Horrible problem with Fantom X8, static bursts when changing

[Milo]

Hello, please can someone help. I bought a used Fantom X8 from a large UK music retailer a few months ago. I have a few really big gigs with a new band coming up in a few weeks time, and I am totally relying on it to work.

Sometimes, seemingly at random, when changing between performances (or just scrolling through performances), I get a ear-splitting bang or burst of static noise (through headphones and the L/R outputs). I ignored the first few..then realised it's happening all too often. And now I'm terrified that this is going to happen in these gigs.

I've read a few posts that mention a 'bad motherboard' problem causing noise when switching patches. So now I'm resigned to the fact that I have a 'bad motherboard'. Which is a bit sickening. At some point I will return it to the shop and/or get it fixed (I got a 12 month warranty from the shop so hopefully they'll sort it). But I don't have time to do that before my gigs, I need it..so...does anyone know how I might be able to workaround this problem and make sure it doesn't ruin my gigs? I have a hunch it's something to do with the effects (the noise sounds 'effecty') and my performances do use effects. But I need the effects so I can't turn them off. Does anyone know if there's anything specific that causes it..a specific effect, a specific condition etc that I can avoid maybe?

Many thanks in advance

Milo

PS. What's the extent of this 'bad motherboard' problem? What other issues might I expect?

[smith570]

This happens to mine too. Unfortunately, I think it's a common problem.

[Audiotech Records]

Question? :

When switching patches can you turn down your volume on the KB (Keyboard) and this will eliminate the sound being processed or is it a deeper problem? Cause if it is doing it with the sound down, I really feel for ya, well either way I do....but I hope you find a fix for that!

ATR - Audiotech Records

[SPISHAK]

It IS the MOBO.... sounds like an explosion with lots of reverb? Hopefully they take care of it for you......best wishes

[lang1977]

It's a hardware problem....

You have the first revision mother board just like me. I have an X7.

There are two ways to fix this problem:

1) Send it back to your Roland Dealer so they can fix it or

2) Like me I turn the effects processor off when changing between voices.Tedious I know but when playing live you don't want any surprises.This also includes Chorus and Reverb being off as well and you won't get the static burst...

I've also found a neat feature from this problem though. In the system settings turn PATCH REMAIN to ON.

You can now change between voices without the previous voice dropping off. Eg. Play strings and keep your foot on the pedal. Now turn the dial or select another sound. The previous patch will remain playing until to take your foot off the pedal.

This is one of the reasons why i'm not hurrying to buy the Fantom G....

[lang1977]

Milo there is a shortcut to turning on or off the effects.

Keep your finger on SHIFT then press effects..

[KRE8A]

Seems like a problem for a Roland technician to fix. Best for it to be done this way, especially before a gig.

[Milo]

Cheers everyone. It is indeed a loud static explosion with lots of reverb...and the loudness is thankfully dependent on the volume knob. So at least I know I can turn the volume right down when I change patches, to make sure it doesn't sound.

The 'shift-effects' shortcut is a good tip to bring up the effects on/off window..I don't suppose there's a shortcut to turn everything off at once though? (without having to turn each MFX, chorus, reverb off one-by-one, which is still a bit long winded)?

I will ask Roland to replace the motherboard (free of charge..or the shop I bought it from can pay). After the gigs.

Quick question to the people that have this problem too...do you find that if you have your volume knob half-way or less..it doesn't happen at all (I'd at least expect it to happen still..just quieter)? I can quickly replicate the problem by scrolling up and down my favourite performances (in the favourite performances screen), it happens after doing it for a minute or so.....but so far it's not done it when I've had the volume less than half way. Maybe I've not tested it for long enough..who knows.

Milo

[gcollins]

At two different occasions my x6 would do it for about a week or two even if i was not playing anything. After leaving it off for about a week it would stop.

[Milo]

I've recently discovered if I set the tempo/metronome blinking light to 'rec/play only', ie. turn it off (I previously had it set to 'always' so it was always flashing)...it doesn't seem to happen anymore. I've been playing my Fantom X8 regularly for 2 days now, and haven't had any of the loud static explosions when switching patches...

[lang1977]

Hmmm, can't see how that will cause the problem but it's worth a try..