Fantom
Workstation
Gallery

Fantom: Workstation
Features
- 76-note workstation designed to integrate performance and composition
- Professional XV-5080 sound engine with 64 voices and 16 multitimbral parts
- 1,024 Patches (640 Preset, 128 User and 256 GM2 sounds), plus 29 rhythm sets
- New variable arpeggiator and Rhythm generator with realtime control via knobs, buttons and light-sensing D-Beam
- "Always-active" high-resolution sequencer with Realtime Phrase Sequencing
- Large, angled LCD display with soft keys for faster, more intuitive operation
- 24-bit reverb, plus chorus and 90 multi-effects like COSM Amp Modeling
- Expandable via two SRX- and one SR-JV80-Series Wave Expansion Board(s)
- Superb sound quality with 24-bit D/A converters and S/PDIF digital outputs
- Sleek titanium chassis with low-profile floppy drive for storing User data
The idea behind the Fantom workstation is simple: Create an environment that fuses the previously disparate worlds of composition and performance, allowing you to capture and develop ideas quickly. To this end, the Fantom includes powerful and expressive XV-Series synthesis with studio-quality effects, inspiring realtime features and a sleek user interface for streamlined operation. Put simply, this is the compositional tool you’ve been waiting for.
Built from the Best
The creative process begins with the Fantom’s 64-voice, 16-part multitimbral sound source—the same engine used in the acclaimed XV-5080. This ultra-expressive architecture can use up to four stereo Tones per Patch, giving you unprecedented realism, spaciousness and depth. In all, there are 1,024 Patches (640 Preset Patches, 128 User Patches and 256 GM2 sounds), plus 29 Rhythm Sets at the ready. And the Fantom’s sounds are full of life, thanks to the endless modulation routings afforded by Matrix Control—all of which beg to be tweaked with the Fantom’s realtime controllers. A 76-note keyboard with Roland’s best synth action, plus velocity and channel aftertouch gives you room to play as expressively as you like, while improved 24-bit D/A converters and S/PDIF digital outputs (coaxial and optical) make the Fantom our best-sounding workstation ever.
An Effects Powerhouse
With three independent effects processors (Reverb, Chorus and M-FX), chances are you can forget about your outboard gear. To start, the Fantom delivers professional reverb based on Roland’s acclaimed SRV-3030 24-bit Digital Reverb Processor. So whether adding a bit of ‘verb to a grand piano or drum set, you’ll get silky-smooth reverberation down to the last tail. Speaking of smooth, Fantom’s dedicated chorus processor is all it takes to thicken up anything from Rhodes to strings. And with 90 multi-effects algorithms—including COSM Amp Modeling, a triplet-based Shuffle Delay, Lo-Fi processing, Slicer, 3D effects and more—you can sculpt your sounds in any way desired.
Expandable to Over 200MB of Sounds
While the Fantom’s massive wave memory is stock with just about every sound imaginable, it’s nice to know you’ve got options. To this end, the Fantom is equipped with two SRX-Series expansion slots and an SR-JV80-Series slot, giving you access to one of the largest sound libraries available—without the hassles and load time of CD-ROMs. Each SRX-Series board is equivalent to 64MB of the finest sounds available—from concert pianos to strings, drums and more. And with nearly 20 SR-JV80-Series titles, you can cover just about any musical genre from Latin to world music, hip-hop, house and more.
Advanced Arpeggiator and Rhythm Generator
More than a powerful synth, the Fantom is an interactive music partner with a variable Arpeggiator and Rhythm Generator capable of sparking ideas well beyond its provocative sounds.
Start by selecting an Arpeggiator style such as guitar picking and strumming, piano backing, bass lines or keyboard hooks. Since styles can be linked to a Patch or Performance, all it takes is the press of a key to let the magic begin. You can even modify Arpeggiator patterns and Patches in real time using the Fantom’s host of realtime controllers including four knobs and the light-sensing D-Beam.
From there, get your groove on with the Fantom’s unique Rhythm Generator. This interactive tool is loaded with patterns in styles ranging from contemporary pop and rock to jazz, fusion and Latin—even modern techno, house and drum ‘n’ bass. And selecting different patterns “on the fly” is easy; just hit a different note within the Rhythm Generator’s pre-mapped one-octave key range.
Both the Fantom’s Arpeggiator and Rhythm Generator patterns were recorded by live session musicians using instruments like Roland’s V-Drums and GR-Series guitar synthesizers—resulting in the most natural, musical feel possible. With powerful functions like these, you don’t even have to use the sequencer to create music. (Of course, the ultimate method is to combine Arpeggiator and Rhythm Generator patterns with your own playing.) And with so much realtime control available, making music becomes a fun and interactive process rather than a labor-intensive task. This is the essence of the Fantom.
Don’t Stop The Music!
When it’s time to capture your idea, simply record and edit your performance in the Fantom’s high-resolution sequencer—complete with Realtime Phrase Sequencing (RPS) for triggering musical phrases and controller data. Best of all, the Fantom’s sequencer is always active, so when inspiration strikes, recording starts immediately—whether it be live playing, knob tweaks or Arpeggiator patterns. And with the Fantom’s simplified Multitimbral mode, setting up a 16-part sequence is now easier than ever. After recording, you can use powerful Microscope editing to massage your tracks further via the large, angled LCD display.
A “Play” Station for Musicians
With the Fantom’s sleek titanium styling and musician-friendly interface, we almost hate calling it a workstation. Because work is the last thing it feels like when using this intuitive, yet powerful keyboard. To start, the Fantom’s front panel is designed to minimize buttons and clutter by using a large LCD display with soft key navigation. (These soft keys can also be used to instantly recall your favorite Patches or Performances.) This means that whether setting up a Performance, editing a Patch or sequence, you’ll find the Fantom to be both logical and musical. And isn’t that what’s important?
*”Phantom” is a registered trademark of and is licensed by Phantom Guitar Works.
Accessories
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EV-5/-7
Expression Pedals
Durable pedals for controlling a wide range of effects parameters.
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DP-2
Damper Pedal
Momentary footswitch for use with keyboards and recording products.
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SRX-01
Dynamic Drums Exp. Board
Amazing drum sounds and expressive dynamics including drags, flams, and more.
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SRX-02
Concert Piano Exp. Board
Stunning 64MB concert grand piano with variations.
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SRX-03
Studio SRX Exp. Board
Expressive pianos, basses, synths, nylon string guitars, drums, and more.
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SRX-04
Symphonique Strings Exp. Board
One of the world's finest collections of stereo-sampled string and orchestral sounds.
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SRX-05
Supreme Dance Exp. Board
Hundreds of drums, synths, and other essential sounds for making professional dance tracks.
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SRX-06
Complete Orchestra Exp. Board
Hundreds of fresh, inspiring sounds for composing and film scoring.
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SRX-07
Ultimate Keys Exp. Board
300 inspiring Patches and 10 Rhythm Sets covering all the keyboard bases, including some tasty loops.
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SRX-08
Platinum Trax Exp. Board
One of the most comprehensive dance-music expansion boards on the market.
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SRX-09
World Collection Exp. Board
Hundreds of expressive ethnic instruments and Rhythm Sets
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SRX-10
Big Brass Ensemble Exp. Board
A superb collection of brass sounds suited for pop music, film scoring, classical, and more.
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SRX-11
Complete Piano Exp. Board
A stunningly authentic multi-sampled grand piano.
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SRX-12
Classic EPs SRX Expansion Board
The finest sound library of coveted EPs and Clavs to bear the Roland logo.
Downloads
Brochures & Catalogs
Updates & Drivers
- Fantom System Update Version 1.20 (PC - Floppy Disk Update)
- This is the PC version of the Floppy Disk update. The contained ROM files will allow you to update your Fantom directly from the floppy drive. This is the simplest update path. Please refer to the readme document enclosed to perform the update.
- Fantom System Update Version 1.20 (PC - SMF)
- This is the PC version of the Standard MIDI file update. Use this file if you cannot update the Fantom from its own floppy drive. Please refer to the readme document to perform the update.
Note to PC Users: You will need the PC SMF Update Application if you do not have access to a sequencer program.
If you do not have a program to unzip this download, you can download WinZip here. - Fantom System Update Version 1.20 (MAC Floppy Disk Update):
- This is the MAC version of the Floppy Disk update. The contained ROM files will allow you to update your Fantom directly from the floppy drive. This is the simplest update path. Please refer to the readme document enclosed to perform the update.
- Fantom System Update Version 1.20 (MAC - SMF):
- This is the Macintosh form of the SMF update. Use this update only if you cannot update the Fantom from its own floppy drive. Please refer to the readme document for the update procedure.
Note to Mac Users: You will need the UPD SMF Update Application if you do not have access to a sequencer program.
Support
If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.
Product Manuals
- Owners Manual (FANTOM_OM.pdf)
- Patch List (FANTOM_PA.pdf)
- Questions and Answers (FANTOM_QA.pdf)
- Quick Start (FANTOM_QS.pdf)
- MIDI Implementation (FANTOM_MI.pdf)
- Parameter List (FANTOM_PR.pdf)
Support Documents
- Fantom TurboStart
- Get started quickly on the Fantom.
- Fantom Patch List
- Fantom Rhythm List
- Selecting Internal and SR-JV80 Expansion Sounds Via MIDI
- Selecting SRX Expansion Sounds via MIDI
- Fantom Specs
