Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Embark on a sonic adventure with the Roland Fantom XR Synth Module, a powerhouse in a compact, rackmounted form. This digital sampler and synthesizer not only inherits the esteemed lineage of the Fantom-series workstations but also introduces a realm of sound with expansive storage and unparalleled versatility. Perfect for both live performances and studio sessions, the Fantom XR stands as a testament to Roland's commitment to quality and innovation. It’s not just a tool; it’s your next step towards musical excellence.
Key Features:
- 128-voice polyphony ensures a seamless and rich sound experience.
- Extensive sound storage, with up to 1GB capacity, catering to all your sampling needs.
- Compatibility with WAV/AIFF formats, offering broad sound design possibilities.
- An initial 128MB wave ROM, expandable to 512MB with 6 optional SRX boards, provides a vast sonic palette.
- Sample memory starts at 16MB and is expandable to 528MB with optional DIMMs for extensive custom sound sampling.
- Equipped with 3 MFX processors, alongside dedicated reverb, chorus, and mastering effects for refined sound shaping.
- Features a USB port for easy connectivity and optional PC Card storage, supporting up to 1GB capacity for extensive sound library management.
- Comprehensive connectivity with 2 stereo (4 mono) analog outputs, stereo analog input, and S/PDIF digital I/O for versatile integration into any setup.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | Fantom-XR Rackmount Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2004 - 2010 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Polyphony | 128 Voices |
FAQs
-
What type of synthesis does the Roland Fantom XR use?
-
The Roland Fantom XR utilizes digital synthesis with a powerful sound engine capable of polyphony up to 128 voices, making it suitable for complex musical arrangements and sound design.
-
How many expansion slots are available on the Roland Fantom XR?
-
The Roland Fantom XR features six SRX expansion slots, allowing users to expand their sound library significantly by adding additional SRX expansion boards for more diverse tones and textures.
-
Can the Roland Fantom XR be used as a MIDI controller?
-
Yes, the Roland Fantom XR can function as a MIDI controller through its MIDI I/O, offering MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI connectivity for integration with various DAWs and MIDI devices.
-
What kind of connectivity options does the Roland Fantom XR offer?
-
The Roland Fantom XR provides comprehensive connectivity options, including MIDI Input, Output, and Through, USB MIDI, and audio outputs, making it versatile for studio and live settings.
-
Is the Roland Fantom XR suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, the Roland Fantom XR is well-suited for live performances due to its rackmount design, robust sound engine, and extensive polyphony, allowing for dynamic and complex soundscapes on stage.
Videos
SynthMania
Roland Fantom XR demo (1 of 2)
Reviews
PROS
-
High-quality sounds suitable for various material
-
Solid sampling capability for its era
-
Extensive sound library with a unique set
-
Great variety of presets, expansive synth engine
-
Compatibility with numerous SRX expansion boards
-
Built-in sounds complement compositions well
-
Clean, pristine digital sound
-
Can achieve a sense of "fun realism" in patches
CONS
-
Operating with the tiny screen can be awkward
-
Some sounds may feel dated
-
Prone to hardware issues like circuit board failures
-
Parts may be difficult to source due to age
-
Sound sometimes too clean, lacking distinct character in a mix
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Fantom XR Synth Module.
Features and functionality
-
The Fantom XR can be expanded with up to 6 SRX expansion cards, but the sampler functionality requires the version 2 upgrade, not present in all units.
Source -
The Fantom XR provides 128 voice polyphony across 16 multitimbral channels, allowing users to create complete songs using just the module.
Source -
The Fantom XR can handle 16 different sounds simultaneously, making it ideal for complex MIDI sequencing setups.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
The Fantom XR screen is prone to failure and replacement costs approximately $250, with difficulties sourcing third-party LCDs.
Source -
Users recommend using an audio interface that can double as a standalone mixer for better integration with multiple gear setups, such as the Behringer X32 Rack.
Source
Software and compatibility
User experience
Comparisons
Value and pricing
-
The Fantom XR is considered expensive due to its historical impact on music production, particularly in shaping the 2000s sound in Hip-Hop/RnB.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Fantom XR is lauded for its extensive internal patches, which are frequently used for essential sounds like piano, hits, drums, and strings without additional editing.
Source -
It's been highlighted that the Fantom XR pairs effectively with the MPC 4000 for MIDI sequencing, allowing users to avoid committing to audio recordings prematurely.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings
219
supr maro galxy synff!
What a fun thing, a cheesy Roland synth with a unique sound set and fantastic set of acoustic and synth patches. This is my go to for if I'm wanting something Roland-ey with that hint of 'fun realism'
254
One of Roland's best modules
I owned this one for a few months and, in my opinion, it's a great piece of kit for particular uses. It has a clean and pristine digital sound that sometimes sounds TOO clean - blends into a mix well, but really doesn't pop. There's a great variety of presets though and the synth engine is as expansive as ever, being quite similar to the JVs and XVs.
411
Notes
Equipped with: SRX03-Studio SRX Exp. Board SRX04-Symphhonique Strings Exp. Board SRX06-Complete Orchestra Exp. Board SRX07-Ultimate Keys Exp. Board SRX09-World Collection Exp. Board SRX11-Complete Piano Exp. Board
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview on djpremierblog.com, Dj Premier talks about gear and artist among other things. Interviewer: "Speaking of the product, what kind of equipment do you use to make music? What’s in your production arsenal?" Dj Premier: "MPC50, Turntable, Mixer, AKAI S950 Sampler, [Roland Fantom-XR Sampler Synth] Rackmount Module. The rest are plugins for Pro Tools because a lot of plugins are vintage equipment that we used as far as analog output gear."
At 0:05 you can see the XR module sitting on the stand in Zaytoven's Studio. Also Zaytoven's famous Strobe X pad comes from the XR.
In the article companion to Neal Schon's rig rundown, his Roland Fantom XR synth module is mentioned, which the article says is "for occasional guitar synth layering."
In this blog post, Shimomura writes about a strange dream in which she opened her suitcase on a sea voyage and found a lot of musical equipment inside. She links to a picture of her sound modules to show how it looked like, where the Fantom XR appears.
Jesse used the Roland Fantom XR controlled by the Moog Voyager for string sounds on Maroon 5’s 2005 Headlining Tour, as seen in the January 2005 issue of Keyboard Magazine.
This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to 'Band Info' and click Ed's name.
"For her latest award-winning CD Sliver Ship, Suzanne employed one of Roland’s finest synth modules: the Fantom-XR. “Basically, I used the Fantom-XR in two ways,” she explains. “I used it to mock up all of the parts while doing the arrangements for strings, oboe, flute, cello solo, guitar, and bass. Then, for the recording, I created the electronic sonic design for the piece called ‘Snow Crystals’ using the XR’s digital output for a really clean signal. The Fantom-XR is a great tool — very easy to navigate and quite editable.”"
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.
Album Usage
The Roland Fantom XR Synth Module 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 XR Synth Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Roland Sound Modules
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Most Popular Sound Modules
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
austinmwGear IQ 5227
-