Advanced Synthesizer with Wavetable and Virtual Analog Engines, an Intuitive Sound Design Workflow, Expressive Hands-On Controls, Model Expansion Support, and More
Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 28, 2023 —
Roland announces
GAIA 2, an advanced synthesizer with a newly developed hybrid sound engine and a friendly panel layout that makes learning synthesis and exploring sound design easy and fun. Equipped with wavetable and virtual analog oscillators, interactive controls, 37 full-size keys, Model Expansion support, and other powerful features, GAIA 2 opens the door to an infinite universe of inspired creation.
GAIA 2’s diverse synthesis tools allow users to build familiar sounds and craft new voices never heard before. Reaching beyond previous designs, the wavetable oscillator can morph between multiple waveforms for everything from dramatic shifts to slowly evolving textures. Unique phase and shape modulation options are also available to distort waveforms and unleash cutting-edge textures with complex overtones. Complementing the wavetable oscillator are twin virtual analog oscillators, ready to reimagine past classics or sculpt the sounds of the future. From smooth tones reminiscent of vintage synths to edgy, biting leads to sci-fi soundscapes, GAIA 2 can do it.
GAIA 2 also supports Roland Model Expansions, which faithfully recreate iconic synthesizers from the company’s long history. With a dedicated button, users can instantly swap between the built-in sound engine and classics like the JUPITER-8 or JUNO-106. The SH-101 Model Expansion comes pre-installed, and many additional titles and accompanying Sound Packs are available on Roland Cloud.
GAIA 2’s logically organized panel encourages hands-on exploration and sonic discovery. The one-control-per-function layout and informative display enable 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.
GAIA 2 features a touch-controlled Motional Pad that brings static sounds to life. Users can assign nearly any synth or effect parameter to each of the X/Y points and then morph between them by moving a finger on the pad. It’s also possible to record movements to create complex, modulated transformations.
The free-flowing sequencer in GAIA 2 lets users instantly capture their inspiration and realize their wildest visions. There’s also a cool Random Pattern feature to spark new ideas with spontaneous pattern creation.
GAIA 2 comes loaded with classic Roland effects to take sonic creations to the next level. Over 50 unique MFX types are available, plus a dedicated Chorus section for adding width and dimension. A powerful Reverb/Delay section features a new studio-grade Shimmer Reverb and many other high-quality effect types.
Via USB-C, GAIA 2 functions as an audio/MIDI interface for music production apps on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The class-compliant connection is plug-and-play, with no driver installation needed. A USB Type-A port is also available for connecting a USB flash drive for data backup or a standard USB MIDI controller for extended operation.
GAIA 2 supports Roland Cloud Connect, an optional wireless adapter for browsing and downloading Roland Cloud content using a mobile device. A Roland Cloud Connect purchase also includes a year of Roland Cloud Pro membership with unlimited use of thousands of sounds, Model Expansions, and much more.
The optional
CB-B37 Keyboard Bag for GAIA 2 provides durable, high-quality protection for the synthesizer while traveling and making music around town. This versatile bag also works with the JUPITER-Xm, legacy GAIA SH-01, and other 37-note keyboards.
The Pictures
The Full Specs
Roland GAIA-2: Synthesizer
-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
Availability & Pricing
The Roland GAIA 2 is now available in the U.S. for $899.99.
