What do YOU use your Fantom for?

[Deprincer]

Obviously, the fantom has a vast array of features. It seems that a lot of different people use their fantom for different purposes. This makes me really curious.

Personally, I'd like to learn from others in what way they utilize their fantom.

Do you use it strictly for performance (gigs), as a synthesizer, a midi controller, etc.?

I feel there is an incredible amount of depth that I admittedly have not surfaced upon yet and I would like to know how I can get the most out of this intricate piece of equipment.

In advance, thanks for the feedback fellas.

www.ValetInLA.com

[Artemiy]

I use it for composition, live performances, live sound processing and sound design. BTW if you really want to learn the depths of the synth and effects, you can check out the Fantom TweakBook.

[pianoman]

I use my XR mainly as a sampler to play back my piano samples. Life and every other time I'm not able to use my piano and Wurly...

[goodtimez]

I'm using my s to control my es8 because the keys feel great compared to the weighted keys(don't always need that). also to trigger samples and sounds in Reason. I don't use the pads because I have a mv8800 for drums but they can be very useful too. Editing and saving sounds seem to be easier with roland products, period!!!!

[ExtremeFingers]

I use my Fantom x8 for solo live performances, which is perfect for it!
Large number of polyphony, sampling, lots of cool patches, RPS and a internal drum machine are very useful when you are alone.

I also like piano sounds of my FX - I've checked out Motif XS few day ago, because everybody says it has a superior piano sounds, but it doesn't even come near FX's sounds!

[mcaleb]

I use my X7 for live performances with my choir as follows: Thanks to 128-note poly, I sequence songs in cubase with the X as sound source, load the completed sequence into the X (minus the piano part), set the drum parts to trigger my external Zoom drum machine and play live piano (or e. piano) on the X over the entire sequence. Works beautifully. Takes the stress (and cost) out of finding top instrumentalists.

I also use the X for composition.

Haven't really delved into sampling or using arpeggiators. Don't use the pads much, but hope to in the future.

X7 All the way!!!

[Gertje]

X7, for live performances. A true workhorse with great sounds, albeit using SRX-cards to enrichen some of them.

[mister ludo]

I use it as a multitrack audio recorder and a sampler, the purpose is sound designing.

I always use it with my kurzweil (life mode-> KDFX), and than mix back to the FX, it works great!
I overuse, the ring modulator, the booster and the matrix control capabilities to bring my sound to life.

I simply use it as a piano too,..I like it so much!

[Patrick_]

I am learning(new owner) to use my X6 for songwriting and arrangement. It also makes a great paperweight.

[madAhorn]

I use my X-7 in live performances with a Beatles cover band to cover anything from keyboard, extra guitar sounds or entire arrangement done live like on "Here comes the Sun. Every background part is easily accessible to switch on the fly.

I also play live in a Chicago style Horn band and use many nice sounds there. On some of the originals I use some nice sound effects.

I write and record demos of tunes for the band to learn from.
I convert to midi as well and run though my Notation Program.

I also write some project songs that are not necessarily good live tunes but fun for listening…some electronic, some not.

This Fantom X-7 is an amazing instrument for a variety of performing and recording...You do, however have to have several SRX boards to get the full potential out of it.

[Deprincer]

Hey thanks a lot for all the feedback guys! I shouldn't be surprised as to how many people use it for live performance. I'm glad I got one since I plan to start a band soon.

mcaleb: You said that you "sequence songs in cubase with the X as sound source, load the completed sequence into the X (minus the piano part)..."

How do you go about using the Fantom as a sound source? That's one of the things I've been wanting to accomplish but do not know the process of. I would like to use my fantom as a sound source for sequencing music in FL Studio. Thanks!

www.ValetInLA.com

[sambasevam]

I'd suggest you read up on midi sequencing in the tweakheadz site (where he gives a thorough explanation of everything).

This is how I used to do it : Create 16 tracks in the sequencer, set the I/O appropriately. Arm all the tracks. Select whatever channel you want in the fantom and start recording. In sonar, it'll automatically get recorded to the corresponding channel, and all the other channels will simply ignore blank takes (so you dont end up with empty garbage). Thats pretty much it. Insert quantize fx in midi fx bin for input quantize. The midi editing/processing is a LOT faster in sonar or cubase, when compared to the fantom.



---------------------------------------------------------------
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is definitively not for you.

[rezfactor]

I'm a filmmaker first, amateur composer second. Bought the Fantom X8 to compose scores for my own short films. My intention was to buy a WORKSTATION for WRITING, and to NOT compose in a computer-centric way. I also bought SRX04 (Symphonic Strings), SRX06 (Complete Orchestra), and SRX09 (World Collection), boards at the same time as the initial purchase, and am so glad I did.

Before I got the Fantom, I had a Motif ES8 that I couldn't figure out for the life of me. Yeah, it sounded real pretty, but I think the SRX boards more than make up for that. Plus, the Fantom's pads are much "fatter" without doing a bunch of layering or tweaking. I returned my Motif ES8 for a Fantom X8, loaded with SRX boards. Much happier.

____________________________________________________________________

• Roland Fantom X8 Workstation v2.10 0MB
• SRX04/SRX06/SRX09/SRX00

[Muzik]

I use my Fantom x8 for the Worship Band that I play in. We have two keyboards, so Fantom is great for being a "filler" in those spots where there is need of sound.

You can visit the Worship Band that I play in. We have songs in English and Russian languages, so hope you like it.

http://www.pilgrim-worship.blogspot.com/

God's Blessings.

[mcaleb]

Deprincer

I'm not sure how to accomplish this in FL Studio. A lot depends on your midi solution.

I use an M-Audio USB midi interface. This is the process I use:

1. Install drivers for midi interface on pc.
2. Connect midi interface to the pc via usb
3. Connect the Fantom X to the relevant midi in/out on the midi interface.
4. In cubase I select the midi interface on each channel and hey presto! I have access to the X's sounds.

In FL there must be an option for selecting the midi interface that your X is connected to.

Hope this helps.

X7 All the way!!!