The Roland Fantom Xa represented in mid-2000s the most affordable entry point into Roland's acclaimed Fantom workstation series, positioned as the eighth model in the lineup. While maintaining the core synthesis power that made the Fantom series renowned, Roland achieved this lower price point through strategic feature reductions and component simplifications, creating a instrument specifically targeted toward dance music production and groove-based performance.

Design Philosophy and Target Market

The Fantom Xa embodies a clear shift toward dance music production, featuring an expanded collection of drum and percussion samples specifically curated for electronic music genres. The instrument incorporates groovebox-style elements, including 10 illuminated performance pads and an emphasis on rhythm pattern generation and arpeggio triggering. This focus represents a departure from the more traditional keyboard workstation approach of its predecessors, making it particularly suitable for producers and performers working in contemporary electronic music styles.

Sound Engine and Synthesis Capabilities

At its core, the Fantom Xa retains the powerful XV-series sound engine with 128-voice maximum polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality. The instrument houses 1,228 PCM waveforms in its 64MB wave memory, offering 10 different patch structure types with extensive cross-modulation (FM) capabilities. The synthesis architecture includes boosters, ring modulators, highly flexible modulators, and a comprehensive modulation matrix, enabling complex sound design possibilities.

The preset sound library comprises 768 patches plus 256 GM2-compatible patches, 36 rhythm sets plus 9 GM2 rhythm sets, and 64 performance memories. User memory provides space for 256 custom patches, 32 rhythm sets, and 64 performances, with additional storage available via PC card expansion.

Effects Processing

The Fantom Xa employs Roland's established MFX/chorus/reverb effects architecture, featuring 78 multi-effects algorithms including COSM (Composite Object Sound Modelling) and RSS (Roland Sound Space) processing. The effects system includes three multi-effects systems, three chorus types, five reverb types, six input effects for sampling, and a three-band compressor/limiter mastering effect across the main outputs.

Sampling Capabilities

The integrated sampling system supports 16-bit linear audio at a fixed 44.1kHz sampling rate, with expandable memory from the base 4MB to a maximum of 516MB via DIMM expansion. The sampler can handle both WAV and AIFF file formats and includes advanced features such as skip-back sampling, which continuously records input audio for retrospective capture. The Auto Divide function intelligently separates samples at silence points, making it particularly effective for processing drum kits and phrase resampling.

User sample memory accommodates up to 2,000 samples (approximately 16MB total), while PC card storage extends this to 7,000 samples. The sampling system integrates seamlessly with the sound engine, allowing sampled content to utilize the full synthesis capabilities of the instrument.

Sequencing and Pattern Generation

The Fantom Xa incorporates a comprehensive 16-track sequencer with each track capable of handling all 16 MIDI channels simultaneously. The sequencer operates at 480 TPQN resolution with tempo range from 5 to 300 BPM, offering approximately 400,000 note capacity across songs up to 9,998 measures in length. Both real-time and step recording methods are supported.

The pattern-based sequencing system includes 256 preset rhythm patterns organized into 32 groups, with an additional 256 user-programmable patterns. The phrase sequencing capability allows for the creation and triggering of short musical sequences, enabling complex arrangements to be built from simple pattern combinations.

Performance Controls and Interface

The instrument features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, though notably lacking aftertouch sensitivity and the semi-weighted action found in higher-end Fantom models. The 10 illuminated pads serve multiple functions including drum triggering, pattern launching, and parameter access, though they lack the velocity sensitivity and pressure sensitivity of previous Fantom iterations.

Real-time control is provided through pitch bend and modulation wheels, four assignable control knobs, two assignable switches, and Roland's D-Beam controller for expressive performance manipulation. The 240x64 pixel monochrome LCD display, while significantly smaller than other Fantom models, incorporates improved alignment between soft-keys and on-screen functions.

Connectivity and Expansion

Comprehensive connectivity includes standard 1/4-inch audio outputs (main L/R and auxiliary B outputs), stereo inputs with level control, headphone output, and sustain/expression pedal inputs. MIDI implementation provides In, Out, and Thru connections, while USB connectivity supports both MIDI communication and file transfer operations.

Expansion capabilities include a single SRX expansion board slot for additional waveforms and patches, DIMM slot for sampling memory expansion (supporting 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB modules), and PC card slot compatible with SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards via adapters.

Software Integration

The included cross-platform Editor/Librarian software dramatically enhances the programming experience, providing intuitive graphical interfaces for patch editing and comprehensive library management. The software supports Windows 98 through XP and Mac OS 8.6 through OS X 10.2+, requiring minimum specifications of 400MHz Pentium (PC) or 233MHz G3 (Mac) with 128MB RAM.

The editor communicates via both MIDI and USB connections, though these functions cannot operate simultaneously with sample transfer operations. While the editor excels at patch and performance editing, it notably lacks sample editing capabilities and cannot edit rhythm sets, patterns, or other sequencer elements.

Market Position and Value Proposition

The Fantom Xa occupies a unique position in the workstation market, offering much of the synthesis power and feature set of more expensive Fantom models while making strategic compromises to achieve affordability. The instrument particularly excels in electronic music production scenarios where groove generation, pattern sequencing, and synthesis flexibility take precedence over traditional keyboard performance qualities.

The trade-offs include a simplified keyboard action, reduced display resolution, fewer expansion slots, and elimination of certain premium features like digital I/O and internal power supply. However, for producers and performers whose primary focus aligns with contemporary electronic music production, these compromises may be entirely acceptable given the significant cost savings and retained synthesis capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• Keys: 61-key velocity-sensitive (no aftertouch)
• Action: Unweighted

Sound Generation

• Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices (shared with sampling section)
• Multitimbrality: 16 parts
• Sound Engine: XV-series with cross-modulation (FM) capabilities
• Wave Memory: 64MB (16-bit linear equivalent)
• Waveforms: 1,228 PCM waveforms
• Patch Structures: 10 types available

Memory Allocation

Preset Memory

• Patches: 768 + 256 (GM2 compatible)
• Rhythm Sets: 36 + 9 (GM2 compatible)
• Performances: 64

User Memory

• Patches: 256
• Rhythm Sets: 32
• Performances: 64

Card Memory (PC Card)

• Patches: 256
• Rhythm Sets: 32
• Performances: 64

Effects Processing

• Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 78 algorithm types
• Chorus: 3 types
• Reverb: 5 types
• Input Effects: 6 types (for sampling)
• Mastering Effects: 3-band compressor/limiter
• Special Effects: COSM and RSS processing included

Sampling System

• Data Format: 16-bit linear (WAV/AIFF file support)
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz (fixed)
• Base Sampling Time: 47 seconds mono / 23.5 seconds stereo (4MB base memory)
• Expanded Sampling Time: 102 minutes mono / 51 minutes stereo (with 516MB expansion)
• User Sample Capacity: 2,000 samples maximum (approximately 16MB total)
• Card Sample Capacity: 7,000 samples (PC card storage)
• Special Features: Skip-back sampling, Auto Divide function

Sequencer Specifications

• Tracks: 16 phrase tracks (16 MIDI channels each) + 1 tempo track + 1 beat track
• Patterns: 100 available
• Resolution: 480 TPQN (Ticks Per Quarter Note)
• Tempo Range: 5-300 BPM
• Note Capacity: Approximately 400,000 notes
• Maximum Song Length: 9,998 measures
• Recording Methods: Real-time and step recording
• File Formats: SVQ, MRC, Standard MIDI File (Format 0 and 1)

Pattern and Arpeggio Systems

Arpeggiator

• Preset Arpeggios: 128
• User Arpeggios: 128

Rhythm Patterns

• Preset Patterns: 256 (organized in 32 groups)
• User Patterns: 256 (organized in 32 groups)
• Quantization Templates: 71 musical style templates

Chord Memory

• Preset Chords: 64
• User Chords: 64

Display and User Interface/ Control Elements

• Display: 240 x 64 pixel monochrome LCD with backlight
• Soft Keys: Aligned with on-screen functions
• Performance Pads: 10 illuminated pads (trigger/category/numeric functions). Pads lack velocity and pressure sensitivity
• Pitch Bend/Modulation: Dedicated lever
• Control Knobs: 4 assignable real-time controllers
• Assignable Switches: 2
• D-Beam Controller: 1 (infrared proximity controller)
• Pedal Inputs: Sustain (with half-pedal recognition) and expression pedal jacks

Connectivity

Audio Connections

• Main Outputs: A (MIX) L/MONO and R (1/4" phone jacks)
• Auxiliary Outputs: B L and R (1/4" phone jacks)
• Audio Inputs: L/MONO/MIC and R (1/4" phone jacks with level control)
• Headphone Output: 1/4" stereo phone jack

MIDI and Digital I/O

• MIDI: In, Out, Thru (5-pin DIN connectors)
• USB: File transfer and MIDI communication support
• No digital audio I/O (S/PDIF, AES/EBU, etc.)

Expansion Capabilities

• SRX Expansion: 1 slot for Roland SRX wave expansion boards
• DIMM Expansion: 1 slot supporting 128MB, 256MB, or 512MB (3.3V) modules
• PC Card Slot: 1 slot (SmartMedia and CompactFlash via PC card adapters)

Power

• Power Supply: External 9V DC adapter (PSB-1U included)
• Current Draw: 1200mA

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 1065 x 358 x 114 mm (41-15/16" x 14-1/8" x 4-1/2")
• Weight: 10.9kg (24 lbs 1 oz) excluding AC adapter

Factory Included Accessories

• Owner's Manual
• CD-ROM (Editor/Librarian software and USB MIDI driver)
• PC Card Protector
• AC Adapter (PSB-1U)

Optional Accessories

• Wave Expansion: SRX Series boards
• Stand: KS-12 keyboard stand
• Pedals: DP-2, DP-8 pedal switches
• Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U
• Expression Pedal: EV-5

Software Compatibility

Editor/Librarian System Requirements

Windows:

• OS: Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP
• Processor: 400MHz Pentium minimum (500MHz Pentium III recommended)
• RAM: 128MB minimum (256MB+ recommended)

Macintosh:

• OS: Mac OS 8.6-9.2.2, or OS X 10.2+
• Processor: 233MHz G3 minimum for OS 8/9 (500MHz G3 minimum for OS X)
• RAM: 128MB minimum (256MB+ recommended)

Standards Compliance

• General MIDI: GM2 (General MIDI 2) system compliant
• MIDI Implementation: Full MIDI specification support

Tags: digital synthesizer