Roland Corporation Fantom User's Manual
Q & A
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland (FA-76).
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS” (Owner’s Manual p. 2), “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (Owner’s
Manual p. 3), and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s Manual p. 4). These sections
provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every
feature provided by your new unit, Quick Start, Owner’s Manual, Sound/
Parameter List, and Q&A should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
This Q & A booklet, which seeks to make operation of the Fantom a more enjoyable
experience, offers pertinent information, and answers to questions previously directed at
Roland by the users of its products. While it is hoped that you will read the relevant sections
in the Owner’s Manual for information and instructions regarding the various operations
and settings, we believe that, in addition to referring to the Owner’s Manual. carrying out
operations and making settings with a general understanding of the content of this booklet
regarding these functions, about which numerous questions have been asked, will allow you
to get much more out of the Fantom for years to come.
If you run into problems, refer to “Troubleshooting” (p. 7) to make sure that the settings are
correct.
Let this guide be a handy aid in using the Fantom.
Copyright © 2001 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Contents
About the Fantom ...................................................................................3
Data Compatibility.....................................................................................................................................3
Saving Data .................................................................................................................................................3
About Floppy Disks ...................................................................................................................................3
Issues Common to Patch/Multitimbre/Performance Modes .............................................................4
Issues Common to Performance Mode and Multitimbre Mode.......................................................... 4
Issues Related to Multitimbre (Mode).....................................................................................................5
Issues Related to Patch (Mode) ................................................................................................................ 5
Issues Related to the Internal Sequencer.................................................................................................5
Issues Related to Effects ............................................................................................................................ 5
Issues Related to Favorite Sounds............................................................................................................5
Issues Related to Wave Expansion Boards............................................................................................. 6
Issues Related to Connections ..................................................................................................................6
Issues Related to DIGITAL OUT.............................................................................................................. 6
Miscellaneous.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Troubleshooting......................................................................................7
Problems Concerning the Entire Fantom................................................................................................ 7
Issues Related to Sound.............................................................................................................................7
Issues Related to Effects ............................................................................................................................ 9
Issues Related to Saving Data.................................................................................................................10
Issues Related to Sequencer.................................................................................................................... 11
Issues Related to MIDI and External Devices ......................................................................................12
Taking advantage of the Fantom.........................................................14
Regarding Control from the Fantom and External MIDI Devices.................................................... 14
Issues Related to Controlling External MIDI Devices......................................................................... 15
Issues Related to Patch (Mode) .............................................................................................................. 15
Issues Related to Effects .......................................................................................................................... 17
2
About the Fantom
Data Compatibility
Are Fantom Patches and Rhythm Sets
compatible with those of Roland's JV, XP, and
XV Series models?
By using Bulk Dump to send Patches and Rhythm Sets created
on JV, XP, and XV Series synthesizers to the Fantom, you can
then use them as Fantom Patches and Rhythm Sets. Also, Patch/
Rhythm set data created on the XP-50/60/80 can be saved on floppy
disk and used by the Fantom. However, there may be subtle
differences in the sound output due to sound module control
methods, the makeup of analog circuits, and other such factors.
Conversely, when transmitting Fantom patch or rhythm set data as
bulk data, compatibility is as follows:
Transmission to the JV or XP series: is not possible.
Transmission to the XV series: is possible.
Are Fantom Performances and Multitimbres
compatible with those of Roland's JV and XP
Series models?
Performance/Multitimbre data is not compatible. Also, it is
not possible for data saved as bulk data or on floppy disk to
be exchanged with the JV, XP, or XV series.
Can the Fantom work with the JV, XP, and XV
Series using Program Changes?
No. The program changes are not compatible so that the
sound arrangement of the Fantom is different from the JV, XP,
and XV series.
Saving Data
Can I save settings that set up the unit for use
as a GM sound module?
No. When the Fantom receives a GM System On message
from an external MIDI device, it will automatically switch to
Multitimbre mode, and a preset multitimbre for GM sounds will be
selected.
How many patches/rhythm sets/multitimbres/
performances can be saved in user memory
(internal memory)?
Memory contains 128 patches, 16 rhythm sets, 16
multitimbres, and 64 performances.
About Floppy Disks
Are Fantom Performances and Multitimbres
compatible with those of Roland's XV Series
models?
Compatibility is as follows.
• Performances
Performance data created on the XV series can be transmitted to the
Fantom as bulk data and used as Fantom performance data.
Conversely, Fantom performance data can also be transmitted as
bulk data.
However, data saved on a floppy disk is not compatible.
• Multitimbres
Not compatible.
Can I use Roland's XP-50/60/80 data that I've
saved on floppy disk?
It depends on the data type, as follows.
• Sound Data
While you cannot use Performances, you can use Patches and
Rhythm Sets. However, there may be subtle differences in the sound
output due to sound module control methods, the makeup of analog
circuits, and other such factors. Note also that Fantom floppy disk
data cannot be used on the XP-50/60/80.
• Song Data
MRC-Pro and SMF format files can be used by the Fantom.
Conversely, when using Fantom data on the XP-50/60/80, save the
song in SMF format.
Can either 2DD or 2HD floppy disks be used?
Either can be used.
Before a new floppy disk can be used, it must be prepared for
use on the Fantom (Owner's Manual; p. 191).
What can be saved on a floppy disk?
Patches, multitimbres, performances, and system settings can
be stored on disk together as a single file. It is also possible to
save songs that you've edited or recorded in internal memory.
Can I save directly from the temporary area to
floppy disk?
No. Data is saved on a floppy disk as one file that contains all
of the Fantom's settings. If you want to keep a patch,
performance, or multitimbre that you've edited in the temporary
area, you must first save it to user memory, and then save all settings
to floppy disk (Owner's Manual; p. 189).
How many Fantom setting files/songs can be
saved on a floppy disk?
For either 2HD or 2DD disks, the maximum is 99 files.
3
About the Fantom
Issues Common to Patch/Multitimbre/ Performance Modes
What is the difference between Patch mode,
Multitimbre mode, and Performance mode?
In order to ideally meet the needs of various situations, the
Fantom provides three modes: Patch mode, Multitimbre
mode, and Performance mode. Each mode has the following
features.
Patch mode: the mode in which you can play the keyboard using a
single sound (patch or rhythm set). If a rhythm set is selected, you
can play percussion instruments from the keyboard. The keyboard
controller section and the sound generator section are connected by a
single MIDI channel (the patch receive channel).
Multitimbre mode: ideal when you want to use the sequencer to
create a song, or when you want to play song data. When creating
songs or playing song data, a different MIDI channel is assigned for
each Patch used in a Part. The keyboard controller section and the
sound generator section are connected by a single MIDI channel (the
receive channel of the current part).
Performance mode: where you can combine multiple sounds
(patches or rhythm sets) to create complex sounds, or use the
Fantom as a master keyboard. You can also create and play layers
(patches played together) or splits (separate patches played from
different areas of the keyboard). The keyboard controller section and
sound generator section are connected according to the Zone
settings.
Is it possible to restore the USER area to the
condition it was in when the Fantom was first
purchased?
Yes. Please refer to p. 195 in the Owner's Manual. Note,
though, that executing this operation completely wipes out all
user-created Performance and Multitimbre data. Save the data to a
floppy disk as necessary.
What happens to edited tones when the
Fantom is turned off?
They are lost unless the write operation is used to write them
to the Fantom's USER area. When you want to save edited
tones, carry out the write operation before switching tones or
turning off the power to the Fantom.
For playback or editing, the Fantom transfers the patch, performance
(including zone), and multitimbre data to another area, and uses this
data. This area is referred to as the Temporary Area. The existence of
area allows restoration of Patches and other data to previous
conditions, even after they have been edited; System Exclusive
messages and other data is also sent to the Temporary area from an
external MIDI devices, allowing performances of compositions
without destroying data in the Fantom's internal USER area. This
temporary data is overwritten when tones are switched, meaning any
tone in the process of being edited is lost. Furthermore, any data held
in the Temporary area when the power is turned off is lost.
The write operation is the operation used to write this data to the
USER area, where it is not erased even when the power is turned off.
Issues Common to Performance Mode and Multitimbre Mode
What will happen if the Performance Control
Channel and the Receive Channel of a part in
the performance have the same setting, or if the
Multitimbre Control Channel and the multitimbre
Receive Channel have the same setting?
If only a program change is received, the Performance Control
Channel/Multitimbre Control Channel will take priority, and
the performance or multitimbre will be changed. Other MIDI
messages are treated in the same manner as Parts. Furthermore,
using a combination of Bank Select and Program Change messages,
you can also set it up so that the Fantom is able to distinguish on the
same MIDI channel whether the channel is to be used for switching
Performances/Multitimbres or Patches.
For more about the relationship between the Bank Select MSB/
LSB and corresponding tone groups, refer to <Bank Select and
Program Change Correspondence Chart> (Sound/Parameter
List).
Can I use two or more Rhythm Sets in a
Performance/Multitimbre?
With the Fantom, there is no limit on the number of Rhythm
Sets that can be used in Performances/Multitimbres. You can
also use Rhythm Sets in all of the sixteen Parts simultaneously. For
more information on how to make these settings, refer to the
Owner's Manual (p. 100).
Is there anything I should note when using
Patches from the User Memory, or Wave
Expansion Boards in a Performance/Multitimbre?
In a Performance/Multitimbre, information designating the
number for the kind of Patch assigned to a Part is stored in
form of a Group number. Even though Patches in the User Memory
may have identical numbers, since the Patch data may be
overwritten, even if Patches with the same number are used in a
Performance/Multitimbre, the content (sounds) may differ. You
need to be careful when using data from such areas, in which data
can be overwritten and moved in a Performance/Multitimbre.
4
About the Fantom
Issues Related to Multitimbre (Mode)
How are multitimbres different from the
“performances” of the JV/XP/XV series?
The Fantom's performances and multitimbres together form
what were called “performances” on the JV/XP/XV series. On
the Fantom, settings that allow only one part to be played from the
keyboard are called “multitimbres,” and settings that allow multiple
parts to be played simultaneously from the keyboard are called
“performances.”
Issues Related to Patch (Mode)
What Note Numbers can be used with Rhythm
Sets?
MIDI Note Numbers 21 through 108; or, using Key Numbers,
the 88 Keys A0 through C8.
Issues Related to the Internal Sequencer
What types of data can be played back?
Can I edit a recorded song?
Yes. You can edit a specified region of music data (Track Edit),
or edit individual events within the music data (Micro Edit).
Can I record a performance that uses the RPS
function, arpeggiator, or rhythm patterns?
RPS: Can be recorded.
Arpeggiator: Can be recorded.
Rhythm patterns: Can be recorded.
Are there points I should be aware of when
receiving a bulk dump from another MIDI
device?
The Fantom cannot receive system exclusive messages in
which one packet is larger than 512 bytes. Refer to the MIDI
implementation of the device you are using, and check the number
of bytes in the packets that it transmits.
Issues Related to Effects
How many types of Multi-Effects are there
altogether?
The following song data can be played back.
• MRC Pro songs (.SVQ)
Fantom, XP-50/60/80, and MC-80 song files
• S-MRC songs (.SNG)
MC-50 and MC-50mkII song files
• Standard MIDI Files (.MID)
Is it possible to play back various songs
successively?
Yes. Refer to Owner's Manual (p. 122).
In what ways can a song be recorded?
Recording can be done in the following two ways.
• Realtime recording
Realtime recording lets you record your keyboard performance and
the controller movements you make as you perform them.
• Step recording
This method is for inputting notes and rests one step at a time.
Use this when you want to input with accurate timing, such as when
inputting drums or bass. If you like, you can create a song by
combining Patterns besides notes.
There are 90 types.
Can I use multiple Multi-Effects simultaneously?
In Performance mode and Multitimbre mode, a maximum of
three multi-effects can be used simultaneously.
Depending on the multi-effects you select, it may not be possible to
use three multi-effects simultaneously.
For details refer to Owner’s Manual (p. 170).
Issues Related to Favorite Sounds
What do I need to note when using the
Favorite Sound?
A Favorite Sound consists of stored information describing
the patch number, sound group, etc. of a sound. Please be
aware of the following points if you register a USER or XP group
patch.
• If the patch is rewritten after it has been registered, the patch that
is recalled will be different than it was when registered.
• If the type of wave expansion board is changed, the patch will not
be recalled, and there will be no sound.
Also, the contents of the patch data will not be registered if you
register in the Favorites list while you are still in the process of
editing, and have not yet saved the data in the user area.
5
About the Fantom
Issues Related to Wave Expansion Boards
How many types of wave expansion boards
can be installed?
You can install two SRX series boards and one SR-JV80 series
board, for a total of three.
If the Wave Expansion Board is reinstalled in a
different slot, do Program Change and Bank
Select numbers also change?
Since fixed Bank Select numbers are assigned to the board
itself, Bank Select numbers and Program Changes do not
change, even when the slot position changes.
For more about the relationship between the Bank Select MSB/
LSB and corresponding tone groups, refer to <Bank Select and
Program Change Correspondence Chart> (Sound/Parameter
List).
When can I use more than one of the same
type of Wave Expansion Board?
No. For example, if the same type of Wave Expansion Board is
installed in the EXP B slot and the EXP C slot, it will only be
possible to select data from the Wave Expansion Board that was
installed in the EXP B slot.
Issues Related to Connections
What are the differences between the OUTPUT
A (MIX) jacks and OUTPUT C jacks on the
Fantom's rear panel?
Although (MIX) is shown only on the OUTPUT A jacks, this is
only because factory settings assign the Chorus and Reverb
Effect Return for each Tone's Send system set to A. However, you
can also have these Chorus and Reverb Returns set to other jacks.
Additionally, the PHONES jack is connected to the OUTPUT A
(MIX) jack, so when the Mix/Parallel parameter (SYSTEM/General)
is set to “PARALLEL,” the sounds output from the OUTPUT B jack
are not audible through the headphones. When you wish to monitor
all the sound through the headphones, set the Mix/Parallel
parameter to “MIX.”
How do I use L (MONO), and what do I need
to note when using it?
L (MONO) is a feature particular to the OUTPUT A (MIX)
jacks. When using only this L (MONO) jack, the sounds
output in stereo by the OUTPUT A (MIX) jacks is output as a mixed
monaural signal from the L (MONO) jack. This can be convenient in
cases where you have no special need for stereo effects, as only one
cable is needed for the connection. Do be aware that when you want
to use INDIVIDUAL 1 or 2 as an independent parallel out, plugging
only into the INDIVIDUAL 1 jack enables the L (MONO) function,
and the sounds from both (INDIVIDUAL 1 and 2) are output from
the INDIVIDUAL 1 jack. In this case, plug a cable into the
INDIVIDUAL 2 jack to disable the L (MONO) function.
Issues Related to DIGITAL OUT
What is the number of bits and the sampling
rate of the output?
The output is 24-bit, 44.1 kHz.
What signal is output?
The output signal is identical to the signal that is output from
the OUTPUT A (MIX) jacks.
What do I need to keep in mind when using
DIGITAL OUT?
The VOLUME on the Fantom will not function, so volume
adjustments must be made on the connected device.
Miscellaneous
I want to use a tuning other than equal
temperament.
One set of Scale Tune settings can be created in Patch mode
(Owner’s Manual; p. 186). In Performance mode or
Multitimbre mode, this can be set for each part of the performance or
multitimbre (Owner’s Manual; p. 104, p. 120).
Next, turn the Scale Tune Switch parameter (SYSTEM/Scale Tune)
to “ON” (Owner’s Manual; p. 186). This setting is valid for all
patches, performances, and multitimbres.
6
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