ROLAND SHIPS NEW FANTOM-XR “GIGA-MODULE”
(Roland | Posted 2004-05-28)
Powerful Synthesis and Sampling In An Affordable 1U Rack. Los Angeles Calif. May 20, 2004—Roland is now shipping their new
flagship sound module, the 128-voice Fantom-XR Synthesizer/Sampler. This
1U module inherits the same powerful 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. And the best part? The Fantom-XR’s
unrivaled synthesis and sampling capabilities come at a price any
musician can afford.
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 powerful effects processing found in
the Fantom-X keyboards—including three multi-effects processors, plus
separate reverb and chorus processors. The multi-effects are extremely
powerful with algorithms ranging 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.
*“Phantom” is a registered trademark of and is licensed by Phantom
Guitar Works.
Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio
equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more
information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O.
Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 for media
use only), www.RolandUS.com. All trademarks are property of their
respective owners.
