Roland Fantom 7chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The onboard sequencer is capped around 32-64 bars, can't handle mid-song time signature or tempo changes, and lacks multi-channel or custom arpeggios, disappointing users who want a true linear workstation sequencer.

@yamahamotifxs

I don't see much point in this Fantom EX. I currently have a Fantom 7 which already includes the EX update. As a user, I unfortunately had to state that many things are missing in Fantom. I'm convinced by Virtual Analog (Model Expansions) and ACB, but still no multi-channel arpeggios and no way to create your own arpeggios. I've rarely run out of polyphony, but that's a real problem. The sequencer would be good, but it would have been better if not only 64 measures, but at least 256, even in Montage. This would also allow importing a MIDI file without having to load it into 64 Measures divisions. The other thing is that the Time Signature cannot be changed until I set the tempo of the song. If I want to switch from 4/4 to 3/4 in the song, the sequencer won't allow it in the next Pattern. Inactive. It is not possible to change the tempo of the songs during recording. One or two things can be implemented in the Piano Roll, for example reducing or increasing the volume, but it can only be modified for one note. If I want to speed up or slow down a song, I want to set it to every MIDI track. This is obviously a basic thing in a Linear Sequencer. I haven't tried it with Montage, but I think the Super Knob can slow down and speed up a complete song manually with the Super Knob. Split into four Partials, the Zen-Core VA is a polyphony killer. It is not good that the PCM and VA sections are part of a Zen-Core system. The PCM Waveform and VA engine would have been better regardless, because polyphony will always be insufficient. The 256 polyphonic thing is just a dream. Roland did not disclose the real facts. If you're thinking about polyphony, you're not wondering how 4 Partial reduces polyphony more and more when you use more voices in a song. The Fantom would be a great instrument if they hadn't taken away basic things that should have been included.launch

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May 14, 2024

@zoomzoom3950

Roland needs to provide step-by-step guides. The Roland documentation and manuals are some of the worst I've seen. I have a Korg PaX5-76; and thanks to the Korg documentation and official tutorials it was easy to learn. Not a Yamaha user, and I dig Roland, but Roland needs much better tutorials. For example, when it was released, I purchased the complete original AIRA System (MX-1, TR-8, System-1, VT-3, TB-3) + a System-8, and they have the worst manuals I have ever seen IMO.launch

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May 5, 2024

@SunlightOfTheSpirit

This isn’t a classic workstation as mentioned here so beware. There is only one reverb available at any one time so the drums, piano all synths everything share the same space which I’ve found very limiting. The sequencer really is a passion killer and the whole system is geared towards putting most of your effects on in a DAW. MPC is infinite miles ahead in terms of automation and sequencing options and onboard processing. There are only two send effects to be used at any one time plus a single reverb or chorus plus one insert effect so most things that you would shape sound in a DAW are missing. Did I mention only one reverb to use at any given time? If you like one word condescending answers on the Roland Fantom user page, then this is your synth. Many have lived to regret it and not all that glitters……………launch

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April 26, 2024

@kevanbarrett7411

This particular issue would not have concerned me, but having traded in my Kronos 2 for the Fantom, is was quite disappointed that I cant play back a midi file greater than 64 bars and that the Smooth Sound Transition is not possible for the V Piano or Tone Wheel organ. Had I not traded the Kronos, I might well have returned it. That said it is starting to grow on me.launch

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May 20, 2022

Long-time users say the sampler lost live sample chopping and tempo-sync capability present in the 1990s Fantom X, and now lacks time-stretching entirely, requiring a slow DAW-based workaround. Several call this the board's biggest regression.

@SoniSonerOfficial

the aftertouch in this synth is terrible actualy is not an aftertouch is only a on and off button useless to make expressions in your patches you need to push it so hard almost you break your fingers.the second issue is the sampler is useless because there is no timestrecing (bpm sync) is verry sad when they announce this as a flagship in there synth range ..all the sounds are similar lack from character they dont sit on my life performance mixex like any of my other synths .i own the fantom 7 i was expecting to get better reverbs example like in the virus ti with a update .the company suddenly stoped the support and force you to get this with a extra 200 euro update .iam a composer music producer since 1990 .shortly all what i can say is stay far from any roland gear and be happylaunch

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June 7, 2026

@SunlightOfTheSpirit

This isn’t a classic workstation as mentioned here so beware. There is only one reverb available at any one time so the drums, piano all synths everything share the same space which I’ve found very limiting. The sequencer really is a passion killer and the whole system is geared towards putting most of your effects on in a DAW. MPC is infinite miles ahead in terms of automation and sequencing options and onboard processing. There are only two send effects to be used at any one time plus a single reverb or chorus plus one insert effect so most things that you would shape sound in a DAW are missing. Did I mention only one reverb to use at any given time? If you like one word condescending answers on the Roland Fantom user page, then this is your synth. Many have lived to regret it and not all that glitters……………launch

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April 26, 2024

@unitedmogulmediagroup

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.launch

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February 22, 2024

@SunlightOfTheSpirit

If you are planning on buying this synth then be informed that this doesn't have a traditional sequencer on it. It has a very slow, basic, rudimental Ableton Live clip style that has a 32 bar limit. Even though this is called a Fantom, it is not a workstation so please don't make that mistake. Roland have no plans to include a traditional linear sequencer as this is mainly a performance synth. Furthermore, although it os a flagship, it doesn't have the same acoustic realism as say the Integra 7 which is a major disappointment. The onboard drum sounds are similar to a Casio keyboard and have no character and the TR drum sounds are not the same as on the TR-8s which are far superior in realism which means you'll need to buy another piece of hardware to get quality drum tones. Samples cannot be time stretched or manipulated in real time. You basically have to use a DAW to edit samples then import over USB ???? which is super slow and import at the BPM and key of the track you are working on.launch

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June 1, 2021

Multiple commenters call European pricing 'insane' at 4000-5000+ euros, and criticize the EX upgrade pricing structure as confusing and poor value versus buying used units plus upgrades.

@MusicWizard85

I love Roland gear too but I don't like when they repackage a previously released product, add a little seasoning, jack up the price and release it as a new product with a new name. \n\nThis EX is a good pick if you don't have any Roland workstations but if you already have one it's a bit over priced. Plus the $1,000 price difference from the 61 key semi weighted EX ($3,199) to the 88 key fully weighted ($4,199) makes no sense. 27 more keys and weighted isn't 1k better, maybe 400-500 better at most.launch

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April 26, 2024

@ronborkent

So.... the only thing new is that you do not have to endure the horrendous update procedure? No beefed up processor, no more memory, no better polyphony handling ? In all fairness... it's not as bad as Korg trying to sell you a downgrade as the new flagship and then just for fun make you pay a stupid surcharge (520 euro) for the same version but with aftertouch. Oops.. I take that back....a Fantom 6 costs 3066 euro plus the do it yourself upgrade of 200 euro is 3266 euros. The fantom EX is listed at Bax for 4199 euro's....what do I get for the remaining 933 euros difference?launch

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April 26, 2024

@ChristopherJenkins73

Im a little confused on this? The site says the EX Has now 7k sounds? The Original had 3500 sounds? Is there anything Xtra if one has the Fantom 6 and purchased the EX Upgrade? Is there any difference? \nThe Fantom 6 is now selling for 2599.00 + 199.00 for EX Upgrade...=2800.00 that is still much cheaper than buying the \"new Fantom EX\" at 3200? What am i missing? Anything new under the hood? Polyphony fix? More Sounds? So... if someone had the flagship and the ex upgrade? Is all you're missing is the EX sticker for 400.00 more and now able to sell the sounds? 😒 🤔launch

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April 26, 2024

@ursullavandenbord2322

Prices in Europe are insane.... NO NO NO 4199 Euros 4699 euros 4999 euros .... Crazy ! Even M8X is cheaper ..... Insane. Bye bye.....launch

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April 25, 2024

Users describe Roland's manuals and tutorials as some of the worst they've seen, and support as slow to respond or unhelpful with technical issues like cloud authorization errors.

@zoomzoom3950

Roland needs to provide step-by-step guides. The Roland documentation and manuals are some of the worst I've seen. I have a Korg PaX5-76; and thanks to the Korg documentation and official tutorials it was easy to learn. Not a Yamaha user, and I dig Roland, but Roland needs much better tutorials. For example, when it was released, I purchased the complete original AIRA System (MX-1, TR-8, System-1, VT-3, TB-3) + a System-8, and they have the worst manuals I have ever seen IMO.launch

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May 5, 2024

@bandafiodeprata6195

Hi, please help me... I have a serious problem with my fantom 7 and support takes a long time to respond or suggests things that are very obvious that I had already done. I can't load Roland Cloud Manager expansions at all with an \"Incorrect File!\" error. I've done everything, removed license/reset factory/etc and nothing, always the same message. Please if anyone can put me in touch with support more effectively I would greatly appreciate it.\r\nI'm Brazilian and so far I haven't received an answer on how to proceed. (Hard Reset? where to do it?)launch

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August 20, 2023

@punchthedog

The instruction manual must be the size of a Tokyo phone book.launch

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January 26, 2020

Users report notes dropping off when layering patches heavily, with one calling the advertised 256-voice polyphony misleading once multiple partials are engaged.

@yamahamotifxs

I don't see much point in this Fantom EX. I currently have a Fantom 7 which already includes the EX update. As a user, I unfortunately had to state that many things are missing in Fantom. I'm convinced by Virtual Analog (Model Expansions) and ACB, but still no multi-channel arpeggios and no way to create your own arpeggios. I've rarely run out of polyphony, but that's a real problem. The sequencer would be good, but it would have been better if not only 64 measures, but at least 256, even in Montage. This would also allow importing a MIDI file without having to load it into 64 Measures divisions. The other thing is that the Time Signature cannot be changed until I set the tempo of the song. If I want to switch from 4/4 to 3/4 in the song, the sequencer won't allow it in the next Pattern. Inactive. It is not possible to change the tempo of the songs during recording. One or two things can be implemented in the Piano Roll, for example reducing or increasing the volume, but it can only be modified for one note. If I want to speed up or slow down a song, I want to set it to every MIDI track. This is obviously a basic thing in a Linear Sequencer. I haven't tried it with Montage, but I think the Super Knob can slow down and speed up a complete song manually with the Super Knob. Split into four Partials, the Zen-Core VA is a polyphony killer. It is not good that the PCM and VA sections are part of a Zen-Core system. The PCM Waveform and VA engine would have been better regardless, because polyphony will always be insufficient. The 256 polyphonic thing is just a dream. Roland did not disclose the real facts. If you're thinking about polyphony, you're not wondering how 4 Partial reduces polyphony more and more when you use more voices in a song. The Fantom would be a great instrument if they hadn't taken away basic things that should have been included.launch

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May 14, 2024

@shammzz3

A lot of these tones suck. I've heard better tones on my $200 Casio. It's like they skimped on the guitar and bass sounds. The workflow is trash and confusing, the tones and sounds aren't in order which makes no sense and the polyphony is VERY limited, at no time should I be playing a $4000 lenses and having notes drop offlaunch

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August 16, 2020

A user notes that even in official Roland demos, performers repeatedly press the wrong buttons on the tiny phone-sized screen, calling it a longstanding usability flaw across Fantom generations.

@jeno.javori_music

I have watched several videos of this esteemed performer, and I genuinely enjoy all of them. He explains everything extremely well, and I really like his playing style and the musical expression in his performances. However, I must add that it was simply dreadful to watch people pressing the wrong buttons on that tiny phone-sized screen, which is not the musician's fault but the manufacturer's. I have often refrained from buying Roland Fantom instruments because even in the demos presented by Roland, people frequently press the wrong buttons on the touchscreen and do not select the right functions, which is incredibly frustrating. It is no coincidence that, in the past, a mouse could be connected to the Roland Fantom-G synth. Moments like these make one wonder if it's still worth buying workstations with such small displays that make it easy to adjust many things but difficult to use, or why they don’t make the buttons larger, even if it means more menu navigation. I've been in touch with many musicians, and many of them have similar complaints.launch

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August 24, 2024

Only one reverb and a couple of send effects are shared across the whole instrument at once, forcing users toward a DAW for serious sound shaping.

@SunlightOfTheSpirit

This isn’t a classic workstation as mentioned here so beware. There is only one reverb available at any one time so the drums, piano all synths everything share the same space which I’ve found very limiting. The sequencer really is a passion killer and the whole system is geared towards putting most of your effects on in a DAW. MPC is infinite miles ahead in terms of automation and sequencing options and onboard processing. There are only two send effects to be used at any one time plus a single reverb or chorus plus one insert effect so most things that you would shape sound in a DAW are missing. Did I mention only one reverb to use at any given time? If you like one word condescending answers on the Roland Fantom user page, then this is your synth. Many have lived to regret it and not all that glitters……………launch

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April 26, 2024

A detailed user comparison notes the mod matrix is far more limited than competing synths, with many mod sources unable to be assigned to key voice parameters.

@jakykong

This video did help in my original decision to buy a Fantom 8 some months back. I really enjoy it -- but I have one real annoyance with the Fantom: Most modern polysynths like the Polybrute, even older instruments like the Alesis Ion, both of which I am intimately familiar with, have _far_ superior mod matrices, where basically every mod source (control surfaces, LFOs, envelopes, etc.) can be assigned to basically every voice parameter (in particular every continuous voice parameter).\n\nWhich is unfortunate because the Fantom has an astonishing array of voicing possibilities, and with 4 foot controllers, the wheels/joystics, all of the knobs and automation, and the sheer number of LFOs -- having them mostly bound to a small number of bland parameters feels really limiting. I wish I could do things like assign an LFO to an n/zyme shape radius, or send key velocity to attack time on a Zen Core patch (or amp on any of the non-velocity-sensitive model expansions!), or release time to a foot controller. But these parameters just aren't exposed in CC or in the mod matrix to even configure, and it's very strange considering they're adjustable during performance so it's not like the compute power to do it isn't there.\n\nThe Fantom really shines on sampled instruments - whether it's SN-A or any of the sound packs you can get, but it's not that great (in my experience) for doing ground-up sound design, mostly for combining other sounds. Which is fine, but it feels like it's a firmware update away from going from \"awesome\" to \"the only synth you'll ever need\".launch

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February 22, 2023