Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, FANTOM 8 EX Synthesizer Workstation User Manual

Introduction to This Document

Please read these instructions first. This manual describes the basic operating steps of the instrument.

PDF Document (Download via Internet)

• Reference Manual (English): This document describes all functions of the FANTOM.
• Parameter Guide (English): This document describes all parameters of the FANTOM.
• MIDI Implementation (English): This document contains detailed MIDI message information.

To download PDF data:

1. Go to the website: http://www.roland.com/manuals/
2. Select "FANTOM-6EX", "FANTOM-7EX", or "FANTOM-8EX".

First, read the sections "IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION" (inside front cover), "SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" (p. 2), and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (p. 4). Then, read through this entire manual to familiarize yourself with all functions of the device. Keep this manual for reference.

© 2024 Roland Corporation

Safety Instructions

Instructions for Preventing Fire, Electric Shock, or Personal Injury

About the Notes

WARNING: Used for instructions that warn the user of the risk of death or serious injury if the device is used incorrectly.

CAUTION: Used for instructions that warn the user of the risk of injury or property damage if the device is used incorrectly.

* Property damage refers to damage or other undesirable effects on the house/apartment and its contents, as well as pets.

About the Symbols

Always Observe the Following

Important Notes

Power Supply

• Do not use a circuit to which noise-producing devices are connected (e.g., motors, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, air conditioners, or lighting systems). Otherwise, noise may be heard or malfunctions may occur. If necessary, use a noise filter system.

Positioning

• Positioning near large amplifiers can cause humming. In this case, increase the distance between the device and the amplifier.
• Do not place this device in direct proximity to televisions or radios, as their reception may otherwise be impaired.
• Cordless phones and mobile phones can cause interference when operated near the instrument. Therefore, do not operate phones near the device or turn them off.
• If the device has been exposed to temperature differences (e.g., after transport), wait until the device has adapted to room temperature before using it. Otherwise, damage may occur due to condensation. Therefore, let the device stand for a few hours before turning it on.
• Do not place objects on the keyboard. This can cause malfunctions such as unexpected sound generation.
• Depending on the material and surface temperature of the resting surface, the rubber feet on the underside of the device may leave marks that may not be removable.
• Do not place containers with liquid on the device. Wipe wet spots dry with a soft, dry cloth.

Cleaning

• Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol, or similar agents, as the device surface may discolor or be damaged.

Notes on Keyboard Care (FANTOM-8EX only)

• Do not write on the surface of the keys or attach markings to the instrument. Ensure that no ink gets on the keyboard, as it cannot be removed afterwards.
• Do not attach stickers to the keys. Sticker residues may not be removable and discoloration may occur at the adhesive point.
• Remove stubborn dirt with a mild keyboard cleaner. First, press the cloth lightly. If the dirt cannot be removed, press a little harder, but be careful not to scratch the keys.

Repairs and Data Backup

• Please note that all user data may be lost when repairing the device. Therefore, regularly make backup copies of your data. Although Roland tries to handle user data carefully during repairs, data retention is often not possible during repairs. Roland accepts no liability for any kind of data loss.

Additional Notes

• It is possible that data may be lost due to a malfunction, incorrect operation of the device, etc. Therefore, you should regularly make backup copies of your data.
• Roland accepts no liability for any kind of data loss.
• Handle the controls of the device with the necessary care. Rough handling of the device can result in malfunctions.
• Do not press or hit the display.
• When disconnecting cables from the device, always pull by the plug, not the cable itself. This prevents possible damage to the wires in the cable.
• The device radiates heat during operation. This is normal.
• Always operate the device at an appropriate volume.
• Please note that the playing sounds emanating from the instrument (e.g., vibrations caused by striking the keyboard) can also be transmitted through walls, floors, and ceilings to adjacent rooms. Make sure not to disturb your neighbors.
• Dispose of packaging material according to applicable legal regulations.
• Do not use cables with built-in resistors.

Notes on External Storage Media

• Observe the following notes regarding external storage media. Additionally, read the notes supplied with the respective storage medium.
• Do not disconnect the external storage medium while data is being read from or written to it.
• To prevent damage from static electricity, discharge static electricity by touching a metal object before touching the external storage medium.

Notes on Copyrights and Trademarks

• Recording, distributing, selling, lending, performing, or transmitting copyrighted audio and video material (in whole or in part) is subject to legal copyright regulations and is not permitted without the permission of the copyright holder.
• Do not use this device with copyrighted audio data if you do not have the permission of the copyright holder. Roland accepts no liability for claims arising from copyright infringement.
• The copyright to the content of this instrument (sound waveforms, style data, accompaniment patterns, phrases, audio loops, image data) lies with Roland Corporation.
• As the owner of this instrument, you are licensed to use the content of this instrument for your own work (exception: song data such as demo songs); this includes creating tracks, performances, recordings, and publishing your works.
• It is not permitted to commercially offer the above-mentioned content of this instrument in its original or modified form (Example: publishing data on the Internet, distributing via data carriers such as DVDs).
• ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
• This device uses Open Source License Software (GPL/LGPL). It is permitted to acquire, modify, and publish the source code of the Open Source License Software. You can download the source code of the Open Source License Software used in this device from the following website: https://www.roland.com/support/
• This product uses an eParts integrated software platform from eSOL Co., Ltd. eParts is a trademark of eSOL Co., Ltd. in Japan.
• This product uses the source code of µT-Kernel of T-License 2.0 with permission from the T-Engine Forum (www.tron.org).
• Roland and SuperNATURAL are registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the USA and/or other countries.
• All other company names and product designations are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
• Apple Logic Pro X, Garage Band, and Mainstage are registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Inc.

The Control Panel and Connectors

Diagram: Roland FANTOM Synthesizer Workstation with labeled sections: Controller, Synthesizer, Sequencer, Sampler. The top panel shows various knobs, sliders, buttons, and a display. The rear panel shows various input/output jacks.

1. Controller Section

2. Zone Section

Diagram: Basic Zone INT/EXT Button Status. Shows how the button status (Off/COMMON, Red/INT, Green/EXT, Orange/MUTE) affects sound generation from internal and external sound engines, and how SHIFT + ZONE INT/EXT button changes the status. Also shows "Settings in MIXER screen" for MUTE.

If you set the Zone Int/Ext Control setting in the SYSTEM screen to "ADVANCED", the LED indicators can be switched to yellow (in this case, both the internal sound engine and the external MIDI instrument are played). For more details, see "Settings for the ZONE INT/EXT buttons (Zone Int/Ext Control)" (p. 23).

3. Common Section

4. Scene Section

5. OSC (Oscillator) Section

6. FILTER Section

7. ENV/AMP Section

8. EFFECTS Section

9. Sequencer Section

10. Pad Section

The Rear Panel (Connectors for External Equipment)

Diagram: Rear panel of the Roland FANTOM showing various connectors: MIDI, MIC/LINE INPUT, USB Flash Memory, Computer, Monitor Speakers, Headphones, Power Supply, Pedals, Expression Pedal, Analog Synthesizer. Pin assignments for MIC/LINE INPUT and MAIN OUT are also shown.

To prevent malfunctions or possible damage, always set the volume to minimum and turn off all devices when making cable connections.

A. Power Supply

B. OUTPUT Jacks

C. CV/GATE Jacks

D. INPUT Jack

E. FOOT PEDAL Jacks

F. MIDI Jacks

G. USB Connection

Introduction

Powering On

Ensure that you have correctly cabled the devices and observed the power-on sequence. Always turn on instruments and devices in the prescribed order to prevent malfunctions.

1. Set the instrument volume to minimum. Set the volume on connected devices to minimum as well.
2. Press the [■] switch. The instrument turns on and the screen display activates.
3. Turn on external devices.
4. Set the volume of external devices.
5. Set the instrument volume.

Powering Off

1. Set the instrument volume to minimum. Set the volume on connected devices to minimum as well.
2. Turn off external devices.
3. Press the [■] switch. The instrument turns off.

Always set the volume to minimum before turning on and off. Even at minimum volume, a faint noise may be heard when turning on and off. This is normal and not a malfunction. If you want to completely disconnect the device from the power supply, you must unplug the power cord from the outlet after turning it off. See "Completely disconnect the device from the power supply" (p. 2).

Automatic Shutoff Function (Auto Off)

The instrument automatically turns off after a preset period of inactivity (playing sounds or a song, moving a knob, pressing a button) (Auto Off function). If you do not want automatic shutoff, you can deactivate this function.

When turning off, settings that have been changed but not yet saved will be deleted. Therefore, regularly save important data. If the instrument has turned off automatically, you must turn it on manually again.

Changing the Auto Off Setting

1. Press the [MENU] button. The MENU screen appears.
2. Touch <SYSTEM>. The SYSTEM screen appears.
3. Touch <GENERAL>.
4. Select "Auto Off" and then the desired setting.

5. To save the changed setting, press the [WRITE] button on the displayed System screen.

Basic Operation

Editing a Value

Proceed as follows to change a value.

[INC] [DEC] Buttons

Pressing the [INC] button increases the value, pressing the [DEC] button decreases the value.

[VALUE] Knob

Rotating the knob clockwise increases the value, rotating it counter-clockwise decreases the value.

Screen (Touch-Sensitive)

You can touch a symbol with your finger to change its value or move the positions of knobs and faders.

NUMERIC Window

When you hold the [SHIFT] button and press the [ENTER] button, a window with numbers appears. You can directly enter numerical values using this window. For some parameters, numerical values cannot be entered.

Moving the Cursor

In a screen or window, multiple parameters are displayed. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and change its value with the [INC] / [DEC] buttons or the [VALUE] knob.

Move the cursor to the desired position with the Cursor buttons.

Cursor [▲] [▼] [◀] [►] Buttons

The cursor moves in the direction of the pressed Cursor button.

Screen (Touch-Sensitive)

When you touch a parameter value or a symbol on the screen, the cursor moves to the corresponding position. For some symbols, touching them does not move the cursor.

Confirming a Value or Cancelling an Operation

[ENTER] Button

This confirms the input of a value or performs an operation. If you move the cursor to a Tone or parameter and then press the [ENTER] button, a list appears where you can change the setting.

[EXIT] Button

This selects the previous screen display or closes the displayed screen window.

Screen (Touch-Sensitive)

The confirmation symbols <OK> or <SELECT> appearing on the screen have the same function as the [ENTER] button, the <EXIT> symbol has the same function as the [EXIT] button.

If you are unsure which menu you are in, you can return to the SCENE SELECT screen by pressing the [EXIT] button multiple times or the [SCENE SELECT] button.

[SHIFT] Button

This button calls up additional functions of control buttons. If you hold the [SHIFT] button and additionally press another button, an edit screen of the used button is called up (shortcut).

FUNCTION Knobs [E1]-[E6]

These knobs perform the function assigned to them in each screen, such as editing parameters or scrolling lists or tabs. By pressing a knob, you can change a value as with a button.

Knob and Fader Movements

Diagram: Example of a screen showing parameter values changing when a knob or fader is moved. A temporary pop-up window shows the parameter name and value. Some parameters do not show additional pop-up windows.

[MENU] Button

This calls up various functions and system settings. You can also access the Menu screen by touching the <≡> symbol in the top left of the SCENE SELECT screen.

The operations described in this manual, such as "Editing a value", "Moving the cursor", "Confirming an input/Cancelling an operation", or "Navigating to a screen display", can be performed in multiple ways as described above. (Examples: "Pressing buttons", "Touching a symbol on the screen", "Moving the knob", etc.) To avoid unnecessary complexity in the description, the procedure is abbreviated, e.g., "Move the cursor to * and change the value". You can then decide for yourself how to perform the corresponding operation.

Instrument Overview

Diagram: Overview of the Roland FANTOM instrument, divided into four main sections: Controller (Keyboard, Pitch Bend, Pedal, Fader, Regler, Pads, Rad), Synthesizer, Sequencer (Tracks 1-16, Zones 1-16), and Sampler (Audio Signal, Playback Data).

The instrument has four sections: Controller, Synthesizer, Sequencer, and Sampler.

Controller

This section includes the keyboard, pitch bend/modulation lever, wheels, knobs, faders, and pedals connected to the rear. When you perform an action (e.g., pressing a key or a pedal), this information is converted into MIDI control data and transmitted to the internal sound engine and external MIDI instruments.

Synthesizer

In this section, sounds are generated. The generated sound is then output as an audio signal via the OUTPUT and PHONES jacks.

Sequencer

In this section, you can record patterns using the 16-track sequencer. Playback data for the sounds of the 16 zones can be recorded directly into the 16 tracks. You have three recording methods available: Realtime, Step, and TR-REC. You can combine patterns into groups and arrange these groups in a desired order to create a song.

Pattern

A pattern contains performance and control data for a single tone. Up to eight patterns can be placed within a track. A pattern can be up to 64 measures long.

Group

In a group, you can combine patterns of a track. A scene can contain up to 16 groups.

Song

By setting groups in the desired order, you can create a song. A song can be created for a scene.

Sampler

In the Sampler section, you can record audio data (samples), either the sound played on the keyboard or an external audio signal (microphone, audio device, etc.). The recorded sample can be played by pressing a pad.

The Various Sound Areas

TONE

A "Tone" is the smallest unit of a sound. It consists of a sound and effects (MFX+EQ).

Select the desired Tone using the Tone Category buttons [1]-[16].

Diagram: Shows the structure of PRESET TONE and USER TONE, both consisting of a sound engine, MFX, and EQ.

You can edit a Tone and save it as a "User Tone". Some Tones are "Drum Kits". These, in turn, consist of a collection of drum and percussion sounds. A different drum/percussion sound is played for each key (note number).

ZONE

A Zone corresponds to a "container" within which the Tone is played. To play a Tone, it must be assigned to a Zone. For each Zone, you can determine whether it is connected to the keyboard and make settings for it (Key Range, Volume, Pan, and Controller reception settings).

You can freely combine the 16 zones, e.g., to play sound stacks (multiple zones layered on top of each other), play multiple sounds side by side (splits), or program sounds to be used for a specific song.

You can also use one or more zones to control external sound modules or sound generators such as software synthesizers (EXT ZONE).

Diagram: Shows ZONE 1 and ZONE 16 with EXT (MIDI, USB, CV/GATE) and INT (TONE) sections, each with Level, Pan, Key Range, etc. settings.

SCENE

In a Scene, all settings are captured: settings for each of the zones (Tone, MFX, Volume, etc.), general settings for the zones (Reverb, Delay, IFX, Analog Filter, etc.), and the sequencer data for each of the zones.

You can save a song idea or a phrase as a Scene and create a corresponding Scene for each song.

In the SCENE SELECT screen, which appears when you turn on the device, you can directly recall the saved Scenes.

Using the SCENE CHAIN function, you can arrange Scenes in a desired order (e.g., for a specific song or sound sequence). (p. 15)

Diagram: SCENE A001 showing ZONE 1 and ZONE 16 with EXT and INT sections, and TRACK 1 and TRACK 16 with PTN1 and PTN8. Also shows ANALOG FX, IFX1, IFX2, REV, CHO, ARPEGGIO, CHORD, PAD, RHYTHM, and SEQUENCE DATA, GROUP, SONG.

Playing the Instrument

Selecting a Sound (SCENE/TONE)

Selecting a Scene

1. Press the [SCENE SELECT] button. The SCENE SELECT screen appears.
2. Touch one of the Scene symbols on the screen to call up the corresponding Scene. The symbol of the selected Scene appears in color.

16 Scene symbols are arranged in a 4x4 grid. If you touch the ◀ (►) symbol on the left or right edge of the screen, the previous or next 16 Scene symbols are displayed.

Selecting a Tone

1. Press the [ZONE VIEW] button. The ZONE VIEW screen appears. Each time you press the [ZONE VIEW] button, the VIEW number (the number of zones displayed simultaneously) changes.
2. Press one of the ZONE SELECT [1]-[8] buttons to select the desired zone to be controlled. To select one of zones 9-16, press the [ZONE 1-8/9-16] button and then one of the ZONE SELECT [1]-[8] buttons.
3. Press one of the Tone Category buttons [1]-[16] to select the desired sound group.
4. Move the cursor to the Tone name and select the desired Tone with the [VALUE] knob or the [INC][DEC] buttons.

If the cursor is on the Tone name, press the [ENTER] button to call up a "TONE LIST".

Playing Layered Sounds (Layer)

1. Press the ZONE INT/EXT buttons of the zones to be layered as many times as necessary until the button indicators light up red.
2. Press the ZONE SELECT button of the zone to be set as the current zone.

The sounds whose zone display lights up red are played layered on the keyboard. Zones whose ZONE INT/EXT buttons light up green control external MIDI instruments. To switch to the internal sound engine, proceed as follows: Hold the [SHIFT] button and press the green ZONE [INT/EXT] button. The color changes to "red" (controlling the internal sound engine).

Playing Split Sounds (Split)

1. Press the [SPLIT] button so that the display lights up. The Tone of Zone 1 is played in the upper range and the Tone of Zone 4 in the lower range.
2. To turn off Split mode, press the [SPLIT] button so that the display turns off.

After turning off the Split function, the upper and lower note limits (KEY RANGE) are removed and the Layer status is reactivated.

Moving the Split Point

1. Hold the [SPLIT] button and play the desired note on the keyboard. The current setting is displayed on the screen. When you release the [SPLIT] button, the previous display reappears. The note at the split point belongs to the ZONE 1 section.

If you want to change the sound of the upper range, press the ZONE SELECT [1] button. If you want to change the sound of the lower range, press the ZONE SELECT [4] button. Then select the desired sound. Using the KEY RANGE function, you can set your own keyboard range for each zone.

Transposing the Pitch in Semitones (Transpose)

1. Hold the [TRANSPOSE] button and press the OCTAVE [DOWN] or [UP] button.

• You can transpose the sound in a range of [-5] to [+6] semitones.
• To return to the original pitch, hold the [TRANSPOSE] button and press both OCTAVE [DOWN]/[UP] buttons simultaneously.

Transposing the Pitch in Octaves (Octave)

1. Press the OCTAVE [DOWN] or [UP] button.

• You can shift the sound in a range of ±3 octaves.
• To return to the original pitch, press both OCTAVE [DOWN] and [UP] buttons simultaneously.

Playing Arpeggios

With the "Arpeggio" function, the notes of a chord are broken up and played automatically in a specific pattern.

1. In the ZONE VIEW display, set the ARP parameter for the desired zone to "ON".
2. Press the [ARPEGGIO] button so that the display lights up.
3. Play a chord on the keyboard. The arpeggio is played for the zones that are turned on.
4. Move the cursor to "STYLE" and select the desired style. The arpeggio is played accordingly.
5. To turn off this function, press the [ARPEGGIO] button again so that the display turns off.

Playing Chords (Chord Memory)

In conjunction with the Chord Memory function, you can generate arpeggio patterns by playing only one note.

With the Chord Memory function, you can play chords by pressing only one key.

1. Press the [CHORD MEMORY] button so that the display lights up.
2. Play on the keyboard. The chord is played based on the currently selected chord form.
3. Move the cursor to "CHORD FORM" and select the desired chord form. The chord is played accordingly.
4. To turn off this function, press the [CHORD MEMORY] button again so that the display turns off.

Selecting/Playing Rhythm Patterns

You can play to a rhythm pattern.

1. Press the [RHYTHM PATTERN] button. The RHYTHM PATTERN screen appears.
2. Move the cursor to "RHYTHM GROUP".
3. Select the rhythm group with the [VALUE] knob.
4. Touch one of the fields between <Intro>-<Ending> to play the corresponding rhythm pattern. The rhythm pattern is played.

To stop the rhythm pattern, touch the corresponding symbol.

Changing the Tempo

1. Press the [TEMPO] button to call up the TEMPO screen.
2. Adjust the tempo with the [VALUE] knob.

You can also enter the tempo by repeatedly pressing the [TEMPO] button (Tap Tempo function). To do this, press the [TEMPO] button at least 3 times evenly at the desired tempo.

Using Faders and Control Knobs

1. Select the desired zone group with the [ZONE 1-8/9-16] button (ZONE1-ZONE8 / ZONE9-ZONE16).
2. Press one of the Function Select buttons to select the parameter to be controlled.

3. Move one of the knobs or faders on the control panel. The sound changes accordingly.

Applying the Analog Filter

If you hold the [SHIFT] button and press one of the [ASSIGN1] or [ASSIGN2] buttons, the corresponding edit screen appears where you can assign parameters. For more details, see the "Reference Manual" (PDF).

The instrument has an analog filter that offers a lot of scope for creative sound design.

1. Press the [ANALOG FILTER] button. The Analog Filter screen appears.
2. Touch <EDIT>. The ANALOG FILTER Edit screen appears.
3. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and change its value.

Simultaneously Changing the Volume of Multiple Zones (Motional Pad)

With the Motional Pad function, you can simultaneously control the volume of four zones on the touch screen and generate sound changes.

1. Press the [MOTIONAL PAD] button. The MOTIONAL PAD screen appears. The number of zones that can be used with the Motional Pad function appears in the zone number area in the four corners of the screen. If a zone is turned off, press the corresponding ZONE INT/EXT button [1]-[8] to turn it on.
2. Drag the circle in the middle of the screen to the desired position. The volume balance of the four zones changes accordingly.

Editing

Editing a Zone

The instrument has 16 zones and you can make settings for volume (Level), equalizer (EQ), and playing range (KBD), among others.

1. Select the desired Scene.
2. Press the [MENU] button. The MENU screen appears.
3. Touch <ZONE EDIT>. The ZONE EDIT screen appears.
4. Press one of the ZONE SELECT [1]-[8] buttons to select the desired zone to be controlled. To select one of zones 9-16, press the [ZONE 1-8/9-16] button and then one of the [1]-[8] buttons.
5. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and change its value. You can switch tabs and change parameters directly with the [E1]-[E6] knobs.

You can switch tabs to edit various parameters. If you want to edit Tones in detail, select the TONE EDIT PRO screen. For more details, see the "Reference Manual" (PDF). Details on Tone parameters can be found in the "Parameter Guide" (PDF). In addition to the editing options in the TONE EDIT ZOOM screen, you can also change a Tone directly with the knobs and buttons in the OSC, FILTER, and ENV/AMP sections on the right side of the control panel (p. 5).

IMPORTANT: Changed Tone parameters are only temporarily stored in memory. Settings in memory are deleted when you turn off the instrument or select another Tone. If you want to keep the changed settings, save the settings for a Tone (p. 15).

Editing Effects

The instrument has a variety of effects. These include effects for each Tone (MFX), effects for each Scene (IFX1, IFX2, Chorus, Reverb), and System effects (Master FX).

Diagram: Shows the signal flow for effects, with ZONE 1 and ZONE 16 leading to MFX and EQ, then to IFX1, IFX2, Chorus, Reverb, Analog FX1, Analog FX2, Master Comp, Master EQ, and finally Output. Indicates TONE-Parameter, SCENE-Parameter, and SYSTEM-Parameter.

Turning MFX On/Off

1. Touch <MFX> to turn it off.

Editing MFX Parameters

1. In the MFX section, touch <EDIT>. The EFFECTS EDIT (ZOOM) screen appears.
2. In the MFX section, touch <EDIT>. The EFFECTS PRO EDIT screen for MFX appears.
3. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and change its value. You can move the cursor and change parameters directly with the [E1]-[E6] knobs.

IMPORTANT: Changed effect parameters are only temporarily stored in memory. Settings in memory are deleted when you select another Scene or Tone or turn off the instrument. If you want to keep the changes, save the settings (Tone, Scene, or System settings as needed).

You can also change the effect settings in the EFFECTS section on the right side of the control panel (p. 5). Details on the parameters can be found in the "Parameter Guide" (PDF).

Saving Scene or Tone Settings

Changes made to a zone and a tone, as well as recorded data, are stored in a temporary buffer. If you select another scene or tone or turn off the instrument, all unsaved settings will be deleted. If you want to keep the changed settings, save them as described below.

IMPORTANT: This will overwrite the existing data at the selected destination.

1. Press the [WRITE] button. The WRITE MENU screen appears.
2. Touch the element to be saved. Example: If you touch <SCENE>, the SCENE WRITE screen appears.
3. If you want to change the name, touch <Rename> and change the characters (p. 10). Then touch <OK>. The window closes again.
4. Select the desired destination with the [VALUE] knob or the [DEC][INC] buttons.
5. Touch <OK>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
6. Touch <OK>. The data is saved.

Recalling Scenes in Song Order (Scene Chain)

With the SCENE CHAIN function, you can recall scenes in the order of songs you want to play sequentially. The advantage of the SCENE CHAIN function is that you can define a sequence without changing the original storage location of a scene. The order of the scenes can be saved as a "Chain Set". You can create multiple such "Chain Sets".

1. Press the [SCENE CHAIN] button. The SCENE CHAIN screen appears.
2. Touch the "CHAIN SET" name and select the desired Chain Set.

A "Chain Set" contains the registrations of multiple scenes in a user-defined order (e.g., useful for live concerts where sounds need to be quickly selected in a predetermined order). Hold the [SHIFT] button and press the Cursor [▲] [▼] buttons to change the Chain Set settings.

3. Press one of the Tone Category buttons [1]–[16] to select the desired Scene.

The 16 scenes arranged horizontally on the screen correspond to the Tone Category buttons [1]-[16]. You can also call up a scene by touching one of the scene symbols on the screen. If you touch the ◀ (►) symbol on the left or right edge of the screen, the previous or next 16 scene symbols are displayed.

Sampler

In the Sampler section, you can record audio data (samples), either the sound played on the keyboard or an external audio signal (microphone, audio device, etc.). The recorded sample can be played by pressing a pad.

Playing a Sample by Pressing a Pad

Follow the steps below to play samples using the pads. (Sample Pad function) First, select "SAMPLE PAD" as the Pad function. See "Assigning Functions to Pads (PAD MODE)" (p. 16).

1. Press one of the Pads [1]-[16]. The corresponding sample is played. You can press multiple pads simultaneously to play multiple samples at the same time.

Holding a Sample (Hold)

1. Press one of the Pads and then the [HOLD] button. The sample continues to play even after releasing the pad. To stop playback of the sample, press the corresponding pad again.

IMPORTANT: The [HOLD] button only affects samples whose GATE parameter is set to "ON".

Switching Banks

Samples are organized into four banks of 16 samples. When you switch the bank, the assignment of samples to the pads changes.

1. Press the [BANK] button.
2. Press one of the Pads [1]-[4] to select the desired bank.

If Played Sounds Hang

Press the [HOLD] button 4 times quickly in succession. This stops playback of all pads.

Moving or Copying Samples

You can move or copy a sample to another pad.

Moving a Sample

1. Hold the desired sample pad and press the [CLIP BOARD] button.
2. Hold the [CLIP BOARD] button and press the desired destination pad. The sample is moved accordingly.

If the selected destination pad already contains a sample, the message "Overwrite?" appears. Press the [ENTER] button to overwrite the previous assignment or the [EXIT] button to cancel the operation.

Copying a Sample

1. Hold the desired sample pad and the [SHIFT] button and press the [CLIP BOARD] button.
2. Hold the [CLIP BOARD] button and press the desired destination pad. The sample is copied.

If the selected destination pad already contains a sample, the message "Overwrite?" appears. Press the [ENTER] button to overwrite the previous assignment or the [EXIT] button to cancel the operation.

Assigning Functions to Pads (PAD MODE)

1. Press the [PAD MODE] button.
2. Press one of the Pads [1]–[16] to select the desired function. A corresponding setting screen appears.

For more information on this topic, see the "Reference Manual" (PDF).

Sequencer

Sequencer Structure

Pattern

You can record performance and control data on up to 16 tracks. The 16 tracks correspond to the 16 zones. Each track can contain up to 8 pattern variations. The variations can be switched in real time during ongoing playback. Each pattern can be up to 64 measures long and is played as a loop for a set length.

Diagram: Shows PATTERN structure with TRACK1 to TRACK16, each having variations A-H, and PLAY buttons. Also shows ZONE1 to ZONE16.

Group

The combination of patterns within a track is called a "Group". These groups can be defined as song sections ("Intro", "Verse", "Fill", "Chorus", etc.).

Diagram: Shows GROUP structure with TRACK1 to TRACK16, each having PLAY buttons for patterns.

Song

The created groups can be arranged in a sequence. This is called a "Song". You can define loop settings for individual groups as well as for the entire song.

Diagram: Shows SONG structure with Step1 to Step5, each containing a GROUP (e.g., GROUP-01 Intro, GROUP-02 Verse1).

Patterns, Groups, and Songs are saved within a Scene.

Playing the Sequencer

Playing Patterns

1. Select the desired Scene.
2. Press the [PATTERN] button. The PATTERN screen appears.

Diagram: PATTERN screen showing tracks, pattern names, MUTE/SOLO options, and PLAY buttons for each pattern variation (A-H). A colored box indicates a phrase has been recorded.

A box in which a phrase has been recorded (Pattern Box) is displayed in color. If you touch and hold a Pattern Box with a recording for a longer time, it is highlighted. This Pattern Box is then ready to play and will be played when the [PLAY] button is pressed. You can set each track to have a Pattern Box ready to play.

• Empty: □
• Data exists (color selectable): ■
• Data exists, Loop Sw OFF: ■
• Data exists, Play Standby: ■
• Data exists, Playing the Sound: ■

3. Press the [PLAY] button. The patterns set to play standby for all tracks are played.

• If you touch a Pattern Box that is not playing, it will start playing from that point.
• If you touch a colored Pattern Box, you can switch the patterns of the tracks.

4. If you press the [■STOP] button, playback for all tracks stops.

• If you touch a Pattern Box that is playing, only the pattern of the touched symbol stops.
• If you switch patterns, stop or start while another pattern is playing, the change occurs at the end of the currently playing pattern.

Playing a Group

1. Select the desired Scene.
2. Press the [GROUP] button. The GROUP screen appears.

Diagram: GROUP screen showing a list of groups with their names and lengths, and a visual representation of the patterns within the selected group. The current group is highlighted.

The currently selected group is marked with the cursor. On the right side of the screen, the pattern length of all tracks of the current group is displayed, and you can set the number of measures for the group with the [E5] knob.

3. Press the [PLAY] button. The current group is played.
4. Press the [■STOP] button to stop playback.
5. To select another group, touch the name of the desired group. You can also use the [E2] knob for this.

Playing a Song

1. Select the desired Scene.
2. Press the [SONG] button. The SONG screen appears.

Diagram: SONG screen showing a sequence of Group boxes, each with a number corresponding to the playback order. Information like group number, group name, and number of loop phases are displayed for each group box. Empty group boxes show no information.

3. Touch <UTILITY>. The PATTERN UTILITY screen appears.
4. Touch <DELETE>. The DELETE MENU screen appears.
5. Touch <DELETE ALL>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
6. To perform the operation, touch <OK>. All patterns are deleted.

IMPORTANT: Deleted patterns cannot be restored.

Realtime Recording (Realtime REC)

1. Press the [REC] button. The REC STANDBY screen appears.
2. Prepare for recording. Touch the desired parameter on the screen or change the value of the selected parameter with the [VALUE] knob.

Diagram: REC STANDBY screen showing recording parameters like Time Signature, Count In, Input Quantize, REC EVENT, RHY SYNC, LOOP REC SW, Length, Tempo, NEW/MIX. Also shows TRACK/PATTERN destination.

While recording, "NOW SAMPLING" appears on the screen. If AUTO TRIGGER is set to "OFF" in step 7, recording starts when you touch <START>. Generate the desired sound on the source device. If AUTO TRIGGER is set to "ON" in step 7, recording starts automatically when the input signal exceeds the value set for AUTO TRIGGER LEVEL. Generate the desired sound on the source device.

10. If you want to stop recording, touch <STOP>. Recording stops and the sample is saved to the destination pad.

The sample file is saved in the instrument's sample memory. You can load audio data created on a computer as samples into the instrument. For more details, see the "Reference Manual" (PDF).

Deleting a Sample (Delete)

Proceed as follows.

1. Hold the [SHIFT] button and press the [PAD MODE] button. The SAMPLE PAD screen appears.
2. Press the pad of the sample to be deleted.
3. Touch <SAMPLE UTILITY>.
4. Touch <DELETE>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
5. Touch <OK>. The selected sample is deleted.

Setting Input Volume (Input Setting)

Proceed as follows to set the volume of the device connected to the MIC/LINE INPUT 1/2 jacks.

1. In the SAMPLING STANDBY screen (p. 17), touch the <INPUT SETTING> field.
2. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and change its value.

For more information on setting the input volume for the signal applied to the USB COMPUTER jack, see "Setting USB Audio Input Level" (p. 22).

Controlling External Instruments

Playing a Plug-in Synthesizer

You can control a plug-in synthesizer installed on a computer with the FANTOM and integrate it into your performance.

Diagram: Shows FANTOM connected to a computer. FANTOM's internal zones play sounds. Performance and control data for external zones (USB MIDI) are sent to the computer. The computer runs a plug-in synthesizer, which outputs audio signal (USB Audio) back to FANTOM.

Connecting to a Computer

The USB driver is software that organizes data transfer between the instrument and the computer. You must install the USB driver on the computer you are using before connecting the instrument to the computer.

For more information on downloading and installing the USB driver, see the Roland website: http://www.roland.com/manuals/

USB Driver Settings

Proceed as follows to select the USB driver for the "FANTOM <-> Computer" USB connection.

1. Press the [MENU] button.
2. Touch <SYSTEM>.
3. Touch <GENERAL>.
4. Set the "USB Driver" parameter to "VENDOR".

5. Press the [WRITE] button to save the changed SYSTEM setting.
6. Turn off the instrument and turn it on again after a short time.

Controlling an External MIDI Device (EXT MIDI OUT)

The control and performance data generated via the knobs and keyboard are output as MIDI messages via the MIDI OUT and USB MIDI OUT jacks. The performance data generated via the keyboard can be output as CV/GATE signals via the CV/GATE OUT jacks. If you set a zone to "EXT", the data of the corresponding zone is transmitted to external MIDI instruments/devices.

1. Press the ZONE SELECT button of the zone whose control and performance data are to be sent via MIDI. To select one of zones 9-16, press the [ZONE 1-8/9-16] button and then one of the ZONE SELECT [1]-[8] buttons.
2. Hold the [SHIFT] button and press the red ZONE INT/EXT button so that the color changes to "green" (= controlling external MIDI instruments/devices).

If the ZONE INT/EXT buttons of multiple zones are lit, the currently selected zone (selected by the ZONE SELECT button) determines whether MIDI information is transmitted to an external sound module (p. 12).

3. Press one of the [PAN/LEVEL], [ASSIGN 1], or [ASSIGN 2] buttons as needed.
4. If you move the control knobs [1]–[8] or faders [1]–[8], MIDI messages are output according to the button pressed in step 3.

You can make detailed settings in the ZONE EDIT area (p. 14). The changed settings can be saved as a "Scene". See "Saving a Scene" (p. 15).

Using USB Audio

Setting USB Audio Input Level

You can make settings for the USB audio signal transmitted from a computer.

1. Press the [USB AUDIO SELECT] button. The USB AUDIO screen appears.
2. Move the cursor to "USB Audio Input Switch" and select "ON" with the [VALUE] knob. The audio signal of the external device is turned on.
3. Select "USB Audio Input Volume" with the Cursor buttons and change its value with the [VALUE] knob.

If "USB Audio In/Out Select" is set to IN, you can also set the volume with the [USB AUDIO] slider.

Setting USB Audio Output Level

You can route the audio signal generated by the FANTOM to a computer via USB.

1. Press the [USB AUDIO SELECT] button. The USB AUDIO screen appears.
2. Move the cursor to "USB Audio Output Switch" and select "ON" with the [VALUE] knob. The instrument's audio signal is transmitted to the computer.
3. Select "USB Audio Output Volume" with the Cursor buttons and change its value with the [VALUE] knob.

If "USB Audio In/Out Select" is set to OUT, you can also set the volume with the [USB AUDIO] slider.

Settings

Detailed Function Settings (Menu)

1. Press the [MENU] button. The MENU screen appears.
2. Touch the desired symbol on the screen.
3. Change the settings of the selected parameter.

A detailed description of the various Menu parameters can be found in the "Reference Manual" (PDF).

Creating and Restoring a Backup File (Backup/Restore)

You can save all settings stored in the instrument's internal memory to a USB flash drive (Backup) and restore this data to the instrument (Restore).

Saving Data to a USB Flash Drive (BACKUP)

IMPORTANT: If a file with the same name already exists on the USB flash drive, the previous file will be overwritten. When naming the backup file, preferably use a name that has not yet been assigned.

1. Press the [MENU] button. The MENU screen appears.
2. Touch <UTILITY>. The UTILITY display appears.
3. Touch <BACKUP>.
4. If you want to change the name of the backup file, touch <RENAME> and change the characters (p. 10). Then touch <OK>. The window closes again.
5. Touch <OK>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
6. To perform the operation, touch <OK>.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn off the instrument or unplug the USB flash drive while "working.." is displayed on the screen.

Restoring Data from a USB Flash Drive to the Instrument (RESTORE)

IMPORTANT: The Restore operation overwrites all settings in the instrument's internal memory. Ensure that you have backed up any data in the internal memory that you want to keep before restoring.

1. In the UTILITY screen, touch <RESTORE>.
2. Select the desired backup file and touch <RESTORE>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
3. To perform the operation, touch <OK>.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn off the instrument or unplug the USB flash drive while "working.." is displayed on the screen.

4. Turn off the instrument and turn it on again after a short time (p. 8).

Recalling Factory Settings (FACTORY Reset)

Proceed as follows to reset all instrument settings to their factory defaults.

IMPORTANT: This operation deletes all user settings. If you want to keep important data, back it up to a USB flash drive beforehand.

1. In the MENU screen, touch <UTILITY>.
2. Touch <FACTORY RESET>. A confirmation prompt appears. To cancel the operation, touch <CANCEL>.
3. To perform the operation, touch <OK>.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn off the instrument while the Factory Reset operation is not fully completed.

Technical Data

*1 Use a commercially available USB flash drive. No guarantee can be given for the functionality of the USB flash drive used.

This document describes the technical data of the product at the time of publication. Updated information may be available on the Roland website. It is possible that the Roland Cloud platform is not currently available in some countries/regions.

For more information on setting up the instrument on a stand, see the "Reference Manual" (PDF).