Fantom-XR Sound Module Starts Shipping

Fantom-XR (Click for a close-up)

Rear Panel (Click for a close-up)

Taking its position as the company's new flagship sound module, the 128-voice Fantom-XR Synthesizer/Sampler from Roland is a 1U module that inherits the same sound engine as the Fantom-X keyboards, but with greater expandability via six optional SRX expansion boards and up to 528MB of sample RAM--making it the first sound module to reach over 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded. While there is no internal sequencer, the Fantom-XR connects easily to external sequencers via USB or standard MIDI connections.

The Fantom-XR is based on Roland's powerful new sound generator chip. This chip delivers maximum audio processing performance at a great price--including an expressive stereo 4-tone synthesis engine with 128-voice polyphony. The internal 128MB wave ROM includes quality-focused waveforms--like Roland's amazing 88-key split piano, lively new string ensembles, fat drum sounds and more--recorded using world-class studios and renowned engineers like Dan Blessinger (Martinsound). The internal wave ROM can be expanded up to 512MB using six optional SRX-Series expansions. PC-based editor software will be included for Patch editing.

Out of the box, the Fantom-XR ships with a 16MB sample memory for loading .WAV/AIFF files via USB or for recording new sounds via the analog and digital inputs. The Fantom-XR's powerful sample editing tools include a Wave Edit screen, Chop function and real time timestretch. By adding optional DIMM memory, the Fantom-XR can be expanded to 528MB of sample RAM. Combined with a fully expanded wave ROM, that's over 1GB of sounds. Data can be conveniently backed up using optional PC Cards (up to 1GB) or via USB.

The Fantom-XR boasts the same effects processing found in the Fantom-X keyboards--including three multi-effects processors, plus separate reverb and chorus processors. The multi-effects range from COSM Guitar Amp Modeling and Lo-Fi processing to tempo-synced delay, Slicer, Isolator and more. A dedicated Mastering processor serves up tools like multi-band compression for tighter, punchier sound.

The onboard USB port can be used as a USB-MIDI interface--perfect for sequencing the Fantom-XR from a computer. USB also makes for a great way to transfer audio files to and from the module--just connect a cable, then drag and drop away. The Fantom-XR can import and export .WAV and AIFF files, making it compatible with a wide variety of sounds available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. With the Fantom-XR, it's easy to upgrade your sounds and sampling possibilities.

Connections to the Fantom-XR include four 1/4-inch outputs (two stereo), a stereo 1/4-inch input, S/PDIF digital I/O, MIDI In/Out/Thru, a PC Card slot and USB port.

MSRP: $1,595