Which One ??? YAMAHA MODX-8 or ROLAND FANTOM -08 Ten Differences

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

They are both great keyboards, but I prefer the MODX. 1. The sounds. Not only the acoustic instruments (which are generally better), but also the synth sounds. Not just the onboard synth sounds, but there are tons the MODX can import as it can read sounds from the Montage, entire MOTIF family (MOTIF, MOTIF ES, MOTIF XS, MOTIF XF) and the DX-7 series including the TX-816 & TX-802. There are just a ton of great sounds made that are compatible with the MODX, many of which came from the MOTIF series & DX-7 series. The MOTIF series were one of the most popular on big & small stages over the past 20 years. Just tons of sounds made in these formats your MODX can read. The DX-7 ruled the 80s, and there are 10s of thousands of patches in DX-7 format. A lot of the classic synth sounds I use were not produced with Roland's in the 80s/70s. They were done an Oberheim, Prophet, Moog, ARP, etc. I've found more of these kind of sounds of use for the MODX than in Fantom 0 formats. It all depends on the kind of music you play however. Your needs and mine may be different. The MODX & Fantom 0 are vastly different in sound from each other. Neither can really replace the other. Having both would be ideal. Or in my case, going Roland's software route is very similar to having both. 2. I play rock covers in my bands. The Fantom 0 largely targets synth pop, electronica & techno music. I don't play those styles. I play famous covers of 80s/70s rock and occasional pop sounds. There are far more of these kind of sounds available that are compatible with the MODX than the Fantom 0. Just look at the sound collections for the Fantom 0. With just a couple exceptions, they largely ignore the rock market. We''ll, it's true in new music it's no longer a format that sells. But there are tons of older musicians like me that play exclusively older music, and we are in large numbers when it comes to live bands vs other styles. 3. The Fantom 0 is crippled by a lack of expensive multi-sample flash memory. Most bands (those that play 80s/70s music anyway) need a lot of sampled instruments. The MODX has 4 times the memory of the Fantom 0. And truth be told, the MODX could have easily used more. Imagine trying to get by with just 256 megs? Roland did through in 2 gigs of "dirt cheap" computer flash ram for one-shot samples. Not the kind of ram I wanted. A ton fraction as useful as multi-sample ram. How cheap is cheap? At retail Walmart sells a 16 gig USB flash drive for about $5. How much extra do you think Yamaha had to pay for 1 gig of multi-sample flash ram vs the 1/4 (256 megs) Roland had to pay some 3rd party company as neither could make it in house. I'd be willing to bet, a ton of money. Not like 5 bucks retail. Roland just choice to confuse customers putting "2 gigs of ram" when really, it's 256 megs. And we'll make some in-house plastic buttons, sliders & knobs to make the Fantom 0 look more appealing than the MODX. 4. User interface. I prefer the MODX user interface, and found it more intuitive for "basic" operations. The "large" touch screen is an ideal method for a user interface. I can see it easily, and it's large enough my fingers can press it easily. I'm not a fan of sound category buttons, and I found sorting through sounds much easier on the MODX. To access the B3 mode on the Fantom 0, you have to press some crazy key combination. Takes reading a manual to figure that out, or looking it up ahead. While the MODX may have fewer knobs, sliders & buttons, Yamaha's layout makes perfect sense. The have a lighted toggle button that is very easy & obvious how to access all of the basic controls from the front panel. I don't see much advantage to more knobs and sliders because the MODX is already so easy to operate for these kind of controls. Yamaha wisely spent the extra money for very expensive multi-sample ram which is a critical feature. Roland instead spent theirs on plastic buttons/knobs they probably could cheaply make in-house. 5. The MODX is a class complaint instrument. The Fantom 0 is not. This means 2 things. If you want to use an iPad or iPhone for soft synths, playing back MP3's or whatever, it's one simple cable and makes use of the MODX audio interface with separate volume knob. If you want extra controls on your MODX, you can plug a USB device in as it will read them if class complaint. 6. While the Fantom 0 has a dedicated organ engine, they didn't include 9 sliders to control them in real time. And you have to run the keyboard in a different mode to access them. While the MODX lacks a dedicaded organ engine, the Organimation package available for it is very good, and has an ingenious use of the MODX Super Knob which lets you adjust drawbars in real-time (all 9) in a way that makes total sense. The Super Knob is a really useful control for many things. Since the MODX interfaces with an iPad or iPhone well, the B-3X organ synth is probably the very best available digital organ of any kind (hardware or software). The very good VB3 organ is just $14 for iPad/iPhone. The MODX (even the 6) has room directly on top of it to hold an iPad (Mini on the 6, regular on the others). This means if you wanted to go the combo MODX/iPad synth route, you don't have to carry or buy a separate stand in order to use one. There are hundreds of sound engines made ipad format. These include engines from Moog Music, Korg, Fairlight, Synclavier, Mellotron, the Hammond organ company, and even Roland themself. While I understand the the Fantom 0 integrates betters with Mainstage and some other VST hosts, the ones I run do not intergrate with the Fantom 0. So no advantage for me there. I run both PC VST's and iPhone synths/MP3 music off my iPhone (handy for practice or making a direct recording of your MODX digitally). The MODX includes Cubase and integrates well with that, one of the leading recording software packages. Yamaha choose to integrate with that rather than the other stuff. 7. Keybed action. While many complain about the MODX keybed, I feel it's unjustified. So many people complain that clearly haven't tried a wide variety of keybeds as I have. While I agree it's not a premium quality, it's not nearly as bad as some say. I came from Korg premium flagship keybeds mostly before switching to the MODX6. I'm not a huge fan of the Fantom 06 keybed I tried, but I can't say anything bad about it either. Just not a feel that I love. Certainly not more than my MODX6. The Fantom 06 keybed does feel similar to my Roland D-70 keybed, which I'm not wild about that keybed either. Comes down to personal preference. In conclusion, both the MODX & Fantom 0 are excellent keyboards over all, and both clearly offer the most power in lightest weight package you can get, and are both an excellent value for your money. Which is better comes down to what you personally want or need. I prefer the basic operation of the MODX. The Fantom with it's dedicated VA engines does offer easier "deep level" programming than the MODX. The MODX has it's very powerful AWM2 engine & FM-X engine, which sound designers have proven is very capable even for analog synth sounds. However, to program them from scratch, the MODX is more left to the experts, and to the average person is more intended as a synth you'll download tons of sound collections to get the kinds of sound you want, rather than create everything from scratch. For that deeper level programming, I prefer working with my soft synths anyway. Much larger screen, easier to work with, and the proper kind of analog sound engines I'd actual want much more than just Roland's classics for the kind of music I play. When I make my own sounds, the engines model an Oberheim, Prophet, Moog, ARP, etc. Basic tweaking of MODX sounds however is not difficult. My Roland needs are met with Roland's own VST's, which offer most of the engines & sounds of the Fantom 0, plus far more. I could even load the vast majority of the Fantom 0 sound collections right into my laptop. Yamaha sadly doesn't offer their technology past or present in software format, while both Roland and to some level Korg do. So it makes perfect sense to me to use a Yamaha in hardware format, and Roland & Korg in software. My feeling is while the Fantom 0 does compete with the MODX, (the first keyboard to really compete with it) and will put a dent in the market, the MODX will still reign as King and be the best selling keyboard on the market for some time.

[@danreavey2062]

Thanks for the useful comparison. Particularly regarding suitability towards 70's, 80''s rock, general live band playing. I'm trying to decide on either MODX6 and Fantom 06 to replace a 20 yr old Triton Extreme 61.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@danreavey2062 If you happen to make use of VST's also in your rig, Korg now offers the Triton Extreme as a VST. It includes all of the expansion packs made by Korg for it, but sadly they didn't include sysex import if you happen to use 3rd party sounds, where as their M1 & Wavestation VST's do include that ability. Not sure why they left it out of the Triton. Maybe they will add it at some point in the future.

[@danreavey2062]

@@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 Thanks. I don't use VST's in my live rig and not sure I'd want to add an iPad. Prefer to have quality sounds onboard.

[@n8goulet]

@@danreavey2062 I hear ya. They aren't for eveyone. I love them though. Makes giging so much easier, and gets me a much wider sound pallet. And at a very low cost vs more hardware synths of comparable sounds.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@John Stephens I have every right to my opinion as anyone else. And no, I'm not getting paid by Yamaha or any kind of endorsement of any kind. I own keyboards from Korg, Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, ARP and others. I don't have a favorite brand or brand loyalty at all. I simply choose which particular products I like best, and happy to share my enthusiasm for my choices. Nothing wrong with Korg keybeds generally speaking. Some of the best, except that Triton LE, one of the worst I've encountered but not typical of Korg. Not a fan of Roland keybeds generally speaking, including on ones I own. I can deal with them though, just not my preference if given a choice. But other things in a synth are much more important than the keybed to me. As long as I can play on it is what really matters, not if I love the feel or it or not. A lot of other people share my love of the MODX and it has likely been the best selling semi pro keyboard workstation style keyboard on the market for the past 4 years. Incredible value, and easily packs the most power of any keyboard in it's price range or weight class. I do agree the Fantom 0 does give it a run for it's money though in terms of being a challenger to packing a lot of power for the price, and being light weight. If Roland or Korg comes out with a keyboard I like better than the MODX, I'll be the first person to say so. Could easily happen at some point, especially from Korg. Clearly they must have something up their sleeve to replace the Kronos and possibly a light weight, high value cheaper version of it. Nautilus is not such a product. Korg seems late to the game. Many of us expected this to happen at NAMM this summer. Maybe winter NAMM will introduce such a line of new keyboards. Korg was my favorite synth company longer than any other, but when the MODX came out it seemed like the ideal kind of product for me and I bought one a couple months after it was introduced after much research on it and rave reviews from many publications. Sound on Sound probably had the best review....."sets the bar on how much synth you get for the money". But I also love it being the most powerful "light weight" keyboard on the market, but as said the Fantom 0 does give it some competition now in terms of features for the money or being light weight. Comes down to the kinds of sounds I want for my preference. For those that play synth pop, rap, techno, hip hop, electronica I'm sure the Fantom 0 is the better choice. Not what I do.

[@donstevenson2170]

I have owned a MODX8 and returned it after 16 months of ownership because the touch screen would intermittently fail for the last 7 months of ownership. Yamaha could not repair it because of supply chain issues. They promised me a new MODX8+, but could never deliver. I had to return the unit to Guitar Center and get a refund. I then turned around and purchased the Fantom 07. I enjoyed the MODX8 for the short time that it worked. It does a lot and I like the samples. The piano samples are better on the MODX8. The strings and horns are more realistic. The synth samples are stronger. I feel the user interface is too complicated. Too much menu diving compared to the Fantom 07. I believe the user interface on the Fantom 07 is easier to use. The touch screen is smaller on the Fantom, but you can control the data with the buttons if your fingers are too fat for the touch screen. The tone wheel organ feature on the Fantom is far superior, complete with Sliders that act as drawbars. The Fantom samples are adequate for my purposes, all though not as good as the MODX. Unfortunately, I had to move away from Yamaha because of poor customer service. All they had to do was deliver on their promise. Between Guitar Center and Yamaha, they couldn't get it done. Sorry Yamaha, I have to divorce you after 30+ years of loyalty.

[@AndrewLeSynt]

thanks for sharing this - i owned alot of synths and workstations like the trinity pro, M3, Triton Extreme but have now the korg kronos 2 - 88 keys

[@MarkDHastingsMusic]

Labels on the top may seem like a small detail, but it saves time and effort setting up. For me, the deal breaker against the Yamaha was the single split point - 2 zones. I need at least 3 splits and 4 zones. The Fantom gives me up to 16 instruments with a selectable range for each instrument. (essentially 88 potential splits points and 16 zones.) I also like the slim configuration of the Fantom. It means I can buy a slim line case for it, instead of a standard case. This saves a pound or two of weight.

[@Denise.Taylorx88]

So I need both. Got it. Just ordered the MODX6+ and after learning how to use it, I will look into whether or not I should still get the Fantom or not... I was like... "Both? Both." The whole time. I just like what each offers, but starting with what I grew up with-- YAMAHA. Thanks for such an insightful video.

[@Sashabooboo]

I use a MODX-8 and a Fantom 06 together in a cover band. The presets are amazing.

[@Denise.Taylorx88]

@@Sashabooboo That's awesome to hear! I literally cannot get over what both offer, including being able to load the CS-80 patch offering into it? I can't wait. It arrives tomorrow.

[@geoffk777]

The acoustic pianos and most acoustic sounds are better on the Yamaha. The action and panel layout are better on the Roland. It's a tough call, as both have flaws and virtues, so I'd say try playing them before deciding. As a MIDI controller, the Roland clearly wins, but the sounds on the Yamaha might sway you.

[@jorjajorjan3863]

You are right. But this Roland on board interface is so appealing and inspiring even with a little lower quality sounds.

[@diyorakarimova6]

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to make the piano section of my Fantom08 sound louder? It currently sounds muffled, like it's inside a blanket. 😢😢😢I bought it in November 2023 but I haven't been using it much because of this issue. Other than that, everything is fine.

[@alicaramba7680]

You likely play it too softly. I suggest to adjust velocity ranges of piano patches so you won't hurt your fingers. Another thing, don't expect digital pianos to sound like acoustic. It just not gonna happen.

[@KashKashshiro]

The problem of chasing sounds gor expansions from certain eras is that, we are doing it infavor to revive the past music and only halfly for the new. As far as we want to creat new taste lf music for ourselves and be called original, wich of the two engines is more future progress possible? I think its the Fantom 0.

[@MichaelFClef]

Excellent review. Thank you for sharing.

[@thkeyboardsounds]

Thank you for the comparison! I'm using a Modx 6 with a Studiologic SL73 and I'm thinking about a Fantom - 06.

[@davebassP5]

Ive got both and play all sorts of music. Neither is better, either could do it all, but if I had to keep only one it would be the Fantom. Programming is much easier, 8 live control’s rather than 4, Organs are in a different class (plus the ability to use the sub out and run it through an external FX if needed), audio is much better implemented. The list fo features that you don’t hear about is what makes it better IMO. Its nicer to use. MODX sounds more processed and overly bright, so takes more effort to get it sitting in a mix (not the same as the Montage). So many vintage sounds available for it that ti fits in to any style of music. Its definitely not an 80’s only synth.

[@arturomma8560]

hi there, do you recomend roland Fantom 06 to play Coldplay covers and The Killers covers? I wanna buy one but I need the very similar sounds, like acoustic pianos, synth, organs, and similar pads like Coldplay.

[@rcarter236]

Modx has 8 controls but you have to hit the button to active 5-8. Polyphony issue when layering is having me to reconsider switching to the fantom. I have to test it out. I know there are work around to address this with the modx but I don’t want to dive that deeply into editing patches when I simply want to layer 2-3 sounds.

[@pianoman1015]

Hello I just received my modx8 and I love it!!! But I'm new to all this so I don't know how to add 80s patches like ones from synthcloud do I need a laptop to do this or do you know where I can go to order software to have shipped to me? Do I simply just need a USB stick or do I need a laptop

[@Sashabooboo]

I would check with synthcloud support. I don't want to give the wrong answer but their site says load from a USB stick, so you will need a way to migrate the files so a laptop comes in handy.

[@DannyCodePlays]

I have both in the 6/06 models. The only thing the Yamaha does better is the acoustic sounds, like accusitic pianos. Other than that, the Roland has become my daily driver because of the deep Ableton integration, the number of sliders/encoders, and the overall ease of use for many tasks. Plus, I think the ZenCore engine makes the synth sounds 100% better than the Yamaha.

[@DNGMaestro]

Which one do you feel is better to navigate? The Fantom or the Fantom-0? Is the touch screen less sensitive or responsive in the 0? Are the preset scenes the same in both? Thanks in advance!

[@ajcjcarvalho]

II think it depends on the type of synthesis we compare. If we think about FM, MODX is far superior to Fantom... For me, a piano / FM guy MODX is perfect.

[@hanswurst2490]

​@@RusssssssThat's true. But very superficial! Veeery! So you don't know the Yamaha-sounds either😉 Playing sample-waves note by note, you will find an horrifying crappy sampling. One key perfect, the next one different sound, paned to a side, louder... all crap you can imagine. And when it is about "electronic sounds", supersaws... crap! And for all sounds: Yamaha is "crying"... enerving loud high frequencies, no power-lows. The preset balance over the key range/board is even set to worsen this. My first adjustment to correct this crap. Then Filter on it... no volume. Low frequencies... Crap! If you want a crying baby, Yamaha is your first choice.

[@hanswurst2490]

​... and if you take in account, that FM is a 40yr old technique, invented because of technical lacks in information science, chips... and that it only replaced plugging 276 cables into 534 holes... what is NOT EASY!!!... and tgerefore FM is a tough piece to handle either... and why should I play a simulated harp, if I have a best-of-original-sample?... FM... ridiculous... only sine wave.. unnecessary... not intuitive... but teenage-freaks still hang on it😂 Absolutely incomprehensible for an experienced old man like me🙈

[@rcarter236]

Does the fantom have a set list option like the modx? That was a game changer for me especially when doing live sets for different bands.

[@Sashabooboo]

Yes, I use both live and create set list on both. Other times I'll go MIDI Out into the Fantom and (for example) play a piano on one and strings on the other.

[@maciejl5964]

Fantom is soooo awesome 😃

[@jamesstyles5415]

Great video I do have both my yamaha sometimes the sound get cross up some times and I have to cut it off and start over

[@MrRafalSC]

Only synth sounds: pluck, lead, pad - which do you think are better? I'm interested not in the number of sounds but in their quality (more "meat / punch".)

[@chrissanchez1438]

I played both side by side through the same sound system. You ca truly hear the Modx sounds compared to the Fantom in a true sense this way. The Modx flat out sounds fuller. Its not even about being better, but fuller is a being deal when you can the two side by side.

[@MrRafalSC]

@@chrissanchez1438 I finally bought ..... I compared side by side and the Fantom 0 sound is definitely better for me. Especially synth sounds. Yamaha is definitely better in acoustic sounds, but these are in the Kronos. Yamaha sounds "plastic" to me.

[@rickanderson9360]

I'm considering making a change to a Fantom (or -0) from a MODX. My main keyboard is a weighted Forte so piano isn't really a concern. Organ and synths are. One thing the MODX does very well is integrate an ipad with one cable (midi and audio), and I'm not so sure the Fantoms will do that. Then again, the tonewheel organ is good enough that the ipad may not be as critical (I only use B-3X currently, I'm considering starting to use Zeeon and the Moog app Model D). I've auditioned it and it's pretty much what I used to have on my VR-700, minus the drawbars and waterfall action of course! Synths are where I'd be hoping the Roland moves ahead a bit. The best synth sounds I've found on the MODX so far are FM (pads especially) but generally it's a pretty thin-and-weedy sounding instrument for poly and lead analog vintage. And to be fair, it's a workstation and not a Prophet 5, but that doesn't stop one from wanting everything :)

[@Sashabooboo]

The Fantom 08 has made me appreciate my MODX more. It's not that the MODX is superior---they really are the same, it's that I under appreciated the MODX. I think you'll be happy with the Fantom if you like the MODX but want more flavors. The two instruments are like people; the same but different so I can't really say one is better than the other except for the pitch bend location on the Fantom.

[@rickanderson9360]

I definitely under-appreciate my MODX and I can't really put my finger on why I haven't embraced it more. I don't think it's the sound and certainly not the capability. I dislike the build (plastic) and wall wart but that has advantages too. It's pretty amazing to get an ipad working so easily with the internal sounds (in layers and splits if you want). I did realize a while back that the presets really hold it back when it comes to "analog" sounds. I've been starting from scratch lately, one element at a time, and I'm able to get some better poly synth and lead sounds than the default presets. They aren't complex, but they sound punchier and better for the vintage 70s/80s cover my band does. The Fantoms having the multiple sets of outputs is very handy if you want to use any pedals, such as a leslie pedal or guitar-style overdrives.

[@chrissanchez1438]

I played both side by side through the same sound system. You ca truly hear the Modx sounds compared to the Fantom in a true sense this way. The Modx flat out sounds fuller. Its not even about being better, but fuller is a being deal when you can the two side by side. I was like you and thinking about making the change, but after this experience as well as sitting down and really comparing the differences, I realized the Modx was the better option in some ways I never considered before. In the end and with and even greater understanding now, I am truly grateful I did not switch.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@chrissanchez1438 And if you or anyone would like to have both, without the expensive or carrying yet another keyboard to your gigs, consider Roland's software VST options. They more or less offer the Fantom as software. It's cheaper, actually has way more classic Roland engines, a large computer screen to edit your sounds, pretty much unlimited multi-sample memory vs very limited memory on the Fantom 0, and you can even load most of your favorite Fantom sounds right into the software. Best of both worlds. Korg also offers VST's of their latest keyboards and even some of the Kronos engines. Yet, Yamaha doesn't offer software. So it's perfectly logical to run your Yamaha sounds via one of their hardware keyboards like the MODX or Montage, and turn to software for Roland of Korg since they offer the option and Yamaha does not.

[@regis8532]

questionmodx is that in terms of sounds it is similar between the phantom and the thank you or one is better than the other and different or not thank you

[@regis8532]

thank you for the video but I was wondering since I have the MX8 if the sounds are really different on the hornet ghost and if they are better or the same for playing variety like Maniac, oxygen blondie, like oldfied ect..... ..

[@ronaldochristian8951]

The best thing in Fantom 0 you can mix each instrument separately and you can play 16 instruments ar the same time. I don’t know if Modx does it as well cause I never use it before But Roland kills us by adding only 256 MB flash memory. there should be a way to upgrade

[@kevintran1070]

Awesome reviews ! Thanks!!!

[@camerondean6804]

How would the Roland System 8 compare to these two?

[@Sashabooboo]

The System 8 is a great synth for sound design, building your own patches, hands on knob per function stuff. These are workstations and although the sounds can be altered and manipulated, they're more used for the sounds that come from the manufacturer. Again, you can build your own from scratch, like with the System 8, but generally I use the workstations preset sounds.

[@camerondean6804]

@@Sashabooboo Thank you.

[@thegerman3480]

I bought the MODX over the Phantom because it has multiple programmable arpeggiators, the key bed is much more like a real piano (even sound wise) menu system was IHMO much more intuitive.....

[@marcpalacios2953]

I love my fantom 08. I feel like this video is being narrated from someone in the trunk of my Dad's old Lincoln.

[@samsettle7910]

Thank you I had a Yamaha and a Fantom I sold the Yamaha and both to get the new Fantom the quality of sounds are so much richer and thick and the ways to record on it is to fast

[@tricatube]

Which action key is better, fantom 08 or modx 8

[@Sashabooboo]

Although they are not the same you will have to pay much more for better quality. They are equally good, so one isn't better than the other they are just different. You won't wish you had one or the other you will be like me and have two of the same things that look different, packaged differently, sound great but not identical to each other. I'm using a MODX-8 and Fantom 06 now as a stage rig because two 88 note boards didn't work out.

[@pm7805]

From your video phantom seems like a no brainer.

[@HighlandStudio91]

Bought the MODX-7 when it was launched...key-bed is mediocre, the "sequencer" is only for performance recording(i.e. no song sequencing with deep editing, loop recording, copy & paste..etc.,.)....great sounds & a beautiful large LCD, but as a recording tool, it's pathetic & since I abhor Cubase, so I happily sold the shit-box(so glad I did, as years later, I come to find out Yamaha added a song sequencer(BUT PATTERN RECORDING ONLY, WITH NO F**KING LINEAR TRACK VIEW.) Recently....I had bought a Fantom 06( & again, loved the sounds & the display....but the sequencer is a joke(clip-based pattern recording & a 3-step process(pattern/group/song)...the most tedious & eye-tiring method of recording I've ever experienced. Besides...the Fantom series are just VST's in a box and since the on-board recording is useless, it forces the user to integrate with Ableton Live Lite(EXCEPT THAT YOU CANNOT INTEGRATE UNLESS YOU PAY THE $369 TO UPGRADE TO LIVE STANDARD...WTF!?? ) This part is really hilarious....if you spend just $229 on Roland's Zenology software, you can have EVERYTHING that's in the Fantom-0 keyboard, on your PC AND you have the option to add all of the libraries to it and the Zen's GUI is awesome! F*ck Yamaha & Roland's hardware "workstations"....I'm going back to Korg & staying with them. Kronos is too expensive & discontinued anyway, the Nautilus is nice...but not enough physical controls & more than I want to spend....so I am going with the Kross 2 61(some good sounds in this board, great build quality for such an inexpensive & lightweight keyboard, has sampling & 16 pads like the Fantom and has 2 features the Fantom DOESN"T have, which are audio recording & audio exporting( not bad, for an $800 keyboard)...which makes the Fantom so utterly pathetic( when you consider features & price points.)

[@ST-ry7lr]

Are you satisfied with the Kross II?? I had one for a brief period of time, but was very unimpressed with the sound engine, especially compared to Korg's pro keyboards. It's a lot less expensive, but you get what you pay for. I have a vintage Korg M3, and it still sounds so much better than the Kross II.

[@HighlandStudio91]

@@ST-ry7lr It seems a bit silly, to expect an entry-level keyboard to measure up to a flagship one, don't you think? The Kross 2 is a very versatile & well equipped workstation for the money & I just use it to take a break from PC workstations from time to time. Sure...the Kross 2 has it's weak areas in terms of sounds...but no other workstation under $1,000, sounds this good. Actually....I had the M3 and it's factory content really wasn't much better than the Kross 2(very similar, in fact.) Where the M3 shines, is with the Xpanded library that came on the included USB stick and of course, the optional expansion board. Problem with the M3 though, is it was so underpowered & inefficient in terms of CPU and memory, that the Xpanded USB stick had to be loaded up, each & every time you powered up, which took 2 full minutes. This USB stick overloaded my M3's OS and crashed it. Yes... the added libraries were great, the display & sequencer were great....but it was a dysfunctional shit-box & I happily sold it. At least the Kross 2 is reliable & a good bang for the buck and for just $800 it serves it's purpose very well( & unlike the M3, the Kross 2 has audio exporting)...which is great for adding content to my computer DAW's. In terms of price for features, the Kross 2 is the better keyboard, hands down. As for flagship-quality sounds, I leave that to my PC workstations and I am much happier with the software versions of the Triton, the Triton Extreme and the PolySix.

[@ST-ry7lr]

@@HighlandStudio91 There is no question that the Kross 2 is a great value, not much comparable in this category, if anything. That's why I bought it, because it was a steal. For me (it's all subjective, right??) the sounds from the Kross 2 are just not as warm/rich as the other synths I have. But as you suggest, my other synths were a lot more expensive. With the Kross 2 I was hoping to get a lighter 88 hammer action keyboard for gigging and traveling, that's what tempted me. But I just could get the sounds close enough to what I got from my other boards, and so I sold it. I'm still looking. Maybe MODX8 or a Roland Fantom 08?

[@HighlandStudio91]

@@ST-ry7lr If you can do without the workstation features, why not consider a Kurzweil SP6-7? It's a lighter weight action, has lush sounds, it's gig-worthy and is just $1,299. It's 76 keys(but generally, most 88-keys are weighted action, so you'll most likely have to sacrifice an octave.)

[@davebassP5]

Another big advantage of the Fantom is that you can use all 16 tone slots, in the MODX it’s only 8. Also those pads can be used like the scene buttons on the MODX, they aren’t just sample pads (far from it). So that’s 16 instant scenes over 4 on the MODX. That’s a big deal IMO.

[@hanswurst2490]

Via unsupported hack I use all 16. Zone Master... brings other problems. Is anyone here interested in faults? One thing is clear: Yamaha doesn't fix anything!!! Costs money. The simply throw a new model on the counter.

[@Sashabooboo]

Here is a link to Roland and a fantastic tutorial on the Fantom 0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qukmV8isZ8oc0

[@caleb5780]

I love how, in the end, you just cut the video 😂😂😂

[@pushthebutton4602]

SOOOOO Which One if you have only money for one! That what I want to know!

[@caleb5780]

For sounds I'd go modx for work flow fantom. But there might be work arounds for both.

[@odmusicman]

Right now until the end of June 24', the Roland comes in $500 more.

[@faautobahna9416]

Thanks.

[@dpajc056]

“Why don’t you just get both?” 🤣 bro you kill me. Why not just then get the Roland Fantom 8 (not the “0” series) and Yamaha Montage?

[@christopherspencer7910]

Some people don't have that kind of loot to blow

[@OptimaMrL]

Thanks

[@davidknight754]

Sold my Montage 7 for a Fantom 7. Do not regret it at all.

[@nuttysquirrel8816]

Just today, I traded my MODX8 torwards the price of a new FANTOM 08.

[@noebaba151]

@@nuttysquirrel8816 hey! I'm also in the situation where I need to decide, if I wanna get the FANTOM or the MODX. Could you explain to me, why you did that trade? Thanks!

[@nuttysquirrel8816]

@@noebaba151 Mainly, I found the MODX8 sequencer not very user-friendly. The instruction manual was not adequate in explaining how to use it. The Keybed felt toyish and clunky (loud), though the various instruments sounded good. I don't know about the Roland Fantom 08 because it hasn't been delivered yet. I have owned a Roland RD700NX and Roland FA-08 and liked them both very much. Overall, Yamahas are great keyboards, but I just prefer Roland.

[@chrissanchez1438]

@@noebaba151 I can share something very important with you. Compare them both side by side through the same sound system. I did and found some surprising results that favored the Modx. While the Roland interface is somewhat easier to get around, Yamaha's is not too difficult. You have a learning curve either way and I found the methods different, but not overly difficult. On the keyboard forums, I also found there are a few guys who regret switching over to the Fantom due to the limitations it has. You really need to compare all the features, listen to them both and experience them. SOmeone told me the same thing and I'm glad I listened because I thought maybe the Fantom would be more for me, however playing both showed me the real differences without any biases and I ended up with the Modx.

[@icelandknight]

How did it go from being a "MOD X"... to a "MOD EX"? Are we still talking about the same keyboard? Did we miss something? ... I also notice the Roland is NOT refered to as a "FANTOMIE". Hmmmm... Just saying... Try NOT hearing "MODiEX" now. - (ps. I have both.)

[@Sashabooboo]

I view is as a continuation of the MO series but with the DX-7 heritage due to the FM engine and the abundance of DX presets, hence the Mo-DX pronounciation😃

[@lislesaint-louis2585]

Korg nautilus !!

[@lauritarkiainen1858]

Looks like FA not Fantom

[@guyperreault9213]

Except for the keybed which is the same as the FA, it is much more a diluted Fantom rather than an FA because of the ZenCore and step sequencer. The FA has a linear sequencer and a step sequencer. It has some Super Natural Acoustic sounds that the Fantom-0 does not have however the Virtual TW organ is a plus.

[@lumer2b]

It's the Fantom-0

[@renerens]

more buttons is better for me.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Not for me. Pressing the lighted toggle button on the MODX couldn't be easier. Suddenly those 4 sliders & 4 knobs access four times as many. Takes a split second to access, and if you want real-time controls of any of them when you save a preset it saves your selection in it. So if you typically want to adjust the filters, you leave the toggle on the filter selection. If you typically want to adjust the attack, release, you simply highlight that section and save your patch. Really easy. It's like you have way more knobs and buttons. Doesn't take any more time to access the controls in this way, other than the second to press the toggle button. And the category buttons on the Fantom 0 I just find annoying. I much prefer sorting them with the MODX large touch screen.

MODX8 .

[@mr_don_key]

redo the video, with proper mic, i cannot hear you clearly (very very distant).

[@AdrianWhitehead-z2z]

Modx all day long

[@samsettle7910]

No contest ROLAND hands down

[@samsettle7910]

It’s no contest ROLAND FOR MY MONEY