Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Roland Gaia 2 37-key Virtual Analog Wavetable Synthesizer

37-key Virtual Analog Synthesizer with 2-axis Motional Pad, SH-101 Model Expansion, 256 Presets, Wavetable Synthesis, Waveshaping, Ring Mod, Sync, Cross Mod, AD Envelope,2 LFOs, LPF, BPF, HPF, 53 Multi-FX, 7 x Reverb/Delay, 9 x Chorus Mode, Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, 1/4" Stereo Out, Pedal In, USB-C, and PSU
Limited-time Offer!
Lowest price in 90 days
$200.00 Off!
Purchase this item at Sweetwater, and get $200.00 off! The price shown reflects your savings. Effective now through 4/30/2024.
Details
$699.99
Instant Savings: $200.00 (22%) Was: $899.99

Earn $35 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $15/month with 48 month financing*

In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Roland Gaia 2 37-key Virtual Analog Wavetable Synthesizer
In Stock!
$699.99
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Planetary Power and Unbounded Sonic Creation

The original Gaia synthesizer was designed to meld past and future via virtual analog synthesis, all revolving around Roland’s iconic SH-101. Now, its long-awaited successor brims with cutting-edge tech to deliver a whole new world of sonic possibilities: Enter Gaia 2, a 37-key polyphonic synthesizer armed with state-of-the-art virtual analog sound engines with three immensely powerful oscillators comprising multiple waveforms and noise options, as well as wavetable synthesis and deep interoperative functions like cross modulation, oscillator syncing, ring modulation, and more. Gaia 2 also introduces the Motional Pad for endlessly reconfigurable touch-based, dual-axis modulation. Synthesists at Sweetwater are smitten with the scope of sound-shaping opportunities, from 250+ diverse presets and dozens of multi-FX to the suite of heritage Roland sonics available from the moment you boot up Gaia 2, like the preinstalled SH-101 Model Expansion and iconic JUNO chorus effects.

Oscillating wildly through new, hybridized terrains

Every ounce of sound Gaia 2 produces starts with its powerful, versatile 3-oscillator architecture, fueling the virtual analog engines of oscillators two and three for a slew of sounds that range from iconic to uncharted, futuristic territories. Each of these oscillators boasts five waveforms, including super saw, triangle, and square options, as well as five noise waveforms. On the other hand, oscillator one introduces a dedicated wavetable option with 63 waveforms that you can freely jump and morph your way around, from evocative slow-burns to rapid, punctuated shifts. Wave position, phase, and shape can even be modulated with the two-axis Motional Pad for direct control of your sound. No matter your sonic style, this hybrid engine will manifest anything you can imagine — and everything you can’t — to life!

Modern tone crafting and reactive synthesis

Both virtual analog engines include dedicated wave-shaping controls that, coupled with the oscillator mixer, allow for an impressive variety of sound-shaping possibilities. Moreover, oscillator sync, cross-modulation, and ring modulation are on tap to explore intense timbres, thundering lows, and dynamic tones. You’ve also got access to an AD envelope that can be routed to numerous destinations across all three oscillators, resulting in expressive, voltaic sounds that can stack to extravagant heights thanks to the 3-oscillator per-voice polyphony. Looking for more ways to sound out? A pair of LFOs can each be assigned to up to four parameters attached to any of the knobs or sliders, save for click-dials, while tempo-syncable rates and depth are individually managed. This functionality goes double for the waveforms that include six options: four wave shapes, a randomizer, and a programmable step wave.

Dynamic textures from vintage to uncharted

Thanks to Roland’s masterful sound-modeling technology, Gaia 2 bristles with vintage character that’s rife for reimagining with the synth’s contemporary tool kit. Texturization options comprise 53 multi-effects that are navigated from the display screen. Reverbs and delays come in seven distinct shades that can be readily refined. Meanwhile, the vaunted character of the infamous JUNO chorus effects is seamlessly toggled from a single-button control, incorporating all three styles with multiple permutations that total nine chorus choices. You can even rearrange the sound path of the multi-FX, reverb/delay, and chorus for deep sound crafting. Dedicated amp and filter sections feature individuated ADSR sliders, with the latter capable of key-following and envelope-depth management that can be uniquely attenuated. Additional filtering is available via the multimode filter system that not only painlessly toggles between low-, band-, and highpass options, but also features a triptych of variable slopes: -12dB/Oct, -18dB/Oct, or -24dB/Oct. You’ve even got a dedicated filter drive knob for when you need to supplement your sound with some gritty textures.

Seize your sound: direct interfacing and total control

Like its predecessor, Gaia 2 pulls no punches with its intuitive control scheme that prioritizes direct control via one-to-one interfacing. Pitch and modulation wheels are firm and reliable, while the Motional Pad provides two dimensions of assignable controls to get hands-on with your sound. Motion recording and playback are also available for your Motional Pad use, in addition to using it with the menu interface as a pointer. A 64-step sequencer allows for assigning eight notes and four controls to each step, with probability functions and a random pattern generator available for immediate inspiration and spontaneous sound design. For even further rhythmic exploration, the 5-mode arpeggiator is outfitted with 16 scale variations that can be used to mesmerizing effect when paired with Gaia 2’s multidimensional FX. Unison, portamento, chord memory, and legato options are painlessly incorporated to spice up any lick, lead, or progression.

Iconic synthesis at your fingertips, courtesy of the cloud

Gaia 2 is a veritable sandbox of synthesis, capable of shaping and molding any sonic structure you can imagine and beyond. Thanks to Roland’s state-of-the-art Model Expansions, any of the company’s iconic synths can be instantly accessed with exacting accuracy, and Gaia 2 comes preinstalled with the SH-101 Model Expansion. Instantly seize the iconic sounds of the vaunted synth or use Gaia 2’s hybrid engine to build something distinct, melding the past with the future. Plus, Gaia 2 spans 256 diverse presets for solid sonic foundations, and there are 512 user-preset slots available to seamlessly save and recall your carefully crafted tones.

Note: While Gaia 2 comes with the SH-101 Model Expansion preinstalled, the use of further Model Expansions requires a subscription to Roland Cloud. Contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer with any questions or concerns.

Pilot your performance with versatile connectivity

Further proving its mettle, Gaia 2 is more than capable of serving as the central nervous system of your studio or performance rig. Its full-sized keys and intuitive controls are joined by a versatile suite of connectivity options to power any arrangement, armed with a 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, a USB-A port for connecting external or storage devices, and a USB-C port for bus power. Plus, each port can transmit MIDI information, and the USB-C port’s Class Compliant design makes it a driver for both audio and MIDI. Gaia 2 also supports AIRA LINK for seamlessly transmitting audio and MIDI data to Roland AIRA devices, diversifying your rig-building opportunities. If you’re ideating or practicing, a front-mounted 3.5mm headphone jack is available, while the rear 1/4-inch stereo output pair will masterfully translate your multidimensional sounds with ease. Finally, an additional pedal jack can accommodate any number of expression or control pedals.

Roland GAIA 2 Virtual Analog Wavetable Synthesizer Features:

  • GAIA-2 hybrid engine design comprises twin virtual analog oscillators and a dedicated wavetable oscillator for versatile sonic sculpting from iconic analog to futuristic
  • 1-to-1 interface design means intuitive, direct control of your sound, minus the menu-diving
  • Preinstalled SH-101 Model Expansion provides instant access to the full scope of the iconic synth with uncompromising accuracy
  • Wavetable oscillator includes 63 waveforms through which you can seamlessly morph for slow to break-neck speeds of evocative expression
  • Virtual analog oscillators include sine, triangle, saw, square, and super saw waveforms, as well as 5 noise waves and wave shaping for flexible sound design
  • Extensive modulation includes wave position, phase modulation, and shaping modulation for wavetable synthesis, with oscillator sync, ring mod, and 2 cross-mod options for OSC 2 and 3
  • Motional Pad lets you seize your sound with 2-axis dynamic modulation that’s freely assignable to virtually any parameter, including FX, modulation, oscillator controls, and more
  • Additional navigation features with Motional Pad include motion recording and recall, as well as drag-pointer functionality with the OLED menu display
  • AD envelope provides multiple destinations, including pitch, oscillator shapes, and modulation vectors for dynamic, reactive tones
  • Powerful multimode ADSR filter includes LPF, BPF, and HPF options and 3 slope choices, each of which can be individually toggled for detailed sound-shaping
  • ADSR sliders, filter drive, envelope depth, and key-following can all be attenuated to hone and refine your patches
  • Dedicated ADSR amp provides detailed global audio output control
  • Dual LFOs comprise 6 shaping options for extensive modulation possibilities: 4 waveforms, one randomization mode, and one programmable step wave
  • Each LFO can be assigned upwards of 4 parameters, capable of controlling virtually anything attenuated via knob or slider, eliciting expressive, evolving sonics
  • 52 multi-FX can be instantly toggled for vast texturizing opportunities, including Lo-Fi, distortions, phasers, and more
  • Dedicated Chorus section comprises nine modes across 3 styles, including the iconic JUNO chorus for vintage-tinged dimensional expansion
  • Reverb/delay suite includes 7 flavors with fine controls to sculpt your space, from subtle to cavernous
  • Additional performance features, like mono, legato, portamento, unison, chord memory, hold functionality, and velocity sensitivity can be instantly toggled to easily bolster any part
  • Powerful 64-step sequencer is capable of flexible recording and composition, with 8 notes per step and 4 controls, alongside real-time, step, and TR-REC recording options
  • Random pattern generator and probability functions introduce dynamic dimensions to sequencing to inspire new parts or spice up performances
  • 5-mode arpeggiator ensures extensive rhythmic exploration, including 16 scale variations
  • USB-A port provides MIDI connectivity and external memory accommodation
  • USB-C Class Compliant port functions as a Roland driver for audio and MIDI, as well as providing bus power when needed (AC adapter included)
  • 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O provides flexible control options with additional AIRA LINK compatibility for deep and expansive interoperative possibilities with virtually any setup
  • Front-mounted 3.5mm headphone jack and rear-mounted 1/4-inch stereo output pair ensure you’re sounding out on your terms
  • 1/4-inch pedal jack accommodates any number of pedal switches, expression pedals, and more (sold separately)
  • Roland Cloud compatibility means infinite opportunities to shape and meld sounds from iconic Roland synths throughout the years, instantly accessible with Gaia 2 (subscription sold separately)

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synth
  • Sound Engine: Wavetable and Virtual Analog Engines
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Number of Keys: 37
  • Type of Keys: Full-size
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod wheel
  • Pads: X-Y motion pad
  • Polyphony: 22 Notes (patch dependant)
  • Number of Presets: 256 x Preset, 512 x User
  • Oscillators: 1 x Wavetable, 2 x Virtual Analog
  • Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square, Super Saw
  • LFO: 2 x LFO (Triange, Sine, Saw, Random, Step)
  • Filter: Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass
  • Envelope Generator: 2 x EG (attack, decay, sustain, release)
  • Effects Types: 53 x multi-effects, 7 x Reverb/Delay, 9 x Chorus
  • Arpeggiator: 5 Modes
  • Sequencer: 8-track | 64-step, Real-time/step recording
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TS (L/Mono, R)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x 1/8" TRS
  • USB: 1 x Type-A (Memory, MIDI), 1 x Type-C (computer, 5V)
  • MIDI I/O: In, Out
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • Expansion: Software Modal Expansions
  • Software: Roland Cloud
  • OS Requirements - Mac: MacOS 10.14 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
  • Power Source: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 3.625"
  • Width: 25.81"
  • Depth: 13.25"
  • Weight: 9.75 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: GAIA-2

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

All the goods right in front of you!

I'm mostly a keys person not a knob twister but this one suits me very well. Just about all the goods are right there at my fingertips. The keys feel very comfortable and not flimsy. I haven't had much time to dig into it but the presets shows off some nice sounds and features in this synth. Besides that I love the way it looks next to my (O.G)Korg Minilogue. They really do make a perfect match even sonically. Thanks again Sweetwater for your awesome customer service. Guys, don't sleep on this one
Music background: Keyboardist/ Beat maker/ Home Studio
Rated 5/5

What a dream machine!

Exactly what I was looking for to create my own sounds, outstanding build quality with a high end feel.
So much to explore and discover.
What a GREAT early Christmas gift to myself lol!
Thank you SweetWater and thank you Steve Wessomg for the great follow up and keeping me informed every step of the way.
Rated 5/5

A Welcome Addition to the Roland Family

The Roland Gaia 2 is a welcome addition to the family of Roland synths. It sounds very modern and to my ears is literally always better sounding in its rich unison mode. The setup of one wavetable oscillator with two standard virtual analog oscillators is a novel design but propels creative thinking. It's almost always useful to use the unison mode over subtle detuning of the oscillators instead creating intervals & injecting high or low harmonics over the principal tone. I like the sound of the synth so much that I consistently forgot to program the tone knob but to my ears it doesn't make as much of a sonic impact as on all the Roland Cloud Plug Out synths I've programmed. This thing sounds modern & great at so many settings. Definitely using the P-mod & S-mod settings is almost always a must when using the wavetable oscillator & don't forget to select the S-mod tables as these all impact the harmonics with a lot of variation. The synth is laid out very intuitively & although the synth is boasted as knob per function it is not. The menus for making fine adjustments or accessing other parameters are well laid out & only have one sublayer for each section. The filters are all quite pleasing & have their strengths for different applications. The drive circuit is really crucial in this synth & I especially enjoyed setting my drive by cranking the resonance & bringing in the drive to tame the resonance. The effects are pretty great but I opted to literally always program a notch filter in the multi effect slot as to be a second filter since notching sounds is so incredibly important. It is a miss that the chorus insert isn't switchable to a phaser or flanger but it delivers more consistency & with the unison mode the chorus isn't always necessary. The reverb options are a nice inclusion but almost always require lower wet & time levels. This causes sounds to sound big without sounding wet & reverby. The LFOs aren't as fast as I'm used to but all this does is prevent from making more aggressive analog FM type sounds. Having four destinations for each LFO is excellent & the necessity to do each oscillator's pitch mod independently results in more thoughtful programming. Being able to select destinations for each LFO modulation slot right from the control panel is a dream & I hope other synth manufacturers follow suit. I've overlooked the x-y pad programming opting to leave it at its default cutoff & resonance modulation routings. I wouldn't use this myself & would probably always prefer to control in real time with the knobs. The keys feel very natural for synth action. Velocity responds as expected & the limitation of modifying cutoff resonance & pitch envelope amount along with the default of volume with velocity is actually a strength. Definitely rolling off your attacks & decays for envelopes sounds best on this synth. While it's nearly always important on any synth to have a somewhat soft attack & decay on an amp envelope to prevent unpleasant clicks except when using a gate to access an envelope for additional modulation, this synth actually sounds best when using even subtle settings of filter attack even when you would assume you don't need it. With the mod envelope you don't need the attack when doing pitch sweeps but with modifying things such as the wavetable position it helps too. The sequencer is great with various timing subdivisions & up to 64 steps. My ONLY complaint is the lack of a tap tempo function. I think this should probably be an inclusion of every synth with a sequencer. I would call this synth's sound in my applications unison smear. The Gaia 2 is charming & modern and while it has a sound that won't be right for all applications it will definitely compliment a track in so many ways when choosing the perfect sound.
Music background: Electronic
Rated 5/5

Perfect synth for my needs and many others probably

Do not listen to naysayers, Youtube does not give the sound of this machine justice, play this in person first. This is an upgrade to the gaia sound engine. You can do conventional and experimental sounds/textures/drones with great ease, surprisingly with no outboard effects use. The pitch and mod wheels, although small, are the right amount of responsive. The touch plate is way more responsive with less pressure needed than the V synth touch pad. This synth is also excellent for live performers too and is equally great for a sound tinkerer. I initially bought this to stuff the jupiter 8 plug out on here. I haven't yet, I enjoy this sound engine. I find the sound smooth and can get harsh if you want that. Not dad hurting ms2000/ms20/malevolent harsh though, which yes, I've owned all those. Thank you Derek Kemp for your insights and knowledge on synthesis and always assisting me and ensuring that my purchases are hassle free and run smoothly!
Music background: bands for 10 yrs and experimental sound hobbyist

Simply put, modern electronic music wouldn't exist without Roland. Many of the electronic musicians here at Sweetwater cut our teeth on TR Rhythm machines and fondly remember programming our first TB-303s. We owe a good part of our careers to this amazing and innovative company. It's been fun to watch and grow right alongside Roland, as they've introduced wave after wave of revolutionary keyboards, digital pianos, and more. For example, Roland's V-Drum Kits continuously redefine the possibilities of electronic drums, beginning with SuperNATURAL technology to the latest Prismatic Sound Modeling. We're huge fans, and we'd love to tell you all about them. Whether you want a pocket-sized synth or a cutting-edge video mixer, if Roland makes it, then Sweetwater is 100% behind it.

Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!