The Roland Fantom FA-76 is a robust music workstation that builds upon the company's S+S (sample-based) synthesis technology. It features a 64-voice multitimbral synth based on XV-series architecture, housed in an attractive titanium chassis with a high-quality 76-note keyboard.

While the Fantom doesn't introduce revolutionary changes to Roland's synthesis architecture, it refines and consolidates features from previous models (JD, JV, XP, and XV series) into a powerful, user-friendly workstation. The implementation of stereo waveforms for each tone is a notable improvement, though many onboard waves remain in mono.

Key Features:

• 76-note keyboard with firm, playable action
• Large LCD screen for easy navigation and parameter display
• D-Beam controller for real-time parameter manipulation
• Four user-assignable knobs and buttons for additional control
• Built-in arpeggiator and drum pattern generator
• 'Favorite Sound' function for quick access to 64 user-selected patches
• Comprehensive master keyboard controller capabilities in Performance mode

Sound Engine Capabilities:

• 64 voices of polyphony
• 1024 patches (640 Preset - 5 banks A-E, 128 User, 256 GM2), 64 performances, 16 rhythm sets, 16 multitimbres
• 64MB of waveform memory (over 1000 waveforms)
• Expandable via two SRX-Series and one SR-JV80-series wave expansion boards
• Four-tone structure per patch, with each tone capable of using two waves for stereo sources
• Onboard effects: COSM 24-bit reverb, chorus, and 90 multi-effects algorithms

Modes:

• Patch Mode: For individual sound editing and playback
• Performance Mode: Layer or split up to 16 patches, with note priority and voice reserve options
• Multitimbre Mode: 16-part multitimbral setup for sequencing

Arpeggiator:

• 88 styles with variations
• Multiple playback modes
• Latch function

Sequencer:

• 120,000-note capacity
• Real-time and step recording
• Quantize, editing, and pattern functions
• Floppy disk storage for songs and data

Effects:

• 90 multi-effect types (50 in Multitimbre/Performance modes). Including COSM amp models and RSS 3D processing.
• Reverb and chorus/delay always available
• 2-band EQ for each output jack

Connectivity:

• 24-bit stereo digital output (coaxial and optical)
• Four audio outputs (configurable as two stereo pairs or four mono outputs)
• MIDI In, Out, and Thru
• Three pedal inputs (Hold and two assignable)
• Floppy drive for patch/performance/song storage and XP series import

Real-time Control:

• Matrix Control for modulation routing
• D-Beam controller
• Four user-assignable knobs and buttons
• Pitch/ bend lever

Notable Omissions:

• No sampling capabilities, no audio input, no import for audio files/ user waveforms
• No dedicated physical transport buttons for the sequencer
• Only one version of this model - 76-keys, no 61 keys nor 88 keys (see next generation Fantom-S and Fantom-S88)

Overall, the Fantom FA-76 offers a comprehensive workstation experience with a powerful sequencer, extensive sound library, and versatile effects. Its large display and intuitive controls make it user-friendly. While it lacks sampling capabilities, it excels in synthesis, sequencing, and live performance features.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• Keys: 76 keys with velocity and channel aftertouch

Synthesizer Section

Sound Engine

• Maximum Polyphony: 64 voices
• Wave Memory: 64 MB (16-bit linear equivalent)
• Waveforms: 1,083 (XV-5080 equivalent)
• Multitimbre Parts: 16 parts

Expansion

• Wave Expansion Board SR-JV80 Series: 1 slot
• Wave Expansion Board SRX Series: 2 slots

Memory

Preset Memory:

• Patches: 640 (128 × 5 banks) + 256 (General MIDI 2 Patches)
• Rhythm Sets: 16 + 9 (General MIDI 2 Rhythm Sets)
• Multitimbres: 16
• Performances: 64

User Memory:

• Patches: 128
• Rhythm Sets: 16
• Multitimbres: 16
• Performances: 64

Effects

• Multi-Effects (M-FX): 90 types (Patch mode)
  • Three different multi-effects (only 50 types) can be used simultaneously in Performance/Multitimbre mode
• Chorus: 2 types
• Reverb: 4 types
• System Equalizer: 2 band per each 4 outputs

Sequencer Section

Tracks

• Phrase Tracks: 16 (16 MIDI channels per track)
• Pattern Track: 1 (16 MIDI channels per track)
  • Can hold up to 100 patterns
• Tempo Track: 1
• Beat Track: 1

Performance

• Resolution: 480 TPQN
• Recording Methods: Realtime, Step

Song Data (Internal Memory)

• Songs: 1
• Note Capacity: approx. 120,000 notes
• Song Length: 9,998 measures

External Storage

• Floppy Disk: 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB (2HD), 720 KB (2DD)
• Note Storage: approx. 120,000 notes (2HD), approx. 60,000 notes (2DD)
• Song Files: max. 99

File Formats

• MRC Pro Songs
• Standard MIDI Files (format 0, 1)

Additional Features

Performance Tools

• Arpeggiator: 88 styles
• Preset Rhythm: 50 styles per each 12 patterns

Controls & Interface

• Display: 320 × 240 dots Graphic LCD with backlight
• Controllers:
  • Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
  • D Beam Controller
  • Realtime Control Knobs (1, 2, 3, 4)
  • Realtime Control Buttons (1, 2, 3, 4)

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs:
  • Headphones Jack
  • A (MIX) Output Jacks (L (MONO), R) (1/4 inch TRS phone type)
  • B Output Jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type) (or Individual Jacks 1–4)
• Control Inputs:
  • Hold Pedal Jack (Half Pedal possible)
  • Control Pedal Jacks (1, 2) (assignable)
• MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU, GM2 standard
• Digital Audio Outputs:
  • S/P DIF Connectors (COAXIAL, OPTICAL) (24-bit, 44.1 kHz)
• Power: AC Inlet

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 1,268 (W) × 400 (D) × 115 (H) mm / 49-15/16 (W) × 15-3/4 (D) × 4-9/16 (H) inches
• Weight: 14.8 kg / 32 lbs 11 oz

Power Specifications

• Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (autosensing)
• Power Consumption: 16 W

Factory Included Accessories

• Quick Start
• Owner's Manual
• Sound/Parameter List
• Q&A
• Demo Floppy Disk
• Power Cable

Optional Accessories

• Wave Expansion Boards: SRX Series, SR-JV80 Series
• Keyboard Stand: KS-12
• Pedal Switch: DP-2/6
• Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U
• Expression Pedal: EV-5