Fantom-XR Upgrade Now Available

Roland is now offering owners of the Fantom-XR synth module the ability to add Version 2-functionality to their rack with the FAN-XR-UP1 "Sample Tools Expansion Kit," available direct from the Roland US web site.

New features include an onboard Multisample Editor, a Sample Gain parameter, an Auto-Patch Bank mode (which creates patches for every sample for quick use in a composition), a multisample editor, and upgraded Fantom-X Editor Version 2, including S-700 sample-conversion software for Mac and PC. The new operating system is installed from the supplied Compact Flash card and PC-card adapter.

The Fantom-XR brings sampling and synthesis to a convenient 1U rack module, with room for over 1GB of sounds when expanded. The 128MB internal wave ROM includes new Patches like an 88-key split piano, plus room for six SRX expansions. Full-blown user sampling is also supported, along with .WAV/AIFF compatibility for loading samples via USB. And with PC Card storage, the Fantom-XR makes backing up data quick and easy.

The FAN-XR-UP1 upgrade costs $49, however those who purchased their Fantom-XR between January 1 and March 31 can recieve the upgrade for free by downloading and filling out a coupon from Roland's web site.