capabilities in its sequencer.

    Source
  • Recording in stereo rather than mono is critical to avoid phase cancellation that can thin out the sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Samples need to be 16-bit and can be imported via USB or Flash Cards, though loading into memory can be time-consuming.

    Source
  • YouTube's compression can alter audio quality over time, impacting initial uploads differently compared to how they eventually sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Uses SRX expansion cards, which are readily available on platforms like eBay and Reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • The sequencer has no latency, ensuring immediate recording upon pressing the record button.

    Source
  • The choice of headphones or speakers with varying bass responses significantly affects mixing outcomes, highlighting the importance of consistent monitoring equipment.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Monitoring volume consistency is crucial; volume differences can affect perceived tonal quality, causing tracks to sound "thinner" at lower volumes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Using spectrum analyzers like Voxengo SPAN can reveal discrepancies in frequency content between live play and recorded tracks, aiding in achieving fuller sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland Fantom X

soundonsound.com

The Roland Fantom-X8 is a powerhouse workstation that dazzles with its color screen and expansive features. Musicians will appreciate its 128-note polyphony, extensive sample memory, and versatile trigger pads. While it impresses with quality piano samples and a user-friendly sequencer, it falls short with limited effects compared to rivals and unrecognized loop points in imported samples. Despite these drawbacks, the Fantom-X8 offers a rich, expandable soundscape, marking it as a serious contender in the high-end synth market.

positive

Introducing the Roland Fantom X8 - Gadgetoid Gadgetoid

gadgetoid.com

The Roland Fantom-X8 is a robust and feature-rich synthesizer workstation, praised for its durable build, authentic piano feel with 88 hammer-action keys, and a vast array of sounds. Its color LCD and 16 back-lit trigger pads are standout features, enhancing its versatility. However, the limited expansion slots and lack of real-time volume sliders or USB host support are notable drawbacks. Despite these, its expressive capabilities and sound expansion options make it a highly recommended choice for serious musicians.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
banstyle

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.

canadianjase

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
See how Rick Wakeman uses Roland Fantom-X8

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Starmus

Rick Wakeman, a long-time Roland user, recently used the Roland Fantom-X8 synthesizer for live performances, as noted by Starmus.

See how Rob Swire uses Roland Fantom-X8

Rob Swire

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Pendulum

...
Verified via Dt7v1i9vyp3mf

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

See how Scooter uses Roland Fantom-X8

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via Photo

Scooter utilizes the Roland Fantom-X8 synthesizer, as shown in their official Facebook photo.

See how Paul Humphreys uses Roland Fantom-X8

Paul Humphreys

Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Photo

Paul is pictured here using the X8 live!

See how John Linnell uses Roland Fantom-X8

John Linnell

Singer, Keyboardist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Mixonline

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.

See how Mike Byrne uses Roland Fantom-X8

Mike Byrne

Drummer

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

Byrne is pictured here playing a Roland Fantom-X8.

See how Marius de Vries uses Roland Fantom-X8

Marius de Vries

Composer, Music Producer

The Blow Monkeys

...
Verified via The Polymath Perspective

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."

See how Rick J. Jordan uses Roland Fantom-X8

Rick J. Jordan

Keyboardist, Composer

Scooter

...
Verified via YouTube

See 6:27, its clearly shown that he uses a Roland Fantom X8

See how Martin Cooper uses Roland Fantom-X8

Martin Cooper

Bassist, Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

"We use a lot of Roland stuff. I only use a Fantom-X8 live, and so does Martin [Cooper, OMD’s second keyboardist]."

See how Eric Levy uses Roland Fantom-X8

Eric Levy

Keyboardist

Night Ranger

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Marco Sneck uses Roland Fantom-X8

Marco Sneck

Keyboardist

Kalmah

...
Verified via YouTube

In Poisonblack's music video for "Scars," at the 3 minute and 21 second mark, Marco Sneck is visibly using a Roland Fantom-X8, as confirmed by the video provided by HypeRecordsFinland on YouTube.

See how Daniel Powter uses Roland Fantom-X8

Daniel Powter

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

He play & sing Bad Day live with this keyboard

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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