Cover.qxd 08.4.10 4:18 PM Page 1 Experience Impressions of the Fantom-G ARTISTS' IMPRESSIONS live workstations from world-leading artists. ForFor moremore details,details, visitvisit http://www.Roland.com/synth/Fantom/http://www.Roland.com/synth/Fantom/ Visit us online at www.Roland.com All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Howard Rick Jordan Valdez Paul Shiny Jones Wakeman Rudess Brantley Mirkovich Toy Guns Printed in Japan. Apr. 2008 RAM-4315 GR-GEN-NK I-3 1_2.qxd 08.4.10 4:20 PM Page 1 Dreams realized-introducing the worldÕs first live workstation! RolandÕs most powerful onstage workstation also has unrivalled studio- and music-production capabilities. The ability to switch between modes optimized for stage or studio means, from sound source and effects through to operation control, you are always instantly prepared in either environment. The Fantom-G is also the first electronic musical instrument to provide SuperNATURALª sounds via ARX-series expansion boards. Explore a new dimension of musical creativity with the Fantom-G live workstation. 3_4.qxd 08.4.10 4:22 PM Page 1 ■ Powerful wave source system with a stunning ■ All fundamental built-in sounds have been significantly ■ The luxurious wide-format 8.5-inch color VGA TFT-LCD monitor significantly eases workflow collection of newly developed sounds upgraded, including the stereo multi-sampled 88-key piano ■ New soundsets with dedicated programming and effects ■ Compatible with sounds edited using VSTi engines on each ARX-series SuperNATURAL™ expansion board and AU tools via computer. ■ V-LINK capability provides a new visual dimension you Librarian software also supplied ■ Highly refined sampling functions can control in real time during live performance outperform dedicated sampling units ■ The jog dial and front-panel controls let you quickly and easily get on with the process of music creation ■ Three modes – LIVE, STUDIO, and SINGLE – optimize ■ Stylish, slim-line aluminum body, the instrument for specific playing environments high-quality components ■ Skip Back sampling function lets you instantly capture ■ Multi-effects can be applied to improvised playing before it gets lost in the moment ■ single sounds; simultaneous The Favorite function lets you immediately recall settings for live performance use of up to 22 effects ■ Whether you’re performing live or creating music in a studio, the 16-key dynamic pad is a convenient and powerful tool ■ PHA II Ivory Feel keyboard (Fantom-G8) ■ USB memory port for fast, convenient storage Fantom-G6 and -G7 feature flagship and retrieval of project data synth-action keyboard ■ Onstage and in the studio, the Fantom-G instantly ■ Compatible with USB two-button wheel brings your favorite real-time controller assignments mouse (sold separately) for ultra-fast editing to your fingertips with each patch ■ USB audio and MIDI compatibility for complete compatibility with DAW applications ■ Choose from five different modes that ■ Arpeggio and Chord Memory ■ 152-track sequencer: 24 stereo ■ Standard / XLR combo jacks for audio recording; condenser change the behavior of the pitch bend controls enable a wide variety of audio tracks, 128 MIDI tracks ■ Coaxial digital audio in/out mics and guitar or bass can be directly connected lever. Opens new possibilities to playing techniques expressive keyboard performance! Fantom-G Navigation and Controls 5_6.qxd 08.4.10 4:24 PM Page 1 For Live Performance Sound Engine High-quality, expressive sounds provide new impact Immense potential consolidated A colossal new sound engine has been as well. The new wind-instrument sounds, in a single live workstation developed for the Fantom-G series, with such as flute and oboe, are particularly double the wave capacity of the expressive. In LIVE mode you can use eight LIVE mode organizes sound sources and effects for incredible ease and convenience on stage. Using predecessor. The acclaimed stereo independent parts to freely create layers 8-part multi-timbral mode, you can freely adjust settings for layers and splits, maximizing expression multi-sampled 88-key piano sound of the and splits. While playing live, with the Patch onstage. The high quality of the sound sets give you a radically refreshed stage sound, while the Fantom-X has been resampled and Remain function, sound release and effects new-generation keyboard action and SuperNATURAL™ expansion sets gives you the musical palette improved for the Fantom-G. Potent are seamless. All you desire for expression for newfound expressiveness. Every feature of the Fantom-G has been designed to completely upgrading extends to synth, drums, bass, during live performance is fully supported strings, and other fundamental sound sets right from the sound source. revitalize your live performance! ■ Patch List Screen ■ Patch Pro Edit Screen ■ Patch Zoom Edit Screen ■ Sample Edit Screen ARTISTS' IMPRESSIONS 1 This is not a tweak of the Fantom series but no less than a major evolution of electronic keyboards. The hi res large screen presents information in a rich and exciting graphic way, like we are used to on our studio computers but with the bullet proof Roland reliability that you can be confident of on the road. Howard Jones ■ Profile There are few artists who came to prominence in the eighties who are as prolific and hard working as Howard Jones. He seems to be constantly out on tour or creating diverse and superbly crafted albums in his studio in Somerset England. In 2007 alone he released 3 albums and played over 60 concerts around the world including UK, USA, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Dubai. Howard signed to WEA records in 1983 and had a string of hits including 'New Song', 'What is Love', 'Hide and Seek', 'Like to Get To Know You Well', 'Pearl in the Shell', 'Things Can Only Get Better', 'Life in One Day', 'Look Mama', 'Everlasting Love' and 'No One is To Blame'. To date Howard has sold over eight million albums. Recently most of Howard's concerts are acoustic where he uses his superb ability as a songwriter combined with his well honed skills as a piano player to great effect. This is interspersed with the occasional electric show which sees him performing at the very cutting edge of technology. 7_8.qxd 08.4.10 4:27 PM Page 1 SuperNATURAL™ Expansion Board ARX Series New Keyboard System SuperNATURAL expansion boards bring sound to life Superior keyboard action, tested by world-leading players Fantom-G provides two ARX slots for adding ■ The ARX-01 Drums expansion board enables SuperNATURAL expansion boards to the already detailed and realistic customization of drum kits. The Fantom-G8 is luxuriously appointed with feel that your fingers will absolutely love. powerful synth lineup. SuperNATURAL is The ARX-02 Electric Piano expansion provides a Roland’s top-of-the-line PHA II keyboard, The flagship synth-action keyboards of the Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology gorgeous selection of famous EPs, allowing you featuring Ivory Feel keys, Progressive Hammer Fantom-G6 and -G7 are Roland’s direct response that enables a new level of organic, emotional to customize sounds in ways that were not Action. This amazing keyboard technology to field research from world-leading keyboard expression previously unattainable in possible with the original instruments. More reproduces the real feel of ivory for the natural players – incorporating their feedback after synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument SuperNATURAL boards will follow these two keys and ebony for the sharps, providing the testing a variety of prototype designs. sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, remarkable releases. ■ ARX-01: Drums Screen stability and comfort of a real acoustic-piano Whichever Fantom-G you choose, you’ll enjoy a Finger moisture natural tonal changes and playing nuances of keyboard. The natural keys are designed to keyboard action that is a true joy to play. Moisture absorption real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof for electronic and non-traditional sounds, * New moisture-absorbing Ivory Feel key material breathing amazing new life and expression into ensures playing comfort and non-slip performance. Keyboard Moisture synthesis. Your hands become one with the instrument. absorption *Image ARTISTS' ■ ARX-02: Electric Piano Screen IMPRESSIONS ARTISTS' IMPRESSIONS 3 One of the things that gives 2 synthesizers expression is the ability to bend pitch with a controller. On Roland's new Fantom keyboard, there is Technology has been a level of player control that far exceeds any existing synthesizer that I have worked with. It opens up new racing away and everyone has forgotten avenues of expression. what the instruments are really for. When I used the When I perform on a keyboard I need to be able to cycle Fantom-X Series for the first time on a recent tour of through many layered and split patches. Roland has Canada, I was impressed with how suitable they were reached a new musical height with their Live Mode. No for live performance. matter how complex a Live Mode patch and its effects Having such a large screen on the Fantom-G Series will happen to be, I'm now able to seamlessly change from significantly improve their suitability for live performance. one big layered or split patch to the next, without any Small screens are a nightmare as you are forever interruption in the sound. This is the first keyboard changing screens to see what you did previously. Large instrument to make this dream of mine come true. screens are also much easier to see out of the corner There are really some amazing effects inside this of your eye when playing several keyboards on stage and instrument. One day while listening to John Petrucci fine need to quickly check your settings.