Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer Overview
The Roland GAIA 2 is a cutting-edge, compact synthesizer that fuses wavetable and virtual analog technologies, a hands-on workflow for sound design, tactile controls for live expression, and the immense versatility of Model Expansion support.
Unlock limitless sonic possibilities with the Roland GAIA 2 synthesizer, a new addition to Roland’s 2023 synth lineup. Its robust hybrid engine blends wavetable and virtual analogue oscillators. Whether you’re new to synthesis or a seasoned expert, the GAIA 2 offers the perfect blend of simplicity and complexity. From classic analogue sounds to cutting-edge futuristic textures, the GAIA 2 lets you conjure the sound in your head with astonishing ease.
The intuitive front-panel design streamlines your sound design process, while the full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys deliver robust and expressive playability in a compact form factor. Integrated with a versatile sequencer and dynamic Motional Pad, crafting and modifying inspiring sounds has never been easier. With GAIA 2, turn your sonic dreams into reality.
Vintage, Modern and Beyond
Explore endless sonic landscapes with GAIA 2’s advanced sound engine. Recreate iconic sounds from the annals of synth history, then venture into new sonic dimensions with state-of-the-art phase and shape modulation capabilities. Instantly add grit and muscle to your patches by turning the Drive knob in the multimode filter. Whether you’re crafting silky vintage tones, aggressive leads, or otherworldly textures, GAIA 2 has you covered.
Virtual Analogue Oscillators
Embrace the past or forge the future with GAIA 2’s dual virtual analogue oscillators. These oscillators serve as your sonic foundation, letting you easily recreate classic analogue synth sounds or pioneer new sonic territory.
Wavetable Oscillator
Beyond the classic waveforms, GAIA 2’s wavetable oscillator lets you surf through a multitude of wave shapes. Seamlessly morph or jump between them for truly dynamic and evolving sounds. The addition of the wavetable oscillator takes the Roland GAIA 2 beyond the realms of traditional analogue synth sounds, opening doors to a much wider range of sonic possibilities.
Intuitive Design
GAIA 2 streamlines your sound creation process with its intuitive one-knob-per-function design. Say goodbye to tedious menu diving and unleash your creativity. The sleek, white anodized aluminium panel glows under stage lights for extra visual flair whilst performing.
Visualize Your Sound
The central display serves as your sound design guide, showcasing both the output waveform and the Motional Pad’s activity in real time. A quick glance is all you need to understand even the most intricate patches.
Legacy Sound, Modern Control
GAIA 2 is equipped with Roland Model Expansions, allowing you to tap into a storied lineage of iconic synthesizers like the SH-101, JUPITER-8, and JUNO-106. Seamlessly toggle between the native sound engine and these classic tones via a dedicated button. Fully integrated into GAIA 2’s workflow, each Model Expansion offers the best of both worlds: vintage vibes and modern sequencing capabilities. With the GAIA 2, you can access all the classic synth sounds from Roland’s history in a compact, stage-ready keyboard.
GAIA 2 comes with the iconic SH-101 Model Expansion pre-loaded, evolving the legendary monosynth into a polysynth powerhouse. First unleashed in 1982, the portable yet potent SH-101 has had a major impact on electronic music. With GAIA 2, you can now explore its intuitive interface and signature sounds in a whole new polyphonic dimension."
Roland Cloud Compatible
Additional Sound Packs and Model Expansions are accessible through Roland Cloud, including faithful recreations of the classic Roland synths like the Jupiter-8, JX-8P, Juno-106 and JD-800. With Roland Cloud, your GAIA 2 can evolve and adapt to the ever-changing synth landscape.
The GAIA 2 is compatible with the WC-1 wireless adapter, which lets you browse and upload Sound Packs and Model Expansions via a compatible mobile device. The WC-1 also gives you a year-long subscription to Roland Cloud Pro, giving you everything that Roland Cloud has to offer.
Adding Movement
GAIA 2’s versatile modulation tools make intricate sound crafting a breeze. Assign up to four parameters to dual LFOs, available with a range of wave shapes, including step modulation. You don’t need to be a synth expert to create complex, evolving patches with the Roland GAIA 2.
Onboard Sequencer
GAIA 2’s intuitive sequencer lets you capture and edit musical ideas in real time without interrupting playback. Experiment with the Random Pattern feature, record your sequences in step mode or sync externally via MIDI or USB for seamless synchronisation with your DAW, drum machine and other hardware synths.
Classic Roland Effects
GAIA 2 boasts an extensive range of iconic Roland effects, which includes a dedicated chorus section. From classic filters to a newly-developed Shimmer Reverb, customize, manipulate and enhance your sounds with ease. Add dynamic movement by assigning effects to an LFO or the Motional Pad.
Motional Pad
GAIA 2’s Motional Pad is a game-changer in expressive sound design. Assign parameters to X/Y axes and create modulated sound transformations either manually or via recorded movements. Presets come with built-in Motional Pad settings for immediate exploration or customization.
Exceptional Playability
Experience unparalleled expressiveness with GAIA 2’s 37 full-size keys. Known for their balanced weight and deep travel, these keys echo Roland’s legacy of premium keyboard design.
Plug and Play Connectivity
GAIA 2 features AIRA LINK, enabling seamless audio/MIDI interaction with compatible Roland AIRA devices like the TR-8S and TR-6S. Use the USB flash drive option for data backup or extend functionalities through USB MIDI controllers.
Universal Compatibility
Connect GAIA 2 to various devices via a USB-C interface. Enjoy effortless integration with DAWs and music apps, thanks to its plug-and-play, driver-free setup.
Ready for Live
The GAIA 2 features a compact and robust design that’s ideal if you’re a live performer or music producer who wants to conserve space in your studio. When you’re ready to take your GAIA 2 on the road, the Roland CB-B37 GAIA 2 Keyboard Bag is the best way to keep your synth and accessories safe between gigs and recording sessions.
- Powerful Roland synthesizer with advanced sonic capabilities
- Intuitive panel layout and hands-on workflow make it easy to learn synthesis and sound design
- Newly developed hybrid sound engine with one wavetable oscillator and two virtual analog oscillators
- Attractive aluminum panel filled with high-quality knobs and sliders
- Freely assignable modulation routings for fast sound creation
- Motional Pad for adding real-time movement and expression to sounds
- Sequencer with real-time and step-recording options
- MFX section with 53 unique effect types
- Dedicated Chorus and Delay/Reverb sections with multiple types, including JUNO Chorus effects, Shimmer Reverb, Modulation Reverb, and more
- Informative high-contrast OLED display
- USB Type-A port for connecting a USB flash drive or external USB MIDI controller
- Class-compliant USB-C port for communicating with music software on computers and mobile devices
- USB-C port also supports AIRA Link for communication with Roland AIRA devices
- Support for Model Expansions and other content on Roland Cloud (SH-101 Model Expansion pre-installed)
- Wirelessly audition and download Model Expansions and Sound Packs with Roland Cloud Connect and the WC-1 Wireless Adapter (optional)
- Keyboard:
- - 37 Keys
- Sound Generator:
- - GAIA-2 sound generator
- - Pre-installed Model Expansion: SH-101
- - Other Model Expansions (optional via Roland Cloud)
- Maximum Polyphony:
- - 22 voices (3 x oscillators per voice)
- - The maximum polyphony varies depending on sound settings or the selected Model Expansion.
- Tones:
- - Preset tone: 256
- - User tone: 512
- Oscillators:
- - OSC 1 (Wavetable)
- - 63 waveforms
- - Modulation types: Wave position, Phase modulation (P-MOD), Shaping modulation (S-MOD)
- - OSC 2/3 (Classic waveforms)
- - Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square, Super Saw, and 5 noise waves
- - Modulation types: Shape, Ring modulation, Oscillator sync, Cross modulation 1, Cross modulation 2
- - Envelope: Attack, Decay
- - Envelope destination: Pitch, Oscillator 1 position, Oscillator 2 shape, Oscillator 3 shape, P-MOD X, P-MOD Y, S-MOD Depth, S-MOD Drive
- Filter:
- - Filter type: LPF, BPF, HPF
- - Filter slope: -12dB/Oct, -18dB/Oct, -24dB/Oct
- - Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
- - Filter Drive
- Amp:
- - Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
- LFO:
- - 2 LFOs, 5 waveforms and 1 programmable step LFO wave
- - LFO assignment: Up to 4 parameters from panel knobs and sliders (except for click dials) in each LFO
- Effects:
- - Multi-Effects: 53 types
- - Reverb/Delay: 7 types
- - Chorus: 3 types (9 modes in total)
- - The sound path order of the above effects can be changed.
- - Master EQ
- - Master Compressor
- Other Functions:
- - Portamento
- - Unison
- - Chord memory
- Step Sequencer:
- - 64 steps: Each step can record 8 notes and 4 controls
- - Recording modes: Real-time/Step/TR-REC
- - Probability
- - Random pattern generator
- Arpeggiator:
- - Mode: Up, Down, Up&Down, Random, Note Order
- - Scale: 16 variations
- Motional Pad:
- - Two-dimensional edit to P-Mod X/Y or S-Mod Depth/Drive
- - Two-dimensional assignable control to parameters of panel knobs and sliders (except for click dials)
- - Motion recording and playback function
- - Menu interface with a drag pointer
- Other Controllers:
- - Pitch Bend wheel
- - Modulation wheel
- Display:
- - OLED 128 x 64 dots
- Connectors:
- - HEADPHONES jacks: Stereo miniature phone type (front), Stereo 1/4-inch phone type (rear)
- - OUTPUT jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4-inch phone type
- - PEDAL jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type (available for a hold pedal or a control pedal)
- - MIDI connectors (IN, OUT)
- - USB COMPUTER port: USB Type-C(R) (Class Compliant for Audio and MIDI/Roland driver for Audio and MIDI)
- - USB MEMORY/EXT DEVICE port: Type-A (Storage, MIDI)
- Power Supply:
- - AC adaptor (DC IN port)
- - USB bus power supply (USB Type-C(R) port)
- - External power supply from a USB Type-A port isn't available.
- Current Draw:
- - 600 mA (AC adaptor)
- - 1,800 mA (USB bus power supply)
- External Memory:
- - USB Flash drive (commercially available)
- Dimensions:
- - 655 (W) x 336 (D) x 92 (H) mm
- - 25-13/16 (W) x 13-1/4 (D) x 3-5/8 (H) inches
- Weight:
- - 4.4 kg / 9 lbs 12 oz
- Accessories:
- - Startup Guide
- - Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
- - AC adaptor (PSB-5U)
- - Power cord
- Options (Sold Separately):
- - Pedal Switch: DP series
- - Expression Pedal: EV-5
- - Wireless Adapter: WC-1
- - Keyboard Bag: CB-B37
