For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

ROLAND INTRODUCES NEW FANTOM-XR SOUND MODULE

Powerful Synthesis and Sampling In An Affordable 1U Rack

Anaheim, January 15, 2004-Roland is proud to announce the company's new flagship sound module, the 128-voice Fantom-XR Synthesizer/Sampler. This 1U module inherits the same powerful sound engine as the Fantom-X keyboards, but with greater expandability via six optional SRX expansion boards and up to 528MB of sample RAM - making it the first sound module to reach over 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded. While there is no internal sequencer, the Fantom-XR connects easily to external sequencers via USB or standard MIDI connections. And the best part? The Fantom-XR's unrivaled synthesis and sampling capabilities come at a price any musician can afford.

The Fantom-XR is based on Roland's powerful new sound generator chip. This chip delivers maximum audio processing performance at a great price¡Xincluding an expressive stereo 4-tone synthesis engine with 128-voice polyphony. The internal 128MB wave ROM includes quality-focused waveforms¡Xlike Roland's amazing 88-key split piano, lively new string ensembles, fat drum sounds and more - recorded using world-class studios and renowned engineers like Dan Blessinger (Martinsound). The internal wave ROM can be expanded up to 512MB using six optional SRX-Series expansions. PC-based editor software will be included for Patch editing.

Out of the box, the Fantom-XR ships with a 16MB sample memory for loading .WAV/AIFF files via USB or for recording new sounds via the analog and digital inputs. The Fantom-XR's powerful sample editing tools include a Wave Edit screen, Chop function and real time timestretch. By adding optional DIMM memory, the Fantom-XR can be expanded to 528MB of sample RAM. Combined with a fully expanded wave ROM, that's over 1GB of sounds! Data can be conveniently backed up using optional PC Cards (up to 1GB) or via USB.

The Fantom-XR boasts the same powerful effects processing found in the Fantom-X keyboards - including three multi-effects processors, plus separate reverb and chorus processors. The multi-effects are extremely powerful with algorithms ranging from COSM Guitar Amp Modeling and Lo-Fi processing to tempo-synced delay, Slicer, Isolator and more. A dedicated Mastering processor serves up tools like multi-band compression for tighter, punchier sound.

The onboard USB port can be used as a USB-MIDI interface - perfect for sequencing the Fantom-XR from a computer. USB also makes for a great way to transfer audio files to and from the module - just connect a cable, then drag and drop away. The Fantom-XR can import and export .WAV and AIFF files, making it compatible with a wide variety of sounds available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. With the Fantom-XR, it's easy to upgrade your sounds and sampling possibilities. Connections to the Fantom-XR include four 1/4-inch outputs (two stereo), a stereo 1/4-inch input, S/PDIF digital I/O, MIDI In/Out/Thru, a PC Card slot and USB port.

*"Phantom¨ is a registered trademark of and is licensed by Phantom Guitar Works.

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 for media use only), www.RolandUS.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.