Roland Gaia 2 Synthesizer

Full Description

The best of both worlds - wavetable and virtual analog synthesis

The Roland Gaia 2 Synthesizer features a newly developed sound engine that unlocks a vast range of tonal possibilities. Inspired by both vintage and modern synth icons, you can build familiar sounds or dive into unique phase and shape modulation tools for cutting-edge textures. The Drive knob in the multimode filter section allows you to add extra grit and power for even more extreme tones. From smooth vintage synths to edgy leads and sci-fi soundscapes, the Gaia 2 can deliver it all.

In addition to the basic shapes we all know and love, the Gaia 2 introduces a wavetable oscillator section. It offers multiple waveforms that can be morphed or jumped between, resulting in dramatic shifts or slowly evolving textures. By adding the wavetable oscillator, you can create contrasting textures that lead to exciting and unforeseen sonic results.

With the Gaia 2, you have the tools to recreate famous analog synths or craft entirely new voices. The twin virtual analog oscillators are the building blocks of synthesis, providing authentic recreations of past classics. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can also sculpt the sounds of the future. Simply think about the sound you want and start tweaking it to bring it to life.

Hands-on sound design

The Gaia 2 is designed with a logical workflow that makes sound creation fast, easy, and fun. The one-control-per-function panel layout allows for instant programming without the need for menu diving. The streamlined knobs and white anodized aluminium panel not only contribute to the aesthetics but also make it easy to use in any lighting conditions.

The informative display of the Gaia 2 is positioned front and centre, providing a visual representation of the output audio waveform and the Motional Pad's recorded movement. Instantly grasp what's happening within even the most complex sounds with just a glance at the display.

Modern sound design requires flexible and plentiful modulation, and the Gaia 2 delivers. You can quickly and intuitively build complex modulation routings, assigning up to four parameters to each of the two LFOs. The LFOs come equipped with classic and modern wave shapes, including step modulation, allowing you to bring your ideas to life almost instantaneously.

Motional Pad - capture real-time movement

The Gaia 2's powerful Motional Pad is a dynamic and expressive tool that brings static sounds to life. Assign nearly any synth or effect parameter to each of the X/Y points on the pad, and then morph between them by moving a finger. You can also record your movements to create complex, modulated transformations that play on their own. With a wide range of presets pre-installed, the Gaia MKII showcases the sonic power of the innovative sound engine.

Free-flowing sequencer and MFX effects

Capture your inspiration and realize your wildest visions with the Gaia 2's free-flowing sequencer. Record in real-time, enter steps, and edit on the fly, all without stopping playback. You can also tap into the Random Pattern feature to ignite your creative engine with spontaneous musical energy. The sequencer even records your panel movements, ensuring that every detail is captured for dynamic and evolving soundscapes.

The Gaia 2 comes loaded with classic Roland effects to take your sonic creations to the next level. Choose from a vast selection of MFX types, including filters, phasers, distortions, scatter, and lo-fi. The dedicated Chorus section adds width and dimension to your sounds, while the Reverb/Delay section includes a newly developed Shimmer Reverb that infuses any sound with spaciousness and rich harmonic content. Assigning effect parameters to an LFO or the Motional Pad adds real-time interest and movement to your sounds.

Support for Roland's Model Expansions - tap into classic synth sound engines

The Gaia 2 supports Roland Model Expansions, which faithfully recreate iconic synthesizers from Roland's long history. With a dedicated button, you can instantly switch between the built-in sound engine and classics like the SH-101, JUPITER-8, or JUNO-106. Each Model Expansion is fully compatible with the Gaia 2's workflow, allowing you to reimagine vintage sounds using the panel controls and develop new music using the sequencer.

The Gaia 2 comes with the pre-installed SH-101 Model Expansion. This means that the monophonic legend is reborn as a polysynth with new and exciting possibilities. The SH-101 has been a key ingredient in shaping electronic music since its release in 1982, thanks to its intuitive interface and head-turning sounds.

With the Gaia 2, you can log also onto Roland Cloud and further enhance your synthesizer with additional sounds and virtual instruments. Model Expansions can run a wide selection of Sound Packs created by leading sound designers and producers, ensuring that your music always stays current.

Features

• High-end synthesizer with advanced sound design capabilities
• User-friendly panel design and practical workflow ensuring quick mastery of synthesis and sound design
• Innovatively engineered hybrid sound engine featuring one wavetable oscillator and a pair of virtual analog oscillators
• Sleek aluminium panel adorned with top-notch knobs and sliders
• Customisable modulation routes for accelerated sound production
• Motional Pad - enhancing real-time sound movement and expression
• Flexible sequencer offering real-time and step-recording functionalities
• MFX effect section boasting 53 distinct effect types
• Specialised Chorus and Delay/Reverb sections showcasing various types like JUNO Chorus effects, Shimmer Reverb, Modulation Reverb, and more
• High-contrast OLED display for easy information access
• USB Type-A port, facilitating connection to a USB flash drive or an external USB MIDI controller
• Class-compliant USB-C port, enabling seamless interaction with music software on computers and mobile devices
• USB-C port also compatible with AIRA Link for communication with Roland AIRA devices
• Supports Model Expansions and other content on Roland Cloud, with SH-101 Model Expansion pre-installed
• Ability to wirelessly audition and download Model Expansions and Sound Packs via Roland Cloud Connect and the optional WC-1 Wireless Adapter

Specifications

• Maximum Polyphony: 22 voices (3 x oscillators per voice)
• 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 type: LPF, BPF, HPF
• Filter slope: -12dB/Oct, -18dB/Oct, -24dB/Oct
• Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
• Filter Drive

• Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release

• 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

• Multi-Effects: 53 types
• Reverb/Delay: 7 types
• Chorus: 3 types (9 modes in total)
• Master EQ
• Master Compressor

• Portamento
• Unison
• Chord memory

• 64 steps: Each step can record 8 notes and 4 controls
• Recording modes: Real-time/Step/TR-REC
• Probability
• Random pattern generator

• Mode: Up, Down, Up&Down, Random, Note Order
• Scale: 16 variations

• 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

• Pitch Bend wheel
• Modulation wheel

• OLED: 128 x 64 dots

• 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)

• 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.)

• 600 mA: AC adaptor
• 1,800 mA: USB bus power supply

• USB Flash drive: commercially available

• Dimensions (WxDxH):
  • 655 x 336 x 92 mm
  • 25-13/16 x 13-1/4 x 3-5/8 inches
• Weight: 4.4 kg / 9 lbs 12 oz
• Product Code: GAIA-2