Released at the Winter NAMM show in Los Angeles in 2008 were the new range of keyboard workstations from Roland - namely the Fantom G range. According to the manufacturers blurb "The Fantom-G is a dream instrument that redefines boundaries, playability and creativity with its advanced sound engine, revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, jumbo-sized colour LCD, powerful new audio/MIDI recorder, first-class 88-note Ivory Feel weighted keys" (Fantom-G8), 76-note keys (Fantom-G7), and 61-note keys (Fantom-G6).
The Fantom-G’s advanced sound engine is driven by Roland's powerful new audio processor, and with twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains an abundance of SRX-quality sounds But what really sets this instrument apart from its competitors is its new ARX expansion which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful workstation.
In conjunction with the large-size LCD, the on-board power sequencer pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully integrated audio/MIDI graphic environment. A mouse can also be incorporated for computer-like speed and ease of use. A new effects engine provides a wide range of multi-effects for each Fantom-G sound or part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Users can create complex setups with up to 18 insert effects per patch, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer ...
For an overview of the Fantom G range click here.