External MIDI controler for additional splits?

6 Jul 2025, 08:44

Hello, this is MIDI related question so both Fantom and Fantom-0 users can help out:

I figured out how Remote Keyboard Switch works in System and it's okay add-on to regular use of MIDI controller.

But I'm interested in doing something in the middle:
1. Make a scene with splits using Fantom keys
2. Make additional splits played on MIDI controller keys only.
3. All key split info stored within a Zone Edit page.

I know such thing is possible on Kurzweil series for example (by simple assigning for every zone if InputChannel is sent to local or/and midi). I know that sending several zones via same MIDI channel maintains internal key range given within setup, so not sure how and if it's possible to do it on Roland Fantom series.

Thanks!

Re: External MIDI controler for additional splits?

6 Jul 2025, 10:31

On the Roland Fantom, the zone key/velocity range settings only affect the local controller (unless remote keyboard switch is enabled). In contrast to the tone key/velocity range settings which affect all sources because they are settings of the tone generator. In other words, it is not possible to create splits/layers for both the local and remote controller with just the zone settings.

There is one special case: If you have a Fantom-6 and the external controller has only 37 keys, then you can use remote keyboard switch and transpose the external controller down by 4 octaves. That means using distinct key ranges for the local and remote controller.

Re: External MIDI controler for additional splits?

7 Jul 2025, 06:55

Okay, guess I'll have to approach Roland gear and patches in a bit different manner then.

Luckily, program change is possible while you're on a same scene and since there's no interruption, it could work in most situations.