FANTOM-G VS. DAW

The G sequencer does not by far have the sequencing power of Logic or Cubase. For your purpose they might be first choice in connection with some kind of master keyboard.

What is great about the G sequencer are two things:
- It is very easy and intuitive to use as soon as you understood how its basic pattern logic works. Then you get ideas done fast.
- it is well embedded into the G sound structure: in connection with multitimbral G sounds and effects see above: you get ideas done fast

For the latter two purposes at the moment it still needs further reworking: meanwhile it has Undo, but is still missing some basic sequencer usability (like global cut and paste, smf export etc.)

I have both.

I think Logic Pro can go toe to toe with darn near anything. Plus you can add many plug-ins as need or desire dictates.

The Fantom G was added to my arsenal (Nord G2x + V-Synth GT) for live audience adventures (and I needed an 88 Naner)

Each tool for a different purpose.

The combination is nice, very nice.

Look around and I think you will find what works for you.

Zenzilla

p.s. The Yamaha XS line does have the Firewire network option so there is a higher degree of integration, but alas it is based on Cubase.

Ah, I understand now. I got a little excited when Roland was advertising this keyboard as a possible DAW replacement.



So for a complete studio, this pic is missing a computer and DAW software.

Jimknopf, you are right about the embedded features, which on top of the audio recording and mastering is what sparked my intrest for the G in the first place. Of course all of us a keyb players, (at least for me) a workstation that can rival a recording studio would be a dream. Maybe we will see that in the future. I think that the G is at least a good step in that direction. You are also right about the 'Master Keyboard'--that is what I am going to do. Using the TR with Logic then. Thank you.

Zenzilla, yeah correct. I continue to hear excellent things about Logic. I understand that every tool has different purposes as well. Which is why most studio recorded music--when it comes to their live perfomance, is instrument based. Recording vs. Composing then? Thanks.

So, I guess there is no workstation available that is a 'back door' to the DAW...

Get DAW, and when you done, you will have multy-port capability which will let you use as many workstations as you can afford. But learning recording basics is "no way around".

So, I guess there is no workstation available that is a 'back door' to the DAW...

Depends what kind of productions you are going to make. If they will audio heavy with lots of effects then a DAW is clear choice. If it will be midi tracking (plus some samples) then machine like Fantom-G may be better. Then there is a personal taste - some just are more proficient with Fantom's sequencer albeit it doesn't have to be the same with you.

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers. Anyway, I understand now. What I was wanting to do is both--compose with MIDI, then record the tracks to audio. Basically, a self producing artist. I was thinking that since the G had audio tracks, you will be able to pull this off on the workstation. Is see that I still will have to take it from the keyb, to the DAW. Thank you everyone for all you answers.

I would say you will end up with both. Logic Studio came with a huge library of sound set and some channel automation when you add a track.You need to understand sequencer a bit.It is quite different workflow over Cubase or Sonar. For me, my fantom S88 help to do composing and capturing of idea. I have Logic Studio, I have not done any project on it yet. I am still exploring Logic Studio.

kongwee,
With the Fantom G, what control do you have of various Logic Pro features? I am looking at the FG as a studio device connected to Logic or Cubase. Thanks, CS.

Great! Last question(s) here--has anyone tried recording audio in the sequencer on the Fantom G? How well did it work, as far as the recording/audio mixing quality? How is the mic pre-amp on the G? Thank you for your feedack everyone. It is greatly appreciated.

Just keep in mind you cannot automate the volume or panning or anything else on Fantom-G's audio tracks ...

Why Roland did not add this is beyond me ... (Alesis somehow managed to do that on the Fusion ... Of course, the Fusion's audio tracks are complete rubbish to use, though ... )

The benefit of having 24 audio tracks on Fantom-G, though, is that it would be easier to have dedicated tracks panning to left, right, center, etc.

Has to be an oversight as opposed to any technical reason why. Hopefully in next update. I too badly miss being able to do this as I am using the audio tracks alot.

I doubt it was an "oversight." Product managers make all the decisions on what features to include or not to include in a new product. Management further decides how much of which resources are allocated to a new product's development, and determines its final feature set. Either engineering/technical issues, time constraints, or some other sort of product development and/or marketing consideration was involved in their DECISION not to include automation.

At some point, the G's feature set was "locked," and the product was made ready for sale. Now, having a software-based OS gives us hope that new features can be added. But, it's always SOMEONE'S decision NOT to include a particular feature due to some resource constraint (time, money, etc.). Bugs, are another animal altogether.

I don't own FG, so don't know what can be done. I have problem wth MTC/SMTP sync thing. I don't how to make the logic studio to learn my knots. For sure, I know that you cannot have control surface funtion on any Fantoms. I treat my S88 as a sound module for my Logic Studio.

FANTOM-G VS. DAW
I have a question to ask anyone who is willing to answer, and any feedback will be greatly appreciated. So listen--right now I am sitting on a Korg-Tr 61 key, deciding if I should purchase the G or not. I'm a young guy, but I have been playing the piano/keys for 10 years--just to show you how important it is for me to have a worstation that I can 'do it all' with...

So to get to my question, I want to record radio-ready songs. I am looking at a Mac/Logic setup against the Fantom-G. But I haven't been able to find anyone to give me more detailed information about the sequencer on the G. I mean, with Logic 8, I can potentially take the a song to a pre-master. With the audio recording and the mastering, is the same true with the G? Or will I still, even with the compsed song, still have to take it to a DAW anyway? Honest answers please. Thank you.

You will be able to achieve MUCH more with Logic at the mixdown stages, that is a fact. Compare Roland's demos vs Logic's demos, you will see that final results are obvious in favour of Logic & with ability to add things like Focusrite's LiquidMix & other software synths (which you won't be able to do with FG) you will be happy that you have chosen Logic. If you are into getting recordings as polished as possible on a budget, then there is no comparison IMO.