Versatile Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer

GAIA 2 opens the door to an infinite universe of sound creation. Equipped with a powerful hybrid engine that combines wavetable synthesis and virtual analog synthesis, it quickly teaches you the basics before you venture into uncharted sonic territories. Its user-friendly panel layout logically presents the synthesis workflow for rapid sound design, while full-size keys deliver exceptional playability when you're ready to perform. With its sequencer and Motional Pad, generating complex, dynamically moving sounds and phrases is effortless. Discover sound shaping with GAIA 2 and bring all your musical visions to life.

Key Features

• Versatile Roland synthesizer with advanced sonic capabilities
• An intuitive panel layout and practical workflow make learning synthesis and sound design easy
• Newly developed hybrid sound engine with one wavetable oscillator and two virtual analog oscillators
• Attractive aluminum panel featuring high-quality knobs and sliders
• Fully assignable modulation routings for rapid sound creation
• Motional Pad for adding real-time movement and expression to sounds
• Sequencer with real-time and step recording options
• MFX section with 53 unique effect types
• Dedicated Chorus and Delay/Reverb sections with multiple types, including JUNO Chorus, Shimmer Reverb, Modulation Reverb and more
• High-contrast OLED display
• USB Type-A port for connecting USB memory or an external USB MIDI controller
• Class-compliant USB-C port for interfacing with music software on computers and mobile devices
• The USB-C port also supports AIRA Link for communication with Roland AIRA devices
• Support for Model Expansions and other content in Roland Cloud (factory-installed SH-101 Model Expansion)
• Wireless streaming and downloading of Model Expansions and Sound Packs via Roland Cloud Connect and an optional WC-1 wireless adapter

Do You Speak the Synthesizer’s Language?

The newly developed GAIA 2 sound engine offers an endless realm of tonal exploration at your fingertips. Create familiar sounds inspired by both past and present synthesizer icons. Then dive into unique phase and shape modulation tools to unleash cutting-edge textures with complex overtones that traditional analog synthesizers cannot express. Need something more extreme? Simply crank up the Drive knob in the multimode filter section for added character and power. Whether you desire smooth, vintage-style tones or sharp leads and sci‑fi soundscapes, GAIA 2 can deliver.

Oscillator 1 – Wavetable

Complementing the basic waveforms we all know and love, the wavetable oscillator section in GAIA 2 offers a variety of wave shapes. You can jump or morph between them to achieve anything from dramatic transitions to slowly evolving textures. The addition of the wavetable oscillator introduces contrasting textures to your mix, leading to unexpected and exciting results.

Oscillator 2 and 3 – Virtual Analog

GAIA 2 provides the tools to recreate the most famous analog synthesizers of all time – or to create entirely new sounds never heard before. The dual virtual analog oscillators form the building blocks of synthesis, enabling you to conjure up classic tones from the past with full authenticity. Alternatively, you can carve out futuristic sounds. Simply envision the sound you want and start tweaking it into existence.

Convenient Control

The logical operation of GAIA 2 makes sound creation fast, easy, and enjoyable. The panel layout with a single control per function allows instant programming without having to navigate through complex menus. With sleek knobs and a panel crafted from anodized white aluminum, even its appearance is inspiring. Wait until you see it light up on stage!

Modulation – Shape It to Perfection

Modern sound design requires flexible and rich modulation. With GAIA 2, you can quickly and intuitively create complex modulation paths. Assign up to four parameters for each of the two LFOs, which feature both classic and modern wave shapes, including step modulation. This easy parameter assignment allows you to transform ideas into sound almost instantly.

Sequencer

Thanks to GAIA 2’s fluid sequencer, you can easily capture your inspiration and realize your boldest visions. Record in real-time, input steps, and edit on the fly – all without stopping playback. Or use the Random Pattern function to ignite your creative engine with spontaneous musical energy.
The sequencer even records panel movements, including changes in pitch and modulation wheels, knobs, and sliders. External synchronization is supported via MIDI or USB, allowing seamless switching of sounds and patterns while staying in sync with a drum machine, DAW, or other device.

Effects

GAIA 2 comes equipped with Roland’s classic effects to elevate your sound creations. Color, refine, and transform tones using a wide range of MFX types, from filters, phasers, and distortions to scatter, lo‑fi and more. Add width and dimension with the dedicated Chorus section. Then, introduce ambient depth with the varied Reverb/Delay section, featuring the newly developed Shimmer reverb that imparts spaciousness and rich harmonic content to every sound. Plus, with assignable effect parameters to an LFO or the Motional Pad, you can add dynamic movement in real time.

Motional Pad

The versatile Motional Pad in GAIA 2 is a dynamic, expressive tool that brings static sounds to life. Almost any synthesizer or effect parameter can be assigned to the X/Y points, allowing you to switch between them by sliding your finger across the pad. You can even record your movements to create complex, modulated transformations that play back autonomously. Many presets come with built‑in Motional Pad settings, ready to explore or customize to your needs.

See the Sound on the Display

The front and center display shows the waveform output as well as the recorded movement path of the Motional Pad. A quick glance is all it takes to understand what’s happening in even the most complex sounds.

USB‑C Interface

Connect to your computer, smartphone, or tablet via USB‑C and use GAIA 2 as an audio/MIDI interface with your DAW and other music applications. The connection is class‑compliant and requires no driver installation.

Roland Model Expansions

GAIA 2 supports Roland Model Expansions that faithfully recreate iconic synthesizers from our long history. Instantly switch between the built‑in sound engine and classics like the SH‑101,* JUPITER‑8 or JUNO‑106 using a dedicated button. Each Model Expansion is fully compatible with GAIA 2’s workflow, allowing you to reimagine classic sounds using the panel controls and create new music with the sequencer.
*The SH‑101 Model Expansion is factory‑installed. Additional Model Expansions are available for purchase via Roland Cloud.

Wireless Access to New Sounds

GAIA 2 supports Roland Cloud Connect, an optional wireless system for accessing Roland Cloud content. Simply connect the compact USB adapter, then stream and download selected content directly to the instrument using the dedicated mobile app. The Roland Cloud Connect purchase includes a full year of Pro membership, providing unlimited access to thousands of sounds, Model Expansions, and much more.

Detailed Technical Specifications

• 37 full‑size keys
• Sound Engine: GAIA‑2, installed SH‑101 Model Expansion, other Model Expansions (optional – via Roland Cloud)
• Maximum polyphony: 22 voices (3 x oscillators per voice)* depending on sound settings or selected Model Expansion
• Sounds: 256 built‑in presets, 512 user presets
• Oscillator OSC 1 (wavetable): 63 waveforms – Modulation types: wave position, phase modulation (P‑MOD), shape modulation (S‑MOD)
• Oscillator OSC 2/3 (classic waveforms): sine, triangle, saw, square, super saw, and 5 noise waves
• Oscillator Envelope: Attack, Decay – Envelope destinations: Pitch, Oscillator 1 position, Oscillator 2 shape, Oscillator 3 shape, P‑MOD X, P‑MOD Y, S‑MOD Depth, S‑MOD Drive
• Filters: LPF, BPF, HPF – Filter slopes: -12dB/Oct, -18dB/Oct, -24dB/Oct – Envelopes: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
• Amp Envelope: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
• LFO: 2 LFOs, 5 waveforms and 1 programmable step LFO – LFO assignment: Up to 4 parameters from the panel’s knobs and sliders per LFO
• Effects: Multi‑Effects: 53 types, Reverb/Delay: 7 types, Chorus: 3 types (total 9 modes), Master EQ, Master Compressor
• Other features: Portamento, Unison, Chord Memory
• Step Sequencer: 64 steps – Each step can record 8 notes and 4 controllers, Recording modes: real‑time/step/TR‑REC, Probability, Random pattern generator
• Arpeggiator: Modes: up, down, up/down, random, note order – Scale: 16 variations
• Motional Pad: 2D editing for P‑Mod X/Y or S‑MOD Depth/Drive, 2D assignable control for parameters of the panel’s knobs and sliders (excluding click knobs), motion recording and playback function, menu interface with drag indicator
• Other controllers: Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel
• Display: OLED, 128 x 64 pixels
• Connectors: HEADPHONES: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack (front), 6.3 mm stereo jack (rear), OUTPUT (L/MONO, R): 2 x 6.3 mm jack, PEDAL: 6.3 mm stereo jack (for hold or control pedal), MIDI (IN, OUT), USB COMPUTER: USB Type‑C (for audio and MIDI), USB MEMORY/EXT DEVICE: Type‑A (mass storage, MIDI)
• Power: AC adapter (DC IN port), USB bus‑powered (USB Type‑C port)
• Power consumption: 600 mA (AC adapter), 1800 mA (USB bus‑powered)
• Dimensions: 655 x 336 x 92 mm (Width x Depth x Height)
• Weight: 4.4 kg

Included in the Box

• Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer
• Power adapter (PSB‑5U)
• Power cable
• User manual