Roland Fantom G6 User manual

04905089 08-02-1N
*04905089- 01*

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Contents
Using the Fantom-G Live ....................... 5
The Basics of Using the Fantom-G Live.........................................................................6
Performing on the Keyboard.....................................................9
Selecting and Playing a Single Sound (Patch).............................................................10
Playing Two or More Sounds Simultaneously (Layer/Split) ...........................................11
Creating a Set of Sounds for a Live Performance ........................................................14
Performing on the Pads ..........................................................15
Pad Basics .............................................................................................................16
Using the Pads to Play Rhythm Sounds.......................................................................17
Using the Pads to Play Sampled Sounds ....................................................................19
Using the Pads to Play Sequenced Phrases (RPS).........................................................21
Creating a Song................................ 23
What is the Sequencer?...........................................................................................24
Getting Your Equipment Together .............................................................................26
Work Flow for Creating a Song ...............................................................................27
Preparations for Song Production..............................................................................28
Realtime-recording the Rhythm Using MIDI .................................................................31
Realtime-recording the Bass and Piano as MIDI ..........................................................35
Importing Audio Files from Your Computer.................................................................36
Recording Sound from a Mic or Guitar......................................................................38
Using Song Edit to Arrange Samples or Phrases .........................................................41
Adjusting the Overall Balance ..................................................................................42
Mastering ..............................................................................................................43
Saving Your Song...................................................................................................44
Making a CD from Your Completed Song..................................................................45
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This Quick Guide applies to the Fantom-G6, the Fantom-G7 and the Fantom-G8. The manual uses the term
“Fantom-G” to indicate all these three models.
The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the display.
Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes newer
sounds), so what you actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual.
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change
without prior notice.
Copyright © 2008 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
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Using the Fantom-G Live
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The Basics of Using the Fantom-G Live
A patch is a basic sound on the Fantom-G; it corresponds to an individual instrument such as a piano,
organ, or guitar.
When you play the Fantom-G for the first time, we recommend that you use it in Single mode . This is the
simplest and most basic mode in which the Fantom-G can be used, such as playing it as a piano or organ.
fig.0-00a
Live mode lets you play up to eight patches simultaneously. Broadly speaking, there are two ways to use
Live mode .
One way is for multiple sounds to be heard simultaneously when you press a key. This type of setup is
called a Layer .
➝ “Playing Two or More Sounds Simultaneously (Layer/Split)” (p. 11 of this manual).
The other way is to place different sounds in the left and right areas of the keyboard, allowing you to play
separate instruments with your left and right hand. This type of setup is called a Split .
fig.0-00b
What is a Patch?
What is Single Mode?
What is Live Mode?
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The Basics of Using the Fantom-G Live
Studio mode is what you’ll use to create songs. It provides sixteen parts, and you can assign a patch to
each part to handle sixteen different sounds simultaneously.
You can use the mixer screen to mix your song by adjusting the level and pan settings etc. for each of the
sixteen parts.
The advantage of Studio mode is that it provides sixteen parts, but you should be aware that the sound of
the effects may be interrupted when you switch sounds. The sound will not be interrupted in this way if
you’re using Single mode or Live mode, so Single mode or Live mode are the best choices for
live performance .
fig.0-00b
What is Studio Mode?
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The Basics of Using the Fantom-G Live
When you’ve created an original patch, you need to save it as a user patch if you want to use it again later.
This action is called “Writing.” The procedure for writing your original patch into memory is shown below.
If you select a different patch before writing your original patch, the changes you
made will be lost.
* User patches have the indication “USER” before their name; e.g., “USER 001: INITIAL PATCH.” User
patches are for storing your own original sounds.
* The writing procedure for a Live Set or Studio Set is the same.
fig.0-000c_e.eps
Saving the settings you’ve made
Specify the writing-destination.
Assign a name for your patch
(or live set or studio set).
The WRITE MENU screen appears.
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Performing on the Keyboard
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Selecting and Playing a Single Sound (Patch)
Here’s how to view a single category of sounds (such as only the piano patches or only the organ patches),
and select one of them.
1. Press the [SINGLE] button.
fig.0-01
2. Press [F1 (Patch List)] to access the Patch List screen.
fig.0-03
3. Use [F1] [F2] to select a category (of sounds such as piano, organ, or bass), and then use
the VALUE dial or [DEC] [INC] to select a patch. When you’ve selected a patch, press [F8
(Select)] to confirm your choice.
fig.0-04
If you press [F7 (Preview)], you’ll hear the selected sound played using a phrase suitable for
the type (category) of patch (Phrase Preview).
You can also use the front panel [Knob 4] to select a category, and use [Slider 8] to scroll the
list.
You can also play rhythm sounds from the keyboard. In the Patch List screen shown above,
press [F4 (Rhythm Set)] to see a list of the rhythm sets.
Adjusting the keyboard touch
You can adjust the way in which the volume responds to your playing dynamics.
➝ “How to Make System Function Settings” (p. 286) in the Owner’s Manual
➝ “Keyboard Velocity Sens (Keyboard Velocity Sensitivity)” (p. 288) in the Owner’s Manual
Selecting a sound (Single mode)
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Playing Two or More Sounds Simultaneously
(Layer/Split)
You can play two or more patches at the same time, for example a piano and bell that sound simultaneously
when you press a key. This is called a Layer .
You can also play separate sounds in the left and right regions of the keyboard. For example you might
play a bass sound with your left hand while playing a piano sound with your right hand. This is called a
Split .
In the illustration below, a piano is joined by a bell only in the high register to produce a sparkling piano
sound.
fig_layer_e.eps
Let’s use a Live Set to create the sound shown above.
1. Press [LIVE] to select Live mode.
2. Press [F5 (LiveSet List)] to view the live set list.
3. Turn the VALUE dial or use [DEC] [INC] to select “PRST 512: Sitar Gliss.” After you’ve
selected a live set, press [F8 (Select)] to confirm your choice.
Procedure
Selecting a live set
Piano Bell
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Playing Two or More Sounds Simultaneously (Layer/Split)
1. In the Live Play (Layer/Split) screen, press [F2 (Utility)], and then press [F6 (Initialize)].
2. Use / to choose “Default.”
3. Press [F8 (Select)].
A confirmation message appears.
4. Press [F7 (OK)] to execute initialization.
5. Press [F8 (Exit)] to return to the previous screen.
1. In the Live Play (Layer/Split) screen, use the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the KBD
(keyboard switch) indication for part 1.
2. Press [INC] to turn on the keyboard switch for part 1.
3. In the same way, turn on the keyboard switch for part 2 as well.
Parts whose keyboard switch is on can be played by the keyboard. Since you’ve turned on the keyboard
switch for parts 1 and 2, these two parts will sound simultaneously.
1. Let’s change the patch selection for part 1 so that it will play a piano sound.
fig.0-05d_e.eps
2. In the same way, change the patch selection for part 2 so that it plays a bell sound
(category “Bell”).
Initializing the live set
Turning the Keyboard Switch on for parts 1 and 2
Selecting patches (sounds)
Use the cursor buttons (up/down) to select part 1,
then press [F1 (Patch List)], and ...
Use [F1] [F2] to select “AC.Piano” and use the
VALUE dial to select the desired piano patch. When
you’ve made your choice, press [F8 (Select)] to
confirm it.
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Playing Two or More Sounds Simultaneously (Layer/Split)
In the Live Play (Layer/Split) screen, we can specify the key range for each part.
1. In the Live Play (Layer/Split) screen, use the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the
“Lower” setting of part 2.
2. Specify the key range. Turn the VALUE dial to specify the value.
fig.0-05b_e
You can also make settings so that the left and right regions of the keyboard play sounds
separately without layering them (for example, bass in the left hand and piano in the right
hand). This type of setup is called a Split .
Adjust the balance as desired. For example, you might want mainly the piano to be heard, with just a small
amount of bell. The eight sliders in the Live Play (Layer/Split) screen correspond to the level of the parts. You
can adjust these by moving the eight sliders located on the Fantom-G’s panel.
By pressing [F7 (Mixer)] you can access the mixer screen, where you can adjust the pan (left/
right position) and effect amounts for the parts.
For more about effect settings such as reverb and chorus
➝ “Adding Effects” (p. 150) in the Owner’s Manual
Changes you make are temporary, and will be lost when you turn off the power, switch the
sound generator mode, or select a different live set. If you want to keep the live set you edited,
you must save the live set as described in “Saving the settings you’ve made” (p. 8 of
this manual).
Specifying the key range
Adjusting the volume balance of the piano and bell
Piano only Piano + Bell
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Creating a Set of Sounds for a Live
Performance
You can create a list of the patches, live sets, studio sets, and songs that you frequently use, and place these
in the order in which they’ll be used in your live show so that the sounds you need can be selected instantly.
This capability is called the Favorite function . For example, you could create a list containing the sounds
you’ll be using for the first song of your live performance, and then step through them at a touch.
If you register sounds in the Favorite screen, you’ll be able to select them instantly by pressing a pad. You
can create sixteen such sets of sounds, and each set is called a “bank.”
fig.5-99
For more about using the Favorite function
➝ “Creating a List of Frequently Used Sounds (Favorite)” (p. 54) in the Owner’s
Manual
Overview
Changing the wallpaper
The Fantom-G lets you change the screen wallpaper. You can personalize your Fantom-G by
choosing a favorite photo as your wallpaper.
➝“Changing the Wallpaper (Wallpaper)” (p. 299) in the Owner’s Manual
Screen Saver
This feature allows you to have a simple animation be displayed whenever the Fantom-G has
not been operated for a certain period of time.
Because of the characteristics of the TFT liquid crystal display used in the Fantom-G, leaving the
same screen displayed for an extended time may cause that image to be burned into the
screen. To avoid this, we recommend that you use the screen saver.
➝ “How to Make System Function Settings” (p. 286) in the Owner’s Manual
➝“Screen Saver” (p. 297) in the Owner’s Manual
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Performing on the Pads
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Pad Basics
You can play samples, rhythms, or phrases by striking the Fantom-G’s pads, or you can use them as sixteen
switches to turn various parameters on/off. The pads can function in one of sixteen modes. Press [PAD
MODE] to switch the pad mode.
1. Press [PAD MODE].
[PAD MODE] will blink, and the currently selected pad mode (pad [1]–[16]) will blink.
2. Press a pad [1]–[16].
The pad mode will be switched. See the table below for an explanation of what each pad mode does, and
the Owner’s Manual page reference.
3. The pad mode is indicated in the following screens.
PAD_1_e.EPS
If you switch a Live Set or a Studio Set, the Pad mode will also be switched. If you want the
Pad mode to be fixed, set the “ Pad Assign Source ” in System to “ SYS . ”
➝ “How to Make System Function Settings” (p. 286) in the Owner’s Manual
➝ “Pad Assign Source” (p. 288) in the Owner’s Manual
Pad
number
Pad mode Explanation
Owner’s
Manual page
1SAMPLE PAD The pads will play a sample set. p. 191
2 RHYTHM The pads will play a rhythm set. p. 192
3 CHORD MEMORY The pads will switch chord form the Chord Memory function. p. 193
4 ARPEGGIO The pads will switch arpeggio styles. p. 193
5 RPS The pads will play phrases. p. 194
6 RHYTHM PTN The pads will play rhythm patterns. p. 196
7 TONE SEL/SW The pads will select tones and turn them on/off. p. 197
8 TRACK MUTE The pads will mute (silence) sequencer tracks. p. 197
9 BOOKMARK The pads will register or recall frequently-used screens. p. 198
10 MIDI TX SW The pads will switch external MIDI transmit channels (1–16) on/off. p. 198
11 EFFECT SW The pads will switch effects (other than the patch multi-effect). p. 199
12 PATCH MFX SW The pads will switch the patch multi-effect for each part. p. 199
13 PART SELECT The pads will select parts (1–16) and banks (INT/EXP1/EXP2/EXT). p. 200
14 PART MUTE The pads will mute (silence) parts (1–16) and banks (INT/EXP1/EXP2). p. 200
15 USER GROUP The pads will register/recall user group patches, live sets, or studio sets. p. 201
16 FAVORITE The pads will register/recall favorite settings. p. 202
Single mode Live mode
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Using the Pads to Play Rhythm Sounds
The pads are an ideal way to play rhythm sounds. You can vary the dynamics of the sound by changing the
force of your strikes on the pads.
1. Press [PAD MODE], and then press pad [2] (RHYTHM).
2. When you press a pad [1]–[16], you’ll hear a rhythm tone.
1. Press [PAD SETTING].
2. Use the cursor buttons to select “Bank” or “Number/Name,” and use the VALUE dial to
choose a rhythm set. Press [F8 (Exit)] to return to the previous screen.
fig.1-01
3. You can also view or change the rhythm set sounds in the following screens.
fig.0-02
Selecting sounds
Single mode Live mode
Part whose RHY (Rhythm Pad) switch is on
Type “ ”
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Using the Pads to Play Rhythm Sounds
You can adjust the way in which the force of your pad strike corresponds to the volume.
Press [PAD SETTING] ➝ [F1 (System)] to access the setting screen, and set “Pad Sens” as desired.
If you want to keep your settings, press [F7 (Sys Write)].
For some sounds, you might prefer that the volume not change.
Press [PAD SETTING] to access the setting screen, and set “Pad Velocity” as desired.
If you want to keep your settings, press [F7 (Write)].
Adjusting the pad sensitivity to your liking
Value Pad response
LIGHT Even light strikes can easily produce high volume.
MEDIUM Between LIGHT and HEAVY sensitivity.
HEAVY Strong strikes are needed to produce high volume.
Fixing the pads at a specified volume
Value Pad volume
SYSTEM The System setting of “Pad Velocity” (Owner’s Manual p. 288) will be used.
1–127 The specified volume will sound regardless of the force of your strike.
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Using the Pads to Play Sampled Sounds
Sounds (samples) you’ve captured by sampling can be quickly and easily played from the pads. You can
sample brief “shots” and play them as percussion instruments. You can also sample entire phrases and play
them back at a single touch.
1. Press [PAD MODE], and then press pad [1] (SAMPLE PAD).
2. Press a pad [1]–[16] to play its sample.
1. Press [PAD SETTING].
2. Use the cursor buttons to select “Number/Name,” and use the VALUE dial to choose the
sample set that you want to play using the pads.
To select the sample played by each pad, use the cursor buttons to select “Sample
Number,” and then turn the VALUE dial to select a sample.
If you want to keep your settings, press [F7 (Write)]. To return to the previous screen, press [F8 (Exit)].
3. You can also view or change the sample set in the following screens.
PAD_3_e.EPS
Selecting the samples
Sample set
Samples for pads 1–16
Single mode Live mode
Part whose RHY (Rhythm Pad) switch is on
TYPE “ ”
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Using the Pads to Play Sampled Sounds
The Fantom-G can import WAV/AIFF format audio files from your computer, and play them as samples.
Here we’ll explain how to import audio files via USB memory (sold separately). Even if you
don’t have USB memory, you can copy audio files to the Fantom-G’s internal memory.
1. On your computer, prepare the audio file (WAV/AIFF format) that you want to import.
2. Use a USB cable (sold separately) to connect the Fantom-G’s USB COMPUTER connector to
your computer.
3. Press [MENU].
4. Turn the VALUE dial to choose “USB Storage,” and press [F8 (Select)].
5. Press [F2 (USB Memory)].
If you are going to use the internal memory of the Fantom-G, press [F1 (Internal)].
6. The USB memory will be mounted on your computer. Create a folder named “IMPORT”
on the USB memory, and copy the audio file (WAV/AIFF format) to that folder.
7. When you are done copying, remove the USB memory on the computer, and then press
[F8 (Exit)] on the Fantom-G.
Windows Vista/XP Users:
In My Computer, right-click the “removable hard disk” icon and execute “Remove.”
Mac OSX Users:
Drag the USB drive icon into the trash.
8. Press [MENU].
9. Turn the VALUE dial to choose “Import Audio,” and press [F8 (Select)].
10. Press [F2 (USB Memory)].
If you are going to use the internal memory of the Fantom-G, press [F1 (Internal)].
11. Press [F8 (Import Audio)].
A confirmation message appears.
12. Press [F7 (OK)].
The file will be imported, and the sample list screen will appear.
The imported file will be added to the sample list as a sample. This sample is temporary, and
will be lost when you turn off the power. If you want to keep it, press [F2 (Save)] to save it in
the sample list screen.
➝ “Saving a Sample (Save)” (p. 274) in the Owner’s Manual
After you import, erase the contents inside the USB memory’s “IMPORT” folder.
13. If you want to play the imported sample from a pad, select the sample sound that you
want to play for that pad.
➝ “Selecting the samples” (p. 19 of this manual)
Importing sounds (samples) from your computer
WAV
AIFF
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