ROLAND Fantom 6 Keyboard First Look 2019 | GEAR GODS 

PaulTP12 Cora thank you so much!

Thank you so much for the kind words!

you prolly dont care at all but does someone know a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.

@Devon Nelson instablaster =)

same here

Same, made me want to buy one of these lol

Same here haha, and I've been needing some inspiration when designing and recording music at home for my guitar work so I just purchased this beast. Main reason is because of its integration with logic! I was getting tired of using a mouse and cheap midi keyboard to play vst instruments. This should spark some creativity again and keep me busy for a while. Now I've just got to wait 4 days for delivery, feeling pretty excited!

pcuimac that’s what I hope you know Roland how they are

yens gómez yeah, it’s 2 GB ram for user samples. Multisamples is an update they will add to the Fantom in the future. And yes you can also use the pads to trigger samples

@@alexnasla Says who?

Don says Roland when I asked them about it

geoffk777 yeah that’s what it was! Thank you for helping clearing that up!

hmmm, didnt realize RD-2000 was using modeling!

Pedro Caballero Clemente interface wise I agree... but sound wise this sounds like early 2000s 8080 sounds still! Kronos sounds like the far future compared to these sounds. I am still waiting for a video that blows me away on the sounds, but nothing yet. One was ok on ambient sounds with the synth engine but that type of stuff is well covered by a Kronos.

@@boothbuster I’m with you in this. I want to love the new Fantom because I loved the a Fantom G, but I’m not too sure on these sounds. I like using a DAW, so I don’t know if I want to spend all this money in another workstation. Another reason why I’m thinking about just getting Komplete 13

Right. But if you have to do all that to determine what is what, then does it really matter? If your ears can't tell the difference then who cares?

@@davearonow65 Depends on how good your hearing is

That is my point. If you have to analyze the sounds by manipulating them through recording software to "see" their pattern because you can't otherwise tell the difference, then it doesn't matter.

Which model of Kronos do you have? I have been looking for one to buy. Pls let me know.

@@crotchetconservatory I have a Kronos 2 88 if you're still interested in buying

I know about Genos & Montage (I have both). Genos is the the best keyboard for acoustics/orchestra sounds. Organs are also amazing. Montage is better for synthesis, creating and/or customizing your sounds (mixing acoustic with synthesis). I think this New Fantom is trying to compete with Montage (and not Genos). Best of FM Synthesis vs Best of Virtual Analog. I had a Kronos and didn't like. Not very good with very high frequencies, may sound thin sometimes (like missing harmonics) and quality of presets are all over the place (from terrible to very good), slow to boot and very complex interface. I think Fantom is above Kronos and may be side by side with Montage (just a matter of taste).

@@MethodicBR thank u man. This helped a lot. The Fantom is out of my range price wise as is the Montage. But knowing that it's geared towards synth and FM is what I needed to hear. The MODX is what I'll have to shoot for.

It does now

Definitely Montage. I know I'm super late lol... But yea definitely Montage. Roland has amazing auxiliary type sounds, but their pianos are not as good as yamaha imo

This workstation is nice but no way is better than the Kronos, no car import, not even close to Krama

You're welcome! Glad I could help :)

I wouldnt be holding my breath for the New Fantom to have a decent Sampler, Audio Tracks, Real linear Sequencer or industry compatability like ability to load a standard midi file...its a big chunk of $$$ to pin "Hopes" on...i was sooooo wishing it wasnt true...but this new Fantom? For me...its a Fail as a Workstation...great Synth...but not a Workstation

@@justaname1862 I recall the Fantom x series didn't have audio tracks when it was released. They were added with an update. I'll hold off for now but keep my fingers crossed

This new board does not do what the Kronos can do, keep yr Kronos and by the Fantom, Karma kills this board cannot import vsts and play etc

the sequencer on the Fantom or Montage is not even close to the Kronos sequencer and Karma

My Kronos is an 88 key, so I’ll be buying the Fantom 7 to compliment it. Most of my actual synth type instruments are soft synths. The Arturia V Collection, Parallels from Softube, the Softube Modular, Pigments from Arturia, Cherry Audio’s Voltage, Hexeric and a few from Waves and Cakewalk. I do have an Integra-7 as well, by Roland, but the 6,000 (plus) sounds are different than this Fantom series. I was actually saving up for a Genos to compliment my collection, but now think the Fantom 7 is a better first choice. I’ll save for the Genos later.

Fantom 6 and 7 are also the best for finger drumming :) Weighted keys are not meant for finger drumming (unless you are a pro pianist)

Get the 76, but then get an 88 MIDI controller and dedicate that for your piano sounds directly from the Fantom.

Jorge Gimenez I actually have Jens lead in the JV1080! I will try and make it on the Fantom 6 too!

@@alexnasla ooooh great! I would love if you could send the sysex file to me! You would make a fellow keyboard player happy! Great content by the way! Cheers from Argentina!

I have the 7, its nice to have extra range for piano and ep stuff and much more. Unless your worries about an extra 10 inches I like playing on a 76 much better

Fantom 6 weighs 33 LBS

I meant in terms new sample based sounds. It’s not lacking in the number though, it’s a huge amount, maybe among the most sound of all the keyboards. But most of it is at least partially based on sounds from the previous Fantom keyboards. It’s not a bad thing at all, I love those sounds! But I look forward to them added more new stuff

I’m gonna be doing a full review where I go more in depth with stuff like that :)

Waiting for that.. I ended up cancelling my preorder of a novation summit for this thing. Sort of regretting that now. Some of these sounds are not what I'd like to use in a studio setting.

No...doesnt have a Real Sampler, or Real Sequencer either

@@justaname1862 The G hammers this for ability.

Im pretty sure you can, yes! I will make sure in the full review

@@alexnasla Thank you very much.

You can do it in 3 ways- 1) stream audio into a DAW 2) Record to Pads 3) Record into an audio recorder with AD/DA conversion

What can it do with a DAW.?..it is supposed to be a DAW....but sadly...it isnt

The Sample RAM is 2GB, you can have up to 16 effects for each scene! Routed any way you want

Yes (EV-5, EV-30, RPU-3, DP-10, etc)

Octave switching - yes Transpose in semitones - yes Weight - heavy at 33 LBS

Keyboard Mac about the same, it’s like 2-3 lbs heavier

tnx @@alexnasla

Fantom! An easy to use keyboard makes a HUGE difference. If you buy a keyboard with great sounds but the UI sucks big time that you don’t even want to use it, that’s a bummer and waste of money. Roland nailed the hardware/software UI in the new Fantom! Sounds are secondary and they can be downloaded, purchased or designed by ourselves. You can download up to 10,000 tones freely from Roland Cloud using the serial number with lifetime unlock. Additional sound packs are available for 99 cents.

Sweetwater also offers a 2 year warrantee on this keyboard.

That’s a glitch which was fixed in 2.01 update

Try Kurzweil Pc4.

Organs on a work station sound "electronic" no matter what they do, and the Leslie simulation never comes close. That's why gigging musicians need a Hammond XK-5 for the organ and a workstation for the piano and synth sounds. There's gear videos from Keyboard Magazine where they show the setup of musicians on tour. Most of them have 2 Korg Kronos, and either a Hammond XK-5 or a real B3 on the stage. They run it through a Leslie 3300 or a Neo Ventilator pedal. Most songs have Organ and Piano on the same song, so having the Hammond and a workstation makes it easy to switch or play both at the same time.

@@PastTime777 I'm running vst plugins live and I can assure you they sound as realistic :)

Yeah I use a VST for my Hammond organ sound and it for sure is a lot closer to the real thing. I have a real B3 and Leslie, and trust me, some of the virtual instruments out there are damn good!

@@alexnasla it's kinda like Roland took that 90's sfz sample and put some new reverb on it :)

Godly yeah that might actually be true, I’ll have to check lol.

Genos is the best keyboard for acoustic sounds. I had an Kronos and Jupiter80. Now I have Genos + Montage. I think is a big miss that the New Fantom don't have SuperNatural sounds like Jupiter 80 since it is a workstation. As it is now is more like a VA Workstation + VPiano with some 90s acoustic PCM sounds.

I personally don’t care for that big blue dial on the Montage. I’d rather get those effects and tones by other means. To me, it’s kinda corny.

​@@markferreri5814 Blue dial by itself is just is a live control. Behind it there is an huge multi function effect/morph matrix. Can be controlled in live performance (blue dial) or with automation using motion sequence. The combination of everything is very powerful. It is very good for evolving sounds and smooth transitions. Roland is trying to catch up on Fantom with Step LFO and Grid Interface. And Yamaha is also trying to catch up with the new Pattern Sequence released a few days ago. Good for everyone.

Thanx, I guess I need to do more research . . . . I’m an ol ’ geez, now 66. All the new tech, both software and hardware are very exciting to me. I’m not wealthy, but because I have never had any dependents (☹️), I’ve had the freedom to eat beans and Top Ramen at times to buy my hardware and software. My ‘Trash Can’ Mac ran me $8,400 and never seems stressed. I’ll check Blue Dial out😉

SuperChicken SuperChicken not really no. Very different

oh ok

I will find out and let you know in the full review!

@@alexnasla thank you! This keyboard looks amazing

I dont have the Montage on me anymore but yeah I can mention what I think between the two!

I’ve had the Montage and the interface is nowhere near as good as the Fantom.

Montage is not a workstation. An head to head full comparison would be Fantom VS Kronos 2

They've been pretty good on their subsequent products like System-8, so you can probably hold your breath now.

I think the Fantom G is still the better board compared to the new Fantom.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Ok I will make sure to check some of those out for you!

You can download all those from Roland cloud for free using serial number with lifetime unlock.

Alek Vila I’m not sure the total amount, I will have to check but it’s A LOT. Like, I wouldn’t worry about it, that much lol

If you find out, please share. The Roland Jupiter synths only have 256 user patches.

@@AlekVila I will try and found out exactly how much but I can already see its over 1000 from using it

Over 1000 is good. Thank you!

czarecki czarnecki please revisit how you wrote this sentence. Or just write “I think montage is better than the Fantom” because if you are trying to say more than that, it’s not clear. Thank you for your voice and opinion! Honestly ✌🏾

lcceo22 I’ll ask Roland and see what happens!

@@alexnasla awesome thanks! Also... a longer, sounds-only demo would be great for each😊

Alek Vila in the synth engine? Nothing, it’s probably the most full featured synth engine I have used in a keyboard like this.

Thanks for the reply!

This new Fantom is looking more like an FA with a fruit basket...its definately not even close to a G in functionality

Taylor Hansen yeah I really look forward to that too!

Nord stage 3 is the board for that

@@kawaneycunningham1000 Correction Stage 3 EX or Electro 61

@@kawaneycunningham1000 I hear you. But if I could do organs with this then I could have one board for everything I need in my band. I'm currently using an FA-07 for everything but the organs aren't too great.

the organs and Leslie sounds are bad at best, they need to get much better

You must learn modes. He using the Aolien and the Fringien.

Do-Majeur VII Rec Thank you for the reply my friend. I always wanted to learn how to play like this, but never knew how to go about practicing it

@@nekow1785 You Can it is not impossible. You must go back on basics, like scales Greeks modes. it may take you up to 3 months but you should be fine. You can get the `` Hanon 40 or 60 lessons. also beginners books such ``Methode Rose`` Practice. you can find them on Amazon. or in Guitar Center or Sam Ash if in the Us.

Do-Majeur VII Rec Thank you so much friend!! I really appreciate your input

@@nekow1785 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-o6FVtZ-bkyU.html

No modes

MP MI yeah it is, that’s not a bad idea

I can give you the essentials right now. Kronos has: - KARMA, crazy cool algorithms if that's your thing, it's defo fun to play with. - Roughly 128 voice HD-1 sample playback polyphony, AL-1 VA synth about 80 voices, MS-20 and Polysix VAs about 100 voices, CX-3 Organ model and dedicated Leslie effect I think 128 voices, FM7 and the rest, Google will tell you. There are several sound engines including Karpus-Strong physical modeling. AL-1 VA can mimic a number of classic synths and has a wealth of analog-style synth parameters, though personally I prefer the Polysix and MS-20 models just a tiny scouche more. - PCM sample playback engine uses up to four stereo layers, and includes very good resonant multimode filters, stereo layers use two voices. - Piano modeling-like engine for grands and EPs, sounds superb and extremely realistic. EPs have their own effects. CX-3 Organ model included dedicated Leslie effect. - A decent control panel with eight sliders, buttons and knobs. - A HUGE sample library including orchestral instruments, acoustic instruments and drums, loads of sampled synth waveforms on a 40 or 80GB solid state drive, with instantaneous stream playing of samples. - A large virtual effects rack with up to 14 effects, but like a rack, the routing can get a little crazy so think of how you want your effects run. - 2048 patches! A rather small but very useful touch screen which doubles as a control surface. - 2 or 4GB of ram depending on Kronos 1 or 2 model. - Multisampling to the SSD, including user sample streaming. - Two main stereo outs, two sets of AUX outs, two audio ins including microphones. - Quite a few controls: Joystick, 3" ribbon, four way audio control joystick, two footswitches, one expression pedal input, keyboard is channel pressure sensitive. USB port. 73 and 88 note keyboards have an RH3 piano action which is very good if a touch slow on machinegun playing, 61 note has a very good synth action. - A decent linear sequencer with extensive editing, up to 200,000 notes. - Solid build quality, but not rock solid as Alex says, Kronos 1 used plastic end cheeks, Kronos 2 has wood end boards. - Still the most advanced synth workstation on the market, and sounds fantastic. Roland Fantom (early build, and from what I've gleaned from the manual): - Three engines: V Piano, ZEN Core PCM playback and ZEN Core VA Synth. - V Piano engine - essentially INFINITE polyphony, a physical modeled grand piano, perhaps Steinway, and is one of the best pianos available from both sound quality and modeling aspects like piano body/string aspects. - ZEN Core synth engine which handles both sample playback and VA synth duties, based on the V-Synth engine but heavily updated. - PCM sample playback, 256 voices, stereo Tones are likely 128 voices. On board sample ROM is huge but unknown as of now, with thousands of acoustic and synth multisamples. Organs are sampled. Drums currently don't use V-Drum technology but use high quality samples. A number of VA-like functions are available like phase, oscillator drift and random pitch per note. Samples can be hard synced like synth oscillators. There are patches taken directly from the XV-5080 and Integra-7. - ZEN Core synth engine uses VA-like structures whether sample based or VA. Each Partial (layer) uses an oscillator, filter and amp in four layers making a Tone (patch), with up to sixteen Tones in a Scene for huge sounds. There are more than 3000 Tones which can be user programmed. A stereo oscillator uses two voices. - Every sound is actually a Scene or performance/combi with up to 16 Tones/patches and can include arpeggios, sequences, 16 multieffects and Pad assignments. Switching Scenes is completely seamless, with no sound cut off. - The VA synth uses several oscillator types from classic analog OSCs to Supersaw OSCs. Filters use every type including Roland's Peaking Filter, with 12, 18 and 24db slopes. A Vintage Lowpass is available which decreases polyphony slightly. Polyphony is unknown, no one has yet found a note limit. - LFOs include a Step LFO with up to 16 steps, each step can be a level or various shapes. - 90 Drumkits are on board, and many are user programmable with room for more. - 1.7GB of Flashram for user sampling, multisampling coming in a future update. - Sequencer uses both Pattern and Linear recording types, with room or immense compositions. Drum tracks can be recorded to Patterns like any traditional drum machine with full editing of each pattern. - Numerous controls: pitch and mod wheels, Roland paddle, octave select, S1 and 2 buttons, eight knobs, nine sliders, eight multifunction buttons, six multifunction knobs below Touch Screen, multifunction Touch Screen, synthesizer controls including OSC pitch and waveform select, filter cutoff and resonance, ADSR knobs and envelope select buttons, 16 multifunction pads. - Main stereo outs including XLR, two sets of Sub outs, headphone outs, stereo analog filter out, two sets of audio inputs including microphones. Audio in through USB. - Piano style damper pedal, three expression/footswitch inputs, computer USB input, USB flashdrive input, three accessory USB inputs, three MIDI ports, two CV/gate outputs to control analog synths. - Direct control of DAWs and apps like Mainstage from Fantom front panel. - Fantom will be updated in the future with more capabilities and even sound engines like synthesizers. This fall, an Electric Piano model is rumored to be coming, with a possible Organ model, and some other very cool rumors being hinted. - Darn, it sounds good... And there's a lot more but I'm exhausted... whew. I should be in marketing. ;D

@@stryker1999 DUDE THAT WAS INCREDIBLE..... JEEZ. My eyes were hurting after that. My conclusion is anyone of these keyboards will do what's needed. Lol. You could literally make an album using just 1 of these keyboards.

@@stryker1999 Oh yeah..... Thank you.

@@mpmi7588 Yeah, everything sounds incredible anymore, and I've been saying the same thing. Buy one monster, go to town making music. Kronos and Fantom are the two most powerful synths on the market right now. Which one is best? I couldn't pick, even with all the goodies in Kronos. I have to have both (whisper, I own a Kronos 88 already).

Joseph W. 8 voice 88 key is 4k

Hmmm, I wonder if the 76 key is 1000 less 🧐??

Joseph W. 76 is 3600, 61 is 3300

Got a used 7 for 2400, its amazing but the aftertouch straight up is broken if your okay with that its fine

Bingo! I have ranted about this on most of these videos, and you know what the answer is? they foolishly left Super Natural sounds OUT of this keyboard, so, the acoustic tones are old PCM variety...which means, other than the swirling synth pad sounds, this keyboard does NOT break any new ground in OVERALL sounds...If you are making a brand new keyboard, why not have even BETTER sounds than the Super Natural, for that matter, but certainly not your old sounds.

You can download them from Roland a cloud for free using serial number with lifetime unlock.

If they sell it for 5000$ they won't kill anyone.

Igor Leus I think Yamaha could update their montage to do that so as the Kronos so I wouldn’t be surprised

@@sebjulien3 but yeah man, 100% It must cost not more than 2000$, because in that case will better to have Kronos+Montage. It's sound great but not better than Montage or Kronos, it's just have a more possibility to work with a DAW,Sequencer, etc.

@@tuneunleashed maybe they will update and add more features or do another king of synths)

@@NatLifeSounds I just saw the price...Roland is really asking for 5000$ CDN for the bigger model...are they mad? For a lot less money you have one hell of a PC laptop and a 91 keys midi controller , plus a good DAW with VST's. You can even buy a car with the cash left or a guitar a bass and a drum....

it's S/W upgradable so down the road great updates will come along

@@fUjiMaNia any news on that? Will it have the supernatural?