Roland Fantom 8 EX Synthesizer

General

The Roland Fantom is essentially the definition of 'big'. Even back in 2019 when the original Fantom 6, 7 and 8 first dropped, Roland unleashed some whopping chunks of synth-based hardware, each model loaded with masses of sounds, options, effects, plenty of connection ports and plenty of inspiration for producers and musicians the world over. In the years since, a few things have happened, especially at Roland who, in response to the ever growing role of software in the studio, has developed the Roland Cloud and populated it with virtual versions of some of their own legendary synthesizers. Add the OG Fantom to the Roland Cloud and what you get is the Fantom 8 EX - furnished with a full-sized eighty-eight note keyboard.

The Future-Proofed Roland Fantom 8 EX

This is a workstation, so you're getting an expansive sound engine complete with sequencing options, all of which is navigated via a crystal clear full colour touchscreen, granting access to the best possible sound and the fastest possible workflow all without having to switch on an actual computer. And, since this is an extended edition of the Fantom that came out in 2019, it now comes with a stack of virtual vintage synths on board, including the Jupiter-8, the SH-101 and the JX-3P (which can be downloaded for free from the Roland Cloud by all Fantom EX users), plus n/zyme, the JD-800, Juno-106, JX-8P, V-Piano, a tonewheel organ and some outstanding reverbs. In terms of sound alone, you're looking at a considerably improved synth.

Who's it Built For?

While it does demand a pretty hefty investment, you're getting a hefty amount in return. The packed control panel alone is enough to slap a grin on your face and the breadth of options definitely completes a core writing, recording and performing tool. On top of all of the above, the Fantom EX features a ZEN-Core engine and a 32-band vocoder so you can sample yourself. It also comes equipped with a CV/gate output that supports Eurorack module integration so you can start building enormous layers. The list goes on and on, serving to polish off an insanely versatile model that's able to take on anything.