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No longer just a software upgrade, Roland Fantom EX is a ‘supercharged’ version of the synth workstation.

Released in November 2023, the EX upgrade for Roland’s Fantom added a handy collection of sound expansions and workflow enhancements to the company’s flagship synthesizer, but was only available as an add-on for existing owners. Now, that’s changed, as it’s just been announced that new purchasers can now buy the full FANTOM EX experience as a complete package.

Today, Roland introduced FANTOM EX, a new flagship synthesizer series designed for professional musicians and producers.

FANTOM EX builds on the original’s foundation, supplementing the core feature set with Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine and numerous sound expansion titles, including the recently developed JX-3P ACB Expansion. New effects and a host of workflow enhancements are also included.

In addition to the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX models available to new purchasers, current FANTOM owners can expand their instruments with all EX sounds and features through the FANTOM EX Upgrade for sale on Roland Cloud.

Each FANTOM EX model offers an expansive collection of premium sound engines, including Roland’s ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel technologies. Eleven sound expansion titles come as standard, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions; n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions; the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01; and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion.

Roland assures us that the FANTOM EX hardware has more than enough grunt to run these expansions and power the expanded roster of effects. There are new “studio-grade” reverbs, for example, along with updated master FX and an analogue filter.

In addition, there’s plenty of controls, audio and MIDI connectivity, a touchscreen, multiple sequencing and recording options, and easy compatibility with a wide range of DAWs.

What they say about it:

“FANTOM EX is primed to be the center of any production universe. Users can directly shape sounds and develop musical ideas with a friendly, ergonomic panel filled with buttons, knobs, and sliders. The color touchscreen dynamically changes to support the task at hand, and it’s now possible to personalize the look by importing custom images for the screensaver and startup view.

The deep onboard sampling and composition tools in FANTOM EX support fast sound creation and quick arrangement of song ideas. Multiple workflow options include the classic Roland TR-REC step sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.

FANTOM EX flows effortlessly into any computer-based production setup. There are dedicated modes for popular software platforms, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. With the built-in 16×3 audio/MIDI USB interface, users can mix and layer soft synths with hardware sounds, send sequencer parts to computer tracks, route DAW sources through FANTOM EX effects, and more.

The loaded FANTOM EX rear panel supports connections with a wide range of gear. There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O is also available, along with dual CV/Gate outputs for driving modular and analog synths.

Each FANTOM EX model comes equipped with a premium keyboard and aftertouch support. The FANTOM 8 EX offers the ultimate weighted experience with 88 hammer-action keys, while the 61-note FANTOM 6 EX and 76-note FANTOM 7 EX feature semi-weighted synth action.”

The FANTOM EX Upgrade on Roland Cloud allows owners of the original FANTOM 6/7/8 models to outfit their instruments with the newly added EX features, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, n/zyme and JD-800 Model Expansions, two new grand pianos, and all other EX enhancements.

The Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX will be available in the U.S. in April for $3,199.99, $3,699.99, and $4,199.99 respectively.

Organizers of Superbooth 2024, being held in Berlin May 16-18, 2024, have announced plans for MINIBOOTH, a music and trade fair for young people.

MINIBOOTH will be held the preceding week, Thurs 9th to Sun 12th May 2024, from 12pm to 6pm. The focus of the event is getting kids to discover a range of electronic sounds in a fun way.

The events planned include:

• Carneval Of The Electro Animals – Join Cedric in discovering how you can use Korg Volca synthesisers to recreate the melodies from the film based on the compositions by Camille Saint-Saëns.
• Modular Synthesizer Table – The “Modular Table” is an electronic musical instrument for multiple people. Each can use one of four modular synthesisers to experiment and produce electronic music together.
• Soldering Course: A Buzz & A Flash – Learn how to use soldering to build your own little synthesizer that buzzes or a light organ that flashes bright colours in time to the music.
• Waveformers – This workshop will teach you about frequency, amplitude, basic waveforms and resonance – all in a fun and approachable way.
• Many Speakers, Multiple Effects – This workshop is all about creating, sending and transforming electronic sounds with the help of old devices.
• SKVRTech – Discover various instruments, such as the Dato Duo Synthesiser, with the help of specially-created “discovery cards” and “creation cards”, which contain ideas for fun activities and games.
• Build A Drawing Synthesiser – Here, you’ll learn the basic principles behind sound and electronics as well as make your own “Drawdios” – drawings which you can use to create sounds.
• Vinyl DJing Workshop – With the aid of a few practical exercises, we will prepare a mini DJ set with the participants which we will present live on stage.
• DJ Workshop – Learn how to use a professional DJ controller, how to mix, how to match beats, how to use different effects and how to select tracks which work well together.
• Talk Music With Deniz Dilek – At “Talk Music”, everything is about the many connections that language, voice and song have with electronic music. We’ll look at everything from talking synthesisers to beatbox.
• Beep – We’re Making Electronic Music! – The Berlin Central and Regional Library is joining us and they’ve brought along their BeepBib. The BeepBib allows you to try out and borrow all kinds of different electronic musical instruments.
• Party Face Paint – Colourful paint and sparkly glitter are the key ingredients at the Party Face Paint session. Slip into the role of a party animal and show your glittery side. It’s the perfect opportunity for an FEZ-themed family photo.
• Beats in Pocket – Maybe you just want to make some beats? Then this workshop is just for you because its simple aim is to break down barriers and give you the easiest possible entry into the world of beats and sampling. Everything takes place via a smartphone or tablet.
• Liquid Light Show 101 – Liquid light shows is the name of the game as we show you what it was like in the 60s or 70s at a Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd concert.
• Human Beat Machine – You’ll be programming beats, hopping to make chords, making Pituro the Robot dance, singing like a mouse, talking like a giant and using the medium of… limbo dancing to change the sounds.
• Kunstlust Collages – We’ll create Minibooth posters using the medium of collage.
• BeatLab: Creative Worlds Of Sound – During a 90-minute “BeatLab” workshop, you’ll discover a whole world of sound using Ableton. The youngsters will create their own pieces of music on the workstations with Live 12 while the older ones will use 3 iPads and Ableton Note to make their own melodies and harmonies.
• Electrokids – This dance workshop in the Ballet Hall will get kids aged 5 and up moving. Led by Lucille Clauss.
• Kids’ Rave – The kids’ rave is the place for child-friendly and pleasant event with DJs, decorations, art and house and techno music.
• House Dance – Learn some typical steps to electronic rhythms and basic combinations of house dance.

Find out details on the event website.

In the video, Arturia Product Manager Pierre offers a deep dive into AstroLab, their new stage keyboard.

The Arturia AstroLab is a new stage keyboard that brings the company’s massive line of virtual instruments to standalone hardware.

AstroLab features 10 sound engines, 34 instruments and over 1300 presets, letting you cover a huge range of sounds using a single instrument.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments!