Recording works but no playback sound from Fantom-X8 in Logic Pro

Subject: Recording works but no playback sound from Fantom-X8 in Logic Pro


Message:


Hi,


I’m using Logic Pro with a Roland Fantom-X8 connected through a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface.


Recording works perfectly — I can see the input meters move and the sound is captured.


But when I press play, there’s no sound output at all.


The Scarlett’s output meters show no signal during playback.

What settings should I check to make sure the recorded audio plays back properly?


Thank you!

Mac Studio, macOS 15.4

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 5:21 PM

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Posted on Oct 13, 2025 4:35 AM

Is this an Audio recording or a Midi recording? Two different types of recording. Sounds like you're recording Audio/Sound.


Audio (sound):

Go to Logic's Preferences/Audio and make sure the Scarlett is selected for both Input and Output. You have speakers or headphones plugged into the Scarlett and the output level on the Scarlett halfway up.


MIDI (Data):

Uses two Midi cables Midi Out of the Fantom to Midi In on the Scarlett, Midi Out on the Scarlett to Midi In on Fantom. MIDI channels must match.

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 13, 2025 4:35 AM in response to paulbojang

Is this an Audio recording or a Midi recording? Two different types of recording. Sounds like you're recording Audio/Sound.


Audio (sound):

Go to Logic's Preferences/Audio and make sure the Scarlett is selected for both Input and Output. You have speakers or headphones plugged into the Scarlett and the output level on the Scarlett halfway up.


MIDI (Data):

Uses two Midi cables Midi Out of the Fantom to Midi In on the Scarlett, Midi Out on the Scarlett to Midi In on Fantom. MIDI channels must match.

Oct 13, 2025 9:38 PM in response to paulbojang

Did you download and install the Mac software for that Fantom X8 from Roland?

Do you see your Fantom X8 in the Mac Audio MIDI Setup—both Input and Output?

Do you see it in Logic Pro Settings, Control Surfaces, MIDI Controllers tab?


I connect my Roland devices directly to my Mac via USB and don't use my audio interface at all for my MIDI controllers. According to my Search results and the Fantom X8 manual, you can connect directly to your Mac, via USB once you have the Roland software installed.


Oct 13, 2025 9:06 PM in response to paulbojang

HI

Subject: MIDI Playback Issue Between Fantom X8 and Scarlett Interface in Logic Pro


Thank you so much for your help.


Scarlett is selected for both Input and Output, and both connections are properly set up using two MIDI cables. The MIDI output of the Fantom is connected to the MIDI input of the Scarlett, and the MIDI output of the Scarlett is connected to the MIDI input of the Fantom. Both devices are set to the same MIDI channel.


When recording MIDI, I can successfully record in Logic using the Fantom’s internal piano sound, and the notes are correctly displayed in the Piano Roll Editor — I can also edit them without any issues.


However, when I play the track back, the Fantom’s internal piano sound is not heard. I would like to record and play back using the Fantom’s built-in piano sound.


When I switch the instrument to a Logic software instrument (e.g. Logic piano), the sound is heard without any problems. But when I switch back to the Scarlett output, I can see the MIDI signal moving, yet no sound comes from the Fantom.


Could this be because the Fantom X8 is too old to connect properly with Logic?


If so, could you please explain how I should connect it correctly?


Thanks

Oct 13, 2025 9:56 PM in response to paulbojang

"However, when I play the track back, the Fantom’s internal piano sound is not heard. I would like to record and play back using the Fantom’s built-in piano sound.


When I switch the instrument to a Logic software instrument (e.g. Logic piano), the sound is heard without any problems. But when I switch back to the Scarlett output, I can see the MIDI signal moving, yet no sound comes from the Fantom.


Could this be because the Fantom X8 is too old to connect properly with Logic?"


ADDENDUM: To get the Roland internal piano sound recorded, since it's not a Logic instrument, an audio recording is likely the only way to record that internal piano sound.


  1. See if your Fantom X8 is an audio device, not just a MIDI controller.
  2. If it is an audio device, can it record audio via USB. At a quick glance, I don't the answer in the manual.
  3. Your Fantom X8 does have 1/4" outputs, which I would use to record the internal piano sound.


Oct 13, 2025 10:00 PM in response to Johne154

Here's the answer I found for you.


No, the Roland Fantom-X8 cannot record audio directly via its USB port. Its USB connection is for data transfer, such as loading samples, or for MIDI and audio storage functions, not for direct audio recording into a computer. To record audio from the Fantom-X8, you must connect its analog outputs (L/R 1/4" jacks) to a computer's audio input or an external audio interface. 

How to record audio from the Fantom-X8

  • Connect to an audio interface: The recommended method is to connect the Fantom-X8's "A MIX" L/R 1/4" outputs to your computer's audio interface inputs.


I found a video that tells you how to record audio with your Fantom X8.

https://youtu.be/1sNQPUXR0rk?si=5k70vGqglY-TV9FV



Recording works but no playback sound from Fantom-X8 in Logic Pro

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