Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer

Description

Do You Speak Synth?

GAIA 2’s newly developed sound engine puts a never-ending realm of tonal exploration under your fingers. Build familiar sounds inspired by past and present synth icons. Then dive into unique phase and shape modulation tools to unleash cutting-edge textures with complex overtones that can’t be expressed with traditional analog synths. Need something more extreme? Just crank the Drive knob in the multimode filter section for even more grit and power. Whatever you desire—from smooth tones reminiscent of vintage synths to edgy, biting leads to sci-fi soundscapes—GAIA 2 can do it.

Wavetable

Complementing the basic shapes we all know and love, the wavetable oscillator section in GAIA 2 offers multiple waveforms, and you can jump or morph between them for everything from dramatic shifts to slowly evolving textures. Adding the wavetable oscillator introduces contrasting textures into the mix, leading to unforeseen and exciting results.

Virtual Analog

GAIA 2 gives you the tools to recreate the most famous analog synths of all time—or craft all-new voices never heard before. Twin virtual analog oscillators provide the building blocks of synthesis, enabling you to conjure past classics with complete authenticity. Or head in the opposite direction and sculpt the tones of the future. Just think about the sound you want and start tweaking to make it come alive.

Touch the Sound

GAIA 2’s logical workflow makes sound creation fast, easy, and fun. The one-control-per-function panel layout enables instant programming without having to resort to creativity-killing menu diving. And with the streamlined knobs and white anodized aluminum panel, even the look is inspiring. Wait until you see how it glows under stage lighting!

See the Sound

Positioned front and center, the informative display shows the output audio waveform as well as the path of the Motional Pad’s recorded movement. With just a glance, you’ll instantly grasp what’s happening within the most complex of sounds.

Classical Education

GAIA 2 supports Roland Model Expansions, which faithfully recreate iconic synthesizers from our long history. Instantly swap between the built-in sound engine and classics like the SH-101,* JUPITER-8, or JUNO-106 with a dedicated button. Each Model Expansion is fully compatible with the GAIA 2 workflow, letting you re-imagine vintage sounds with the panel controls and develop new music using the sequencer.

*The SH-101 Model Expansion comes installed from the factory. Additional Model Expansion titles are available for purchase on Roland Cloud.

SH-101 On Board

With GAIA 2’s pre-installed SH-101 Model Expansion, the monophonic legend is reborn as a polysynth with new and exciting possibilities. Since its release in 1982, the small-but-mighty SH-101 has been a key ingredient in shaping electronic music and remains a favorite for its intuitive interface and head-turning sounds.

Shape It Till You Make It

Modern sound design requires flexible and plentiful modulation. With GAIA 2, you can quickly and intuitively build complex modulation routings. Assign up to four parameters to each of the two LFOs, which come equipped with classic and modern wave shapes, including step modulation. Such effortless parameter assignments let you turn ideas into sounds almost instantaneously.

Inspiration Sequence

With the free-flowing sequencer in GAIA 2, you can easily capture your inspiration and realize your wildest visions. Record in real time, enter steps, and edit on the fly—all without stopping playback. Or tap into the Random Pattern feature to ignite your creative engine with spontaneous musical energy. Along with note information, the sequencer records your panel movements, including tweaks to the pitch and modulation wheels, knobs, and sliders. External synchronization is also supported via MIDI or USB, enabling you to smoothly change sounds and patterns while staying in sync with a drum machine, DAW, or another device.

FX Appeal

GAIA 2 comes loaded with classic Roland effects to take your sonic creations to the next level. Color, enhance, and mangle tones with a vast selection of MFX types, from filters, phasers, and distortions to scatter, lo-fi, and more. Add width and dimension with the dedicated Chorus section. Then bring on ambient depth with the diverse Reverb/Delay section, which features a newly developed Shimmer Reverb that infuses any sound with spaciousness and rich harmonic content. Along with adding a finishing touch, you can assign effect parameters to an LFO or the Motional Pad for real-time interest and movement.

Sound Design in Motion

GAIA 2’s powerful Motional Pad is a dynamic and expressive tool that brings static sounds to life. You can assign nearly any synth or effect parameter to each of the X/Y points, then morph between them by moving a finger on the pad. It’s also possible to record your movements to create complex, modulated transformations that play on their own. Many presets have Motional Pad settings baked in, ready to explore or customize for your own needs.

The Keys are the Key

Equipped with 37 full-size keys, GAIA 2 delivers a rich and rewarding playing experience. Offering deep travel, balanced weight, and a graceful feel, this premium keyboard includes all the construction hallmarks that Roland is famous for.

Join the Party

GAIA 2 supports AIRA LINK for sending audio/MIDI information to a compatible Roland AIRA device such as the MX-1 Mix Performer. You can also connect a USB flash drive to backup and restore data or plug in a standard USB MIDI controller for extended operation.

Integrate with Computers and Mobile Devices

Connect to your computer, smartphone, or tablet via USB-C and use GAIA 2 as an audio/MIDI interface with DAWs and other music apps. The class-compliant connection is plug-and-play, with no driver installation needed.

Roland Cloud Connect

GAIA 2 supports Roland Cloud Connect, an optional wireless system for accessing Roland Cloud content. Simply plug in the compact USB adapter, then audition content and download selections into the keyboard using a dedicated app on your mobile device. A Roland Cloud Connect purchase includes an entire year of Pro membership, giving you unlimited use of thousands of sounds, Model Expansions, and much more.