The Fantom-S offers seamless integration of both audio and MIDI by using ROM waves and sampling with realtime timestretch capability. It features 32MB of sample RAM, which can be expanded to a maximum of 288MB and it is compatible with the .WAV/AIFF format. It supports multisamples as well as functions, such as Chop and Normalize that were

The Fantom-S offers seamless integration of both audio and MIDI by using ROM waves and sampling with realtime timestretch capability. It features 32MB of sample RAM, which can be expanded to a maximum of 288MB and it is compatible with the .WAV/AIFF format. It supports multisamples as well as functions, such as Chop and Normalize that were typically only found on dedicated samplers of that time. In addition, it also features 16MB of flash RAM along with optional SmartMedia storage. Even though it has a rich array of internal sounds, these can also be expanded by installing up to four wave expansion boards.

The Fantom-S earned a lot of praise at the time for offering the kind of warm and realistic sounds that people expect from a Roland product. While the 61 keys with velocity and channel aftertouch were very decent, the inclusion of 16 pads with velocity and aftertouch were also a big selling point for many people. Another feature of the Fantom-S is its V-LINK functionality, which allows you to use real-time controllers, such as the dynamic pads or D Beam controller to control images while performing music in order to create new forms of expression while playing.

On the front panel of the Fantom-S you'll find a D Beam that is not just assignable, but can also function as a pad trigger or as a solo synth to play the S as a monophonic synthesizer. The left side of the instrument is dedicated to the expansion bay, which is where you can install a wave expansion board or additional memory. In the middle of the instrument is a large panel LCD with various knobs and buttons around it to adjust parameters or switch modes. The pads can be found on the right side of the front panel, while the pitch bend/modulation lever is to the left of the keyboard. Everything is laid out in a straightforward manner, with a controller section, sound generator section and sequencer section. On the rear panel is the power on switch, AC inlet, SmartMedia card slot, USB connector, MIDI connectors, outputs and phones jack. You'll also find pedal jacks on the back panel for connecting optional expression pedals or a hold pedal.