Roland Fantom Installation Instructions

Step-by-step guide to importing sounds to the Roland Fantom (Fantom-6, Fantom-7, Fantom-8, Fantom-06, Fantom-07, Fantom-08, Fantom EX). Please read through this guide once before you begin.

Sound structure in the Fantom

The Fantom organizes sounds differently than, for example, a Korg Kronos or Yamaha Montage:

• Scene – complete setup with up to 16 zones (corresponds to Combination on Korg / Performance on Montage)
• Zone – individual sound channel within a Scene (corresponds to Timbre on Korg / Part on Montage)
• Tone (Z-Core) – individual sound of the ZEN-Core engine (corresponds to Program on Korg / Part sound on Montage)
• Sample – audio recording (WAV), assigned to a Tone as a waveform

⚠️ Step 1 – Create a backup

Important: Always back up your current settings (Scenes, User Tones, Drum Kits, Samples) before importing new sounds. This allows you to return to the original state at any time.

1. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB MEMORY port.
2. Navigate to: [MENU] → UTILITY → BACKUP
3. Enable INCLUDE PAD SAMPLE [E2] so that pad samples are also backed up.
4. Optional: Change the file name via [E1] RENAME. Confirm with [E6] OK → [E5] OK.

Step 2 – Prepare the files

1. Download the file via your download link. If the archive is compressed (.zip), extract it completely.
2. Format your USB flash drive on the Fantom itself so that it is recognized correctly: [MENU] → UTILITY → USB MEMORY FORMAT
3. Copy all extracted files to the USB flash drive. Do not rename them or create subfolders – copy the files directly into the root directory.
4. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB MEMORY port of your Fantom.

Attention: Formatting erases all data on the USB flash drive! It is best to use an empty or dedicated flash drive.

Step 3 – Import Scene with Tone and Samples

Use this method if you have received a complete Scene with a custom sample-based Tone.

Import Scene:

1. [MENU] → UTILITY → IMPORT
2. Select the desired Scene (e.g. "Uptown Funk"). Confirm with <Select>.
3. Place the Scene in the first available memory slot and confirm.

Import Tone (Z-Core) with Samples:

1. [MENU] → UTILITY → IMPORT → Import Tone Z-Core
2. Select the Tone that contains the samples – look for the "with samples" note next to the name. Confirm with <Next>.
3. Import the Tone into an available User Tone memory slot (e.g. slot 91).

Correct the assignment:

1. Switch to the Zone View (press [ZONE VIEW]).
2. Select the zone that uses the sample sound.
3. Change the assigned Tone to the one you just imported (e.g. slot 91).
4. Save all changes – both the Tone and the Scene (see Step 5).

Step 4 – Import only the Sample Set (alternative)

Use this method if you have already imported the Scene but want to load only the sample data afterwards.

1. [MENU] → UTILITY → IMPORT → Import Sample
2. Select the pure sample file (not the Tone). Select the desired samples and confirm with <Next>.
3. Import the samples into the next available memory slots.
4. In the Scene, navigate to the sound that requires the samples.
5. [MENU] → Tone Edit → OSC (Oscillator)
6. Use the rotary knob to select the correct sample set until the song name appears on the display.
7. Be sure to save all Tones individually as well as the entire Scene (see Step 5).

⚠️ Step 5 – Save

Important: The Fantom does not automatically save imported data! If you turn off the device without saving, all changes will be lost. Order: always save the Tones first, then the Scene.

Save Tone: Go to the Tone Edit area and press [WRITE]. Enter a name if necessary and confirm the saving process.

Save Scene: Press the [WRITE] button on the SCENE SELECT display. Select the desired memory slot and confirm.

Tip: The Scene refers to the Tones – if the Tones are not saved, the Scene will point to nothing when loaded next time.

Frequently Asked Questions and Problems

• USB flash drive is not recognized: Format the drive directly on the Fantom ([MENU] → UTILITY → USB MEMORY FORMAT), do not use a USB hub, max. 32 GB.
• Import function not available: Check the firmware – the import functions were added in later updates. Latest firmware on the Roland website.
• Scene sounds different than expected: Check if the correct Tone with samples is assigned (Zone View). Check the Master EQ and effects for default values.
• Samples are missing after import: Presumably, only the Scene was imported, not the Tone with samples – complete Step 3.
• Memory full: Delete unnecessary User Tones or Scenes (back up first!).
• Download link does not work: The link is only valid once – simply contact me, and I will provide a new link.

Are you stuck?

No problem – simply contact me. I will be happy to help you personally.
Email: kontakt@thorsten-hillmann.de
Phone: 01523 / 174 2964
Shop: keyboard-sounds.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@thkeyboardsounds