Roadmap of updates needed

[Fa-tulist]

Although I understand, that companies usually hesitate to make too many promises:
1. To avoid any legal hassle should they fail to deliver the promises
2. To be able to deliver absolute minimum, that they feel they can get away with

This time I think it would be beneficial for both, customers and Roland them selves, if they could be more transparent about the update schedule.

This far it has only unofficially been hinted, that there is more stuff coming for the Fantom, but no one knows what to expect. But what if after a year or two you get one global filter effect and a rudimentary sequencer mode?

I know V-Synth is too much to ask, but that is really what I need for sinking 3,5k into a synth with Fantoms current offerings. Even a dozen of models of old synths would not be enough for me, as it is already good at basic classic analog sound; I’d love to have different flavors of old classics, but how much further can they really take your sound design. I would much rather broaden the spectrum, than add more of the same, that it is already excelling at?

If the updates are not going to be game changing, Why would you buy Fantom?
Its sampling capabilities are miniscule and sound pallette is one sided; why not buy Mc-707 and any other synth, say Jupiter X instead for far better capabilities, increased control and cheaper price.

If they wait too long with the updates, not enough people will buy Fantom to warrant sustaining developement time. If people knew what to expect from it, more people would buy Fantom.

[taglia74]

I'm to your side. Roland should be more clear about development plan. Currently the gear cost is not justified by the capabilities but if corpous update will come for sure may be possible to spend money before to have it.

[Perplextor]

I think we have to wait until January. I expect that they implement the sample capabilities of the mc-707 and supernatural sounds and some more sequencer editing functions.

[BillySynth]

I agree with you. I'd like to see a road map and direction they are taking.

I'm not purchasing anything till they convince me of updates they asked us to provide them.

At least tell us what's do-able or not.

Would have preferred this was called Fantom V at least that would have given us a sense of direction.

Also, would like to see representation from Roland in our Forum!!

Vasillios

[Mystic38]

I completely doubt that Roland will provide any roadmap at all.. the reality is that there is zero advantage for them to do this... accusations of false promise cause more problems than silence (ask Elektron about Overbridge).

IF Fantom does not meet your needs, then it is simpler to clearly and succinctly identify the minimum you would need to justify its expense and ensure that this is clearly (and politely) clarified to Roland as best you can.

either buy, trust and hope.. or don't buy and wait and see... but don't get upset at Roland making the smart business decision to stay silent.

[Fa-tulist]

Because there is only so little reason to trust, there will be only so little sales to fund the further development. I fear, that without information about the update plans, the Fantom will NOT become what it could become.

The expectations that are fed with vague hints will rise into magical heights, and the ill will shall come even without concrete promises broken if the Fantom will not have totally radically game changing updates.

[theshine]

I think it's better they keep it quiet, and prefer people don't jump in and buy it then COMPLAIN that features aren't what they expected.

[Chrisk-K]

No company would ever provide or promise a roadmap of updates. I always buy something as is. I'll wait and see what Roland will do about the Fantom. My most wanted updates are 1) linear sequencing, and 2) the editor and librarian.

[BillySynth]

I bet If Korg release a new advanced and complete replacement of the Kronos with high end 'everything' at 2020 NAMM...you watch Roland defecate in their pantyhose and tell the world of their intended updates for the Fantom. Although, personally I don't believe Korg will release a replacement Kronos.

Vaso

[zombietactics]

No company would ever provide or promise a roadmap of updates. ...

Public "roadmaps" are quite common across many industries. They are quite common in the computer, aerospace and automobile industries, for instance.

They are not very common in the electronic musical instrument business, because the demographic target is not a "mature consumer". In the computer industry, Intel may announce forward-looking information regarding when they may implement a particular chipset or feature upgrade. The consumers do not see this as a "promise" or guarantee that any specific thing might be available on a particular date, or how that feature will be provisioned in detail.

In the synth world, consumers have traditionally take such forward-looking statements as promises and/or guarantees.

If the manufacturers would engage and educate the consumer better, and the consumers would stop acting like children, we might make progress on this issue.

[kday]

Upgrade roadmaps are not presented in the Keyboard synth industry. Because when they sell you the keyboard they expect you to assume you're getting what you paid for. In a rare cases they may tell you additional sound options are forthcoming. They hardly ever roadmap any hardware features beforehand. If they mention feature upgrades it's usually when they are ready in an update. But considering the Fantom is considered a "Platform" instrument I believe later on maybe at NAMM they may reveal more features planned or an upgrade with more features. Anything that will be revealed for Fantom won't be revealed until NAMM arrives.

[JOHN G]

the greatest sounding you can make for Roland to make changes is the opposite of "KACHING": namely, DON'T BUY THIS NEW MACHINE.....

after thoroughly watching all of the many you tube videos and reading through the downloaded manuals, I simply will not justify the cost of a machine that has severe limitations for my particular purposes....

Instead of being the type of person that waits overnight in line for the newest IPHONE the day it comes out, when the phone you have does everything you can possibly want, be more demanding before you spend your hard earned money.

To knowingly buy a limited keyboard and then sit around hoping and grousing for updates is being the worst kind of consumer possible: JUST DON'T BUY IT....period.....best way to get action on their part.

[Devnor]

To knowingly buy a limited keyboard and then sit around hoping and grousing for updates is being the worst kind of consumer possible: JUST DON'T BUY IT....period.....best way to get action on their part.

If you are talking about actual Fantom owners, I doubt that is even happening. IMO most of the people "grousing" for updates probably wouldn't buy it anyway even if Roland threw in the kitchen sink. The owners I know have plugged it into their studios and used Fantom on gigs. Updates are coming and everyone will have a clearer picture of where this is headed after NAMM. Until then, I'm going to create some music on my instrument and I suggest you take a deep breath.

[JOHN G]

If you are talking about actual Fantom owners, I doubt that is even happening

I must respectfully disagree!!

every forum I have gone on is filled with complaints about this keyboard....

does it have some good new features? yes, does it have some nice swirling combination pad/synth sounds?

yes, but there is much more to a keyboard than that....

why there are even things that my FA can do with the sequencer that the Fantom cannot....

I have never had my FA freeze up, or note stick, or any of the other common complaints that you see on these forums.

but I also have not fallen for the "GOTTA HAVE THAT KEYBOARD IMMEDIATELY" syndrome....on ALL of my major keyboard purchases, I have waited for months to years before buying them. Let them get the bugs out, let them update, etc and so on. Then you could more safely purchase.

[bennyseven]

That's a good point, John!