The Roland Fantom XR arrived as a 1U rackmount synthesiser and sampler module designed to deliver high-capacity sound generation in a compact format. It utilised the same powerful sound generator chip found in the Fantom-X keyboards, providing an expressive stereo 4-tone synthesis engine with 128-voice polyphony. This architecture allowed the module to handle complex audio processing while maintaining a cost-effective profile for studio and live applications.
The internal 128MB wave ROM contained quality-focused waveforms, including an 88-key split piano which was a multi-stage velocity-switched stereo sampled piano, lively string ensembles, and fat drum sounds. These recordings were produced using world-class studios and renowned engineers such as Dan Blessinger of Martinsound. The wave ROM capacity could be expanded up to 512MB by installing six optional SRX-Series expansion boards, offering a substantial library of sounds that set a new standard for expandability in modules of its class.
User sampling capabilities were a central feature of the Roland Fantom XR, supported by an initial 16MB of sample memory. This memory allowed users to load .WAV and AIFF files via the USB port or record their own sounds through the analogue and digital inputs. A suite of sample editing tools, including a Wave Edit screen, a Chop function, and real-time timestretching, provided extensive control over the audio material.
By adding optional DIMM memory, the sampling capacity could be increased to 528MB, enabling the loading of significantly longer audio files. When combined with a fully expanded wave ROM, the total sound capacity exceeded 1GB. Editor software was bundled with the unit to facilitate detailed Patch editing, while data backup was streamlined through the use of optional PC Cards with up to 1GB capacity or via the USB connection.
Although the Roland Fantom XR did not include an internal sequencer, its design was optimised for integration with external computer or hardware sequencers. The 128 voices and large waveform capacity made it a suitable companion for sequencing applications, boasting the same tight integration of audio and MIDI as its keyboard counterparts. The module could automatically sync audio loops to the tempo of the sequencer using a high-quality real-time timestretching algorithm. Users could also record linear audio phrases and play them back from RAM, functioning similarly to a digital recorder. This flexibility allowed the Roland Fantom XR to serve as a versatile sound source within a broader production environment, leveraging its polyphony and memory depth for complex arrangements.
The effects section of the Roland Fantom XR mirrored the powerful processing found in the Fantom-X keyboards. It featured three multi-effects processors that could be freely configured, alongside separate reverb and chorus processors. The multi-effects algorithms included COSM® Guitar Amp Modelling, Lo-Fi processing, tempo-synced delay, Slicer, and Isolator, among others. A dedicated Mastering processor provided tools such as multi-band compression, which helped to give the music a tighter and punchier sound. These effects were integrated into the signal chain to allow for detailed sound shaping and final processing before the audio was sent to the outputs.
Connectivity was handled through a combination of analogue and digital interfaces, as well as a USB port. The module featured two stereo (four mono) analogue outputs, a stereo analogue input, and S/PDIF digital input and output. The onboard USB port served a dual purpose, acting as a USB-MIDI interface for sequencing from a computer and as a mass storage device for transferring audio files.
This allowed users to import and export .WAV and AIFF files directly, making the module compatible with a wide variety of sounds available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. The simplicity of the USB connection facilitated quick drag-and-drop file transfers, enhancing the workflow for loading samples and backing up data.
The control interface included a graphic 160 x 48 dot backlit LCD display, which provided visual feedback for the various parameters and settings. The module supported 16 parts, allowing for complex layering and splitting of sounds. The arpeggiator included 128 preset and 128 user patterns, while the rhythm pattern section offered 256 preset and 256 user patterns organised into 32 groups. Chord memory was available with 64 preset and 64 user entries. These features supported the creation of detailed performances and arrangements, utilising the full range of the sound engine and sampling capabilities.
The physical design of the Roland Fantom XR was compact, measuring 481mm in width, 355mm in depth, and 45mm in height, fitting standard 1U rack spaces. It weighed 4.7kg, making it manageable for studio setups. The power supply supported AC 117V, AC 230V, AC 240V (50/60 Hz), and AC 220V (60 Hz), ensuring compatibility with various international power standards.
The unit included a range of connectors, including headphone jacks, A (MIX) output jacks, B output jacks, input jacks, MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU connectors, and a digital audio interface for coaxial input and output. Expansion slots were provided for six SRX expansion boards and one DIMM slot supporting 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB (3.3V) memory modules. A PC card slot supported SmartMedia and CompactFlash using a PC card adapter.
The Roland Fantom XR was supplied with a handbook, owner’s manual, sound/parameter list, sample data audio CD, CD-ROM containing the editor and USB MIDI driver, a sticker, and a power cord. Optional wave expansion boards from the SRX Series were available to further extend the sound library. The specifications were subject to change without notice, reflecting the evolving nature of the product line. The module represented a significant step in affordable, high-capacity sampling and synthesis, combining the power of the Fantom-X sound engine with the convenience of a rackmount format.
Features
- 1U rackmount synthesiser/sampler with capacity for over 1GB of sounds
- 128-voice polyphony and expressive 4-tone stereo multiplex synthesis
- Flexible user sampling with .WAV/AIFF compatibility
- 128MB wave ROM expandable to 512MB via 6 optional SRX boards
- 16MB sample memory expandable to 528MB with optional DIMMs
- 3 MFX processors, plus separate reverb, chorus and mastering effects
- USB port and optional PC Card storage with up to 1GB capacity
- 2 stereo (4 mono) analogue outputs, stereo analogue input, plus S/PDIF digital I/O