DISC Roland Fantom 8 88-Key Synthesizer with Z-Frame Stand

Full Description

Version 2.0 – Sample and Multi-sample

The Fantom has received several significant updates with new features so far, and V2.0 is the biggest yet adding in huge sampling capabilities.

Now you can easily sample directly into the Fantom Pads and Keys to create keyboard instruments. Sample a single note of another device and turn it into a fully polyphonic instrument on to the Fantom. You can also create highly detailed multi-sampled instruments by combining many different samples into a single instrument. You can apply any of the Fantom’s massive effects range to your sampling input too to further enhance your samples.

There’s a huge amount of user memory for samples; 2GB in fact! This is perfect for live performers who need to re-create classic sounds from multiple machines that they can’t take out on the road. The best thing is that even with all this sampling time it doesn’t affect the Fantom’s fast start up time of around 40 seconds.

V2.0 also sees some great improvements to the editing capabilities in the Fantom sequencer; a new microscope mode allows for advanced editing of fine detail, while the piano roll has gained the ability to draw in automation for creative sound design with patterns. After you’ve grouped your patterns together you can now even trigger these from the pads for easy live performance.

Roland Fantom 8 88-key Synthesizer Workstation

The ultimate creative hub and workstation

The Fantom 8 builds on the success of previous iterations, staying true to its core principles and fluid playability. With an ergonomic layout that is jam-packed with performance controls and a built-in TR-REC sequencer; the Fantom 8 sets a precedent in the workstation ranks. The fluid creative process makes it easier than ever to create music, tweak sounds and inspire your creativity. You can seamlessly switch between sounds, perfect for live performances and quick production decisions.

Focus on playing. The Fantom combines the latest technological innovations with fluid operation and deep computer integration. The modeless interface design means you never have to worry about what features work in which modes. The consistent workspace prepares you for any scenario, from music-based production to live stage performances.

Scene and always heard

One of the most useful performance features is the ability to customise your creative space and save the settings. The creative spaces are called “Scenes”. A Scene can be a full song, a segmented section of a song or even a selection of your favourite sounds, arranged to your liking. You can even chain multiple Scenes together and switch between them instantaneously with gaps or glitches.

Highly versatile sound engine with powerful DSP

The beating heart of the Fantom is the powerful and versatile sound engine. It's one of Roland’s most flexible and expandable sound engines today; the product of years of research and development. The myriad of sounds is further complemented by the ability to blend between tones and sound and even sculpt your own using the onboard analog filter and wide range of controls. The sounds range from an authentic acoustic instrument to cutting-edge electronic and hybrid sounds. The new and improved technology pushes the Fantom into a new sonic territory, whilst retaining the classic synth sounds that made the originals so sought after.

PHA-50 hammer action keybed with Plastic Hybrid Structure

What sets the Fantom 8 apart from the other synths in the series is the exclusive PHA-50 hammer-action keybed. This 88-key progressive hammer action keyboard provides ultra-responsive sensing, to further enhance the development between touch and sound. With beautiful wooden sides and durable molded materials, the PHA-50 delivers a traditional acoustic piano look and feel.

Whether you are building basic skills or delivering a demanding live performance, the PHA-50 puts you in full control of your tonality and dynamics. The PHA-50 delivers the perfect balance between a familiar feel and artisan design.

V-Piano technology – natural sound and feel

Further complementing the semi-weighted keybed, the Fantom features V-Piano technology. This specialised sound technology combines the authentic feel of the keybed with a meticulously crafted piano sound. The result is a natural grand piano sound that plays and responds like their acoustic counterparts.

Hands-on control with intuitive touchscreen interface

The Fantom features a comprehensive control section, comprised of a wide range of knobs, sliders and even RGB pads. You can use the sliders for controlling modulation and volume, perfect for making quick, on-the-fly changes. You can achieve everything from smooth sweeps to finer adjustments of texture and sound with the onboard controls. It also includes a dedicated synth section with oscillator, filter and envelope controls as well as buttons and pads for triggering and sequencing.

The main control hub of the whole workstation is the intuitive touchscreen interface. You can easily control settings and parameters from the touchscreen, as well as providing seamless integration with your favourite DAW. The touchscreen allows you to directly operate performance software like Apple’s Logic Pro and MainStage, as well as virtual instruments from Roland Cloud and some others.

TR-REC step sequencer

Creating patterns and rhythms has never felt better. The onboard TR-REC style pattern sequencer is borrowed from classic Roland drum machines. This new stylised sequencer allows you to create patterns in a variety of different ways. You can create rhythms and pattern in real time or through step-time polyphonic sequencing.

A highly useful tool is the clip-based sequencing. Building up a track and arranging it can be one of the most tedious challenges musicians face. By constantly building and adding new clips you can easily start to see the puzzle pieces in an intuitive way. You can record drums, basslines pads and other patterns, which you can then trigger individually or in groups.

Wide range of analog and digital connectivity

The rear panel of the Fantom features a wide range of analog and digital connectivity, making it of the most versatile workstations on the market. The Fantom doesn’t just work with computers, it fully integrates with them. It features a built-in 16x3 stereo audio interface, as well as the ability to integrate soft synths. You can even connect external MIDI and USB controllers from the three available USB ports. Should you want to integrate with analog synths and modules, the Fantom features two sets of CV/Gate which you can sync tempo or play them from Fantom’s keyboard and pattern sequencers.

Roland KS10Z Z-Frame Keyboard Stand

Sturdy, adjustable stand

The KS-10Z takes the classic 'Z-stand' configuration and enhances it for increased usability. With its versatile adjustable design, this rugged stand is suitable for all types of stage pianos and keyboards, including large and heavy 88-note models.

Spring-loaded levers provide quick and easy height adjustment, and sturdy metal crossbars add strength and stability while also allowing for width adjustments. The KS-10Z's foam-padded support arms conveniently fold down for transport, enabling easy travel from home to gig and back.

Features

Roland Fantom 8 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation

• Next-generation flagship synthesizer
• Built-in intuitive colour touch screen
• Powerful onboard DSP engine, run up to 16 parts with all effects at once
• PHA-50 hammer action keybed for authentic feel and playability
• Onboard RGB pads – ideal for finger drumming and triggering samples
• TR-REC style pattern sequencer
• Real-time recording with piano roll editing
• Deep integration with computers including DAWs and performance software
• Flexible and expandable sound engine
• Control DAWs and virtual instruments from touchscreen
• CV/Gate connectivity for use with analog synths and modules
• V-Piano technology provides authentic sound and feel

Roland KS10Z Z-Frame Keyboard Stand

• Sturdy design with heavy-duty construction
• Easy height and width adjustment with spring-loaded levers
• Padded support arms fold down for easy transport
• Can hold large 88 key pianos with ease