The Roland Fantom-0 vs the Roland Fantom: What's the Difference? 

Thanks for the great video Darrick. Planning to buy a keyboard this summer and trying to decide between the Fantom and Fantom-0 has been a tough decision. Great to see a breakdown that shows all the actual differences. I probably will get the Fantom 8. Buy-once-cry-once and the myriad small differences add up to justify the added premium.

Great video. BTW 256 MB is 1/8th of 2GB (2048 MB), not 1/4th. So Fantom actually has 8 times more multi-sample/expansion memory. I am surprised to see that none has Mic/Hi-z guitar input option switch like the FA series!

I bought a fantom 7 (big boy) 3 months before the 0-Series came out. You made me feel better about my choice. Thanks mate, jam on!

Derrick I'm extremely impressed by your extensive knowledge of these instruments. This is a great comparison. Keep up the great work buddy.

Your review has helped me decide. I'm going with the Fantom 6. Might as well drop the change once and for all and not regret later.

Another great review Darrick. Although I think the Fantom 0 is a great keyboard, and a great value, I prefer the MODX. Here's why... First and foremost, I greatly value that it can import so many different file formats and is widely a 3rd party platform of choice by sound developers. This means I don't have to create many of the sounds I need from scratch. The MODX can import Montage sounds (current technology), the MOTIF series (one of the most popular series over the past 20 years) and the DX-7 series. My bands cover famous music, so I need famous sounds. The MODX/Montage are probably the easiest keyboards to actually find the kind of sounds my bands need. As many have said, Roland doesn't seem to have the 3rd party software support to the level that Yamaha & Korg do. So most of your sounds will probably come from Roland. The memory differences for sampled instruments between the MODX & the Fantom 0 are huge! While the Fantom 0 does provide more real-time controls and some other nice features, adding more memory for sampled instruments is one of the most costly things for them to have done at manufacturing costs, buying memory as they don't make it themselves. The kind of memory needed for sampled instruments is very expensive. You get 4 times as much on the MODX. Is this important? Yes! Depends on what you want to use the keyboard for of course. If you want to do much with sampled instruments sounds, it's very important. The regular Fantom actually has 2 gigs (8 times as much as the Fantom 0) and the MODX has 1 gig. The Fantom 0 has a mere 256 megs (1/4 gig). That is a huge limitation. I actually find only having 1 gig on the MODX to be it's single biggest limitation over the Montage which as 1.7. Some sound collections alone take up a good chunk of memory, and I've avoided using them for that reason. Sampled memory is not only useful for acoustic instruments, but sometimes even to sample synthesized sounds used in 3rd party sound collections. If it is hard to get by with just 1 gig of memory on the MODX, how can people be expected to get by with 1/4 that on the Fantom 0? The answer is.....you won't be doing much with very many sampled sounds of any quality. The quality of the provided acoustic instrument sounds in general are much better on the MODX than the Fantom 0. Most of the sampled based instruments on the Fantom 0 (which use very little memory) come from Roland's 1990's JV soundboards recycled. They are less detailed instruments, generally speaking. Yamaha has many of the very best ones available in a hardware keyboard, and even Kronos users often prefer the Montage/MODX for many of their acoustic sampled instruments. I've tried the majority of the sounds included, or available as sound packs for the Fantom 0 via Roland's own VST instruments. Except the Super Natural sounds, and the B3 engine, all of them are available in VST's and actually far more of Roland's classics in VST format only and not offered in hardware format currently. While there are some great sounds, over all I much prefer the sounds either included with the MODX or available as a downloadable sound collection from 3rd parties or Yamaha themselves. Not only for sampled instruments, but also for synthesized instruments of even analog classics. While the Fantom is much easier to program analog sounds on (plus for the Fantom 0 there), the AMW2 engine is surprisingly capable.....in the right hands, and 3rd party developers have made excellent reproductions of a lot of the Oberheim, Moog, ARP and other sounds. Still not as flexible as having those full engines. I turn to my VST's for that ability. Choosing between MODX or Fantom 0, consider this shoppers. Buy a MODX and run Roland's VST's on your laptop! You'll gain most of the sounds & engines of the Fantom 0, but several other highly desirable ones not available like the D-50. These VST's are even compatible with Fantom 0 sound collections, minus the super natural sounds or B3 engine, but there are far better ones available for that stuff in VST format already. Yamaha unlike Roland & Korg does not offer their technology in software format, so it makes sense to have a Yamaha and run Roland and Korg stuff via software. Both Roland and Korg offer even some of their newest hardware synth technology in VST software format. Although I own 13 keyboards including some from Roland and Korg, my live gigs are all based on my MODX, VST's and MIDI controller keyboards. My Roland's and Korg's stay home because I can replicate them via software. Far less to setup or transport to gigs, and cheaper too! Although I don't doubt the Fantom 0 keybed is better than the MODX, ask yourself, do you have any issues with playing on it? Try it out. I have no complaints, and previous switched from using premium keybeds as I own them from both Korg & Roland. The MODX keybed is not as bad as some say. Korg has actually made some of the worst keybeds I've encountered on some thousand dollar plus instruments, and no one seemed to complain. With the MODX, it got picked on because it such in such huge numbers, and I expect that to continue. As soon as you mentioned only 8 sliders on the Fantom 0, I thought, there goes the real-time drawbars for the B3 engine. I didn't pick up on that til you mentioned it. Oddly, the MODX/Montage offers a 3rd party software package called Organimation (actually the best organ sounds for the Kronos too) that on the MODX/Montage, ingeniously uses the Super Knob to cycle through all 9 drawbars in real-time. I'm amazed how well this works, and it's actually easier than using real drawbars to get the job done. Not as flexible however as a full B3 engine, but I highly doubt the Fantom 0 organ engine is as good as some of those that exist in VST format which I use. Winner = MODX + laptop with Roland & Korg VST's, plus the many other VST's for thousands of different sound engines. Also keep in mind by going the VST route for your Roland synths, you not only get the Zen-Core engines of the Fantom 0, but you get more classic Roland keyboard engines not available for the Fantom. Further more, you can also run the "higher quality" ACB versions of classics like the Jupiter 8, Juno 106, SH-101, etc These offer more faithful emulation of the original hardware classics than what the Fantom or Fantom 0 can run, and also, the form factor of them much better represents the original instruments they resemble rather than the Zen-Core user interface. Want the highly praised D-50, Juno 60 (not lesser quality Juno 106)? Available in VST format only from Roland, along with many others. For those times you just want an easy gig or rehearsal, the MODX will get you through almost anything just as the Fantom 0 will. But either way, next to using VST's too, your gonna be pretty limited vs the thousands of sound engines available, or pretty much unlimited sample memory. I just practiced for the past couple months with just my MODX, and brought the soft synths and additional MIDI controllers last night to more exactly produce some of the sounds in our songs. I could still play them either way. Also, the lack of direct output on the MODX the Fantom 0 has (TRS only) is not much of an advantage, or an advantage at all to most of us. Most live bands will still need a directbox anyway not only for a direct output, but for other abilities too. Or a small mixer that has direct outputs on it, commonly used by live bands and in the studio. Either way, I see little advantage to built-in direct outputs. A bit misleading in advertising, sort of like the Fantom 0 coming with 2 gigs of memory. Memory used for samples is VERY expensive in instruments. Memory used on your thumb drive is next to nothing. Not a bad idea to include the 2 gigs, but it's instrument memory I care about. And also, if you want to sample your own sounds, Sample Robot made for the MODX with a laptop is the ideal way to sample your instruments. At the gig, the sound man often requires an XLR connection to the board, so your Fantom 0 will still need a direct box (about $40), a mixer in your setup with XLR, or buying some kind of adapter (and still to loose the other advantage of a direct box or mixer), so why bother with TRS cables (which also cost more than 1/4 cables)? I still think the Fantom 0 is a great instrument, and like the MODX, one of the best values out there. But I wanted to set the record straight about how these two instruments really compare. People that buy the Fantom 0 should mainly be interested in it's virtual analog abilities, and looking specifically for Roland sounds. You still won't find many analog sounds of other brands models with them. For me, I use mostly Oberheim, Prophet, Moog & ARP analog sounds.

I appreciate this video, no body yet has done Fantom comparison as this, thank you sir! This was a tremendous help on my decision making.

After making a beat in the fantom can I export the stems so I can import them into my daw session ? The mc 707 does not allow me to do this

Great comparison. Loving my 0 not a stage performer so for me with all of my NI and MPC Studio one etc it’s a great addition.

Great video. If I was buying today, I'd hold out (save up) for the big Fantom.

This was a much awaited and needed detailed comparison between the Fantom and Fantom O. Your sterling work is much appreciated.

I knew it! I was waiting on you to do a video about the Fantom-0 series.

For $2000.00 less, I am content with a few less features. I wish Roland had introduced it a year ago. The FA07 was the closest workstation to the Fantom prior to the Fantom 0 series. And the FA07 doesn’t have the ZEN-Core engine,and cost nearly as much as the Fantom 07. And I wish they included the weighted or semi weighted key bed on the Fantom 07 as they did with the Fantom 08. They label it as the PHA4 key bed. The Fantom 8 has the PHA 50 I think, which is on the RD2000 as well. The PHA 50 key bed is fully weighted with wooden keys, and ivory feel.

I agree 100% with you, the Modx 6, 7 keyboard it's a toy. As for me, it is acceptable at this price. Additionally, the distances between the keys are unequal.

I personally have FA 08 a couple of years now and because of playing a lot of live performances im thinking of buying synthesizer on top of that. I looked at lot of expensive synthesizers, but in the end it looks like I'll stay with Roland because it offers decent performance for relatively little money. In addition, Fantom 07 is user-friendly like FA.

Thank you! I have been wondering about this difference, and recently discovered that the 2019 Fantom is out of stock, just about everywhere. Roland seems to be back and forth with the classification. I was going to ask about this at NAMM, but the biggest question is still regarding the time stretching, which is even problematic within some of their own patches. Issues aside, I am pretty curious to see how Roland plays this, moving forward. Thanks again for this comparison. It was really helpful.

Best explanation of the differences ever! You are truly gifted with both your understanding and knowledge of these things, and your ability to explain it all. Thanks so much for this.

I’m so glad I bought the Fantom 8 when it came out.

2Gb / 4= 500mb..... 250Mb is only 1/8 of 2Gb. Which is in the Fantom 07? 250Mb, or 500Mb?

Thank you very very very much for comparing the two models. Thanks to you, I can buy the Fantom 7 knowing why. More power, more sounds and a better quality finish. In addition, the Fantom 7 has the possibility of evolving with the EX update.

This was dope! Keep it up! 💯 Also, I'd get the 'lil Fantom because my main sequencer is the MPC and I use it for multi-timbral tracking anyways.

This is cool since it has like a piano roll in the screen so you can edit the notes. A lot of time I don’t want to be in a daw just wanna play right away without loading stuff and having keyboard their too. Ahhhhh. Nigga need MUH NEE.

Thanks for this super detailed deep dive. It was what I needed to help me figure out the differences between the 2 Roland Fantom series and to make the right choice for my needs.

Been reading the comments and seeing the various discussions. Nice to see another video from your Darrick. You've done well. A short summary to all reading the comments and deciding between Fantom-0 and MODX. If you are buying the MODX, you are buying it for the: acoustic sounds, great presets, scene functionality, AWM2 & FM engine, 1GB flash memory for custom samples/multisamples, SuperKnob, 4-part multitimbrality, lightweight, patch compatibility with Montage, 10x4 audio interface (class-compliant), almost-decent keys, 7-inch touchscreen, envelope follower and VCM effects. If you're buying the Fantom-0, you are buying it for the: synth sounds (Roland's acoustic patches don't really compare either to Nautilus or the MODX), Supernatural, Zen-core, B3 engines, 32x4 audio interface (not class compliant), classic Roland efx, 8/16 part multitimbrality, matrix control, lightweight design, patch combability with FANTOM and other Zen-Core sounds, 5.5-inch touch screen, decent keybed, vocoder, 16/8 track clip sequencer (3 recording methods. TR-Rec, Step record and linear) up to 64 measures and 8 rows with a microscope, piano roll and automation editing, live synthesizer control, 2GB memory for Pads, 256MB for samples/multi-samples, sub-out and external device port. This should summarize your usage of these keyboards. In general, neither sequencer nor sampler is great in comparison with their predecessors, so if you are looking for an all in one workstation, get a Kurzweil K2700 or the Korg Nautilus. Or if you can find a used one, get a Fantom X/G, Motif-XF or Kronos. Do not buy any board based on a promise by the company, buy it for what it is at that moment. If the promise fails, you are the one who suffers, not the manufacturer. Maybe their brand ratings and reviews will go down, but you may lose the money you spent on that machine.

Thanks Derrick, for your videos, I Watch them a lot. Its Great. I have the modx. It would be great with the fantom 08 workflows, and the sound from Yamaha modx.

Thanks have Fantom-07 but didn' t realize the memory management difference between single an multi samples before your video. Is there a way to manage libraries to make them smaller and only keep the most useful sounds ?

I’ve been tempted by the 07 and you’ve answered many questions, thanks. I guess having a smaller internal memory might be a good thing if it discourages me buying too many extra sounds afterwards.

Hi Darrick, did the pitch wheel/stick function properly for you when trying to do quick manual vibratos? To me it seemed like the Fantom pitch bend was too slow to allow this, resulting in very low movement vibratos. I tried connecting an external pitch bend controller and it worked fine, so not sure what could be going on here.

G R E E T I N G S..... Hi Darrick, Thank God for you and your passion. I have a little question for you. What would it take Roland for them to bring quality drums and brass to their next flagship. We are patient.... but I'm not going to "marry" Roland anymore if they don't place quality as a tag on their latest flagship. BRASS AND DRUMS. PLEASE. And not just a couple of side stick samples. 😒

Very informative video was exactly what I needed. I am thinking of a Fantom 7 or Nord Stage 3 to replace my old Motif XS. When I saw Fantom 07 I thought it was a bargain. I would prefer spend the extra for the full Fantom. Now a question :) Which is better between Fantom 7, Nord Stage 3 and Montage 7. I like mostly Piano and Strings and some synth pads.

great overview, to me it confirms the big brother is a better investment and even more value/$ then the 0... my reason to choose mode above Roland is the arps, 8 arps simultaneously vs 1 arp.

Comparison video or fantom o bashing video lol. There is no justification for the cost get your self a Korg Kronos

Thank you so much, Darrick, for this great product video. I already have a MODX7+ and love it very much. However, I am looking for a great Midi controller with Neo Vent II connection possibility to blast my B3 GSI hammond app.. sound like the Fantrom 06 could do the trick (and act as backup keyboard at the same time?)… however, not waterfall keys…What is your opinion?

Fantastic video, full of everything you need to know!!

Thank You , thats great and useful video ;)

Holy cow the 88 key Fantom (the older brother model) weighs 61 lbs?!? That thing is a freaking behemoth. The keybed supposedly has some of the best / most realistic hammer-action on the market though, as in the most like an acoustic grand piano. But that weight, coupled with the physical dimensions, make it a studio-only instrument for most. I am very curious about the quality of the weighted keybed on the O-88. So far I have heard nothing about it, and even the official marketing text glosses over the keybed almost entirely, which leads me to assume it is pretty mediocre. It's also disappointing that they ditched the illuminated faders and encoders. That makes a HUGE difference when jumping between presets / scenes / voices. Unless they have intelligent UI indicators on the screen when you touch the knobs/faders, then I consider that feature downgrade a dealbreaker.

Much Respect on this informative video!!! I ordered the Fantom 08 keyboard to use with Logic Pro and Ableton. I don't play live but I did want a lightweight keyboard to take with me when I go on vacation as well as use at home. I subscribe to the Roland Cloud, so when I create, I have access to a lot of Roland sounds. I have a Yamaha MOX8-88 (over 10 years old) that I am giving to my kids and grandkids to practice on and hopefully learn to play. Also, the price is right for me. Again, Thank You!! Peace!!!

I was waiting for this movie to come out. 😃 I am so tempted to trade in my Juno DS88 but then I lose my 88 keys. I thought about getting rid of my Juno and Nektar T6 for the 07 and an 88 key midi controller. Having this and an Arturia Keylab midi controller probably would be killer combo. So much to think about. I have not played a real grand piano in years until this week when I played at a funeral. It felt like a toy because I’ve been playing the Roland DS88 keybed so long. I kind of appreciate that heavy action a little more now.

Great video, problem is fantom 6/7/8 is not available. Retailers will sell you one but they are not able to give you any idea when they can deliver. Japanese keyboard produced in Taiwan w Chinese parts, supply chain has stopped production of big fantom. Unless your willing to wait forever buy the 0 and upgrade when roland gets it together on flagship

I would get the Fantom. But it would be nice if they had the higher resolution screen in it as well.

🎹 Long winded, repeats to much. Had to click out.

Thank you so much for the detailed comparison and guidance. I have a different question tho. May we know what 2 tier keyboard stand are you using? 😊

To me the only relevant workstation so far that I still use is my Roland fantom G6. I think the new Fantoms have fallen off the cliff or should I say pushed off the cliff.... For example, iconic feature that make a workstation a workstation is its ability to be stand alone aka without a computer, and if needed to be hooked up to a computer, then you should have been given integration with at least five current popular Daws (take your pick of what those people are Daws should be) .... And that sequencer should have the option to be linear such as in the G Series. The fact that you had 128 internal and /or midi tracks plus 24 linear audio tracks with their own separate mixer and effects capabilities is something other workstations including Roland's, Fa, Fantom and now the 0 series, have fallen way way too short. For example I use the 16 track mixer in conjunction with the 128 and internal tracks like this. I would use sequencer track one for a kick, track two for another type of kick, and do the same with track 3... remember on the G Series you could have an effects for each instrument independently known as PFX. So track 1 would have a low pass filter with some EQ. Track 2 would have the same thing as track 1 but with different filter and EQ curves and this would be repeated for tracks 3. I would then route those internal instruments kicks to channel one of the mixer and then put a compressor on that mixer channel along with some EQ. Now that channel acts like a kick bus channel... don't forget I have the master effects on the stereo output too that I can add too such as master EQ band compression, and others. This is just how easy but yet sophisticated, a simulation I can get to that of a real studio mixer desk. When it comes to sampling this is where they are most definitely falling really short. For example, there is no REAL-TIME TIME STRETCH and TEMPO LOCKING of a sample to the bpm of a song or track like that on the on the G Series along with AUTO CHOP capabilities of various types. And assigning each chop to a different on the keyboard or to individuals sample pads in any order you want to be triggered anyway you like in conjunction with the sequencer with each sample locked to BPM. Along with the men other sampling processing features like calculation of the BPM of a sample, this could be a drum 🥁 loop, guitar riff for example, I mean come on... And don't forget about SKIP BACK SAMPLING I mean I have my skip back sampling ON all the time. One minute and 20 seconds maximum but it's enough for me to catch a things that I've passed played or heard routed through my audio input. It's constantly on even watching this RU-vid I can go back playback the captured sample anytime I want. Roland getting rid of this feature was a cardinal sin they shot themselves in the foot here, how could they take this feature away? And when it comes to the Arpeggio there's so many options, you can make create your own, edit with ample upon amples of Presets and the ability to save to USB and import Arpeggios from other devices, is sick... And back to that Daw like linear sequencer, with its ability to add swing by adjusting by percentage how tight you want your quantization to be, from 0-100 %. As well as add, copy, duplicate, repeat, shorten or lengthening of tracks or parts of a track or time signature or parts.... 🤦‍♂️ How could Roland do away with so many great features. Back to the effects that is just another area where they're falling off making it possible to root an edit effects with ample various parameters to me was just brilliant. And the sliders and knobs can be assigned to various parameters whether it be a instruments envelope oscillator or effects that can be automated aka you can record the slider and knob adjustments in real time in recording mode and it records those adjustments and you can watching those slider fader movements of whichever parameter you adjusted move on the screen... Let that sink in for a moment.. And that D Beam... Look up what Native Instruments did when they came out with Maschine mark 1, then Maschine studio, Maschine mark 3 and Maschine mark 3 plus...? And the Akai with their MPC Touch and MPC X... I use my G Series in a way very very similar because it is capable to be very very close to those later mentioned Groovebox Sampler Workstations... I think Roland is missing something here which is the young modern crowd who want to make contemporary music not just be stage performance musicians who are just looking for synths and Piano sounds with the odd sequencing and sampling capabilities. This is why the G Series should have been improved upon by having a better Daw integration plus all the features of Fantom or the Fantom included the mentioned feature of the G series and then some. For people like me who make HIP-HOP, EDM Drum & Bass, Trap, Drill, Grime and all manner of contemporary music including film score.. And to be able to be over the internet hooked up to a sound based cloud with all the USB capabilities the G -series or Fantom could have went somewhere in fact the new Roland fantom workstation since could have took it so far the competition would have been left for dust. Example Native Instruments Maschine and akai MPC now have SIDECHAIN compressor routing built-in by just choosing a compressor and route it to a sidechaining of a kick snare or drum loop in conjunction with a pad or synth sound, let that sink in for a minute... These workstations have been marketed to wrong people or a small narrow market of users, and I am a mature man of 50 years young. But the people who it is overly priced and marketed to are not people who are making music in a contemporary way. If Roland or anybody from The Development Team, just for a minute just think about what I I'm saying what I am suggesting what I'm proposing putting forward the next Fantom would be a studio and Performance showstopper... that's why I've kept my G6 I did have the new Fantom 6, but it's now for sale. Because to me although it sonically is sounds superb, it's nothing more than a sound module with cheaper feeling keys...All Roland, had to do is add to the G series Fantom what the Fantom range has which is the CV controls connections XLR in's and outs touchscreen etc etc.... Akai is bringing out a MPC as powerful as the X but with a keyboard 🎹... Come on... I mean all they do is get excited by playing sounds that are built in and is usually some saw oscillator synth electric piano the usual 808 kit people I pretending to be excited about these things like they won't get bored of those sounds like you can't get those sounds on VST plugins I mean come on and when they create music they create the most basic music the anyone can do to sell it you and fool you that it is quick until when you buy and then you start getting into the editing and digdeep that's when you realise he's lost so many features and what the hell did you buy this £3500 sound module for? I mean I love Roland and some always call me a fanboy of the company especially when they've got their MPC are there Native Instruments Maschine mark 3 + and I'm emanating what they can do including what they could do with that strip with one of the sliders however my fanboy dedication and enthusiasm sadly starts and ends with the G Series. Roland need to get it together. I would say the same thing for korg the same thing for Yamaha excetera excetera. Akai realise that people wanted stand alone, so did Native Instruments, and their Daw integration is brilliant because they work in as plugins for other Daws as well as very capable Daws by themselves. Roland have got to rethink and get it together because the way they're going killing anything that they call and present as a workstation... Bless you all.

I gotta go with the big Fantom. This post helped me

Great video. I finally got a clear description of the Fantom's sequencer.

I just got the MODX6+ thinking it was going to be my “it” keyboard, but the keys feels cheap and NOT semi-weighted, plus 2 of the keys are raised above the other keys. I am not really happy for the price I paid, when my $400 premium MIDI controller has true semi-weighted keys and feel absolutely amazing, with excellent action (w/ aftertouch). It is very concerning and I am now wondering if I can get these sounds online somewhere and use them in my DAW. The Roland 06 was my 2nd choice. Lessons learned. Last time I buy something without seeing it in person first. Lol… Nice breakdown of what I should have bought instead. I knew I was giving up the extra sliders and figured I would be okay with that… oh vey. 😂😂

Thanks for doing this… hopefully Roland is giving you some good $ …if not they should be… This video and your earlier response helped me in deciding on which model is the best of what I need to finish my projects. I’m definitely getting the Big Fantom….I also have the MODX.. ,being that I can only record 10 tracks at a time…& ( you are so correct) about the cheap build quality, made me interested in getting the Fantom.

I've been waiting for this kind of video. Thanks! Fantom O 08 showing up tomorrow and I'm learning as much as I can.

Great video! Thank you for breaking it down AND mentioning the comparable competition too.

in other words buy the fantom ,or rather buy the fantom 0 over the modx?

Just found out there’s no phantom power on the 0 compared to the regular Fantom!

Hi, if you've ever tried Komplete Kontrol S88, can you tell me how Fantom-08 keybed/key action compares to it? Thank you very much for this info and also for the this video :)

Good review. Just wasted too much time discussing weight. Should have suffice just saying that one is twice as heavy as the other due one being plastic, the other metal chassis. But, it is your video, have at it.

Maybe, different audio converter?

Can Fantom-O or Fantom-6 create the same sounds that Roland Jupiter Xm generates? Thanks.

Modx + for me. Sounds are alot better

Great comparison - DMPM just got that Fantom 0 …. Will be pairing with MPC

Brilliant video. Thanks a lot!

Great video. For the price there is really no excuse for not including combo jacks for the mic and line inputs on the 0 series imo.

I have the Roland Fantom 0 and i love mine real talk!!!!

Thanks for this. I now own both 😀. I had a Fantom 6 + RD2000, but I just sold the RD2000 and replaced it with the Fantom-08. I'm going to miss the PHA-50 action on the RD2000 (best action on any board IMO), but I needed the ability to switch scenes without notes dropping out and to share scenes between my 61 and 88 in case I only need 1 keyboard for a smaller gig. Also wanted to be able to eq each zone separately which the RD2000 couldn't.

Hi Darrick, I love your vids. I am a keyboard player that plays in church alone during the week and in a band on Sundays. I need a keyboard for my church that allows me cover bass, piano, organ, and strings in a song while I'm playing alone. I also play organ on keys in the church band mainly and sax on keys when needed and bass on keys when the bass player is out. I need to know what type of keyboard would best serve my church. I am looking at the montage 8, but it there a better or equally great choice for all that I do?

So am I the only Korg user here?? 😂

Great video Darrick! You should share the secret of how you get these boards so quickly and have time to go through them and compare them. 😅

Very good tutorial!

I bought the 06. I still have the FA 06, G6, XP 60, XP 30. One thing that really bothers me is the blinding Red Light !!! Even on your video. It’s coming out of the left two wheels. Otherwise it is a great keyboard.

Some questions Thoughts You’ve touched on these topics …I wanted to re iterate express my personal opinion. I would love to have answered from These are major components missing for music creators… Roland: Why only 64 measures? When the MODX has 256, and is older. Why no linear sequencer? Why only 256mb s sample time? In 2022 Yamaha: Why no midi note editor/ Piano roll when Roland has it and Yamaha used to have it on the previous workstation? However, I will say that technology on how to create ideas much faster on the newer keyboards but some folks like more creative control even if takes a longer route. I feel that companies like Roland must’ve thought that this younger generation of music creators(( loop/ sample)) beat makers are more dominant than older segmented population that use to create music much more the linear based musicians like myself. Cost? Lack of demand? / Didn’t think it was relevant, in today’s younger music creators? It’s intriguing to say the least. I bought the 1st Motif Classic back in 2001 or 2002, & that keyboard was amazing with what it was at the & we didn’t have those kinds of questions about key components being left off, well, at least I didn’t have those concerns. The Motif had sampling, linear sequencer & midi note editor / piano roll. And back then that flagship keyboard was priced at around $2199….versus nowadays a flagship will cost $3400 & minus those key components. It would be awesome if companies like Yamaha & Roland etc., would explain why they left off certain features. You cannot convince me they didn’t realize that there would a multitude of musicians & beat makers who would question / or have some pushback about the lack of key components of these new keyboards.

What is the difference between the Roland FA-08 vs Fantom 0 series ?

TRULLY I LOVE THIS ROLAND KEYBOARD THIS IS WHAT IM DREAMING TO HAVE IT SINCE DURING MY CHILDHOOD Somebody Help Me to have One As a Gift Please... tnx a lot

I’m new to all this stuff, but is it possible to load a vst like Keyscape, Pianoteq, Alicia’s Keys, Noire, etc.. on the Fantom or any other keyboard so that you don’t need a computer to use them? Or are you restricted to only being able to load the proprietary samples from the same manufacturer, so with Roland they can only add stuff that’s on Roland Cloud, the S88 Mk2 can only add Komplete stuff like Noire/Alicia’s Keys? Or does the cross compatibility vary across the manufacturers? I’m in the market for some kind of keyboard to learn piano but want it to feel as authentic to a real piano as possible while still having as many features as possible to grow into. I’ll probably wait till NAMM 2022 to see if anything is announced so I don’t regret my purchase now. At the moment I’m leaning towards the S88 Mk2, and maybe get a bigger package of Komplete when it goes on sale, or adding a Komplete control interface if I find I need the bells and whistles Fantom offers. But ideally I’d want a Kawai VPC1 or MP11SE with those features for the keybed. Wish Kawai made a more powerful workstation like the Fantom or licensed their keybed to another manufacturer like Nord did with their Grand. Kinda what I’m hoping for out of NAMM 2022 but doubt it. Also like to see a VPC2 come out. Anyway $1100 for the S88 Mk2 seems a good entry level as professionals use it too.

Waiting for your comparison between Fantom O and new MPC Key61

Superb comparison review Darrick. Very helpful for me to consider these vs. my current MODX6 / Montage users. Must admit the 0-Series does appear to be better VFM than my MODX and of better overall quality. Let’s see!!! ….. 😎👌🎹🎵🇬🇧🍻

5:50 Instead of my fingers, I prefer using my whatnot.

This was so helpful. I haven’t seen the Fantom -0 in stores yet for me to test out. The only problem is that I’ve touched the bigger Fantom and the keys are amazing 😩 but the price isn’t so I’m just gonna save up for it.

Great video Darrick...just wanna know your opinion which one works out great in comparison for sounds and workflow-Korg Kronos,Yamaha Montage or Roland Fantom??

Nice video, well explained. Can you compare keybed of Fantom 07 and Korg Nautilus? Which is better?

Thank you! Very good comparison. The 0 series is nice if youre on a budget. But if you want the synth engines and the V-Piano the big one it is. That is not a small part missing on the 0. It is quite a bit that is missing. That is a deal breaker for me. Because I want all the sounds. I own a MODX and I did get all the sounds of the Montage. Yes with less control. But that does not matter for me. I work in a DAW anyway.

At 38:00 you say the modx has different internals than the montage so the sound differs more than with the fantom 0 / big fantom. I thought the main difference was the same in both brands: the analog filters. When you say the zencore sound is the same in both fantom keyboards you mean the analog filters in the big fantom doesn’t represent a difference in sound quality? If i tweak the cutoff in the fantom-0 it sounds as the cutoff filter of the big fantom?

Hasn't the Fantom been discontinued? I am asking, because I can't find it in stock anywhere...

Hey Darrick love your videos

It’s sad how Roland dumbed down the sampler which is what really seperated this board from the rest. The sounds are good but not the greatest (that’s Nord). Where Fantom ALWAYS shined was being the ultimate workstation. After the Fantom X ,so many producers stopped buying the Fantom because of this one thing You could live chop the sample straight onto the keys and tempo sync it. Now in 2024 it can’t do what the 1991 board could do. It does less and that’s sad because it’s barely a workstation because you can’t use it alone now, you would have to have an Mpc. It’s now just a 3rd place keyboard/synth behind nord and Montage. Fantom was the number one all around board regardless if the sounds weren’t the best because they were good enough to stand up anywhere in any fight. Please update this board to sample better than the Fantom X. I think Roland should create an Update store where individuals can ipdate their board specifically to how they want it and pay for what they want and go in their own direction. People would pay for their own updates which is where I think the future will go one day.

You didn't mention that ZERO version has less supernatural instruments.

Excellent informative video. If I could add something, the video mentions (23:43) that Fantom and Fantom 0 can sustain 16 and 8 ‘sounds’ (instruments), respectively, versus Montage and MODX (+) can “only” sustain 8 and 4 instruments, respectively when switching from one performance (multi-instruments) to another -- seamless sound switching (SSS) in Yamaha’s terms. In such a comparison, it is probably worth highlighting that Yamaha sounds contain double the number of elements/partials compared to Roland (at least compared to the Z-core engine-08 RM p18); technically, in many scenarios, both brands can have a similar level of SSS when we look at the number of elements/partials-Yamaha uses processing power to give sound power on a single instrument. In contrast, Fantom uses it to provide a more accessible, flexible SSS. With enough programming, some limitations can be overcome in each approach. I do not have these keyboards; I am just theorizing here… someone can correct these comments as needed.

Excellent review and super informative. Really glad I saw this video before making buying decision. Thank you Darrick.

Darrick man I just love this videos! Thank you so much for it. I have a favor to ask, can you do a demo video on tone remain and how you hit the polyphony sealing?

What about the keyboard itself, between 8 and 08 ? I read thing like PHA-50, PH-4… what is the difference ? I learn on real pianos, but own only a cheap old synthétiser with crap touch sensations, so it’s important for me to improve this point and to get something realistic when playing piano.

Thank you for this Video. My Problem is to Chose if i buy the Korg Nautilus or the Roland Fantom 0. That is hard for me actually. If i only had more Money, so i would simply buy both :D Thank you, your Video was great!

Talking 'bout having some serious knowledge about these units...very impressive, truly a helpful video! Thank you

Hi Darrick, Love your videos, thank you - you’ve convinced me that I “need” both now! I’m so ready to get into Fantom-world, and Christmas (and Black Friday), is coming up. I’m lucky to have a home office where I have a MacBook running Logic with a NI S61 Mk 2 plugged in. In my gym I have an older Yamaha DGX-660 (to use in between workout sets and to keep noise away from fam.) My current thought, after a myriad of variations, is to replace DGX in gym with Fantom 7, and also replace S61 Mk2 with a Fantom 06, as its light enough to carry into the lounge and noodle around there, helping me to learn and practice a little more often to learn the workflow. Does this sound like a good plan to you? Any downsides, other options? Many thanks in advance 🙏

Very nice presentation my man. I currently use an Integra 7 in Cubase and I love it. I need a reason to buy one of these. The V-Piano was a start but I need more. I also have Zencore on my Roland account so basically, I have a virtual Fantom-O. Give me a good reason to buy that big Fantom

I have the large 88 with weighted keys. the build quality is many times better than the 08 plastic fantastic. you get value for money in both cases

This probably won't age well since technology typically doesn't retain it's value (if you're reading this in 2025, let me know) but I just bought a used Fantom 06 for $1200. LFG

Roland needed to retire the Fantom name after the G-Series lol, it’s now getting so confusing on what’s what! Fantom FA-06/ Fantom 6/ Fantom 06 🤦🏾‍♂️ The Fantom X6 is still my FAV Fantom! 👑🏆🥇

This is an outstanding comparison of the two Roland Fantom keyboards and Darrick also gives a very astute summary of some of the ways the Yamaha MODX7 compares with the Fantom boards. I purchased the MODX7 (months before seeing this video by Darrick) and I discovered the same differences he mentioned. I DO like some of the sounds on the Yamaha product better than the Roland Fantom but the V piano is just so much better than Yamaha's best piano that to me, there's no question that the Roland Fantom is the better choice of those two. (I returned the Yamaha MODX7 and purchased the Fantom 7. Twice the money but many times better.) I also want to thank Darrick (if he happens to read this) for his very comprehensive reviews and work here on RU-vid. I've realized I can absolutely count on Darrick Keels for great information regardless of what product or feature(s) he is discussing.

My 1st Fantom was the Fantom-S back in the day! The best one was the X series out of them all imo. They should’ve changed the name a long time ago lol Korg Trinity > Triton > M3 > Kronos/ Yamaha Motif > Montage/ Roland Fantom since 2001! 👀 🤦🏾‍♂️

I'm curiuos about the sound quality. I remembered after the JV-1080 the XP-50 came out, but the XP-50 sounded far worse. There are more Roland keyboard that aren't hearible in the the mix, such as the RS-35.

Love my brand new Fantom06. It works for me as a gigging Las Vegas Dj. I also own a Roland D-50, D-70, Yamaha DX7 and a Krog Wavestation Ex.

I have one important question, does the Fantom-08 have the sounds from the FA08? I'm planning on buying the Famtom-08 and I would need some of the sounds (Super Natural, PCMS and PCMD)

Thanks for the video! I have the Modx but I will also get a Fantom. Why not get both? Both seem great :)

I only disagree on one point.. The keys on the Fantom 0 are cheap. It’s exactly like an inexpensive controller keybed. I think Roland should’ve spent more on the key bed… Especially for the $2k I spent on the 07! Thanks for the review 👌