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Roland FANTOM-08 Synthesizer Keyboard

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Roland FANTOM-0 - Top Panel Explanation - Part 1 of 4

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Description
Stemming from Roland’s flagship FANTOM series, the FANTOM-08 synthesizer keyboard is a music-making powerhouse, giving performers and producers purpose-designed features to streamline their workflow and expand their sonic palette. Available here at Guitar Center, the 88-key FANTOM-08 gives players the ultimate freedom to explore, shape and fine-tune their sound using a color touchscreen, tactile controls and deep computer integration. Starring legendary Roland synthesis and sampling, an audio interface with massive DSP power and a lightweight, durable construction, it’s a go-to creative hub for music makers of all stripes.

Intuitive, Customizable Workflow
Sporting an interactive design, FANTOM-08 is rich with convenient professional features and modern synthesis tools suitable for any kind of performance or production workflow. Custom creative spaces called Scenes can easily recall sounds, patterns, performance layouts, templates, other settings and even entire sections of songs—perfect for composing and arranging with efficiency and control.

Seamless Integration
FANTOM-08 is equipped with powerful DSP and plenty of I/O via its onboard 4x32 USB audio interface. And with its native touchscreen and hardware integration with Logic Pro, MainStage and Ableton Live, it’s primed for easy and expansive integration into any kind of setup. It melds the organic, tactile control of hi-res knobs, sliders and RGB performance pads with familiar, efficient DAW functionality—adding fuel to creative inspiration.

Legendary Roland Sounds
Powered by Roland’s advanced ZEN-Core and SuperNATURAL technologies, FANTOM-08 is loaded with thousands of high-quality electronic and acoustic sounds from Roland’s ever-growing, iconic library—expandable through Roland Cloud. Piano players will appreciate the new SuperNATURAL pianos, featuring authentic acoustic grand sound and response. The Virtual ToneWheel Organ harkens to the sound-generation process of a real tonewheel organ, offering quick-fire playability and harmonic control via the touchscreen, sliders and knobs.

Limitless Expression
FANTOM-08 is geared toward players who enjoy modding their sound via levers or wheels, as well as those who prefer external pedals. Using the mic input, a 32-band vocoder allows for a vast world of vocal manifestations, from VP-style ensemble tones and robot voices to surreal textures and more. There’s also a dedicated USB port for connecting a MIDI controller—with the FANTOM-0 series, there’s no limit to the types and combinations of expression available.
Roland is known for giving musicians freedom to explore their creativity, and FANTOM-08’s ability to easily create long, evolving passages, modular-style animated textures and sounds with customizable articulation, makes this 88-key synth no exception. With two LFOs per partial and four partials per tone—plus the ability to stack 16 tones—FANTOM-08 can provide up to 128 LFOs per voice. And for sequencing, step LFOs are possible with 16 steps of beat-synced automation and 35 curve choices per step.
Features
- Sounds and features inherited from the flagship FANTOM series
- Seamless workflow with no confusing modes
- Light and durable molded body design for easy transport
- Play and produce with thousands of electronic and acoustic sounds powered by Roland's advanced ZEN-Core and SuperNATURAL technologies
- SuperNATURAL pianos with authentic acoustic grand sound and response
- Virtual ToneWheel Organ with harmonic bar control and quick-fire playability
- Deep onboard sampling features
- Scenes contain settings for all 16 layers, plus effects and patterns
- Clip-based sequencing with instant pattern recording and triggering
- TR-REC sequencer inspired by classic Roland drum machines
- Color touchscreen, high-resolution knobs, sliders, RGB performance pads and dedicated synth control section
- Pitch/mod lever and illuminated pitch and mod wheels
- Massive DSP power for plenty of polyphony and smooth sound transitions
- 4x32 USB audio interface and native integration with Logic Pro, MainStage and Ableton Live
- Mic input and powerful onboard vocoder
- Support for Model Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs and more from Roland Cloud
- Compatible with FANTOM Scenes that use ZEN-Core, SuperNATURAL and Virtual ToneWheel Organ sounds
- Custom 88-note keyboard with weighted action
Specs
- 88 Keys (PHA-4 standard keyboard: with Escapement and Ivory Feel)
- TONE
- ZEN-Core
- SuperNATURAL Acoustic
- SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano (EXSN01/03 preload)
- SuperNATURAL Electric Piano (EXSN02 preload)
- VTW Organ (Only ZONE2)
- Various MODEL sound generators (require adding EXM Series)
- *ZEN-Core Tones and Model Tones can import and export.
- *Backup file has compatibility with FANTOM-6/7/8, but it can read the enabled features only.
- EXZ Series
- EXSN Series
- EXM Series
- *The expansion are rewritable internal sound generator memory—you can download data from the Roland Cloud and write it via a USB flash drive into the FANTOM's internal memory
- 16 zones (Internal + External)
- 128 scenes x 4 banks
- *The Scenes can import and export
- At least 3,500 tones
- At least 90 drum kits
- 8 zones
- *When "Scene Remain Switch" enabled; Tone Remain does not apply to VTW Organ sounds
- Rating system: 4 steps (0-3)
- one Search/Scene Search
- Rating, Character
- Multi-effects: 16 systems, 90 types
- Part EQ: 16 systems
- Drum part COMP: 6 systems
- Insertion Effect: 2 systems, 90 types (serial/parallel connection selectable)
- TFX: 1 system, 90 types
- Input MFX: 1 system, 90 types
- Chorus: 9 types
- Reverb: 7 types
- Master compressor
- Input reverb: 7 types
- Input EQ: 1 system
- Band: 13, 20, 32
- Type: Mono, stereo
- Preset setting: 10
- User setting: 20
- Chain: 16 Scenes x 32 Pages (Total 512 Scenes) per 1 Chain set
- Set: 100
- Marker: 36 (0-9, A-Z, a-z) per 1 Chain Set
- MIDI tracks: 16
- Group: 16
- Pattern: 8 (per each track)
- Pattern length: 32 measures
- Recording method: Realtime recording, step recording, TR-REC
- Editing method: Piano roll edit (Touch Edit/Automation support), Microscope
- Song: 1 (per Scene)
- File format: Original, SMF export/import supported
- *PAD Sampler trigger data can be recorded.
- Keyboard Multisample
- Format: 16/24-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF
- Number of samples: 2,048
- Number of multisamples: 128
- Sampling time: The maximum is 2 minutes 44 seconds (1 sample)
- *A total of approximately 256MB (share with Expansion titles)
- *Keyboard Multisample can import and export as ZEN-Core Tone
- Format: 16/24-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF import supported
- Maximum polyphony: 8
- Number of samples: 16 pads x 4 banks
- Sampling time: The maximum is 60 minutes (the equivalent of approximately 660MB)
- *A total of approximately 2GB (including imported WAV files)
- *When you use the PAD samples as KBD Wave, then you have to manipulation it
- Size: 2GB
- Rhythm Pattern
- Arpeggiator
- Chord Memory
- Motional Pad
- Sample Pad, Note Pad, Partial Sw/Sel, DAW Control, Zone Mute, Zone Solo, Kbd Sw Group, Rhythm Pattern, Pattern, Variation Play, Group Play
- AIRA LINK
- * When connect to MX-1
- Pitch bend/modulation lever
- Assignable switch x2 (S1/S2)
- Control knob x8
- Slider x8
- Wheel x2
- Function knob x6
- Sound modified knob x2
- 4x4 pad
- *1,024 step editing support
- It can be use with Cutoff, Resonance.
- Graphic type, 5.5" (1,280 x 720 dots), backlit LCD (color touchscreen, screensaver, wallpaper support)
- Headphones jack: Stereo 1/4" phone type
- MAIN OUT jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4" TRS type)
- SUB OUT jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4" phone type)
- SUB OUT STEREO (PHONES) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type PHONES support
- Mic input jacks: 1/4" TRS type
- Line input jacks: (L/MONO,R) (1/4" phone type)
- FOOT PEDAL jacks(HOLD, CTRL1, CTRL2)
- MIDI connectors (IN, OUT)
- USB MEMORY port
- USB COMPUTER port (AUDIO/MIDI)
- External device port: A Roland A-49 or an A-PRO series MIDI controller can be connected
- *Operation is not guaranteed if a generic MIDI device is connected
- Max 24-bit/96kHz
- Record 16 stereo channel
- Playback 2 stereo channel
- USB flash drive (sold separately)
- AC adaptor
- 1,300mAh
- 54-7/8" x 13-15/16" x 5-7/16"
- 32 lb. 11 oz.
- Owner’s manual
- AC adaptor
- Keyboard stand: KS-G8B, KS-10Z, KS-12, KS-20X
- Pedal switch: DP series, RPU-3
- Expression pedal: EV-5
- USB flash drive
Featured Articles
Reviews
5
6 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Filters
Best Uses
- Concerts4
- MIDI4
- Electronic Music3
- Learning3
- Accompaniment2
Cons
- Editor / Librarian tied to Roland Cloud1
- Limited Expansion Storage1
- No Aftertouch1
- No Speakers1
- Seems complicated at first1
Describe Yourself
- Experienced3
- Novice2
- Professional Musician1
Pros
- Touch Sensitive Keys6
- Easy to Use5
- Good Audio5
- Responsive / Good Action5
- Portable3
Reviewed by 6 customers
Incredible Value, Amazing Sound
submitted6 months ago
byMDJ
fromScottsdale, AZ
When my old Roland XP-50 finally broke after 25 years of faithful service, I started looking for a replacement. While I considered other manufacturers, ultimately the value offered here was just incredible. While I found the Logic /Mainstage integration wonky with Logic Pro 11, the general layout and functionality is really great. There is some menu diving as always with a synth this deep but it never feels tedious or unnecessary. The video tutorials online are super helpful, the sounds are inspiring, the sequencer is easy to use, and splits and layers are a breeze. My three biggest gripes are no after touch, limited sound expansion memory and the fact that editor /librarian functions are tied in with Roland Cloud subscriptions. The good news is, the onboard editing is good enough and you don't really need an external editor, There are tons of external sound packs available for free with more for purchase under Roland Cloud, and while after touch can be nice you have plenty of options for expression with this beautiful keyboard. The weighted keys feel fantastic too.
Highly underrated
submitteda year ago
byCarlos
fromSan Francisco
I recently bough a Roland Fantom 08 and all I can say is that it's super good, the feel of the piano and the sound is amazing. At first it seemed little bit tricky to use but once I started using it it was super convenient. Overall I would highly recommend. It's also super convenient if you're using MainStage/abelton/Logic because it work with it. There's not a lot of reviews or videos on this and can be kind of hard to find, but it's an overall good purchase.
Steady Rollin' Roland
submitted3 years ago
byDavid
fromDC Metro Area
I've had several fine keyboards over the past few years, and the Fantom-08 is certainly one of the best, arguably the top choice overall considering its capabilities, price and portability. The acid test for me has always been live gigging and the Fantom-08 does not disappoint. These keys would undoubtedly be equally impressive in a studio production environment. The creative potential of this machine, with its impressive array of voices and effects, is vast.
Wow, am I impressed
submitted3 years ago
byMaximo
fromChico, California
Worth the 2000 easily with the sheer amount of production and technological capabilities. Super user friendly even for beginners and the presets and things it comes with out of the box leaves you with endless amounts of entertainment and possibility.
yes
Verified Buyer
submitted3 years ago
byWallace
fromLas Vegas
Write songs and produce musical compositions.
Fascinating Machine
Verified Buyer
submitted3 years ago
byEBLACKK
fromGranada Hills
The Coolest Keyboard Roland Ever made in my opinion! Hands Down
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Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted2 years ago
asked byDanie Best
fromOKC. OK
Can is reproduce the Farfisa, Hammond organ with Leslie effect?
I’m sorry, I’m not sure. I think it does.submitted3 years ago
asked byHan Solo
fromSeattle, WA
What is the warranty?
Five yearssubmitted3 years ago
asked byMintVase15
fromIslip Terrace, NY
Are the keys weighted keys?
Not like a piano. Synthesizers typically don't have weighted keys. For that you want a digital piano.submitted3 years ago
asked byGabriel
fromHuntsville Alabama
Is the keys heavyweight
They aren't as heavyweight as an acoustic piano, but they are a lot more durable than other keyboards in this price range.