I've finally joined the ranks

23 Jul 2005, 20:09

Well, Friday I stopped out at Sweetwater sound here in Ft. Wayne and took home my Fantom X6. I was going to get the X7, but just couldn't bring myself to spend $500 US for just another octave of keys... I figure I'll be able to get a decent 88key midi controller for around $200 and just put it on a second tier of my future keyboard stand...

Wow, the more I dig into this machine, the more amazed I am at it's capabilities. I'm going to spend all day tomorrow learning to use the sequencer.

What's the average learning curve among you other fantom users? How long did it take to become comfortable with the board to the point of not having to dig into the manual to simply use it?

Kevin L.

Re: I've finally joined the ranks

24 Jul 2005, 03:57

welcome aboard!

I was comfortable using it after the first day. For the first week I kept the manual close to me at all times. After the first month, the manual started to collect dust.

~
Roland Fantom X8 w/ Audio Track Expansion 2.01
DP-8, EV-5, 128MB PC-150
replacing my
Casio CTK-601

~
Roland Fantom X8 w/ Audio Track Expansion 2.02, SRX-05 (Supreme Dance) & SRX-10 (Big Brass Ensemble) replacing my Casio CTK-601
DP-8, EV-5, 128MB PC-150, SRX-05 (Supreme Dance), SRX-10 (Big Brass Ensemble)
Yamaha HS80M Powered Monitor Speakers

Re: I've finally joined the ranks

24 Jul 2005, 12:18

The first week, I just dinked around with my X6 - no real aim, just getting comfy. Then I went through all the Fantom workshop series, which got me up and running with the sequencer and some of the fancier features.

Since I'm not a full-time musician, it took me about 4 weeks to get to the point of being able to record songs, edit things, and work with effects.

I still have the manual next to me, but I rarely reference it now.

The Fantom is a complex beast but those Fantom Workshops from Roland helped a ton!

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Fantom X6 (V2 OS), SRX05, SRX06, SRX08, SRX09. Oh, and a Motif ES Rack with PLG-AN and PLG-DX cards.

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Fantom X6 (V2 OS), 512MB installed, SRX05, SRX06, SRX08, SRX09.

Re: I've finally joined the ranks

24 Jul 2005, 12:32

In my opinion, it depends greatly on your previous experience with synthesizers, and on what you're using the synth for (e.g., programming your own sounds vs. using stock patches).

In any case, just be patient. It's worth it.

Mexico

"Expect the best and make it happen."

"Expect the best and make it happen."