Quick Product Summary

The Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer Keyboard is a powerful hands-on synthesizer designed for sound creation, electronic music production and live performance. Its hybrid sound engine combines advanced wavetable synthesis with virtual analogue oscillators, giving musicians everything from evolving digital textures and aggressive modern tones to warm pads, leads and classic analogue-inspired sounds.

With a compact 37-note full-size keyboard, intuitive panel controls, an expressive Motional Pad, 64-step sequencer and extensive effects, the GAIA 2 encourages experimentation without burying essential controls inside menus. The legendary SH-101 Model Expansion comes pre-installed, while additional compatible Roland Model Expansions and Sound Packs provide further scope for expanding the instrument.

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What Makes the Roland GAIA 2 Special?

The GAIA 2 combines modern wavetable synthesis with familiar virtual analogue sound design in a highly accessible three-oscillator architecture. Oscillator 1 provides 63 wavetable waveforms with extensive phase and shaping modulation, while oscillators 2 and 3 provide classic sine, triangle, saw, square, Super Saw and noise waveforms. Dedicated knobs and sliders make it easy to understand how each part of a sound interacts while still offering plenty of depth for experienced synthesists.

Its Motional Pad takes sound manipulation further, allowing multiple parameters to be controlled simultaneously across an X/Y surface, with movements recorded for automated modulation. Add the 64-step sequencer, probability functions, random pattern creation, extensive effects and expandable Model Expansion architecture, and the GAIA 2 becomes a powerful instrument for both spontaneous experimentation and detailed sound design.

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Who Is It For?

The Roland GAIA 2 is ideal for synth enthusiasts, electronic musicians, producers, live performers and players learning sound design who want a synthesizer with immediate physical controls rather than a heavily menu-driven workflow.

Its compact dimensions make it particularly convenient for desktop studios and live rigs, while USB audio/MIDI, traditional MIDI connections and support for external USB MIDI controllers allow the GAIA 2 to integrate easily into larger production setups.

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At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Roland
Model	GAIA 2
Type	Synthesizer Keyboard
Condition	New
Keyboard	37 full-size keys
Synthesis	Wavetable and virtual analogue
Oscillators	3
Model Expansion	SH-101 pre-installed
Main Appeal	Hands-on hybrid synthesis and expressive modulation
Best For	Sound design, electronic music, production and live performance

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What’s Included?

• Roland GAIA 2 Synthesizer Keyboard

• Startup Guide

• Roland safety documentation

Not Included

• Sustain pedal

• Expression pedal

• Carrying bag

• USB flash drive

• Roland Cloud Connect WC-1 wireless adapter

• Power supply

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Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• Keys: 37

• Full-size keyboard

• Pitch bend wheel

• Modulation wheel

The compact three-octave layout provides a practical balance between portability and comfortable performance, making the GAIA 2 suitable for both desktop production and live use.

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Sound Generator

• Sound Engine: GAIA 2 hybrid sound generator

• Wavetable synthesis

• Virtual analogue synthesis

• Maximum Polyphony: 22 voices with three oscillators per voice

• Actual polyphony can vary according to sound settings and Model Expansion selection

Tone Memory

• Preset Tones: 256

• User Tones: 512

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Oscillator Section

The GAIA 2 uses a three-oscillator architecture.

Oscillator 1 – Wavetable

• Waveforms: 63

• Wave Position modulation

• Phase Modulation – P-MOD

• Shaping Modulation – S-MOD

Oscillator 1 provides the foundation for complex digital textures, evolving timbres and animated wavetable sounds.

Oscillators 2 & 3 – Virtual Analogue

Available waveform types include:

• Sine

• Triangle

• Saw

• Square

• Super Saw

• 5 noise waveforms

Modulation options include:

• Shape

• Ring Modulation

• Oscillator Sync

• Cross Modulation 1

• Cross Modulation 2

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Oscillator Envelope

Envelope stages include:

• Attack

• Decay

Assignable envelope destinations include:

• Pitch

• Oscillator 1 Position

• Oscillator 2 Shape

• Oscillator 3 Shape

• P-MOD X

• P-MOD Y

• S-MOD Depth

• S-MOD Drive

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Filter

Filter Types

• Low-Pass Filter

• Band-Pass Filter

• High-Pass Filter

Filter Slopes

• -12 dB/octave

• -18 dB/octave

• -24 dB/octave

Additional controls include:

• Cutoff

• Resonance

• Filter Drive

• Attack

• Decay

• Sustain

• Release

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Amplifier

The amplifier section features a full ADSR envelope:

• Attack

• Decay

• Sustain

• Release

Dedicated controls allow the volume contour of each sound to be shaped directly from the front panel.

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Modulation

LFOs

• LFOs: 2

• Waveforms: 5 per LFO

• Programmable Step LFO waveform

Each LFO can be assigned to up to four compatible parameters simultaneously, allowing complex modulation routings to be created without extensive menu programming.

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Motional Pad

The Motional Pad provides two-dimensional real-time sound control.

Functions include:

• X/Y parameter control

• P-MOD X/Y editing

• S-MOD Depth/Drive editing

• Assignment to compatible panel parameters

• Motion recording

• Motion playback

• Drag-style menu navigation

Recorded Motional Pad movements can automate complex parameter changes, allowing static sounds to evolve rhythmically or continuously during a performance.

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Sequencer

The GAIA 2 features an integrated 64-step sequencer for creating musical phrases and modulation patterns.

Sequencer Features

• Up to 64 steps

• Up to 8 notes per step

• Up to 4 recorded control movements per step

Recording Modes

• Real-time recording

• Step recording

• TR-REC

Creative Functions

• Probability

• Random Pattern Generator

• Parameter automation

• Real-time control recording

• External synchronisation via MIDI or USB

Panel movements can be recorded alongside note information, making the sequencer particularly useful for evolving electronic sequences.

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Arpeggiator

Arpeggiator modes include:

• Up

• Down

• Up & Down

• Random

• Note Order

There are also 16 scale variations for reshaping arpeggiated phrases.

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Performance Functions

Additional performance and sound-design functions include:

• Portamento

• Unison

• Chord Memory

• Arpeggiator

• Step Sequencer

• Random Pattern Generator

• Motion recording

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Effects

Multi-Effects

• MFX Types: 53

Effects cover a broad range of processors including modulation, filtering, distortion and creative sound treatments.

Reverb & Delay

• Types: 7

Available processing includes atmospheric and creative effects such as Shimmer Reverb and other delay/reverb treatments.

Chorus

• Chorus Types: 3

• Total Chorus Modes: 9

Classic Roland-style chorus treatments are included for widening and colouring synthesizer sounds.

Master Processing

• Master EQ

• Master Compressor

The order of the primary effects blocks can also be rearranged for different processing combinations.

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SH-101 Model Expansion

The Roland SH-101 Model Expansion is pre-installed in the GAIA 2.

This recreates the character and workflow of Roland's influential SH-101 synthesizer while taking advantage of the GAIA 2 platform for expanded polyphonic possibilities and modern performance control.

Additional compatible Model Expansions are available separately through Roland Cloud.

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Roland Cloud Expansion

The GAIA 2 supports additional compatible content from Roland Cloud, including:

• Model Expansions

• Sound Packs

With the optional Roland Cloud Connect WC-1 wireless adapter, compatible expansion content can be auditioned and transferred wirelessly.

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Display

• Type: OLED

• Resolution: 128 × 64 dots

• High-contrast display

The screen works alongside the physical control surface to provide clear visual feedback without dominating the sound-design workflow.

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Connectivity

Audio Outputs

• Left/Mono 1/4-inch output

• Right 1/4-inch output

These connections allow the GAIA 2 to connect to mixers, audio interfaces, stage amplification and studio equipment.

Headphones

Two headphone connections are provided:

• Front 3.5 mm stereo headphone output

• Rear 1/4-inch stereo headphone output

This provides convenient monitoring options for both desktop and performance setups.

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Pedal Connection

• Stereo 1/4-inch pedal input

• Compatible with Hold pedal functions

• Compatible with assignable control functions

Optional compatible Roland accessories include:

• DP Series pedal switches

• EV-5 expression pedal

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MIDI

• MIDI IN

• MIDI OUT

Traditional 5-pin MIDI connectivity allows the GAIA 2 to communicate with hardware sequencers, drum machines, synthesizers and other MIDI equipment.

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USB COMPUTER

• USB Type-C

• Class-compliant USB Audio

• USB MIDI

• Roland dedicated driver support for Audio/MIDI

• AIRA Link compatibility

The USB-C connection enables integration with compatible computers and mobile devices for recording, MIDI sequencing and software-based production.

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USB MEMORY / EXT DEVICE

• USB Type-A

• USB flash drive support

• External USB MIDI controller support

Compatible USB MIDI controllers can be connected directly to the USB Type-A port, providing another way to expand the GAIA 2 performance setup.

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External Memory

• Compatible USB flash drive

USB storage can be used for supported data management and other system functions.

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Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions

• Width: 655 mm

• Depth: 336 mm

• Height: 92 mm

Weight

• Weight: 4.4 kg

At only 4.4 kg, the GAIA 2 is highly portable and easy to integrate into compact studio desks, multi-keyboard rigs and mobile performance setups.

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Power Requirements

The Roland GAIA 2 can operate using:

• Compatible AC power

• USB-C bus power

Current Draw

• AC operation: 600 mA

• USB bus power: 1,800 mA

USB bus powering is supported through the USB Type-C connection. Power cannot be supplied to the GAIA 2 through its USB Type-A port.

No power supply is included.

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FAQs

What type of synthesizer is the Roland GAIA 2?

The GAIA 2 is a hybrid digital synthesizer combining wavetable and virtual analogue synthesis. This allows it to produce everything from classic analogue-style leads and basses to evolving digital textures and experimental sounds.

How many oscillators does the GAIA 2 have?

The GAIA 2 uses three oscillators per voice. Oscillator 1 provides advanced wavetable synthesis, while oscillators 2 and 3 provide traditional virtual analogue waveforms.

How many keys does the GAIA 2 have?

The GAIA 2 features a compact 37-note full-size keyboard, providing comfortable playing dimensions while keeping the overall instrument highly portable.

Does the GAIA 2 include the Roland SH-101?

Yes. The SH-101 Model Expansion comes pre-installed, allowing the character of Roland's classic SH-101 synthesizer to be explored directly within the GAIA 2.

Can more synthesizer models be added?

Yes. The GAIA 2 supports additional compatible Roland Model Expansions available through Roland Cloud.

How many sounds can the GAIA 2 store?

There are 256 preset tones and 512 user tone locations, providing plenty of space for both factory sounds and custom patches.

Does the GAIA 2 have a sequencer?

Yes. Its 64-step sequencer supports real-time, step and TR-REC recording, with up to eight notes and four control movements stored at each step.

What does the Motional Pad do?

The Motional Pad is an X/Y controller that allows multiple sound parameters to be manipulated simultaneously. Movements can also be recorded and played back automatically to create evolving modulation.

Does the GAIA 2 have an arpeggiator?

Yes. The built-in arpeggiator includes Up, Down, Up & Down, Random and Note Order modes, along with multiple scale variations.

Can the GAIA 2 connect directly to a computer?

Yes. Its USB-C port supports both USB audio and MIDI, allowing the GAIA 2 to integrate directly with compatible DAWs and music-production software.

Can I connect an external MIDI keyboard?

Yes. A compatible external USB MIDI controller can be connected through the USB Type-A USB MEMORY/EXT DEVICE port. Traditional MIDI equipment can also be connected using the 5-pin MIDI inputs and outputs.

Can the GAIA 2 be powered by USB?

Yes. The GAIA 2 supports bus power through its USB Type-C port when connected to a suitable power source.

Does the GAIA 2 have built-in speakers?

No. The GAIA 2 is designed for use with headphones, studio monitors, a keyboard amplifier, PA system or another suitable external audio system.

Can I use headphones with the GAIA 2?

Yes. Both 3.5 mm and 1/4-inch stereo headphone outputs are provided, making the GAIA 2 convenient for private practice and studio sound design.

Is the GAIA 2 suitable for learning synthesis?

Yes. Its clearly organised front-panel controls make it easy to see how oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation and effects interact, while its deeper modulation options provide plenty of scope for more advanced sound design.

Is there a dedicated carrying bag for the GAIA 2?

Yes. The optional Roland CB-B37 Carrying Bag is specifically designed to fit the GAIA 2 and provides padded protection for transport.

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you benefit from:

• Expert advice from our experienced musician-led team

• Carefully checked new, used and ex-display instruments

• Competitive prices

• Secure UK delivery

• Flexible finance options, subject to status

• Friendly pre-sale and after-sales support

• A trusted independent music retailer established in 1987

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