Why the FantomS?

[dornob]

Hi folks

For over two months I have been researching, learning, and comparing the different synths. Most of the looking has been on the net, because the nearest music store is a long drive. I have narrowed it down to either the FS or a Motif. What made you decide to go with the Fantom, rather than another keyboard? (Tomorrow I buy!)


Thanks..d

[buzzbro]

Welcome dornob (I won't ask),

I got/chose the Fantom S88 because:

1. Features: sampling, resampling, big screen, USB, sequencer, smartmedia, internal user RAM

2. Roland gear very reliable. (so is Yamaha)

3. I really like the SRX-02 Piano in my XV-88, and wanted to re-utilize it (I like it better than Yamaha)

4. No one can argue that the Fantom S/S88 is a Really Sexy looking keyboard

5. After reading the HS reviews, I realized that it's 'Not a Keyboard for Idiots'

6. I like the keyboard action better.

7. I love the sound of my XV88, so I new the FAS could only be better. (I'm not dissapointed)

8. I had a number of smartmedia cards already.

9. The Motif is ugly. (IMO)

10. Drum machine style sampling looping!


Bottom line - they're both great - try them both!

Cheers,


bb

[buzzbro]

In addition,

11. More sample ram




Oh, and cancel #8, Motif takes smartmedia too.

bb

[Red Winger]

Hey dornob,

I think buzzbro covers most of the points that went into my decision, but I would highly recommend against you making any decision until you play the two boards. Spend a good long time with each. I probably spent about 2 hours on each board before deciding. You really can't tell from just looking at the info on the web (at least I sure couldn't).

For me, the ease of use of the Fantom-S (skip back sampling, piano mode, etc.), the feel of the keys, the features and sounds were all pivotal. I think there are some presets that are definitely better in the Motif and some that are better in the Fantom-S. You can tweak the patches on either board to your heart's content, so don't be too worried about the presets (they're more just for convenience).

But, you know, in the end it's a very personal decision. They're both great boards and you can make great music with each. As I'm pretty new to midi/sampling, etc., I wanted the board that would be the easiest to use out of the box. I think it would be hard to argue that the Fantom-S is that board. (Just sit down at the two boards and try to sequence a couple of tracks and lay down a sample or two, without any help from the salesmen or the manuals). But, even though it may be less intuitive, the Motif is also an awesome board.

Oh, and while the Motif has boards that do add some polyphony for at least certain patches, I really think that Roland has the best sounding expansion boards in its SRX series, hands-down. Of course, like all of the above, that's just my opinion and yours may differ.

Good luck on your decision!

Cheers,
RW

[buzzbro]

Red Winger is dead on. It's really a matter of personal preference and needs. When I wrote "they're both great - try them both!", I actually meant the Fantom S and the Motif. Just didn't relay myself very clearly.

Cheers,

bb

[dornob]

Thanks for the information buzzbro. I think the Motif is ugly too. My 10 year old daughter likes it though. (She likes the "sands" voice especially.)

[Tony Clifton]

To look good hooked up to the NEW APPLE G5 with 5.1 surround 8 gigs of RAM baby plus S/P DIF Optical input will now come in handy as it is standard on the new G5.
First the Fantom-S and now THIS!!!!!!!!!!
YIPPEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously I liked the Motif presets so much I plan to buy the Rack(a steal at 900 bucks) eventually.
Once you really get into the guts of the Fantom-S you'll GET THE BIG PICTURE on EASE of USE and HOW GREAT the INTERNAL SOUNDS are despite some HO HUM presets!
Can't go wrong with either and I second how good the Roland SRX-2 expansion board piano sounds are in the S88.
THe summer of GREAT GEAR is HERE!!!!!

[Erdem]

Hi dornob;

I think you should consider seriously buying a Fantom S-88. I have been using Roland instruments for 10 years (E-70, JV-880, XP-80) and I didin't regret once. Roland instruments are (especially Fantoms) easy to use, stylish and has great sounds.
I have also played Motif in a local Yamaha shop but I didin't like the sounds so much.
Hope you make a decision you won't regret.

[dornob]

Sorry for the delay in responding. I couldn't get online last

night. Thanks Red Winger for your input, and Tonyand Erdem

also. My plan today is to spend the afternoon at the music

store, and play both of the boards until I can't stand it

anymore.


Thanks again everybody for your responses ..d

[i8088]

Tony Clifton...

Heh.. no offense but that G5 a waste of $$. U must be seriously loaded. heh.. mac heads.

[Tony Clifton]

i8088 1/2
I think you mean NO OFFENSE but you are the "XPERT" here!
Mac head meets DICK head!

[i8088]

thats Mr. Dick head...

Whats an XPERT? oh you must of meant "Expert". ;-p

BTW, hows the G5 anywayz. From what ive been reading its performing similar to a P4 2.0-2.5Ghz. Are u running Logic / DP4 on OSX?

[FatBoyJim]

A few hours ago I became worried that this was going to happen. I am not going to take sides, but I would like to ask that both of you please drop this a leave the negativity behind. Thanks!

You the man, Artemio!

[Artemiy]

I'm seriously thinking about an anti-swear filter here.

[Tony Clifton]

Hey I did not respond AGAIN to our canadian friend although "XPERT" in his case is supposed to be mispelled LOL!
He deserved that IMHO but I do apologise to you,FBJ,and any other Fantom-S forum posters for letting my emotions dictate EVEN a response to this character in the first place.
Gear is gear and it is one thing to give your opinion but trashing somebody or making generalizations about what they like and who they are from a post on the internet is very STUPID IMHO.
So I will not post again but I will browse from time to time.
Thanks for the forum and enough posters like this or the infamous TDM will RUIN this forum IMHO.
The best to you guys.
Tony