Hello, X-6/X-7/X-8 users

This should help answer most of your questions.

http://fantomized.info/docs/faq/FantomSX-Newbie-FAQ.html

Also on the Fantomized home page look under the links, for FAQ and Tutorials.

Tim

Fantom-X8
Tracktion

I'll also briefly answer your questions as I upgraded from an XP-80 to a Fantom-X8 when the X8 was first introduced.

1) You don't need "special" SDRAM to upgrade the Fantom-X RAM, just standard PC-100 or PC-133 SDRAM (non-ECC and non-parity). The Fantom-X comes with 32 MB of built-in RAM and 32 MB of built-in storage space to get you started.

2) No, not to my knowledge.

3) You can store 256 USER Patches, 64 USER Performances, and 32 USER Rhythm kits in USER memory as well as an additional 256 Patches, 64 Performances, and 32 Rhythm kits on whatever memory card you have inserted into the PC Card slot.

4) No. Like the XP-80, it's possible to store Patches and Performances with sequences (which can contain patterns and RPS settings), but not the other way around. The sequencer can still only load 1 song at a time and chain-play from the song list. The Fantom-X sequencer is the same one found in the XP-80 but with an upgraded user interface.

5) Make sure you get at least a keyboard with a serial number that starts with ZS. You can check the software version by pressing MENU, select System, press ENTER, then press F4 (Info) then F2 (down arrow) 3 times to get to the Version Info tab. Your OS version is displayed there. NOTE: Roland just released the Fantom-X OS version 2.0 and audio track upgrade kit which is free for anyone buying a Fantom-X after January 1st. Models shipped sometime in May will have the audio track upgrade kit and OS 2.0 pre-installed, but if you get a Fantom-X now, it will not and you will need to fill out the coupon on Roland US's web site to get the kit for free. This new OS includes 8 in-sequencer audio tracks similar to a hard disk recorder as well as built-in multi-sample editing (current Fantom-X OS does not allow multi-sample editing) and a new software Roland S-700 sample converter for Mac and Windows. Roland will begin selling the audio track upgrade kit starting January 30th from their SuperStore online (as well as via retail outlets). Not sure of the price yet, but I believe it's going to be about $150 US (for those of us who bought the Fantom-X before this month).

6) Sync problems seem to have been eliminated with OS 1.04, though some may still exist that we have not yet encountered. No outrageous ones like the Motif Rack (from what I've heard) though.

7) Yes, it is possible to trigger samples using RPS.

8) There is no individual sample size limit. Limited only by available RAM (up to 544 MB).

Regards,

Nathan Sheldon
http://www.nathansheldon.com/

Thanks!

If I were you, I would wait until the Version 2's come out (just announced).

If you buy now, you will need to upgrade software (fill out a form and wait), and have possible motherboard problems. Some people have had to send their unit away more than once. I wouldn't even take the chance.

At this point, waiting for a V2 would be a best expectation for getting the latest in hardware and software with no hassles - if you can wait.

bb

I was at NAMM yesterday and the guys @ Roland said the upgrade was $49!!!!!! What a deal!

If you bought the X in 2005 - it's free!

You get :
the update on a 128 CF card
an adapter
a CD-ROM with all the new software (sample editing, chop function, multisample editing from the computer now!)
an addendum manual

Well if this is true, then $49 is a lot closer to a charge to cover the cost of the distribution media, and printed manual addendum. However, they could still have simply released the update as a download on the site, and put the manual addendum in a PDF. I know I'll get the upgrade anyway... like Nate, I'm a bit of a gadget freak who just HAS to have the latest and greatest installed ;o)

I suspect the choice of distributing the update via CF card and the cost is more to do with the marketing guys wishing to establish a marked delineation between Fx v1 and FX v2 so that it will be viewed as a new product rather than an update. This may also indicate less likelyhood of continued updates for the v1 OS.

The mutisample editing on the computer will be a huge improvement... I just hope it looks and works better than the existing FX Editor (which just exhibits a complete lack of understanding of the reason to have an editor on a PC).

Dave

http://www.drstudio.demon.co.uk/ "Some musicians have a physical block, some have a mental block, while others have a wooden block". Unfortunately, I'm in the 1st category!

so that's going to be £25 to £30 here then Dave - yeah - right - believe it when I see it! We could always buy it in the US if it is stupidly expensive here....

Steve

Steve, yep... we won't know for sure until we see a proper street price (and hopefully an end to US companies thinking $1 = £1 when marketing stuff in Europe). If this price is correct, any import tax will be minimal or non-existent should a European customer choose to purchase from the US.

Dave

http://www.drstudio.demon.co.uk/ "Some musicians have a physical block, some have a mental block, while others have a wooden block". Unfortunately, I'm in the 1st category!