Fantom x8 is one of Roland's most technologically advanced products at this time. I've owned the keyboard for sometime and all I can say that it's all you will ever need in your studio. It is jam packed with tons of useful features. It is quite easy to use and if you interact with it long enough you'll get it down in no time. If you are an experienced keyboard player and know what you are doing than it will be an awesome tool to express your creativity and enjoy doing so.

If you're just starting out and know nothing about synthesizers/keyboards than I suggest getting something more simpler to start out with. Fantom x8 is truly an amazing instrument for intermediate/expert musicians. Your amagination will have no limits with numerous expension possibilities within the keyboard. The built-in sampler is great - which can sample from just about any ouside source.

One of my favorite features is the color LCD display. Even though it is not a touch screen it is an excellent way to see your work and communicate to the keyboard.

Fantom x8 is not a light weighted instrument and will require some extra work if you are traveling, that's why it works best in studios.

Hope this helps.

-Edward