Roland launches FANTOM EX Synthesizers

Roland has announced FANTOM EX, a new flagship synthesizer series for professional musicians and producers.

The next-generation FANTOM EX has been designed to deliver a complete creative ecosystem for sound design, sequencing, and performance. In addition to the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX models available to new purchasers, current FANTOM owners can expand their instruments with all EX sounds and features through the FANTOM EX Upgrade for sale on Roland Cloud.

FANTOM EX builds on the original’s foundation, supplementing the core feature set with Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine and numerous sound expansion titles, including the recently developed JX-3P ACB Expansion. New effects and a host of fresh workflow enhancements are also included.

Each FANTOM EX model includes an expansive collection of premium sound engines. Roland’s ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel technologies provide expressive and inspiring sounds for every musical style. 11 sound expansion titles come as standard, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions; n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions; the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01; and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion.

The custom processors in FANTOM EX have been designed to provide smooth and precise operation with plenty of overhead, enabling loads of polyphony and full patch remain for seamless transitions. There are dozens of simultaneous effects, including new studio-grade reverbs and updated Master FX for shaping the overall sound. A characterful analogue filter is also available, perfect for infusing tones with extra warmth and grit.

The deep onboard sampling and composition tools in FANTOM EX support fast sound creation and quick arrangement of song ideas. Multiple workflow options include the classic Roland TR-REC step sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.

There are dedicated modes for popular software platforms, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. With the built-in 16x3 audio/MIDI USB interface, users can mix and layer soft synths with hardware sounds, send sequencer parts to computer tracks, route DAW sources through FANTOM EX effects, and more.

Meanwhile, the loaded FANTOM EX rear panel supports connections with a wide range of gear. There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O is also available, along with dual CV/Gate outputs for driving modular and analogue synths.

Each FANTOM EX model comes equipped with a premium keyboard and aftertouch support. The FANTOM 8 EX offers the ‘ultimate’ weighted experience with 88 hammer-action keys, while the 61-note FANTOM 6 EX and 76-note FANTOM 7 EX feature semi-weighted synth action.

Released in November 2023, the FANTOM EX Upgrade on Roland Cloud allows owners of the original FANTOM 6/7/8 models to outfit their instruments with the newly added EX features, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, n/zyme and JD-800 Model Expansions, two new grand pianos, and all other EX enhancements.

The Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX will be available in the US this month for $3,199.99, $3,699.99, and $4,199.99 respectively.