Roland Fantom X-6 Digital Workstation Synthesizers: Review

Roland's new series of digital workstation synthesizers really takes Roland in a new directions than with previous synths. Roland took a lot more time in features that focus on live performance for a digital keyboardist, along with a very detailed and easy to use 16 part sequencer section. The sounds that come preset in the Fantom X series is nothing less than "pro" in the digital field, all the sounds can be edited if needed if you don't find what you need. Roland also added a great 16 Dynamic Sample Pad section which adds a lot more depth and live control to the Roland brand of workstations.

Roland users already pretty know what to expect from Roland now a days when it comes down to their sequencers, but the Fantom X series brings out a slew of new sequencing features which makes editing real time and step sequenced events easier than ever before for a Roland workstation. First big improvement is one of the first things you notice about the Fantom X series, the screen. Built almost like a computer software sequencer program the screen gives you access to a 16 part song sections along with a mixer section for each part. Micro Mode brakes down each individual part so it can be seen in complete detail after it is recorded or step sequenced and all notes can be moved, deleted, stretched to your own creative needs. Roland's new Dynamic Pad Section can be used as part mute for each of the 16 midi parts in the Fantom, which makes the control of the Fantom X series a lot like the groovebox series and is very familiar to most Roland users.

Roland's Dynamic Pads can be used for a lot more than just triggering sequencing, the live potential is almost endless. Roland's Dynamic Pads are touch/location sensitive and can be used to trigger live drum beats, drum rolls, synth sounds, pads, effects sounds and much more. Roland's Dynamic Pads have a "hold" mode which will hold any note after the "hold" mode is activated which can be used in many creative ways live on stage or in the studio. Samples can be triggered and manipulated in the same ways as synth sounds with the pad features which really makes the Fantom X series an amazing line of main control workstation synths. Roland also uses the Dynamic Pads in other ways such as navigation, the internal navigation of the Fantom X series is easy as it can be with help from the Dynamic Pads.

Sounds from this synth helps you make a "pro" cut each and everytime. Once you have a sound selected you can further edit the sounds in "pro edit" mode to get all the fine tuning out of a sound that you need. Final touches can also be added with the mater effects section of the X series.Coming with over 70 preset effects and plenty of user effect banks for your own custom the Fantom X series comes with everything you need to make that bass just a little deeper or make that lead cut threw the mix even harder. Delay, Reverb, Overdrive, Flang, EQ, Compressor, Echo are just a few of the preset effects.

Overall Roland really made this digital workstation easy and flexible in the studio or on stage. I would recommend this series of synthesizers to anyone wanting a new digital sampling workstation.