A perennial favourite among pro live performers and music producers who want to produce their music using a single device, Roland’s Fantom range has been rebooted and redesigned. There are three models in the new line-up: Fantom 6, 7 and 8.

These join the MC-707 and MC-101 grooveboxes, Juno-inspired JU-06A Boutique synth and Jupiter-X synth in Roland’s new product line-up, which is being unveiled today.

In the case of the Fantoms, the story starts with the interface, which is said to be ‘modeless’. Roland suggests that it provides a consistent working experience at all times, so you never need to worry about whether a certain feature is available to you.

This being a workstation, it’s no surprise that the sound engine is versatile – expect electronic, acoustic and hybrid tones. What’s more, synthesis technologies can be combined, and there’s both an analogue filter and a comprehensive selection of effects.

Roland is also keen to talk-up the power of the new Fantom’s DSP engine, which enables all 16 parts to run with all available effects simultaneously.

In terms of the keys themselves, the 61-note Fantom 8 and 76-note Fantom 7 both have a new semi-weighted action, while the Fantom 8 benefits from a PHA-50 ‘board. Control is via a colour touchscreen and multiple knobs, sliders and buttons.

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