just got a fantom x6..

2 questions if someone could help me out

1. how to install drivers on windows 11 the synth is older so it doesnt work from the roland website but i seen people who get it work anyway

2. how do i know in the fantom if theres any srx expansion boards installed and where do i open the fantom to install srx cards?

 

Why would you not ask GPT first and then ask about any specific steps you do not understand? You want someone else to research this stuff and type it all out for you? Who is the lazy one in this scenario?




Your post: pasted.

ChatGPT:
Nice pickup on the Fantom-X6 — it's a beast even today. Let’s hit both your questions:

1. Installing Fantom-X6 Drivers on Windows 11
Roland officially doesn't support Windows 10/11 with drivers for older gear like the Fantom-X series. But there's a workaround a lot of people have used to get it working:

✅ Workaround Steps (Tested by Users):
Option A: Use the Windows 8.1 Driver (Unofficial Hacky Way)

• Download the Fantom-X driver for Windows 8.1 (64-bit) from Roland’s site.
  
  
• Unzip it somewhere.
  
  
• Open Device Manager in Windows.
  
  
• Power on the Fantom-X6 and connect it via USB.
  
  
• In Device Manager, you might see it listed as an "Unknown Device" or something generic.
  
  
• Right-click it → Update Driver → "Browse my computer" → point it to the folder with the driver files.
  
  
• If Windows blocks it due to unsigned drivers:
  
  • Reboot your PC into Advanced Startup > Disable Driver Signature Enforcement.
    
    
  • Then try the driver install again.
    

Option B: Use MIDI over USB via Class-Compliant Mode (if MIDI-only is fine)

• If you just want MIDI and don't need USB audio, use a class-compliant USB-to-MIDI cable (like Roland UM-ONE mk2 or similar) or just a traditional MIDI interface (5-pin DIN).
  
  
• That avoids driver issues entirely.
  

2. Checking SRX Boards + Installing New Ones
✅ How to Check If SRX Cards Are Installed:
On the Fantom-X6:

1. Go to Menu > System > Info or Menu > System > System Info.
   
   
2. Look for a tab or line that says “EXP A” and/or “EXP B.”
   
   
3. If there's an SRX board installed, it will show the name (like “SRX-06 Complete Orchestra” or whatever).
   
   
4. If it says “No Card” or similar — slot is empty.
   

✅ How to Physically Install SRX Cards:
You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver. SRX cards go into expansion slots inside the unit.

1. Power off and unplug the synth.
   
   
2. Flip it over on a soft towel or surface.
   
   
3. You’re looking for a cover labeled "Expansion" or something similar — it’s on the bottom plate (usually center or left side).
   
   
4. Unscrew the metal panel. Inside, you’ll see one or two SRX expansion slots (labeled A and B).
   
   
5. Insert the SRX board carefully into the slot (gold pins down), then tighten it using the mini screws that come with the SRX board.
   
   
6. Replace the cover and screw it back down.
   
   
7. Power up the Fantom and check System Info again — it should now detect the card.
   

 

unfortunately nothing of that worked. but i got a solution.. im getting an old PC with windows 7 so i will be able to install drivers on it there..

 

Fantom-X Driver Version 1.0.0 for Windows 7 64-bit Edition
This is the Fantom-X driver for Microsoft(R) Windows 7 64-bit Edition.
www.roland.com/global/products/fantom-x6/downloads/

Fantom-X System Update Version 2.10

This is the latest operating system for the Fantom-X Version 2. Your unit will already have to be running Version 2.00 to perform this update. Please refer to the readme.pdf for the update procedure.

This update adds:
- Record Audio Tracks with MFX inserted.
- Solo Sample with MFX.
- Support for the SRX-12 Expansion Board
https://www.roland.com/de/support/by_product/fantom-x6/updates_drivers/

This Owner's Manual applies to the Fantom-X6
https://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/FANTOM-X6_X7_X8_OM.pdf

 

That's not really a solution though, if it should be able to work with the computer you want it to work with.

But you have to actually say where in that long "workaround" process it either errored or whatever. "Doesn't work" does no-one any good because no-one here are mind readers.

If all you need is a Windows 7 machine to grab the drivers, that could be done using a VM or a simple utility like Crossover to install into a temporary Win7 environment; or whatever similar Windows product there is. You already know it is unsupported by Roland, but that does not mean it just "doesn't work". You should already know it will be some trial and error.

 

Last edited: May 10, 2025

im planning to expand it with 2 srx cards, any recommendations on the cards?