Namm 08

[raj4music]

Theres a hint about the new roland workstation ---

Another a Fantom --- after S, X ... may be the next series is FANTOM-G...

Check this link.... scroll to the bottom .....

http://directories.csa-international.org/xml_transform.asp?xml=certxml%5C087117_C_000-2211-81.xml&xsl=xsl/certrec.xsl


SO finally another Fantom ... most probably .....

[Athox]

YES! That means the Fantom X will drop in price, and I can get one. Finally getting rid of my MO8 without going bankrupt then.

I was actually at the music store today and wondered how I would replace it, and I tested the Nord Stage for the first time, and I was Blown Away. I've usually just ignored the Clavia stuff, except I tried the C1, but I never intended to buy it. Only problem with the Nord Stage is that I can't use it as a master controller, so I'll have to wait until I'm rich to get that one.

Fantom X it is then! :tongue:

[Syrinx]

As far as the rumors go, it's called the Fantom G. No info about features yet.

[rock_ya]

Nah, wrong letter... E was missing :tongue: :biggrin: .

[Athox]

nawty:biggrin:

[-=AnatomiC=-]

And I though it would be Fantom DS - with 2 large LC touch screens...
I wounder - well it make me sell my FX and buy G or will it be an other repackage...

Btw - Fantom already dropped in price - 350 euro.

[raj4music]

Finally ... its real .... Fantom -G

Double sounds [256mb]
New arx cards for better expression
8.5" LCD
128 track sequencer [audio/Midi]

http://forums.rolandclan.info/index.php?action=show_thread&thread=22148&fid=1&page=1

check the link .......

[Syrinx]

There is also new update for the RD dp line:

The RD700GX: http://www.roland.it/prodotti/pianoforti_digitali/rd_700gx.asp
The RD 300SX: http://www.roland.it/prodotti/pianoforti_digitali/rd_300gx.asp

The Fantom G-8, and the 700 GX share the PHA II "Ivory Feel" hammer action :biggrin:

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Does new Fantom has a touch screen?

128 track sequencer? Overkill, lol :smile:
I rarely use more than 8 midi and 0 audio.
256 ROM, finally - more than on Yamaha MO :tongue:
Faders, at last!
Switches neat joy stick is good idea, also.


PHA II is not that "awesome" actually - I already tried it on new FP-7, I think... it did not seem more realistic of something...
SuperNATURAL sound engine... well, what do you know :smile:
Well, is this a new sound engine? Because they are speaking of new ARXs, but don't mention SRXs... I think it means, that it has completely new sound engine.

As for the design of FG8, (I already saw 88 key version on web), I actually find it boring, fat and bulky. You may think I'm jealous, but I actually find FX8 10 times sexier... I really do...

All in all... I think I'll skip Fantom G for now :tongue: mine does the job perfectly, as it already is... maybe the next one - in four years or so...
Have other bills to pay anyway...

PS: Lol, I saw the picture, but where are all MIDI, Audio, power, pedal ins/outs? I don't see them lol!

[Grey Loki]

128 track sequencer?

Depends what you're doing - i've worked on sessions with more than a hundred tracks ;)

[HammondToby]

Depends what you're doing - i've worked on sessions with more than a hundred tracks ;)

Within a synthesizer workstation? ;-) Usually, I used ProTools for that purpose.

Let's wait and see, how it will sound, and if they finally managed, to make more performances possible than 64.

Best regards
HammondToby

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Within a synthesizer workstation? ;-) Usually, I used ProTools for that purpose.

Let's wait and see, how it will sound, and if they finally managed, to make more performances possible than 64.


I don't think I'll ever need more than 16... - it's 16 (with "layered" patches, even more) instruments, that can play at once... Seriously - how often do you hear more than 16 simultaneous sounds in electronic/progressive synth music?
Besides - where do you gonna get the polyphony for this insane amount of tracks? I guess it's for external gear... still - an overkill I tell you - while Korg Oasys has "only" 16? Does it mean that it actually has 128 parts :eek: ?

Yep - 64 performances is pretty ridiculous. And why would we need all those worthless, crappy preset performances, huh???
I'm glad that "a song" can be a performance too, and you can store as many songs, as you like.

What would it take for me to sell my FX8 right away and buy new Fantom...
8 endless encoders with LED indicators
8 motorized faders (or LED faders, from Nord Stage)
180 voices of polyphony
LCD touch screen, and analog outs on the keyboard for additional screen (with touch sensitivity) for deeper editing
Full software integration
8 velocity switching pianos :biggrin: Or some kind of plug in approach, to make your own pianos - like Ivory :smile:
Tone wheel simulator
8 MFXs
At least 8 stereo inputs, would be cool!
More outputs.
More sophisticated internal drum computer.
Design at least as good as FX

[Omega Monkey]

Looks like they basically took an X8, shoehorned in a VS2480, subtracted a few things to make it all fit, and added a few others to update it.

It's like a modern and higher quality version of the Triton Studio

All in all, looks pretty cool. I love the huge screen, the mouse input, and the 24 audio tracks, as well as the giant stock ROM. I've always felt that the stock ROM is the area where a keyboard really lives or dies, and there's really no reason not to just bombard a new workstation with as many different ROM waves as you can get your hands on. Yamaha has made this a priority for a while now (the EX5 had almost 500 waves and that was almost 10 years ago).

Also, the Supernatural thing sounds cool as well, and Im curious what the "Ivory Touch" keyboard will feel like.

[Syrinx]

Well, is this a new sound engine? Because they are speaking of new ARXs, but don't mention SRXs... I think it means, that it has completely new sound engine.



Supposedly yes, they call it the Supernatural sound engine. Maybe a little physical modelling or something along the lines of the AP synth engine in the V-synth GT.
Only a few hours before we know for sure.

[Syrinx]

More info now available at: http://www.roland.com/synth/fantom/

A couple of pics:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/Fantom-G7/images/info_04R_L.jpg

http://www.roland.com/products/en/Fantom-G7/images/info_05L_L.jpg

[-=AnatomiC=-]

I think Jordan will switch to Fantom g :biggrin: He's already in the artist list. As for me, like I said, with all my love for fantom keyboards, I will wait till next one. I'll thing I'll start saving money :biggrin:
But It looks much more promising that Motif XS, IMHO. I don't know - Roland keyboards are so futuristic - if I compare G and Motif XS, it looks like XS is already 10 years old... strange...
Well, ARX is a cool concept!!! Bravo Roland - you finally made something new and fresh!!!

[Syrinx]

Did you see the Patch remain feature? I think Jordan is the one who asked for this one :biggrin:

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Fantom x has a remain patch feature already - but not very complicated... it seems like the G is a big step forward, in the area of insane patch changing.
Jordan seems to be very pleased with it!

"The flagship workstation synthesizer Fantom-G series debuted at 2008 Winter NAMM show! Here we will upload information about the "G" force of the brand new Fantom workstation. We hope you'll enjoy your visit!!"

... nVidia is gonna sue somebody... :biggrin:

[Mick Larouche]

The new Live Mode looks very interesting, also the number of Insert Effect is a good point. I will checkout the Fantom G as a possible next keyboard for me.

[jeebustrain]

Roland is also buying a Majority share in Cakewalk, too. I smell a new software/hardware integration in the future, ala Yamaha/Cubase.

[Syrinx]

There is a video now at: http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=920&ParentId=83

Prices: (according to NovaMusik.com)

G6: $2,495
G7: $2,895
G8: $3,495

[Maximus]

fair enough, one fantom G7 fast, before i remember that in saving for a new car (gear transporting vehicle)

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Whaaaaa? 8 parts? :confused: that's way to bad! I use only 2 for drum track and Radias!!! And my rig is very simple now.
FX has twice as much... so much for "perfect live performance" workstation...
I'm a solo performer, so I need as much parts, that I can get...
And don't tell me it doesn't have RPS - because they haven't mentioned it.

[Syrinx]

Guys, you ought to read this review, my jaw is stuck on the floor right now ;)
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1862504
I'll put it here for convenience, but it ain't mine, the reviewer is Audacity from harmony central keyboard community:

======================================
AUDACITY'S FANTOM-G REVIEW / FAQ

Okay, so I cashed some favors in and actually got some face time with the Fantom-G. Spent about 30 minutes shooting questions and sucking up a LOT of information—to the point where my brain hurt and was asked "Audacity, are you writing for a magazine now or something?" The only reason I'll be able to spew forth so much is that I took tons of notes and am currently sitting in a Marriot hotel room (thanks, Leslie!) a couple hours later. So I hopefully won't screw this up and give you guys wrong information. Suffice to say, nothing here is 100% confirmed and everything is subject to change.

Overall impressions and other stuff I learned about the Fantom-G:

1. Roland is incredibly excited and proud of the G. There was definitely a buzz in their booth.

2. Here's a little trick I learned long ago: If a manufacturer doesn't have a hands-on area for their new products, chances are its OS isn't finished. Therefore, as only demonstrators were able to touch the thing (well, and me after all sorts of payola, bribes, and sexual favors), that points to the OS being premature. So we might be able to sneak a couple of minor requests in, but nothing hardware-based (polyphony or I/O). A few of my (and your) questions couldn't be answered, because the OS simply isn't 100% done. Especially the sequencer.

3. The sound is decidedly Roland. I noticed a few familiar patches, but was told that "the ROM isn't finished. We have more samples to add." However, the sonic quality is without a doubt a major step up from the X. I'm not sure if they've stopped using compressed data or what, but the overall sound is very, very good. More open, clean, and punchy, but again, still certainly a Fantom. When I asked about the engine, some guy in a suit said "It was redesigned from the ground up, utilizing new chips." Regardless, if you don't like the sound of Roland ROMplers, you probably won't like the G. Personally, I think they fit pop, hip hop, and rock music better than the XS or M3. I was told that the sound set consists of "classic Fantom patches, selected sounds from all the SRX boards, and a bunch of all-new stuff". As I understand it, the majority is not recycled. Asking for a definitive ratio seemed pointless.

4. The screen looks AMAZING. It's not just a bigger Fantom screen—the resolution is iPhone or laptop-level. Windows are semi-transparent, there are icons galore, there's a ton of visual feedback when playing keys or twisting knobs, and unlike the Motif XS, screen redraws are instant. It's way better than even the V-Synth GT's screen.

5. The UI is definitely Fantom-esque. They still have the MENU button (blech), still have the SHIFT button (yay!), but everything seems to have been streamlined. Navigating appears to be faster and easier—No separate WRITE and SAVE/LOAD buttons, no separate SAMPLE LIST and SAMPLE EDIT buttons... The screen is big enough to avoid too much scrolling, and the mouse seemed to work without a hitch (pointer looks identical to the one in OSX). Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to see how the mouse works with editing audio/MIDI.

6. 22 effects processors. That's right—TWENTY TWO effects processors. There is no "source" parameter in the effects routing page because it's not necessary. All parts get their own MFX processor. More info in number 9 below...

7. No more PATCH and PERFORMANCE mode. There's now SINGLE mode, which is kinda like the old PATCH mode, LIVE mode, which is a 10-part multitimbral layer/split mode, and STUDIO, which is an 18-part multitimbral sequencing mode. Wait—10 and 18 parts? The ARX expansions are considered extra parts; they don't eat into the sixteen internal parts (and they have their own polyphony!). What's a bit weird is that in LIVE mode, the pads/rhythm are on part 8 (because 9 and 10 are reserved for the ARX expansions) and in STUDIO mode, the pads/rhythm are on part 10, like in almost all other Roland ROMplers. That might get a bit confusing, especially when jumping from LIVE to STUDIO mode.

8. Actually, I take that back—There are 26 parts in LIVE mode and 34 parts in STUDIO mode. Sixteen external MIDI channels are considered separate parts, complete with independent mixer, MIDI filters, and program/bank changes. OH! And since the Fantom-G includes USB audio as a MIX IN source, you could conceivably have Reason or Cubase or Live act as a separate 16-part multitimbral synth, and mix those parts within the confines of a LIVE SET or STUDIO SET, via USB, without a standalone mixer. Cool!

9. What's the difference between LIVE and STUDIO mode? Check this out (and I reserve the right to be mistaken about this): The Fantom-G seems to implement some sort of dynamic effects allocation. The reason LIVE mode only gives you 8 internal parts (plus the two ARX parts) is that you can seamlessly switch LIVE SETS (formerly LAYER/SPLIT performances) without any glitches, including effects glitches. As I understood it, say you're playing LIVE SET 01. It's using insert FX 1-8. When you switch to LIVE SET 02 (or whatever), the Fantom-G automatically accesses insert FX 9-16. When you switch to LIVE SET 03, you're accessing FX 1-8 again. It appeared that one could create layer/splits in STUDIO mode as well, but then you'd most likely have effects cut off (just like the Fantom X and other workstations). I don't know if you can make a song in LIVE mode, but if you can, I assume if you switch LIVE SETS halfway through a song, the effects switching would be seamless as well. Not completely sure.

10. The action seemed a bit better on the G6 and G7 and the G8's action felt very good. The ivory texture was a bit weird at first. Since few people know what it's like to play on a real ivory keyboard (what with the killing of elephants and all), I'm not sure how much of an advantage this is, but the escapement element of the weighted action is pretty authentic. Liked it.

11. The pads are about the same. Still velocity-sensitive, but they're not as rounded, which I prefer. Plus, the opaque paint would make them less obnoxious-looking on a dark stage.

12. There's a ten-key keypad! Yes! To the left of the 16 pads is a dedicated button labeled "Numeric". Press it, and the pads turn into a numeric keypad for pulling up dedicated patches and such.

13. ARX is not AP Synthesis. If I understand it correctly, it's more of a combination of realtime COSM-esque modeling and manipulation of sound (sample) parameters. For instance, one can graphically change the pickup location of a Rhodes piano or adjust the shell depth of a kick drum. You could even choose the condition of the instrument (from 1 to 5) and how rusty the tines are. Tweaking is audibly obvious, but I'm not sure if this same technology could be manipulated into, say, different synthesis methods. A virtual analog, FM, or LA synthesis ARX board? Perhaps; no one was talking.

14. USB sends/receives both audio and MIDI. Yes, you can use the Fantom-G as an audio/MIDI interface. Yes, you can run an MFX processor on the input. Yes, you can build LIVE sets and STUDIO sets with a standalone/VST/AU editor. No, the faders don't appear to act as a DAW controller, unless you're currently accessing the external parts.

15. Unfortunately, there's only one MIDI out, and I'm not sure if you can treat the USB MIDI as a separate port (as the sequencer saw INTERNAL, ARX 1, ARX 2, or EXTERNAL parts, I'm assuming not). The 24 audio tracks are (I think) part of the 128, not extra.

16. Yes, the polyphony is 128. Yes, that polyphony is shared with the audio tracks (tho' the ARX boards add polyphony to an undetermined degree—it depends on the card and its active parameters). Roland's answer is "you have 24 audio tracks with which to bounce your entire song down, at which point you have another 127 tracks, 126 voices, and 23 audio tracks left." Whether or not that's the answer we're looking for, it was nevertheless humbling.

17. Would I buy one? Well, I'm not in the market for a workstation, no matter how cool it is, so probably not. But if I were, and I didn't have $8k for the OASYS, the Fantom is without a doubt the one to beat. Chances are I'll wait for the rack version, which will hopefully have more ARX slots

======================================

[Syrinx]

Continued from the above post:
--------------------------------------

All right. On to your questions and comments... Most answers are from my observations—specific (albeit not word-for-word) answers from Roland will appear in quotes:

Prices? Availabity US/Europe/Germany?
US list prices are as follows (MAP/street will be less): G6—$2695, G7—$2995, G8—$3295. Basically, the same price as the Korg M3. Each ARX board lists at $449 (not $499, as someone claimed earlier). The Fantom-G ships worldwide in April, the ARX boards in May.

In what ways can the audio tracks be automated? What else can recorded to the sequencer (patch edits, for instance)?
Not sure; the demonstrator didn't know either. He suggested that automation could be recorded onto dedicated MIDI tracks in a similar way to the MV-8x00... seeing as there are 128 of 'em and only 58 possible destinations (thus far).

Anything going on with RPS?
RPS is still there; it's one of the pad modes.

The pads? Are they trigger BUTTONS now? If so, do they have a higher level of functionality than the current pads on the X? What can be assigned to them?
Yes, they're still pads. Yes, they perform other duties as well now, such as the aforementioned numeric keypad. There's also a dedicated PAD MODE button, which lets you quickly assign the velocity pads to:

1. Sample pads
2. Rhythm pads
3. Chord memories
4. Arpeggio (as in switching between 16 favorite arpeggios in real time—finally!)
5. RPSes
6. Rhythm patterns
7. Tone select/switches
8. Track mutes
9. Bookmarks for favorite pages
10. MIDI Tx switches
11. Effect switches
12. Patch MFX switches
13. Part select
14. Part mute
15. User group
16. Favorite SINGLE patches, LIVE SETS, STUDIO SETS, and/or songs (Live Setting Play)

The ubiquitous PAD SETTINGS button now opens a window, which is dependent on the current pad mode. For example, if you're in mode 16 (favorites), pressing PAD SETTINGS opens a window similar to Live Setting Edit on the Fantom X.

The file system... How has it evolved from the Fan-X?
The Fantom-G seems to work on a Project system. 128 User patches, 64 LIVE sets, 64 STUDIO sets, and up to 2000 samples/audio tracks are saved per project, most likely similar to the MV-8x00. You're still loading all samples/audio tracks for songs into RAM, but if you only have one song per project, this little extra management hierarchy can presumably go a long way.

Can you watch movies on the LCD?
Huh? No. You can, however, load BMP files as a background picture and/or screen saver.

Is Fan-G replacing or complementing the Fan-X?
Replacing.

Are the ARX-slots SRX-compatible?
No. Completely different technology.

Any existing SRX-sounds onboard Fan-G?
Yes, a bunch of them, from all twelve boards. No details as of yet.

Will there be a rack-version?
Not this NAMM at least.

Will there be a 37-key version?
No.

How does it handle 128 MIDI tracks? Are there seperate tracks for keys/pads/external or are they freely assignable?
Pretty sure they're freely assignable, though I saw an "Internal, External, ARX 1, ARX 2, or Sample" designation per track. I think. Honestly can't remember.

Hard drive inside or do you record onto the card slot media?
Neither. You're still recording directly to RAM. Bad news? Still only 544MB. Good news? That's 544MB per song (project), not total—plus, RAM tracks allow realtime timestretch. I was told that loading projects from USB keys (USB 2.0) is quite faster than from the FanX's PC card.

Does it have piano roll/graphic edit as well as list edit?
Presumably, but I didn't get a chance to see either. I do remember zooming way out to see a BUNCH of tracks (all 128?) at once though. I also remember seeing waveforms redrawing almost instantly, at a pretty high resolution. It looks closer to something like DP or Logic than a Fantom X. Obviously, the editing is not nearly as powerful as a computer DAW, but it's a huge improvement over the X (and other workstations). I did notice, however, that it's very different from the MV's sequencer. Not better or worse, just different.

How many pre-programmed arps are there? (e.g. compared to Motif's 6600 and Korg's Karma engine)
128, but each arp has 128 variations as well as 10 motifs (seriously—they're called arp motifs), so that's... several thousand? I'm not intimately familiar with the Yamaha's arpeggiator, so I can't comment on how this compares.

How many user-programmable arp slots are there?
128—All are user-programmable.

How many simultaneous arps are available?
Still only one, but it can be recorded to any of the 128 tracks, quantized, and used over and over again.

Can the arp setups be switched in realtime?
Yes, you can assign your favorite arp setups to the 16 velocity pads.

Display resolution? Angle adjustable?
As mentioned earlier, it might as well be an HD plasma. Just gorgeous. Not adjustable, however.

[Syrinx]

Continued from above:
---------------------------

In/Out: Layout? How many MIDI outs?
Only one MIDI out. The one question I had was whether or not a MIDI track could be sent discretely from either a MIDI output channel OR a USB MIDI channel. Roland didn't have an answer for me. Since there are only 16 external parts, I'm assuming not. It'd be really cool to send one track on channel 1 to a Virus Ti and another track on channel 1 to Reason, but I don't think you can do that. Maybe in an update.

As a side note, the RD-700GX has—count 'em—FOUR MIDI outs. Three MIDI ports and the fourth is discrete, via USB. But no sequencer. Why the Fantom-G couldn't get another stupid MIDI port is beyond me.

USB 2? What can it be used for: Is it possible to stream both midi and audio?
Yes, USB 2.0. Both, simultaneously.

Usable as a sound card as well?
Yes, you can record audio (mic/instrument preamp with phantom power) with or without effects. You can also stream the computer's audio back through the Fantom-G (with or without effects), and run the whole mess via balanced outputs to the front-of-house mixer without any DI boxes. Slick.

Sampling still included? Skip back sampling still there?
Yes and yes. Dedicated buttons for each.

Storage media formats? Maximum size?
USB key. Was implied that theoretically, thus far, there is no limit (16-32GB???). Unfortunately, the demonstrator hadn't had a chance to try out a ton of keys, but both a 2GB and 4GB key "worked flawlessly". They also didn't completely shoot down the possibility of USB hard drives, which could potentially mean hundreds of GB. Again, I must stress that this is ALL preliminary information.

Do any of the onboard ROM samples differ from what is available on the Fantom-X along with the appropriate complement of SRX boards? (i.e. is there anything new that one couldn't achieve with a Fantom-X and the appropriate SRX expansion board?
Emphatically, yes. Some patches have been brought over, some patches are new (but utilizing older raw waveforms), many are completely new samples and patches. Was told that any older raw samples have been reintroduced to the new chip/engine from the original, uncompressed data, so they sound notably better now, and that a good majority of content has be brought up-to-date. Roland kept stressing the sound quality over anything else, and from what I could hear on a noisy NAMM floor, it doesn't disappoint. Will definitely need a quiet room and a pair of headphones come April.

Synthesis: what forms of alternative synthesis (other than ROM and sampling) are available e.g. VA? FM? etc.
None, at least thus far, unless you count ARX instrument "modeling" a type of synthesis.

The ability to make combinations with ALL the effects of the single programs (Assuming I read that right) without compromise is KILLER!
Yes, but seamlessly switching with effects only only works in the SINGLE and LIVE modes (1 and 8 parts respectively). The effects will get cut off in STUDIO mode, but you get all 16 parts. Yes, in STUDIO mode, each of the internal 16 parts gets its own insert effect... PLUS two MFX processors, PLUS a reverb, PLUS a delay/chorus, PLUS a multiband mastering processor.

What is with the Silver? Jeez if it weren't for the huge screen (Nice!) who could tell the difference between this and the old one?
Was told that Roland spent 4 years on the thing. It was designed from the ground up and "represents the single biggest leap in workstation technology Roland's ever done". Or something like that.

How many [audio tracks] at one time and can each input be sent to seperate tracks???
One mono or stereo. "It's not a replacement for a proper studio multitrack like the VS-2000." Was never meant to be.

Could I plug in the mic for my vocals and plug in my guitar and have them record to 2 SEPERATE tracks?
No.

No EQ per track?
Didn't see it. I assume the part's insert FX could be an EQ, so yes. Kinda.

Sampling rate has not improved (to me, this is the biggest reason why Fantom-G is "not that different" from an X.)
"Sampling rate isn't even in the top twenty of important factors when determining a synth's sound quality". Or something like that. I would agree.

Polyphony is still at 128
Yes, but if it were 256, you'd be paying at least another grand and everyone would complain. Was told more than once that the ARX boards do not eat into the polyphony of the unit at all and that it's incredibly easy to bounce tracks to free up voices and parts.

Doesn't seem like there's going to be a ton of new sounds (mostly pillaging the SRX boards ... which could work out fine but not as dramatic for expanded Fan-X owners)
The G contains mostly all-new sounds, with a few classics from the Fantom, a good amount from the Sonic Cell, and a bunch from the SRX boards. More samples and patches are still to come.

Does skip back sampling capture MIDI notes as well now?
Not sure. I suspect not.

Future ARX expansions: VA? Etc?
No one would even venture a guess. When I asked if the technology even allowed for VA, they replied "potentially". I got the impression that it was still up in the air.

Does the Fantom now have "effects remain" for totally smooth performance changes?
Yes, and I heard it. The demonstrator would play a LIVE SET (performance), complete with delays, reverbs, and looping rhythms, hold the sustain pedal, switch to a new LIVE SET, and everything was completely seamless. In fact, he could even play the new layer on top of the previous one... until the sustain pedal was released. It was really, really cool. I'm not aware of any other hardware piece that does this.

How has the sampling area changed? Can one freely move about the user interface now while sampling and re-sampling?
Sorry, I couldn't check this.

Can RPS change the pitch of sequences mapped to the keyboard now (making it more similar to an arp)?
No, but that's what arps are for.

What? No touchscreen? That's a lost opportunity.
People know I hate touchscreens, and if the Fantom-G had one, it'd be a grand shame. Certain screens show so much information, it'd be impossible to touch a parameter if you had fat fingers. The sequencer can show a hundred tracks at once. How would you select one by touching it? The mouse works great. WAY, WAY better than any stupid touchscreen.

Therefore could be 12 Stereo Audio Track in the 'G'
No, each audio track can be mono or stereo, since like the Fantom X, it uses the sampling engine. 24 mono or stereo audio tracks.

Why only 2 ARX slots?
Don't know. I can only assume because they're expensive.

Why isn't there 100 GB of ROM?! I mean if Kontakt can do it, why can't Roland?
Sigh... Kontakt doesn't use ROM.

It's evolutionary, not revolutionary!
Oh, shut the hell up. It's a ROMpler workstation, and a damn impressive one at that. I'll most likely snag the rack version if it's released later.

Any other cool differences?
Two assignable buttons above the pitchstick, an extra control pedal input, something called "Magic Control" (???), multiple bender modes where you can, say, bend only the last note played in a chord, and a dedicated transpose button (finally!)

[FRETPICK]

Fantom G looks a bit of a wiz if ya ask me.

[Gustavo]

The best demo (http://www.sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=5982) i´ve heard so far in NAMM 08