Roland Fantom G6 User manual

Experience
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
Howard
Jones
Rick
Wakeman
Jordan
Rudess
Valdez
Brantley
Paul
Mirkovich
Shiny
Toy Guns
Impressions of the Fantom-G
live workstations from
world-leading artists.

Dreams realized-introducing
the world’s first live workstation!
Roland’s 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
SuperNATURAL™sounds via ARX-series expansion boards. Explore a new
dimension of musical creativity with the Fantom-G live workstation.

■Choose from five different modes that
change the behavior of the pitch bend
lever. Opens new possibilities to
expressive keyboard performance!
■Arpeggio and Chord Memory
controls enable a wide variety of
playing techniques
■152-track sequencer: 24 stereo
audio tracks, 128 MIDI tracks ■Coaxial digital audio in/out
■Standard / XLR combo jacks for audio recording; condenser
mics and guitar or bass can be directly connected
■Onstage and in the studio, the Fantom-G instantly
brings your favorite real-time controller assignments
to your fingertips with each patch
■PHA II Ivory Feel keyboard (Fantom-G8)
Fantom-G6 and -G7 feature flagship
synth-action keyboard
■Powerful wave source system with a stunning
collection of newly developed sounds
■Highly refined sampling functions
outperform dedicated sampling units
■All fundamental built-in sounds have been significantly
upgraded, including the stereo multi-sampled 88-key piano
■V-LINK capability provides a new visual dimension you
can control in real time during live performance
■The luxurious wide-format 8.5-inch color VGA TFT-LCD monitor significantly eases workflow
■Three modes – LIVE, STUDIO, and SINGLE – optimize
the instrument for specific playing environments
■The Favorite function lets you immediately
recall settings for live performance
■New soundsets with dedicated programming and effects
engines on each ARX-series SuperNATURAL™expansion board
■The jog dial and front-panel controls let you quickly
and easily get on with the process of music creation ■Stylish, slim-line aluminum body,
high-quality components
■Whether you’re performing live or creating music in a studio,
the 16-key dynamic pad is a convenient and powerful tool
■Skip Back sampling function lets you instantly capture
improvised playing before it gets lost in the moment
■USB memory port for fast, convenient storage
and retrieval of project data
■Compatible with USB two-button wheel
mouse (sold separately) for ultra-fast editing
■USB audio and MIDI compatibility for complete
compatibility with DAW applications
■Compatible with sounds edited using VSTi
and AU tools via computer.
Librarian software also supplied
■Multi-effects can be applied to
single sounds; simultaneous
use of up to 22 effects
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1
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
■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.
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.
A colossal new sound engine has been
developed for the Fantom-G series, with
double the wave capacity of the
predecessor. The acclaimed stereo
multi-sampled 88-key piano sound of the
Fantom-X has been resampled and
improved for the Fantom-G. Potent
upgrading extends to synth, drums, bass,
strings, and other fundamental sound sets
Sound Engine
For Live Performance
Immense potential consolidated
in a single live workstation
LIVE mode organizes sound sources and effects for incredible ease and convenience on stage. Using
8-part multi-timbral mode, you can freely adjust settings for layers and splits, maximizing expression
onstage. The high quality of the sound sets give you a radically refreshed stage sound, while the
new-generation keyboard action and SuperNATURAL™expansion sets gives you the musical palette
for newfound expressiveness. Every feature of the Fantom-G has been designed to completely
revitalize your live performance!
as well. The new wind-instrument sounds,
such as flute and oboe, are particularly
expressive. In LIVE mode you can use eight
independent parts to freely create layers
and splits. While playing live, with the Patch
Remain function, sound release and effects
are seamless. All you desire for expression
during live performance is fully supported
right from the sound source.
High-quality, expressive sounds provide new impact
■Patch Pro Edit Screen ■Patch Zoom Edit Screen ■Sample Edit Screen
■Patch List Screen
Howard
Jones
Howard
Jones

SuperNATURAL™Expansion Board ARX Series New Keyboard System
■Profile
Keyboardist Rick Wakeman (who also played with the
Strawbs and several other acts as a session player in
the 1960s) began releasing solo albums while still a
member of Yes, one of the most influential
progressive rock bands of all time. The ever-inventive
composer and player has released over 100 albums
since the '70s (nine in 1991 alone) and played on
many more. With elaborate stage-shows and a
musical style that balances progressive rock with new
age and just about every other keyboard-based pop
style in between, he's carved a unique niche for
himself. Between releasing albums, he also scores
films, has hosted a weekly radio program, and is a
familiar face on British chat shows.
■Profile
Jordan Rudess is one of todays top keyboard
virtuosos. He has worked with the Dixie Dregs, David
Bowie, Enrique Iglesias, Tony Williams, Jan Hammer,
Paul Winter Consortt and for the last 9 years has
been the keyboardist in Dream Theater.
In October of 2007 Jordan's newest solo album,
"The Road Home" was released on Magna Carta
Records. This year Jordan has been busy with the
Dream Theater "Chaos in Motion" tour, which will
take him around the globe, before finishing up in the
USA in the summer of 2008.
Technology has been
racing away and everyone has forgotten
what the instruments are really for. When I used the
Fantom-X Series for the first time on a recent tour of
Canada, I was impressed with how suitable they were
for live performance.
Having such a large screen on the Fantom-G Series will
significantly improve their suitability for live performance.
Small screens are a nightmare as you are forever
changing screens to see what you did previously. Large
screens are also much easier to see out of the corner
of your eye when playing several keyboards on stage and
need to quickly check your settings.
I love the new faders. Unlike knobs, you get a much
clearer indication of what sound you are going to get.
There are a lot of younger players who want to do a bit
more than press a preset and I am pleased that this
has been incorporated not just for studio use but also
for stage.
This is not a makeover of the previous model. This is a
giant step forward.
One of the things that gives
synthesizers expression is the ability to bend pitch with
a controller. On Roland's new Fantom keyboard, there is
a level of player control that far exceeds any existing
synthesizer that I have worked with. It opens up new
avenues of expression.
When I perform on a keyboard I need to be able to cycle
through many layered and split patches. Roland has
reached a new musical height with their Live Mode. No
matter how complex a Live Mode patch and its effects
happen to be, I'm now able to seamlessly change from
one big layered or split patch to the next, without any
interruption in the sound. This is the first keyboard
instrument to make this dream of mine come true.
There are really some amazing effects inside this
instrument. One day while listening to John Petrucci fine
tune his distorted guitar sound I was experimenting with
the new Fantom and realized that with the modeled
amplifier effects I could easily achieve incredible rocking
organ and guitar tones that used to either not be
possible on other equipment, or take multiple processors
to make happen.
Perhaps the most important thing to me in a workstation
keyboard is having tons of great sounds in the onboard
ROM. The new Fantom really delivers the goods here.
It has a fantastic and expansive collection of waveforms
at its core, that truly represents the next level of
keyboard workstation.
Fantom-G provides two ARX slots for adding
SuperNATURAL expansion boards to the already
powerful synth lineup. SuperNATURAL is
Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology
that enables a new level of organic, emotional
expression previously unattainable in
synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument
sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate,
natural tonal changes and playing nuances of
real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool
for electronic and non-traditional sounds,
breathing amazing new life and expression into
synthesis.
■The ARX-01 Drums expansion board enables
detailed and realistic customization of drum kits.
The ARX-02 Electric Piano expansion provides a
gorgeous selection of famous EPs, allowing you
to customize sounds in ways that were not
possible with the original instruments. More
SuperNATURAL boards will follow these two
remarkable releases.
SuperNATURAL expansion boards bring sound to life
The Fantom-G8 is luxuriously appointed with
Roland’s top-of-the-line PHA II keyboard,
featuring Ivory Feel keys, Progressive Hammer
Action. This amazing keyboard technology
reproduces the real feel of ivory for the natural
keys and ebony for the sharps, providing the
stability and comfort of a real acoustic-piano
keyboard. The natural keys are designed to
absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof
feel that your fingers will absolutely love.
The flagship synth-action keyboards of the
Fantom-G6 and -G7 are Roland’s direct response
to field research from world-leading keyboard
players – incorporating their feedback after
testing a variety of prototype designs.
Whichever Fantom-G you choose, you’ll enjoy a
keyboard action that is a true joy to play.
Superior keyboard action, tested by
world-leading players
Finger moisture
Keyboard
Moisture
absorption
Moisture
absorption
2
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
* New moisture-absorbing Ivory Feel key material
ensures playing comfort and non-slip performance.
Your hands become one with the instrument.
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ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
■ARX-01: Drums Screen
■ARX-02: Electric Piano Screen
*Image
Rick
Wakeman
Rick
Wakeman
Jordan
Rudess
Jordan
Rudess

4
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
■Profile
Valdez Brantley is a Grammy nominated Musical
Director, Programmer, and Producer. His special
talents include mastering Keyboards and numerous
other instruments. He has worked with Usher
Raymond, Mary J. Blige, Ne-yo, Chris Brown and a
host of other artists. He has worked on the Roland
V-Synth GT and now the Roland Fantom-G7.
His future endeavors include scoring movies and
producing music for video games.
The Fantom-G is so dynamic
it leaves you in awe!
It is relentless precision! The Fantom-G puts the heart
back in music. The Fantom-G is the ideal tool for me.
Everything I need is all here. This thing is amazing.
Finally...an instrument that handles everything I need.
It's great to have one instrument that does it all. I start
and end with the Fantom-G. It does not matter if I'm in
the studio or playing to sell-out crowds, my hands are
always on the Roland Fantom-G. I've played everything in
my career...and the Fantom-G is the most expressive
and powerful synth in history....by far.
In a world’s first for a hardware
synthesizer, the Fantom-G sports
an 800 x 480-pixel color display,
which puts the enormous creative
potential of the instrument
conveniently at your fingertips.
In addition, the Fantom-G allows a
standard USB mouse to be plugged
in for navigation and control. Using
a two-button wheel mouse, you
can edit with amazing speed and
Large LCD & Mouse Operation
For Studio
Perfect for the stage,
perfect for the studio
With STUDIO mode, all facets of the Fantom-G are optimized for the composing and
music-creation process. You get access to 16-part layers and up to 22 simultaneous
studio-quality effects. The newly developed sequencer provides 24 audio tracks and
128 MIDI tracks. The oversize 8.5-inch wide VGA color TFT panel, combined with
USB mouse capability, adds new dimensions of comfort and convenience.
ease. Together with a host of
logically arranged clustered
controls, including the jog wheel,
sliders, 16 touch-pads, and other
tactile controls, you get hands-on
control that surpasses any
computer-based DAW.
The Fantom-G provides a creative
environment that’s quick, friendly,
and inspiring.
Fantom-G revitalizes your music-composition workflow
Valdez
Brantley
Valdez
Brantley

Super Sequencer Multi FX
■Profile
Paul Mirkovich is a musical director, keyboardist,
singer, programmer, arranger, composer, and
songwriter whose career has spanned over 20 years.
In 2005, Paul became a familiar face to world-wide
television audiences as the music director for two
seasons of the popular CBS "Rock Star" series.
He has toured the world extensively with major
established artists and has played live for millions.
His credits include Cher, Janet Jackson, INXS,
RockStar INXS, Anastasia, Whitesnake, Foreigner
and many others.
■Profile
Shiny Toy Guns are an indie/rock/electronica band
from Los Angeles,California that was founded in
2003. Guitarist/vocalist Gregori Chad Petree and
synth/bass player Jeremy Dawson recruited vocalist
Carah Faye Charnow and drummer Mike Martin after
moving to Los Angeles. Popular songs include "Don't
Cry Out", "You Are the One", and "Le Disko".
The group has appeared on David Letterman, Carson
Daly and Conan O' Brien. Their album, "We Are Pilots",
received a Grammy nomination for best electronic
album in 2007
The Fantom-G8 keys feel
like I'm playing a real piano,
and the key-action is has great "spring-back". No matter
how much as I dig into it, it comes right back.
This keyboard feels good.
The screen is huge – and the different modes are clearly
laid out. The visual interface shows everything that's
going on – all right in your face – and that makes the job
easier. I know where things are mapped, I know what
sounds are there, I know what the levels are. Its pretty
much all there.
The new Live Mode is great, and now that each patch in
Live Mode has it's own COSM effects, patches used
sound exactly the same as they do in single mode. You
don't have to sacrifice effects when using a combination
of patches in Live Mode. It sounds amazing!
The seamless switching with this much DSP is
incredible. I can hit a pad layer and sustain, go to my
next sound without any of the tails getting cut off, and
be immediately ready for the next song.
I can be more seamless between songs, making things
more interesting and expressive during a show.
The Fantom-G does most
everything you want to do.
You don't need a laptop, you don't need a recording
interface, or plug-ins. This is a computer and recording
system inside a keyboard, but with less confusion.
It's everything, and simple.
My system is starting to look like Paul Shaffer's, but
now with the Fantom-G, I won't need as much equipment
on the road – and less gear means less things can go
wrong. I can sample my other keyboards, and do more
effects routing inside the Fantom-G rather than using
racks of gear.
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument
to feature Roland’s newly designed power
sequencer. In conjunction with the large-
size LCD, this pro-level composition tool
provides 152 tracks (including 24 stereo
audio tracks and 128 MIDI tracks) in a fully
intergraded audio/MIDI graphical
environment. The sequencer can store up
to a million notes for seemingly endless
creative capacity. The display can be split
to provide simultaneous edit and mix
views. A mouse can be also incorporated
for computer-like speed and ease. During
playback, you can view the time count on
the display, with tempo-view down to the
sub-decimal level. Everything about this
next-generation sequencer is designed for
clean, fast workflow.
24 stereo audio tracks and 128 MIDI tracks onboard
In any mode, each sound in the Fantom-G
always has its own PFX (patch multieffects)
channel available. Altogether, 76 types of
PFX effects are built in, and simultaneously
you can apply up 22 effects to a sound.
In STUDIO mode, to ensure the quality of
chorus, reverb, and other mastering
effects, two channels of assignable MFX
are provided. There are also inputs for
external effects.
In the Fantom-G the reverb goes beyond
what was available before. Newly
designed from the ground up, this reverb
has a distinctively transparent character
that’s optimal for bringing out the best in
vocals and other dynamic sounds with its
natural and beautiful spatial presence.
Top-quality multi-effects engine: 22 simultaneous
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ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
5
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
ARTISTS'
IMPRESSIONS
■Tempo resolution
can be set to
sub-decimal levels
■Supports real-time display of frame units
■Song Edit Screen ■PFX Screen
■Mastering Effect Screen
■Effect Routing Screen
■MIDI Track Output Assign
Screen
■Audio Track Mixer Screen
Paul
Mirkovich
Paul
Mirkovich
Shiny
Toy Guns
Shiny
Toy Guns

■ Keyboard: 88 keys PHA II Ivory Feel Keyboard with
velocity and channel aftertouch
■ Keyboard: 76 keys, with velocity and channe aftertouch ■ Keyboard: 61 keys, with velocity and channel aftertouch
■ Accessories: Owner's Manual, Quick Start, Driver Installation Guide, SoundList, CD-ROM (Editor, USB Audio/MIDI driver), Power Cord
■ Options: Expansion Board: ARX Series, Keyboard Stand: KS-V7, KS-18Z, Pedal Switch: DP series, Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U, Expression Pedal: EV-5, USB Memory: M-UF1G
■ Dimensions: 1,396 (W) x 502 (D) x 183 (H) mm/
55 (W) x 19-13/16 (D) x 7-1/4 (H) inches
■ Weight: 33.6 kg/ 74 lbs. 2 oz.
■ Dimensions: 1,278 (W) x 411 (D) x 142 (W) mm/
50-3/8 (W) x 16-3/16 (D) x 5-5/8 (H) inches
■ Weight: 16.6 kg/ 36 lbs. 10 oz.
■ Dimensions: 1,066 (W) x 411 (D) x 142 (H) mm/
42 (W) x 16-3/16 (D) x 5-5/8 (H) inches
■ Weight: 14.5 kg/ 32 lbs.
Keyboard Section
Sound Generator
Section
Sequencer
Section
Other
Sampling Section
Specifications
■ Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices, shared with the sampling section ■ Parts: 16 parts (Internal) + 16 parts (External) + 2 parts (ARX) + 24 parts (Audio Track) ■ Wave Memory: 256MB
(16-bit linear equivalent)
■ Waveforms: 2,230 ■ Preset Memory: Patches=1,664 + 256 (GM2), Rhythm Sets= 64 + 9 (GM2), Live Sets= 512, Studio Sets= 128 ■ User Memory (per one
project) : Patches= 512, Rhythm Sets= 64, Live Sets= 512, Studio Sets= 128
■ Effects: Patch Multi-effects (PFX)= max. 16 units (76 types), Multi-effects (MFX)= max. 2 units (78 types)
■ Data Format :16-bit linear, .WAV or .AIFF ■ Sampling Frequency : 44.1kHz ■ Maximum Sampling Time: approx. 360 sec, mono/180 sec, stereo (when sampling memory isn't
expanded / 32 MB), approx. 108 min, mono / 54 min, stereo (fully expanded with DIMM / 544 MB)
■ Number of Samples: 2,000 (per one project)
■ Tracks: MIDI tracks (Internal / External / ARX)= max. 128, Audio tracks= max. 24, Tempo track= 1, Beat track= 1 ■ Resolution: 480 TPQN ■ Tempo: 5.00 to 300.00
■ Songs: 50 (per one project) ■ Phrases: 2,000 (per one project) ■ Notes Capacity: approx. 1,000,000 notes (per one project) ■ Song Length: 9,998 measures
■ Arpeggiater: 128 ■ Arpeggio Sets: 128 ■ RPS Sets: 32 ■ Rhythm Pattern Sets: 32 ■ Chord Memory :128 ■ Chord Memory Sets: 128 ■ Display: Graphic Type, 8.5", Wide VGA (800 x 480 dots), backlit
LCD (Color)
■ Pads: 16 pads, velocity and polyphonic aftertouch sensitive ■ Controllers: Pitch Bend / Modulation Lever, Control Knob x 4, Control Slider x 8, Assignable Switch x 2, D Beam
Controller
■ Connectors: Mic / Guitar Input Jacks= 1/4 inch phone type / XLR type (Phantom power) (Hi-Z), Headphones Jack= Stereo 1/4 inch phone type, A (MIX) Output Jacks (L / MONO, R)= 1/4
inch TRS phone type, B Output Jacks (L, R)= 1/4 inch phone type, Input Jacks (L / MONO/MIC, R)= 1/4 inch phone type, Pedal Jacks= Hold Pedal Jack (HalfPedal recognition), MIDI Connectors= IN,
OUT, THRU, USB Connectors= USB Computer Connector (supports file transfer or mass storage class, and Audio/MIDI), Digital Audio Interface= COAXIAL INPUT/OUTPUT, AC Inlet
■ Expansion Slots: ARX expansion boards= 2 slots, DIMM= 1 slot, supports PC133, CL=2/3, 3.3 V, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB ■ External Storage Device:USB Flash Memory
SuperNATURAL™takes electronic-music instruments to new heights
with its cutting-edge sound generation, natural control, and dedicated
programming and processing power built into each ARX-series expansion board.
SuperNATURAL combines incredible sounds, effects, and customized user interfaces for inspiring sound creation and
performance. More than just waveform expansion, each ARX expansion board lets you manipulate the instruments
themselves in new and creative ways with dedicated graphics for each board.
ARX lets you detail each sound element
with 24-channel mixing, offering the
capabilities of a pro studio.
Reproduce the distinctive qualities of the
EP, and use custom editing tools that go
beyond traditional sound design.

For more details, visit http://www.Roland.com/synth/Fantom/
For more details, visit http://www.Roland.com/synth/Fantom/
Visit us online at www.Roland.com
Printed in Japan. Apr. 2008 RAM-4315 GR-GEN-NK I-3
All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice.
All trademarks are the property of their respective companies.