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You can cook workstation in so many ways. The latest recipe from Roland called Fantom G – is ‘lot of’ colors, sounds, cash.

So what are new Fantom G6, G7, G8, shown at NAMM all about? The answer is, a competitor to the last year’s Yamaha Motif XS, the same price and weight category. After a year-long time our Roland tried the best. So...
Visually it works for sure – huge screen, almost computer like (800x480, 8,5’’ and yes you can use a USB mouse here) impresses much.
As for inner part, Fantom G does well. Full-featured workstation with sampler (up to 544 MB) and sequencer (records up to 24 audiotracks) lots of effects, up to 18 inserts per patch, global and mastering effects. Wich this power you can easily avoid using a computer in such ‘studio’.The only question is 128-voice polyphony – will it be enough?

Nice to have a developed controller section with 2 switches, 4 knobs and 8 sliders. Also see 16 velocity and poly aftertouch sensitive pads, they are nice.
As for sounds – besides ‘best of’ SRX in the base souund ROM we have a new expansion cards in the Fantom G6, G7 and G8 – no other than ARX with SuperNATURAL technology. First card are Drums and Electric Piano (the latter is included in the new Roland RD-700GX piano). According to short info, these cards will use some sort of physical modelling. Maybe we’ll wait for the organ card which takes care of new Fantoms’ control sliders?

The thing that accompanies new keyboards is the KS-G8 stand. You can use it sitting standing and with optional second tier.

The weight and the approximate prices are.
Fantom G6, 61 key, 14.5 kg, $2500
Fantom G6, 76 key, 16.5 kg, $2900
Fantom G6, 88 key, PHA II, Ivory feel action, 32 kg, $3500
After: Sonicstate, Harmony Central
Roland official site: Fantom G6, Fantom G7, Fantom G8