Fantom EX Thoughts - Pianos, Synths, Action, vs MPC 

Thanks for stopping by! Quick FYI, this is by no means an exhaustive review of all the capabilities of the Fantom and EX update. I'm just sharing my thoughts and experience from about a year of use in the studio with the Fantom 8, and EX update 👍

Finally someone who gives a review with relevant ins and outs of this keyboard and compares key features with other synths. Best review ever!

1:19 wow an upright Baldwin Grand piano, at last someone has invented being able to play piano laying down. ☺️

I bought the Fantom 6 just before lockdown, I think it is a great piece of studio hardware and amazing dropping everything into a DAW. I also use various MPC's with it and I have only just after 3 years began to get the feel of the limitless fun you can have.

The “Supernatural Acoustic” pianos bridge the gap between V-Piano and ZenCore. I often find that in certain contexts I like the SN pianos better than V-Piano.

by the way - for editing reverb and chorus - just hold down the shift button and select the cho/rev on the screen

I just acquired a used Fantom 08 mainly for the keybed because at this price it is more interesting than acquiring a midi controller alone. I really like it especially because I can use each of the 16 tones as midi part and control my pianos directly in Ableton and have the sound directly going into the keyboard. @teftymusictech, I was disappointed also at first regarding automation but you can actually record automation for all the parameters. But to do so, you have to assign a knob or slider to a parameter and then record. The assigned value will be recorded as an automation that you can edit later. For synth parameter you need to define a CC in the matrix to control one of the parameters.

I think this is the best I have seen with the new EX update, and pros and cons of the ACB tech. I would think that Roland would have have gave the Fantom OS bigger Storage for future upgrades and UI Changes. You are definitely one of the G.O.A.T's! I have not purchase one of the new Synths or Workstations, this one has me thinking about the Fantom now!💥💥💥

You can record the cut off and any other knob. Just assign the cut off to one if the assignable buttons and use the level buttons up and down to record the movements afterwords on mix sequencer mode.

I don’t see it as a Fantom or MPC. I see it as Fantom and MPC. The Fantom is a genius as a gigging machine. It just needs more polyphony. It eats up polyphony in a non-linear way. DAW integration on the Fantom is best in class. The MPC is great as a studio tool. The plugin sounds aren’t as lush but you can sample keygroups from your instrument of choice. I can get further, faster on the MPC than I can get on the Fantom as far as composing a song. They are different things to me. It’s not one or the other.

I love this honest review. I’ve got the Fantom O-7 and it was €1,200 and I do like it but it has its flaws. Not being able to Automate the Master Cut off knob is weird as you said in this video, and yes it’s the same on the O Series. I don’t see too much difference with the EX and the Fantom-O boards warrants a €4500 price tag. I would recommend buying an O series fantom instead if you’re really looking for that Roland sound.

I love the fantom 8. One of my biggest issues with it is every panel edit you do to a sound via filter. Fx. Etc. does not save with the scene in one instance. Having to save the sound separately is a pain (now say I use that sound on another production & modify it ever so slightly) I have to save it once again to apply to the scene. lol it’s really something Roland needs to fix

If you want to use multiple reverbs, I think you can set them as an insertion effect (IF1 or IF2) and set reverb to 0 on that zone. You CAN record automation if you set the REC EVENT ON on the record screen!

In the Vpno and Zcore pianos HiRes FFT shows note PITCH peaks tops eventually split and usually side bands appear, all in the low Hz range. What's the modulator?

I don't have a fantom keyboard but I do have a mc 707, that also uses Zen-core and at least to me, Zen-core sounds much better than the plugins in the Akai mpc. Also, the 707 can record automation and go up to 128 steps per midi clip, quite strange that this keyboard can't do those, being a much more expensive device than the mc grooveboxes

Is there a loop function?

The main spectral diff between Vpno and Zcore german grands is the higher power in the bass of the latter which hides the treble. Could it be the EQ?

Thanks, I staying with my 2004 Fantom X… for me the greatest Fantom….how many piano sounds do you need ?

great video and very insightful. I was seriously looking into buying this until I watched your video. It sounds fantastic but the limitations in the sequencer and effects routing is a real let down. I wish I still had my Fantom X6 from 2003. The sequencer was awesome. Probably the last Roland workstation to include the old style sequencer. 100 patterns, 16 parts, chain the patterns and you have a song. Simple and effective. I recorded hundreds of songs on it and still have them all on my hard drive. Maybe if Roland bring out a module version of the new Fantom EX I could buy that and then hunt down an old Fantom x from 20 years ago. Lol! Also it used to be that you had patches and performances with 16 parts. Now we have clips and scenes.....It get's too confusing. Rant over.😆

I guess you've tried what this site does, I cannot paste links in YT, but searching this will you almost on top of the list: Roland Fantom - how to record filters (cutoff, resonance)

Great review. No such thing as an "upright grand" piano, it is a marketing term.

I am a self taught player. I don't understand the technical mumbo jumbo. I have had a couple of Rolands back in the 80s and I also still have my XP80. It isn't playable right now. My disappointment with this Fantom is the sequencer. I am used to the sequencer allowing me to record on tracks and play each instrument the entirety of my songs. I am very Old School. I don't write songs that loop parts and repeats it endlessly. There are other things about this keyboard that I just don't quite understand and I can't seem to find anyone that could help me to learn how to operate this thing better. So after saying all of that, what should I do about my sequencing my songs? Should I invest in a Tascam multi track recorder, or some computer software that primarily would work the same as the multi tracker recorder? Keep in mind I am a self taught player but the technical side I am lost. I am fairly knowledgeable with computers, so should I go with some DAW software like Ableton or something like that? Are software programs harder to learn and understand how to operate them or would the multi track recorder be harder? I have never used either one. This keyboard is really way over my head because of the way it is designed to operate. I have even thought about trying to sell it and get something easier to learn how to use. I know this is a long comment but I need some advice or some direction as to where to learn this thing better. I have watched Ed Diaz in pretty much all of his videos on You Tube, but he seems to gear his tutorials toward those that really know how to use this keyboard already and not to us that are self taught players without the understanding of how to navigate and operate this keyboard. Thanks for any advice from anyone that can steer me in the right direction. I am a drummer of over 50 years and that is why the technical side of keyboards is confusing to me.

Hi! The worst part of all is for one like me used to have 80s sequencers and have such useless sequencer on board. The polyphonic issue since I enjoy a lot of ambience it does not bother me at all. but the subject you bring out on 6:50 is the big issue indeed.. Ive tweaked velocities for each zone but the sounds after a while are sounds we have been familiar for years... I know there is a way for multi sampling etc I was wondering I could easily create new sounds etc but way too complicated....Once I had imagined I could sample some sounds , work on that easily bringing me endless sounds into it...but either we learn how to deal with it or play...lol... Thanks for your video...Wish you carry on posting hints about it sharing some secrets about it . Cheers.

That's 2024 Roland for you, trying to reuse old technology with limitations on polyphony and you can only use one of these special engines in a performance. They had teh technology in the 90's for most of the stuff, but the hardware was expensive or non existent, now hardware is dirty cheap, yet Roland are still 20 years behind.. Common Roland! I'm 54 years old! I don't have another 20 years for you guys to get your shit together!

Thanks for this honest review! I will stick to my Akai Force with a controller keyboard. As for the zen core sounds, I use the MC 101 as a rompler box, very affordable and easy!

There’s actually 3 reverb systems. The JD-800 model has its own reverb, but only for the lowest zone number instance of it being used. The audio input section has another whole effects chain, including another independent reverb section. The patch structure is by and large the same as the JV/XP/XV series, in fact easier to edit on with the graphic envelopes.

I'm wondering on the new EX if the 15 EXZ Expansions are pre installed?

Thanks for making another great video! Really appreciate your thoughtfulness on the strenghts and weaknesses. Interesting how Roland and Yamaha now call their flagships 'synthesizers' now instead of 'workstations'. Probably a recognition that DAWs win in that department. For me, I'm going with the MPC Key 61.

MC-101 can record the filter and other parameters live. Also it has 128 step sequencer. Why the Phantom can’t, it doesn’t make sense.

very good analysis of the keyboard on the other hand as a pianist I prefer the super natural keyboard sound especially the last one provided with EX rather than the Vpiano control my channel if you want to hear my super natural piano tuned by me. but I am aware that everyone has their own ears for that

enjoyed your review - do you EQ your piano's? If so, could you share your EQ settings?

Trying to see what to do If I have a choice to purchase a Roland Fantom 7 or a Moog Muse-. The Purpose is to build sound beds for television, film, and gaming. Which one would you purchase? Finally, can Roland add more REVERBS, FILTERS, and RECORD functionally in a software update?

Soft spoken and soft music I almost felt like I was watching mr rogers neighborhood. Lol great video

I see these modern “flagship synth not-quite-workstations” to be mainly performance preset machines… pull up a preset and play. Sound design is a pain on most/all of them, though they do generally have powerful engines under the hood. I’m more a Yamaha guy than Roland personally, I have a MODX now and would love the new Montage M… if you have a chance to check out the M8x I hear its keybed is amazing, plus it has poly aftertouch.

The Fantom FaceBook user group will have kittens and some will need to see their therapist when they hear some of your ‘cons’. You get censored and thrown of the group if you dissent in any way. One guy was ‘feeling upset’ with the truth. I did not know you had this board along with the MPC. The drums on the Fantom are insipid and sampling is a joke and the work around on the Fantom Facebook group is to buy an MPC to cover these duties. If you’re stuck for ideas in the future could I suggest using the Fantom, Live 2 and Ableton to make a track plus the setup. Wishful thinking. Thanks again bro.

I've just bought a Fantom 8 (intended as a replacement for my much older Fantom G8) and I find the greatest limitation is the manual. I mean, only 23 pages to explain how to use a synth of this complexity? Come on Roland, the Fantom G manual is 340 pages! And the "replacement" synth has a manual with only 23 pages. That's an enormous limitation.

Roland needs to create a edit program for mac/pc and then do what they did back in the late 80's with the S-550 sampler allowing you to plug in a mouse into the unit

Whats the difference between the EX as an upgrade and the EX that just came out? Other than a $1200 dollar difference in price?

Fantom g was the same loved learning and working on it never conquered programming the sounds

They need shortcuts for some of these pages like you're talking about that you have to dive too even creating combination buttons on the unit and then releasing a PDF file for users to download to see the new shortcuts would be helpful

Your audio feed is poor quality. The sounds in this keyboard sounds ten times better then the audio in your video. Even your voice sounds unnatural. Might want to resolve that before posting more videos. Thanks for your insight and sharing knowledge.

Is Roland still Japanese?

At this price point, I'm shocked about some of the limitations! You actually have me back to thinking about Nautilus! I have an MPC Key 61 sitting in a box. Was thinking I might buy something a bit more capable! Not sure I'm finding anything all that much 'better' MPC. MPC is VERY limiting via the small ram size, and limited number of plug in's functioning at one time. I've yet to find the 'ultimate' synth/workstation/sampler in one package! MPC really has the best interface IMHO! Almost thinking, the best bet would be to just keep adding additional MPC's to my setup, LOL. With MPC 3.0 coming out, we also have a DAW type arranger! How cool is that.?

Thanks your info is always helpful....I have the Fantom 6 x and the MPC Live 1. My biggest complaint is no linear recording in the Fantom and I know I am not alone...but once I got use to the clip based sequencer ( very weird from and old school guy) I can lay down tracks really fast....Then, I have then been recording live via 5pin to the MPC. Audio tracks. Then using the MPC to finish...up with the liner....Its really to bad Roland didn't improve on this...but it is what it is. Personally been contemplating the MPC KEYs 61...but the sounds just don't get it compared to the Fantom...so my workflow is awkward but hey... I started with the prophet 600 and the original Tascam 4 track...I can't complain man....Good job on this and thank for listening to my rant. 😎 Peace.

True. Programming sounds on this keyboard is not ideal. Roland should make some liberian type software for this imo.

Hey! Great video. Do you know how long of a sequence you can make in this all together? When you said it couldn't record ten minutes, I got a bit worried. I want to buy something to make background tracks for spoken word stuff and wanted to buy something that could do everything without any extra stuff needed. Was going to buy this because the workflow seemed easy. After this review, I'm less sure. Also considering the MPC Key 61, Montage M, or just getting a 88 key midi controller and doing it all within a daw (But I'd rather use hardware.) Thanks!

I know this sounds like a noob question, but how do you bring up the main interface for a model, in other words the entire synth face. I’ve seen it on-screen in multiple videos, but haven’t seen it on my unit. Owned Fantom 8 since 2021, just did the EX upgrade.

The day a drunk someone at a bar walks up to me and says,"Ya know, if only you used the ACB versus the regular sound, I'd be getting LAIED TONIGHT!" Is the day I give it up!

Good video thank you

My experience. Updating the software to the EX I have no more polyphony issues. Completely gone. Again my experience. I have the Fantom 7 and the Montage and maybe thinking in getting the Nord Piano 5. The German Grand is sexy. You have to go to the setting and tweak it.

if the Fantom is your only keyboard, then, yes, these could be a factor, however, when it is just part of a MIDI studio, all of those flaws are irrelevant......so it comes down to just how you use this Keyboard and what you use it for.

I am considering an 88k synth: M8x has the best engine, f8EX the best key action and Nstg4 the best samples.

You can actually record all that automation my good man!

Agree wholly with the MPC vs Fantom programming. I have the key 61 and the touch screen is excellent, resolution clear and the controls are easy. Ive used the Fantoms and find them nowhere near as easy to use. The key bed on the Fantom is much nicer so i need to find something to complement the MPC with a better keybed, with aftertouch.

i’d be interested in hearing what you think of the Montage M8x , assuming you have a chance to play one for long enough to really get a feel for it. IMHO its user interface is a vast improvement over OG Montage and Modx, and its ANX engine is a great sounding and full featured VA Synth. it’s AWM2 engine is also significantly improved resulting in pianos and EPs that I think sound, and feel as good or better than any of their competition , and have no track restrictions or weird requirements like in the OG Montage. Also, I love the feel and expressivity of its’ keyboard… Much lighter and quicker than the Fantom 8, which, at first, I thought would limit its’ expressivity. But, after getting used to it, I found it to be very expressive and is clearly the best action I have ever played. The only area where I feel Fantom 8 is clearly superior to the Montage M8x is the sequencer. But, sequencing it with a MPC One resolves that issue.

They all have great sounds who cares but why wont anyone talk about it as a multi track recording aparatus composition modeler composer's friend ????

For me, it's just easier and cheaper to use Roland cloud.😁 🎶🎹🎶🎶Play On

I had the Roland xp60 now I feel so old..

Very useful review. I am a musician I play piano and keyboard and also working with the musical instruments selling company as a keyboard & piano specialist. Being a pianist I prefer 88 key weighted action which can feel like an acoustic. I am making my home studio setup and I wants to buy one good sounding 88 keys workstation type keyboard. I love the Roland PHA50 but my first choice is Kawai Grand feel but it had some limitations Kawai MP series’s main focus is piano purpose use & Nord is out of my budget. It’s been one month I am doing my research on Fantom8 because the design of the keyboard is more suitable for me but when I went to Roland Gallery to try the Fantom8 EX I got little dissatisfied because of the acoustic instruments sounds. Piano sounds are decent, again it doesn’t sounds close to the real piano like that way Kawai MP11se is much better but still it’s usable for me. Ep/Strings/Pads sounds are nice but main strength highlighted by the Roland is Piano sounds and Synth but again synth sounds are decent, no wow factor. I am not much in editing synth sounds I prefer ready patches and I think some of vsti are much better than Fantom inbuilt synth. So overall I am more user of good presets and a good action. I love PHA50 action and piano sounds for me it’s like a buying stage piano. Best thing about Fantom is connectivities on that direction Fantom is clear winner compared to the Yamaha Montage and Korg Nautilus. Now the thing is I am very confused about the buying Fantom8, Honestly speaking I am getting the Old Fantom8 for $2600 and obviously if I will buy Fantom8 then I will update this to make Fantom8 EX which is a additional $200 still I am confused whether I buy or not because I can good deal on MP11se. If I will go for MP11se then I will be more dependent on VSTi at least that way I will get the fantastic key action and piano sound. I have a request to you see if you can give your thoughts on my requirements it would be helpful to me to choose the right instrument. My main concern other sounds which dose not give satisfaction. I will wait for you reply. Thank you! Love the review. ❤

Great workstation as is the Yamaha m8.. Let’s see what will be Korg s answer!

to sum up ... mpc is seq and rest is meh , not even close for live .. roland live greaaat synth with a f ton of great sounds for live playing ......

yeah that ui and all those buttons with none you want to even touch sucks. need to slim it down to 37 a la mpc and give it core function buttons. A shame cause roland sounds are usually my go to reference sounds

Let's just say that I'm "not the target demographic" for these kinds of keyboards but as it's a Tefty video I took a look to see what you had to say. I've been digging deep into ZEN-Core on the AE-30 wind synth. Half of the challenge is the inadequate documentation - the Parameter Guide is the minimum they could have gotten away with (a management decision, not the fault of the tech writers). As part of my research I looked at the docs for all the main ZEN-Core products. I used to grumble about the Aerophone Pro Editor app but having looked at the other ZEN-Core products the app seems to be the least bad interface available. I'm determined to master ZEN-Core because if I don't I'll be the owner of a very expensive MIDI controller! 🙄

kindly do... Yamaha new Montage M video as well ....

Great demo! I do love the Roland sound - my Jupiter Xm has tons of great sounds too which I do enjoy. Their UI's are horrible though and definitely not user friendly. Also - just one reverb for a multitimbral device which has reverb algorithms that are really specific to certain sounds is plain silly.

Can't you actually have a reverb for every separate zone ? And isn't there also a main reverb as well for all the zones together ?

Good stuff. I like how you break the sounds down and really show the strengths and weaknesses on this board. I'm trying to see where Roland is taking this entire system, and yes the installation is a monster. I don't fully get it, but I love Roland products. The MPC has a drive bay to add a new SSD. Does this board need that to fix some of the issues, and create more storage? What are your thoughts?

nice review and comparison - I like the Phantom sounds prolly a bit better, but I've gone the MPC + plugins and Arturia keys route - for home recording

Zaytovens white uncle

Def the most pain in the ass installation, but i love it.

The German Concert Grand (and most of the V Pianos with the partial exception of East Coast Grand) sound terrible on the Fantom 7. So fake. Not a patch on even a middle of the road sampled piano vst from 10 years ago. Yet some people seem to love them. It makes me wonder if they voiced V Piano specifically for the hammer action Fantom 8 and the velocity doesn't respond properly on the 6 and 7.

Great video! Are all of the sounds and effects from the Roland Integra-7 Sound Module in the newer Roland Fantom Series?

In the fantom face book group a member write an editor for the zen core engine. It's then i realized how deep it goes in terms of parameters accessible to address. I got a copy of it. It's about 70us dollars. Great video by the way i enjoy hearing about the fantom. Also the montage m8x is a game changer. It's esp is amazing and it's not finished as yet. They plan to fully turn it's editing loose mid year. I agree that the key bed is amazing but it's heavy as most 88 keyboards are. It's unreal though to have the power of this huge board inside your little computer and it sounds just as good with editing bein much easier because of the mouse keyboard and screen size that using a computer offers. It's awesome.

Does Zeneology have any of these Fantom sounds, and Integra 7 sounds?

Enjoyed the video and input on the Fantom, I do have a question. I own a Fantom 6 and kinda wish I had gone with the 8 now but I want to buy a 88 note graded and weighted controller with out going over $1000. Any suggestions? I a not really able to try a great selection where I live so would be buying sort of blind. Any options you can offer witll be appreciated. Again really enjoyed the vid. Thanks

Very bad workstation synthesizer Please don't Purchase 😡