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Related Manuals for Roland Fantom X6
Summary of Contents for Roland Fantom X6
- Page 2 About the Fantom-X Handbook This handbook explains various topics related to how you can use your Fantom-X6/X7/X8. With easily understood, graphics-based explanations, it leads you through the basics of how to select sounds, the procedure for creating your own songs, and how to produce a CD using your computer.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Using the Fantom-X live ... 7 The basics of using the Fantom-X live ...8 What is a Patch? ... 8 What is Patch mode? ... 8 What is Performance mode? ... 8 Saving the settings you create ... 9 Playing the keyboard ... - Page 4 Contents Using the pads ... 25 Selecting and playing sounds...26 Selecting sounds... 26 Adjusting the touch sensitivity of the pads ... 27 Fixing the volume of the pads ... 27 Using the pads to play pitched instrumental sounds ... 27 Playing rhythm phrases...28 Using the Rhythm Pattern function to create phrases...
- Page 5 Effects ... 43 Using effects ...44 Using effects with a patch... 44 Using effects with a performance ... 44 Adjust the reverberation (Reverb)... 45 Adding spaciousness and depth (Chorus, Delay)... 45 Using the multi-effect ... 46 What is a mastering effect? ... 46 What are input effects?...
- Page 6 Contents Creating songs on the Fantom-X... 61 What is a sequencer?...62 Recording the performance of one instrument on one track (Single Channel Recording) ... 62 Viewing musical data in the Song Edit screen ... 63 For songs, use the sound generator in Performance mode ... 63 Recording multiple instruments on a single track (Multi Channel Recording) ...
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Page 7: Using The Fantom-X Live
Using the Fantom-X live... -
Page 8: The Basics Of Using The Fantom-X Live
The basics of using the Fantom-X live What is a Patch? A “patch” is the basic unit of sound that you play on the Fantom-X; it corresponds to the sound of an individual instrument such as a piano, organ, or guitar. What is Patch mode? The easiest way to play the Fantom-X live is in Patch mode. -
Page 9: Saving The Settings You Create
Saving the settings you create Once you’ve created an original patch, you’ll need to save it as a user patch if you want to use it again. This is called the “WRITE” operation. The illustration below shows the WRITE procedure. If you select another patch without writing your edited patch, your edits will be lost. -
Page 11: Playing The Keyboard
Playing the keyboard We’ll start by explaining Patch mode, which is the most basic way to play the Fantom-X. -
Page 12: Selecting And Playing Sounds
Selecting and playing sounds Selecting a sound (Patch Mode) Press the PATCH button so the following screen appears. fig.0-01 Use the cursor (left/right) buttons to choose the Patch group or Patch number, and use the VALUE VALUE dial or [DEC][INC] to make a selection. fig.0-02 Adjusting the keyboard touch You can adjust the way in which the volume responds to your playing dynamics. -
Page 13: Selecting Sounds By Category
Selecting sounds by category Another way to choose sounds is to view and select sounds by category, such as piano patches or organ patches. Selecting a sound In the Patch Play screen, press [F1 (Patch List)] to view the category screen. fig.0-03 Use [F1]/[F2] to choose a category, and use the VALUE dial or [DEC][INC] to select a patch. -
Page 14: Playing Two Or More Sounds Simultaneously (Layers)
Playing two or more sounds simultaneously (Layers) Layers are setups in which two or more sounds are heard simultaneously; for example, you might add a bell sound to a piano sound. The illustration below shows an example of adding a bell sound only to the upper range, producing a more brilliant-sounding piano. -
Page 15: Select Patches
Select Patches Change the sound selected for part 1 so that it plays “PR-F:009 UltimatGrand.” Use cursor (up/down) to select part 1, and press [F1 (Patch List)]... Specify the Key ranges in which the bell will sound In the Performance Layer screen, press [F3 (Key Range)]. The screen lets you specify the key range of each part. -
Page 16: Playing Separate Sounds With Left And Right Hands (Splits)
Playing separate sounds with left and right hands (Splits) Splits are setups in which sounds are assigned to separate areas of the keyboard. The illustration below shows an example of using this to play bass with the left hand and piano with the right hand. fig.0-06 Bass Procedure... -
Page 17: Specify The Key Ranges In Which The Piano And Bass Will Sound
Specify the key ranges in which the piano and bass will sound In the Performance Layer screen, press [F3 (Key Range)]. The screen lets you specify the key range of each part. Specify the key range in which the selected part will sound. Move the cursor to “Lower”... -
Page 18: Play An Arpeggio By Holding Down A Chord
Play an arpeggio by holding down a chord It can be difficult to “manually” play a complex or rapid arpeggio on the keyboard. The Fantom-X’s Arpeggio function automatically plays an arpeggio based on the chord you hold down on the keyboard. This lets you create dynamically changing phrases simply by changing chord positions. -
Page 19: Adding Other Changes To The Phrase
Adding other changes to the phrase The Arpeggio screen also contains the settings shown below. Even with the same chord held down, changing these settings can produce entirely different phrases. Try out various settings to create the phrase you want. You can also use the knobs to adjust some of these settings directly. (p. 35) Range Oct Range Arp Accent... -
Page 20: Playing A Phrase With A Single Finger
Playing a phrase with a single finger On the Fantom-X you can use the keyboard not just to play “conventionally,” but also to trigger musical phrases. The triggered phrases can be patterns you create using the sequencer, or phrase samples (audio data) that you load from a CD-ROM.The Fantom-X gives you various ways to play phrases. -
Page 21: Playing A Chord With A Single Finger
Playing a chord with a single finger The Chord Memory function lets you play a specified chord with a single finger. * In Performance mode, the Chord Memory function will be available for the Part you chose to be played by the arpeggiator. -
Page 22: Playing Sampled Sounds
Playing sampled sounds Samples (i.e., sounds you've recorded by sampling) can be selected from the patch list in the same way as ordinary patches. fig.0-07.e Procedure Sample a sound. → “Sampling Procedure” (p. 142) in Owner’s Manual Select a sample from the patch list. You can play the sample at different pitches in the same way as an ordinary patch. -
Page 23: Tips For Sampling The External Input
Tips for sampling the external input When sampling from the external input, the most important thing is to set the level correctly. It is best to sample at as high a volume as possible, but excessive volume will cause distortion. To get the best results, refer to the following points as you make settings. -
Page 24: Playing Sounds You've Imported From A Cd-Rom
Playing sounds you’ve imported from a CD-ROM You can use your computer to send data from a CD-ROM to the Fantom-X, and play it. fig.0-08.e Procedure Load a CD-ROM into your computer. Connect your computer to the Fantom-X via USB, and import the CD-ROM data into the Fantom-X. Alternatively, you can use a PC card to import the data from your computer into the Fantom-X. -
Page 25: Using The Pads
Using the pads... -
Page 26: Selecting And Playing Sounds
Selecting and playing sounds The pads provide a convenient way to play rhythm sounds. By default, a rhythm set is selected, letting you use the sixteen pads to play various rhythm sounds. Selecting sounds Press [PATCH] to access the screen shown below. Press [F8 (Pad Part)] to access the pad sound selection. -
Page 27: Adjusting The Touch Sensitivity Of The Pads
Adjusting the touch sensitivity of the pads You can adjust the way in which the volume responds to the force at which you strike the pads. Press [PAD SETTING] to access the screen, and set the “Pad Sens” setting. Range LIGHT MEDIUM HEAVY... -
Page 28: Playing Rhythm Phrases
Playing rhythm phrases Normally the pads are used to play rhythm sounds, but you can also use them to play rhythm pattern. Using the Rhythm Pattern function to create phrases Press [RHYTHM]. In this state, pads 9–16 will play patterns. Striking a pad will start the pattern, and striking the same pad again will stop the pattern. -
Page 29: Using An Original Pattern
Using an original pattern The RPS (realtime Phrase Sequence) function lets You play sequencer patterns that you created. For example, you can make assignments so that pad number 2 will play pattern number 005, and then press that pad to play the corresponding pattern. Using the sequencer to create patterns →... -
Page 30: Using The Pads To Play Sampled Sounds
Using the pads to play sampled sounds Sounds (samples) that you record can be played from the pads or the keyboard. You can record one-shot sounds and play them as percussion instruments. Alternatively, you can sample entire phrases and play them back at a touch. -
Page 31: Using The Pads To Play Sounds Imported From Cd-Rom
Using the pads to play sounds imported from CD-ROM You can use your computer to transfer data from a CD-ROM to the Fantom- X and play it. For example, you can add new percussion instruments to the preset rhythms, or replace just the kick drum with a different sound. fig.1-06.e Procedure Import data from a CD-ROM into your computer. -
Page 33: Using The Knobs
Using the knobs... -
Page 34: Modifying The Sound While You Play
Modifying the sound while you play You can use the knobs to control aspects of the sound, such as the brightness (Cutoff), the distinctive “synth-like” character (Resonance), how the sound starts (Attack), and how long the sound continues after you release the note (Release). -
Page 35: Changing The Way That The Arpeggio Sounds
Changing the way that the Arpeggio sounds By changing the octave range or accenting of a phrase, you can add variety to a repeating phrase. Even if you continue holding down the same chord on the keyboard, you can make the phrase keep evolving by continuing to turn the knobs. -
Page 36: Using The Knobs To Control An Assigned Function
Using the knobs to control an assigned function You can use the knobs to control the functions you specify. For example, if you assign a knob to control “CC91: Reverb,” it will control the reverb depth so you can immediately adjust the amount of reverb while you play. -
Page 37: Using The Knobs To Control Multi-Effects
Using the knobs to control multi-effects You can use the knobs to modify the sound as easily as when using a compact guitar effect unit. Procedure (Patch mode) In Patch mode, press [EFFECTS] to access the setting screen. Press [F3 (MFX1/2)] to access the effect setting screen. The knob graphics shown in this screen indicate what each knob will control. -
Page 38: Adjusting The Volume Balance
Adjusting the volume balance When using a layer or split in Performance mode, you can adjust the volume and pan of each patch. Procedure Enter Performance mode (the MIXER screen). Confirm that the indicators at the right of the knobs are extinguished. (If an indicator is lit, press the button below the indicators a number of times until it goes out.) If these indicators are unlit, the knobs are controlling the parameters shown in the display. -
Page 39: Using The D Beam
Using the D Beam... -
Page 40: Playing A Solo From The D Beam
Playing a solo from the D Beam The Fantom-X contains a monophonic synthesizer for use only with the D Beam. It will sound when you place your hand over the D Beam, and you can control the pitch by moving your hand closer or further away. This is called the solo synthesizer function. -
Page 41: Using The D Beam To Play Sounds
Using the D Beam to play sounds You can play a snare shot or other sound when you place your hand over the D Beam sensor. From the rhythm set being played by the pads, you can select one sound to be played by the D Beam. This is called the pad trigger function. -
Page 42: Modifying The Sound
Modifying the sound You can vary the sound by moving your hand closer to, or further from the sensor. You can use this to freely control anything from basic effects such as vibrato to complex combinations that change multiple aspects of the sound. Procedure To activate this function, press [ASSIGNABLE] so the indicator is lit. -
Page 43: Effects
Effects... -
Page 44: Using Effects
Using effects The Fantom-X provides five effects processors; multi-effect (MFX), chorus, reverb, mastering and input effect. Using effects with a patch In the Patch mode screen, press the [EFFECTS] button to view a diagram that shows how the effects processors are connected. This shows at a glance the effect types and routing for the patch you are now playing. -
Page 45: Adjust The Reverberation (Reverb)
Adjust the reverberation (Reverb) You can adjust the depth and time of the reverberation as desired. For example, your sound will differ significantly depending on whether you are playing in your room or in a live concert situation. By adjusting the reverb according to the acoustics of your location, you can optimize your sound. If you’re playing in a particularly reverberant location, your sound may be blurred if you apply the internal reverb in addition to the natural acoustic reverberation. -
Page 46: Using The Multi-Effect
Using effects Using the multi-effect The Fantom-X’s multi-effect processor (MFX) covers virtually existing types of effect. You can use the panel knobs to make quick changes to the most important parameters. You can also make further detailed changes, allowing a level of detailed adjustment that rivals dedicated effect processor units. fig.2-16 For more about multi-effects →... -
Page 47: What Are Input Effects
What are input effects? Input effects are effects designed especially for use on sound that’s being input from AUDIO INPUT or DIGITAL IN. The Fantom-X provides six effects that are convenient when you’re capturing sound as samples. fig. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [MIX IN] to access the Input Setting screen. Press [F7 (In FX Sw)] in this screen to turn on the input effect. -
Page 49: Going Further Practical Applications
Going further practical applications In this section we’ll explain more advanced ways to take advantage of the Fantom-X, such as creating and recalling your own sounds. -
Page 50: Making A Piano Sound Harder Or Softer
Making a piano sound harder or softer By adjusting the release or brilliance, you can make a piano sound sit better in your mix, or make it more responsive to your playing. Tip 1: Adjust the reverb (Reverb) Although this is not directly related to making the sound harder or softer, deep reverb will tend to make the sound softer and less defined. -
Page 51: Tip 3: Adjust The Brightness Of The Sound
Tip 3: Adjust the brightness of the sound Raising the cutoff setting will brighten the sound, Conversely, you can create a milder sound by lowering the cutoff value. Patch Edit → “Cutoff Frequency” (p. 69) in Owner’s Manual Realtime control → “Cutoff” (p. 123) in Owner’s Manual Tip 4. -
Page 52: Making A Strings Sound Sharper Or Softer
Making a strings sound sharper or softer The tone produced by an actual string player will differ significantly depending on whether the musician plays staccato notes or a smooth phrase. Here’s how you can create this type of change in the sound. Tip 1: Adjust the attack By speeding up the attack time you can produce the sensation of a rapidly bowed note. -
Page 53: Tip 3: Adjust The Cutoff
Tip 3: Adjust the cutoff To produce a smooth sound, lower the cutoff setting to make the sound more mellow. Patch Edit → “Cutoff Frequency” (p. 69) in Owner’s Manual Realtime control → “Cutoff” (p. 123) in Owner’s Manual (Example 1) Softening a crisp string sound Let’s use PR-B 099 “Studio Sect.”... -
Page 54: Making Lead Instruments Stand Out
Making lead instruments stand out You’ll usually want a lead instrument to “cut through the mix” so that it is not masked by the other instruments of the accompaniment. Tip 1: Use the MFX equalizer and spectrum Boosting the high-frequency region of a sound will usually produce a brighter sound that cuts through the backing instruments. -
Page 55: Tip 3: Use The Mfx Compressor
Tip 3: Use the MFX compressor Sounds with a strong attack will be easily heard at the beginning of each note, but the remainder of the note can tend to be obscured by other instruments. In such cases, you can use a compressor to hold down the volume of the attack to a listenable level while keeping the sound prominent in the mix. -
Page 56: Creating A Distinctively Synth-Like Sound
Creating a distinctively synth-like sound A synthesizer can produce distinctive sounds that could never be played by an acoustic instrument. The “mewing” sound of a sharp filter closing down is an example of a sound we associate with synthesizers. Tip 1: Cutoff and resonance To create the distinctive character of an analog synthesizer, start by adjusting the resonance, and then adjust the cutoff. -
Page 57: Adding The Distinctive Depth Of An Electric Instrument
Adding the distinctive depth of an electric instrument Electric instruments have a distinctive tonal character that is produced by the idiosyncrasies of their electrical circuitry. The Fantom-X uses powerful modeling technology that can replicate this distinctive “warmth” and “depth.” Tip 1: Use the MFX amp simulator For electrical instruments such as electric piano, guitar, and bass, the amp is an important element in determining the character of the sound. -
Page 58: Tip 3: Use Detune And Chorus
Adding the distinctive depth of an electric instrument Tip 3: Use detune and chorus Chorus is extremely common to hear these effects applied to electric instruments. You can obtain beautiful tones by applying these to any electric piano sound or to clean electric guitar sounds. For more about these settings. -
Page 59: Playing Just One Component Of A Patch
Playing just one component of a patch Suppose you have found a favorite patch that combines piano and strings, and would like to play just the piano component of this patch. In such cases, you can easily mute just the strings sound. Procedure In the Patch screen, select a sound and press [PATCH EDIT]. -
Page 60: Creating A Set Of Sounds For Use In A Live Concert
Creating a set of sounds for use in a live concert The Fantom-X provides a live setting function that lets you list your most frequently used patches, performances, and songs, and register these sounds so that you can step through them when playing a live concert. For example, you can create a list of the sounds that you’ll use for the first song of your next concert, and easily select patches/performances /songs from that list. -
Page 61: Creating Songs On The Fantom-X
Creating songs on the Fantom-X... -
Page 62: What Is A Sequencer
What is a sequencer? A sequencer can record and play back what you play on the keyboard or pads in real time (i.e., in the exact timing at which you play) or input using step recording. A sequencer records and plays back musical performances A sequencer records a variety of information, including that describing which keys were pressed, when they were pressed, and how long they were held. -
Page 63: Viewing Musical Data In The Song Edit Screen
Viewing musical data in the Song Edit screen The Song Edit screen graphically shows the existence of data in each track; it’s somewhat like a chart that shows which of the sixteen “musicians” are playing at each point in your song. For songs, use the sound generator in Performance mode When creating a song, you’ll normally use the Fantom-X’s sound generator in Performance mode. -
Page 64: Recording Multiple Instruments On A Single Track (Multi Channel Recording)
What is a sequencer? Recording multiple instruments on a single track (Multi Channel Recording) You can create a song using just one track With this method, you can create an ensemble performance on just a single track, and line up as many as sixteen songs! For example, you might create different versions of your song (version 1, version 2, etc.) and choose the best one later. -
Page 65: Some Terms
Some terms Song On the Fantom-X, the term “song” refers to a composition you create using the sequencer. The song contains musical data together with settings for the sound generator. In other words, a song can contain all the information for an entire composition. When you’re finished creating your song, you can save it as a SONG file. -
Page 66: Getting Ready To Create A Song
Getting ready to create a song Let’s set up the sequencer and sound generator for creating a song. We’ll use the simplest method of recording; using one sequencer track for the musical performance data of one instrument. This is the simplest way to create a sixteen-part song. -
Page 67: Clearing The Sequencer
Clearing the sequencer At the factory settings, demo song data will be loaded into the Fantom-X each time you switch it on. Before you create your own song, you’ll need to clear the sequencer memory. Press [SONG EDIT] to access the Song Play screen, and then press [F4 (Song Utility)]. The Song Utility Menu window will open. -
Page 68: Using The Internal Sounds To Create The Rhythm
Using the internal sounds to create the rhythm Using the pads for real-time recording The pads offer a convenient way to play rhythm instruments. Real-time recording is the method of recording whereby what you play on the pads is recorded “as is.” Selecting a rhythm set and making adjustments Press the PERFORMANCE [MIXER] button to access the MIXER screen. -
Page 69: Using The Pads To Play Rhythm Patterns And Record Them
If you make a mistake (UNDO) If you played several measures but aren’t satisfied with the results, you can use [MENU]- [UNDO] to easily return to the previous state. This is an easy way to revert only the just- recorded material to its previous state. If you make a minor mistake, edit the data You can use the Micro Edit function to edit individual items of the recorded data in great detail. -
Page 70: Using The Pads To Input Notes One By One
Using the internal sounds to create the rhythm Using the pads to input notes one by one Another way to use the pads is to input notes one by one as if you were writing notes on a sheet of staff paper. -
Page 71: Using The Internal Sounds To Record Bass And Chords
Using the internal sounds to record bass and chords Selecting a sound and making adjustments Next, select part 1 and choose the sound you want to use for recording. You might want to adjust the volume balance relative to the drums, or make adjustments to the effects. fig.3-09.e Use the cursor (left/right) to select a part... - Page 72 Using the internal sounds to record bass and chords If you make a mistake (UNDO) If you played several measures but aren’t satisfied with the results, you can use [MENU]- [UNDO] to easily return to the previous state. This is an easy way to revert only the just- recorded material to its previous state.
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Page 73: Recording With The Arpeggio Function
Recording with the arpeggio function By using the Fantom-X’s arpeggio function you can automatically produce arpeggiated phrases simply by holding down a chord on the keyboard. The phrases produced by the arpeggio function can be recorded into the sequencer in real time. →... -
Page 74: Using Cd-Rom Samples In Your Song
Using CD-ROM samples in your song Importing samples into the Fantom-X from your computer via USB cable If your computer has a USB connector, you can import samples into the Fantom-X. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for details on the requirements for your computer and the supported operating systems. -
Page 75: Sampling And Using A Live Vocal Or Guitar Performance
Sampling and using a live vocal or guitar performance You can connect a mic to the INPUT jacks or DIGITAL IN jack, and sample a live performance on vocals or guitar for use in your song. Going back in time to sample phrases The Skip Back Sampling feature lets you press a single button to capture a phrase you’ve just played. -
Page 76: Synchronizing A Sample To The Sequencer Tempo
Synchronizing a sample to the sequencer tempo The Fantom-X provides a Realtime Time Stretch function. When this function is used, samples being played from the sequencer or the audio tracks will stay in synchronization even if you modify the sequencer tempo. Using the Realtime Time Stretch function Example: We’ll assume you’re using a sample that was originally performed at BPM=140. -
Page 77: Using Samples In Audio Tracks
Using samples in audio tracks If you're using samples in a song, it's convenient to use the sequencer's audio tracks. What is an audio track? An audio track is a track that's specifically for the purpose of inserting samples. You can edit the structure of your song while viewing a graphic representation of the data, just as you can for a song track. -
Page 78: Editing An Audio Track
Using samples in audio tracks Editing an audio track You can edit an audio track by moving or copying the samples within the audio track. Moving a sample You can change the location at which a sample plays back, or move it to a different audio track. Use the cursor buttons to select the sample you want to move (the sample will change color to orange), and move it to the desired location by using the buttons as described below. -
Page 79: Adjusting The Balance Of The Entire Song
Adjusting the balance of the entire song When you’ve finished recording, you’ll need to adjust the balance of the parts. You can add finishing touches to your song by adjusting the sound to create a good-sounding blend and by bringing out the parts you want to emphasize. -
Page 80: About Mastering
About mastering Mastering is the process of using a compressor or equalizer to add finishing touches to the final sound. If your completed song somehow lacks punch, or if it sounds drastically different when played back in a different location, it’s time to make some mastering adjustments. Using mastering to add the finishing touches fig.2-17 The Fantom-X’s mastering effect provides various preset settings that make it easy for you to try out... -
Page 81: Creating A Cd
Creating a CD You can export your song in the form of audio data from the Fantom-X to your computer, either via USB cable or by saving the Fantom-X data to CompactFlash media. Then by using the CD-R writing functionality of your computer, you can burn this data to an audio CD. As you’ve seen, the Fantom-X provides all of the necessary functionality for creating an entire song;... -
Page 82: Use Your Computer To Burn A Cd
Creating a CD Use your computer to burn a CD On your computer, create an audio CD by burning the audio file (.WAV file) to a disc. (Your computer will need to have the appropriate drive, either internally installed or externally connected. Windows XP and Mac OS X provide this functionality as part of the operating system. - Page 84 03569912 ’05-6-5N...