Roland has launched its GAIA 2 synthesiser, an advanced instrument featuring wavetable and virtual analog engines, intuitive sound design workflow, expressive hands-on controls, model expansion support, and more.
The newly developed hybrid sound engine and friendly panel layout is designed to make learning synthesis and exploring sound design easy and fun.
Wavetable and virtual analog oscillators, interactive controls, 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys and other powerful features offer many possibilities for any musician’s expertise level.
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.
Roland’s Model Expansion allows for faithful recreation of iconic synths from its history, including the JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106. Additional packs are available on Roland Cloud.
The interface layout is one-control-per-function allowing for quick manipulation of sounds. The GAIA 2 has a touch-controlled motional pad for instantly shaping static sounds, with the ability to assign nearly any synth or effect parameter to each of the X/Y points and morph between them. These movements can be recorded for future use.
Other features include random pattern creation, over 50 unique MFX effects, a dedicated chorus section, reverb/delay section including shimmer reverb, and USB-C connection for audio/MIDI interfacing with other devices. There’s also USB A for connecting storage devices or a standard USB MIDI controller.
Available now for $899.99. Buy on Amazon.
Specifications
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)
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
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Width: 655 mm / 25-13/16 inches
Depth: 336 mm / 13-1/4 inches
Height: 92 mm / 3-5/8 inches
Weight: 4.4 kg / 9 lbs 12 oz
