GAIA 2 opens the door to an infinite universe of inspired sound creation. Armed with a powerful hybrid engine that combines wavetable and virtual analog synthesis, you can quickly learn the basics before rocketing into uncharted sonic territory. The friendly panel layout logically outlines the synthesis workflow for speedy sound design, while full-size keys provide exceptional playability when you’re ready to perform. And with the sequencer and Motional Pad, it’s easy to generate complex sounds and phrases full of dynamic movement and alter them on the fly. Discover the shape of sound with GAIA 2 and bring all your musical visions to life.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
