Roland has announced the release of 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 features

  • Powerful Roland synthesizer with advanced sonic capabilities.
  • Intuitive panel layout and hands-on workflow make it easy to learn synthesis and sound design.
  • Newly developed hybrid sound engine with one wavetable oscillator and two virtual analog oscillators.
  • Attractive aluminum panel filled with high-quality knobs and sliders.
  • Freely assignable modulation routings for fast 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 effects, Shimmer Reverb, Modulation Reverb, and more.
  • Informative high-contrast OLED display.
  • USB Type-A port for connecting a USB flash drive or external USB MIDI controller.
  • Class-compliant USB-C port for communicating with music software on computers and mobile devices.
  • USB-C port also supports AIRA Link for communication with Roland AIRA devices.
  • Support for Model Expansions and other content on Roland Cloud (SH-101 Model Expansion pre-installed).
  • Wirelessly audition and download Model Expansions and Sound Packs with Roland Cloud Connect and the WC-1 Wireless Adapter (optional).

The Roland GAIA 2 is now available in the U.S. for $899.99 USD.

More information: Roland