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Fantom as master controller/sequencer

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Fantom as master controller/sequencer

29 Nov 2020, 10:50
I’m seriously considering selling an MPC Live and my Integra 7 to get the newer Fantom. It seems on paper to be a much more ‘immediate’ solution to controlling other devices, plus the onboard sounds are stellar. I’d also be replacing a Nektar T6 controller.

Am I mad or can the Fantom essentially replace all this other kit?

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

29 Nov 2020, 11:17
Buy one, test It yourself, and see if It should be returned or kept.
Then get rid of the other equipment or Fantom.
There are very many happy people with and some disgusted by Fantom.
Trying everything Fantom has will get a long time, so be very cautious.
Often you think a way things will be done but it turns it doesn't, and circumnavigating the wall might not be suitable or match your needs, your workflow.
All that is nonsense for people enjoying it as much as a PlayStation or X-Box, but for a musician earning a living....

So better safe than sorry.
Let us know, please.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

30 Nov 2020, 10:55
Nope don’t do it. Keep the live. The MPC Live (MPC) has a far superior sequencer. The Fantom is a great keyboard for what it is but, it doesn’t even have the onboard capabilities of the original Fantom x series yet.

If you like Roland sounds, fast access to sound design, your going to love the Fantom it’s a beautiful keyboard that sounds great. When you use it in tandem with the MPC all bases are covered. Keep the live.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

14 Dec 2020, 14:02
Ditto on Rahboo's post. Definitely keep the MPC Live for the sequencer among other features. I don't have one but I recently purchased an MPC Force (which is very similar), and I'm blown away with it's capabilities and sound quality. I will soon integrate it with my Fantom, but having too much fun with it standalone right now. It was everything my Fantom is missing in terms of my workflow.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

17 Dec 2020, 17:45
Don’t sell the MPC.
I have the MPC One sitting pretty on the second tier above my Fantom...I couldn’t imagine getting rid of either...a big HELL NO on that one.

Get rid of Nectar and Integra for sure cause the Fantom is killer IMHO
I got rid of Minilogue, Monologue, Ultranova, Electribe, TR-8s, & JD-Xi to obtain the Fantom...the other stuff isn’t needed...the Fantom fills that void REAL quick. The best one out of that bunch was the Ultranova just because it was super deep and flexible as a sound design playground.

I kept the MODX, PC3K6 (ultimate sound design playground), and MPC One and then topped those off with a Fantom...the big guns...bring it

Cheers

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

20 Dec 2020, 08:48
Yeah, the MPC is staying at least for now. Fantom arrives next week!

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

20 Dec 2020, 22:39
Enjoy your present!
BTW: I was just using the Fantom as a master controller and sequencer for the Kyra I am loaning from a buddy of mine. Works like a charm...I just noodled around till I got the external hardware integration up to snuff...even that was a no-brainer if you have any prior experience under your belt.
Cheers

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

23 Dec 2020, 15:14
For me, it's about workflow. I bought the FANTOM 6 to replace my MPCX, EssenceFM, and Panorama P6 with full understanding that this unit is a work in progress. Although the sequencer needs work, I haven't regretted my decision for a more integrated unit yet. It takes me back to my high school days in the late 80's, when all I had was an ESQ-1, an amp, and a consumer tape deck to record to. It was a blessing to have so little, but accomplish so much! Although I can now afford to spend thousands on my hobby, why? I decided to scale things back and do everything inside this one box. I'll add a quality set of reference monitors, reference headphones, mic, and two channel solid state recorder. With this simple setup, I hope to finally finish the album(s) I've been planning in my head for all these years.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

23 Dec 2020, 16:05
Same path here...
Could I ask what reference monitors, reference headphones are you planning to add ?
I have a malfunctioning Mythos ST and still thinking...
Sounds terrific but a subwoofer is deactivated, working with just one. Since they are aging from 2009, I thought better not fix it and go KRK RP10-3 G4.....HEDD Type 20 MK2...

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

24 Dec 2020, 00:30
For reference headphones, I plan to buy a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and a pair of DT 1770 Pro. For reference monitors, I've heard great reviews about the Kali Audio IN-8 Monitor and WE-12 Subwoofer.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

24 Dec 2020, 04:02
My Fantom arrived a couple of days ago. I got the ‘7’. First impressions - it’s bloody huge isn’t it? And quite pretty. The controls are incredibly well laid out. I’ve barely looked at the manual, watched a couple of Ed Diaz’s videos on YouTube (he is really, really good at tutorials). I love it already and haven’t scratched the surface yet.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

24 Dec 2020, 04:51
Yes, so easy at first that I decided Fantom instead of Montage.
And it seems a huge update is approaching...

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

24 Dec 2020, 09:08
You know the crazy thing about the FANTOM is that it wasn't even on my radar. I had been looking at the Integra-7 because of its MPE capability. I happened across one of ZT Audio's Roland Fantom: Exploring FX videos ( https://youtu.be/TvJCCbaeobA ) and was sold on the unit because of its well laid out GUI. I started binge watching every video I could find on YouTube and felt like it could be the 20% solution that gives me 80% of the results. I took delivery within two weeks and gradually started selling off my other equipment.

The only thing remaining from my previous setup is a Linnstrument 200. I hope at some point the FANTOM gets MIDI 2.0 support and microtuning, so I can get the most out of that Midi controller. Actually, microtuning is already there in the form of the Random Pitch Depth setting. Roland just needs to remove the randomness and allow us to define the cents per note.

Re: Fantom as master controller/sequencer

24 Dec 2020, 10:29
A per single key adjustment cent by cent looks very intimidating to me; but Roland might go so many ways to further improve Fantom, even attaining truly frightening and intimidating levels, so why not ?

As for the many videos available, I always considered very strange the lack of performances available.
Often they show the things available and explain well how to use them, most grateful, but then I would like to see some music being played.
If I have already seen some 200 videos on Fantom, I can only recall a performance on no more than...5 ?

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