Essential Information About the Roland FANTOM EX Synthesizer
- Multiple cutting-edge engines for an unlimited palette: ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel.
- Over 7000 built-in sounds and iconic expansions (pre-installed ACB JUPITER-8/SH-101, n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, SH-101).
- True production workstation: clip/TR-REC sequencer, advanced sampling, 32-band stereo vocoder, seamless transitions.
- Professional connectivity and full control: 16x3 USB audio/MIDI interface, dual CV/Gate, large touchscreen, 16 RGB pads, analog filter.
The Flagship FANTOM, Redesigned for Demanding Creators
The latest in the lineup, the FANTOM EX carries forward the DNA of the FANTOM series and pushes it further: updated engines, studio-quality effects, optimized Master FX, and a colossal sound library. Designed with Axel Hartmann and built around a sturdy metal chassis, it combines premium design and stage reliability. The ACB JUPITER-8/SH-101 expansions are integrated, the JX-3P is available via Roland Cloud, and a FANTOM EX Upgrade update exists for owners of older FANTOM models.
For Stage Keyboardists, Producers, and Sound Designers
Ideal for live performance, studio work, and content creation, the FANTOM EX targets advanced musicians as well as experts seeking versatility. From concert grand pianos to modern electronic textures, it excels in electro, techno, hip-hop, pop, ambient, synthwave, scoring, and sound experimentation, with a smooth and inspiring workflow.
Features and Innovations
At its core, ZEN-Core offers up to four partials per timbre (oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFO, and effects) and up to 16 sounds per "Scene" for splits, layers, and complex arrangements. The ACB engines precisely recreate classics (JUPITER-8, SH-101, JX-3P), while V-Piano and SuperNATURAL deliver expressive acoustic and electric pianos (German Concert V-Piano 01 and SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 pre-installed). The Virtual ToneWheel generator (inherited from VK) reproduces the organic sound of vintage organs with rotary speaker and drive.
For fast and efficient production: clip-based sequencer, TR-REC, real-time recording, and Piano Roll editing. Sampling supports One Shot, keyboard assignment, and advanced multisampling (up to 352 samples per sound), usable as ZEN-Core sources. A 32-band stereo vocoder, new "Shimmer" and "Modulation" reverbs, an analog filter, optimized Master FX, and very wide polyphony complete the arsenal. Ergonomics are enhanced by a large touchscreen, numerous faders/encoders, and 16 RGB pads.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard and Ergonomics
- Keyboard options: 61/76 semi-weighted keys or 88 weighted hammer-action keys, with aftertouch.
- Large color touchscreen and ergonomic panel with numerous sliders, buttons, and encoders.
- 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.
- Seamless patch transitions; customizable interface (screensaver, home menu).
- Design by Axel Hartmann, robust metal chassis.
Sound Engines and Content
- Engines: ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, Virtual ToneWheel.
- Over 7000 built-in sounds from Roland's collection.
- ACB: JUPITER-8 and SH-101 pre-installed; JX-3P available on Roland Cloud.
- Included modeling expansions: n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, SH-101.
- ZEN-Core: up to 4 partials per timbre (oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFO, FX); 16 sounds per "Scene".
- Pianos: V-Piano (German Concert V-Piano 01 pre-installed) and SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3.
- Virtual ToneWheel with rotary speaker, brake control, and tube-style distortion.
- Built-in analog filter; very wide polyphony.
Sequencing, Sampling, and Performance
- Professional sequencing tools: clips, TR-REC, real-time recording, Piano Roll editing.
- Simultaneous internal/external sampling, One Shot mode, keyboard keymapping.
- Multisampling up to 352 samples per sound; samples usable as ZEN-Core sources.
- 32-band stereo vocoder.
Effects and Processing
- Extensive library of studio-quality effects.
- New "Shimmer" and "Modulation" reverbs.
- Enhanced Master FX with ready-to-use presets and dedicated interfaces for Mastering Comp and Mastering EQ.
Connectivity and Integration
- 16x3 USB audio/MIDI interface; MIDI input/output.
- Dual CV/Gate outputs for modular and analog gear.
- XLR combo inputs for microphones/instruments; 8 1/4-inch jack outputs.
- Dedicated software controls: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, Studio One.
- Roland Cloud compatibility: ZEN-Core packs and waveform expansions; FANTOM EX Upgrade update for older FANTOM models.
- Connection of up to three MIDI controllers via USB.