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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.

SynthMania

SynthMania

Roland Fantom XR demo (1 of 2)

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom XR demo (1 of 2) by SynthMania

Roland Fantom XR demo (1 of 2)

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom XR demo (2 of 2 ) by SynthMania

Roland Fantom XR demo (2 of 2 )

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for ROLAND FANTON XR (MODULO DO ROLAND FANTOM X) TEST SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN (FACTORY SOUNDS) #roland by Tiago Mallen

ROLAND FANTON XR (MODULO DO ROLAND FANTOM X) TEST SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN (FACTORY SOUNDS) #roland

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Roland | Fantom XR | Factory Demos by Simon Le Grec

Roland | Fantom XR | Factory Demos

Simon Le Grec

Simon Le Grec

Video thumbnail for Roland Fantom XR - Factory Demos by Simon Le Grec

Roland Fantom XR - Factory Demos

Simon Le Grec

Simon Le Grec

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

  • To save and load samples, a PCMIA to CF card adapter is needed, and the card must be formatted correctly.

    Source
  • The Fantom XR can operate on Windows 10 by forcing driver installation, offering faster USB MIDI control compared to traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI connections.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report challenges finding local sources for PCMIA to CF card adapters.

    Source
  • Real-time MIDI program changes from the MPC ensure that the Fantom XR selects the correct sounds upon project loading, enhancing workflow efficiency.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Korg Triton Rack, the Fantom XR doesn't require separate loading of patch definitions from disk when using expansion cards.

    Source
  • Some users view the FA or Integra as superior to the XR for rompler capabilities, despite the XR's legacy status in Hip-Hop/RnB.

    Source

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
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chilliusvgm

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'

speedydtm

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.

wavesequence

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
See how DJ Premier uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

DJ Premier

Music Producer, DJ

Gang Starr

...
Verified via Imgur

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."

See how Zaytoven uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Zaytoven

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Neal Schon uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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."

See how Yoko Shimomura uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Yoko Shimomura

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Livedoor

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.

See how Jesse Carmichael uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Jesse Carmichael

Singer, Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Ed Wynne uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Ed Wynne

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Ozrics

This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to 'Band Info' and click Ed's name.

See how Susan Ciani uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Susan Ciani

Music Producer

...
Verified via Roland

"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.”"

See how Needlz uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Needlz

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 3:06 into this video

See how Eric Persing uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Spectrasonics

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.

See how Duncan Lloyd uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Duncan Lloyd

Guitarist

Maxïmo Park

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, two Roland Fantom XR synth modules are visible in the photo.

See how Mikko Härkin uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Mikko Härkin

Keyboardist

Sonata Arctica

...
Verified via Photo

Keyboardist Mikko Härkin is confirmed to use a Roland Fantom XR Synth Module, as evidenced by a photograph showing the module positioned directly to his left.

See how Megumi Ohara uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Megumi Ohara

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Hallab

On her job description page, she has a photo of it and mentions it being inherited from her supervisor.

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.

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