Creative Hub: Using FANTOM as Your Studio Center Creative Hub: Using FANTOM as Your Studio Center

Creative Hub: Using FANTOM
as Your Studio Center

From controlling software synthesizers to acting as an audio interface, Creative Hub will help you utilize FANTOM as a studio nerve center.

Photos by Oscar Genel
by Brandon Ryan and Mark Watson
5 mins read

FANTOM is many things: production station, performance tool, and synthesis hotspot. Above all else, it is a creative hub. This means that while FANTOM is powerful by itself, it grows when connected to other gear like computers or analog synthesizers. In addition, its diverse range of input and output options make it a perfect audio and MIDI interface. Creative Hub is a series where we’ll explore the ways FANTOM can be the nerve center of your studio.

More than Live Performance

FANTOM’s power as a performance tool is well-documented. However, home studios can benefit just as much from the instrument’s scope of functions. To begin with, FANTOM can control software synthesizers directly from its touchscreen.

Additionally, it can drive modular and analog synthesizers from its dual CV/Gate outputs. It can also serve as an audio interface and much more. Here’s a look at some of the topics our Creative Hub series will cover.

So read on and discover the connections between Roland gear and an entire generation of producers and artists. Some may surprise you!

"FANTOM's power grows when connected to other gear where you can utilize its diverse range of inputs and outputs."

FANTOM Workflow

One powerful FANTOM feature is its ability to create Scenes for instant recall. These environments are of immense benefit to musicians looking to switch between detailed, immersive sonic landscapes easily. We’ll discuss using Scenes as a jumping-off point for composing plus take a detailed look at Zones, instrument banks, and much more.

Learn about FANTOM’s unique workflow.

Software Synthesizers

Did you know you can customize your FANTOM with plug-in soft synths? In fact, it’s easy to control Apple Logic Pro, GarageBand, and MainStage and adjust parameters from the touchscreen. These instruments further expand FANTOM’s sonic range. Learn how to layer soft synths with rich internal sounds.

Learn more about using software synthesizers with FANTOM.

Software Synthesizers

DAW and Audio Interface

With a single USB cable connecting FANTOM to your DAW, it becomes a keyboard controller and a 16×3 stereo audio interface. That means all 16 channels and Zones can go directly to the computer multitrack. Discover how to utilize your FANTOM as an audio/MIDI interface and maximize DAW integration.

Learn more about using FANTOM as an audio interface.

CV/Gate

Helping external machines talk to each other is another one of this instrument’s hidden qualities. To that end, FANTOM has two sets of CV/Gate outputs. With these, control external instruments from the keyboard or its sequencer. We’ll explore many ways to integrate analog and modular synths and drum machines into your FANTOM setup.

Learn more about CV/Gate and FANTOM.

CV/Gate

MIDI

FANTOM is a powerful master controller, and you can learn to maximize its MIDI functions. For each Zone, it can control internal sounds, external sounds, or a combination. Whether you’re controlling a vintage XV-5080 module in your rack, running a USB into your laptop to use Apple MainStage, or triggering sequence material from Logic Pro, FANTOM has you covered.

Learn more about FANTOM and MIDI.

External Inputs and Sub Outs

With FANTOM’s range of high-quality inputs, it’s simple to hook up a studio microphone—or even a guitar—and create stunning samples. Additionally, we’ll explore useful ways to utilize the sub outs. These include sending an alternate mix to another musician or refining video performance tracks by routing only your playing.

Learn more about FANTOM’s external inputs and sub outs.

External Inputs and Sub Outs

Creative Hub

FANTOM is a fundamental instrument for live performers across diverse genres. However, its story doesn’t end on the stage. In fact, that’s only where it begins. FANTOM’s tools and integration possibilities make it an ideal studio center. Bring your workflow into focus and explore other articles in our Creative Hub series.

For more details and information visit the FANTOM product page.