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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 Fredrik Hermansson uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Fredrik Hermansson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Pain of Salvation

...
Verified via The Rocktologist

What kind of equipment will you personally bring on the road with you?

At the moment it's not really decided since we are in the middle of production rehearsals but this tour will be rather similar to last year's. My main sound source is a Roland Fantom-XR module that contains most of my sounds. As an addition I will probably have a computer providing the electric piano and organ sounds as well as some specific sounds that were used during the recording of Road Salt II and that doesn't exist in my module. All this will be connected to two midi keyboards, one Fatar SL990XP and one M-audio axiom Pro61. The Roland module is also connected to a floor board (Roland FC-200) for quick sound changes.

On a fly-in gig I only bring my Roland module since it's so easy to carry along and I can connect it to pretty much any master keyboard provided on location. It's sort of a compromise when you compare the module to some good software sounds but I haven't found any other module meeting my needs like this one.

See how Aleks Syntek uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

1:53 aleks synteks uses roland fantom xr, as one of his synthesizers

See how Jem Davis uses Roland Fantom XR Synth Module

Jem Davis

Keyboardist, Composer

UFO

...
Verified via Fmofficial

Scotty - Hi there Jem, being the most technology-minded in the band, do you have a studio at home and what stuff do you use? Are any of the other band members into that kind of thing or do they leave it up to you? Looking forward to the new album. Scotty.

JD - I have my Mac at home and run Logic with Motu 828 interface for recording. As I said earlier I'm old-school so I love my keyboards hence I have a 1973 Minimoog, Nord Stage 88 as my main keyboard for Logic, Nord Stage Compact, Korg PA1 x pro, Korg M3 73 with Radias, Roland Fantom G7, Roland Fantom X6, Roland Fantom XR, Moog Little Phatty, the excellent Nord C1, best Hammond emulator I have ever played. 2 Korg o1/w, Roland AX-1, Roland AX-7... Well you did ask! Pete is well into recording and programming, Merv writes with a Korg pa80 and is getting quite a nifty keyboard player, Jim has a ProTools set-up and Stiv... well, we are still teaching him how to text! But when you can sing and write songs like he does, who cares!

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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2
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Community setups

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