Roland GAIA 2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple commenters call the lack of true multitimbral operation a glaring omission, especially compared to the original Gaia and modern MPE-friendly competitors, limiting layering and performance flexibility.

@kierenmoore3236

That pseudo-bitibrality is pretty cool … but apart from that, the improved sequencer/FX and the USB-C (and the slightly improved(?) keybed, I guess), I hate most everything else about it, lol. The downgrade in general build quality is a bit concerning, too. Continual authorisation of Model Expansions via a Wifi dongle you have to buy is outrageous. At least it is an actual “VA”, not like the scam (shout out to Espen Kraft) they were running with the first Gaia, lol. No user-wavetables sucks, though. Tiny screen: BOOOOOO !! 👎🏼launch

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October 7, 2024

@drsamurai009

The only real \"issue\" I have with the new Gaia is the lack of multi timbral capability. In an era where so many MPE synths and controllers are becoming normalized, this seems a glaring removal/omission. Being able to use a Hydrasynth, an Osmose, or a KMI/Roli controller just opens up so many performance possibilities. The Nymphes is a great little (and inexpensive) 6 voice fully analog synth, but playing thru the Hydra or Osmose (throwing a few external FX boxes onto it's output) and it goes from being a sort of Juno 6/60/106 based synth to something so much more. Maybe in firmware they can at least make it MPE responsive. Roland has finally gotten with the USB program, now just get with the MPE program and you be forward thinking.launch

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October 17, 2023

@Death_By_Media

It’s reasonably priced I suppose compared to used nord lead 2’s , Novation K series , or even JP8K/8080 synths if you’re after a knobby virtual analog with more modern features , where it falls short is that multitimbrality isn’t a common “ modern feature “ , but as Roland is an IP Platform first and an instrument manufacturer second I suppose that’s where the SH4d comes in to surprisingly fill that extremely underserved gap .launch

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October 15, 2023

@dreamstaticsounds

Definitely a very interesting update for the most part but I'm so disappointed that the Gaia 2 doesn't have the core component that makes the original so great: a true three layered synth engine.launch

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September 28, 2023

Fans of the original Gaia's three independent tone lines with separate filters and envelopes are disappointed that the GAIA 2 uses one filter and VCA across all oscillators, seen as a step back in architecture.

@RealDavidN

This is a great preview and tutorial.  \n\nI have an old Gaia. It's basically 3 single-oscillator synths stacked. I appreciate that the Gaia 2 is closer to 1knob per function - not being able to have all 3 on the panel simultaneously made it hard to interact with in real time. But one casualty of the new design is that there is only 1 filter: previously it was possible to have Osc 1 subject to Filt1, Osc2 to Filt2, etc. Same is true of the ADSR VCA. If I see this right, there's only one Filter and VCA affecting all 3 oscillators the same.launch

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August 8, 2025

@GerenM63

I spent an hour or so with one a few days ago, and in general, I really do like the GAIA 2. But, I too had some areas that didn't float my boat. For one, I really liked the architecture of the original GAIA with it's filter and amp per oscillator. That made truly complex sounds possible. There are a few other boats missed as well. For instance, if oscillators 2 and 3 are indeed VA, then it should be possible to sweep/morph through the waveforms. Speaking of that, the knob that controls the wave shape is so easy to turn and the detents so minimal, it's easy to accidentally change the waveshape while playing. And, when that happens, the sound drops out and then retriggers as if you'd played the notes again. The same is true of the range control. I agree that the pitch and mod wheels are kind of a joke, though I also don't like the usual Roland paddle for this kind of instrument -- wheels are where it's at here. But, I can't see any good reason why they couldn't use full-sized wheels.\n\nDon't get me wrong, it sounds great, but I feel like they hamstrung the GAIA and piled some glitz on it to cover up the result. I really wanted to love the GAIA 2. I wanted for it to scream at me to heat up a credit card. But IMO, it is not a $900 synth. FWIW, my local dealer feels the same way.launch

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October 15, 2023

@dreamstaticsounds

Definitely a very interesting update for the most part but I'm so disappointed that the Gaia 2 doesn't have the core component that makes the original so great: a true three layered synth engine.launch

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September 28, 2023

@ytJnC

While I realize the sound of the original left much to be desired, its parallel layout of three tone lines (with independent filters!) was truly unique and the ability to copy or gang tone lines for editing, made for very quick and intuitive programming. The layout here seems to be similar to everything out there.launch

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September 28, 2023

A number of listeners describe a metallic or 'rompler'-like character out of the box, or feel it sounds like every other Zen-based Roland product rather than something distinct.

@thelantern9075

It’s a great looking synth but not finding the timbre of the machine to sound great. Sounds like all the sounds have a weird filter on them.launch

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March 20, 2024

@sonarfreq

Thanks for another comprehensive review, much appreciated. It’s an interesting addition to the Roland family, but I have to say, like most digital/wavetable synths, it has that characteristic harshly “metallic” sound to it which isn’t to everyone’s taste. Great interface however, and the x/y pad is very useful! 👍launch

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September 30, 2023

@stinkypete9070

I do like the interface quite a lot - a more industrial minilogue, the motion pad is neat too. But sound isn't tickling my ear at all. FX seem to be good though. If only I could get the blofeld with a similar interface to this.launch

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September 28, 2023

@wrmusic8736

Problem with Roland for me is that they clearly just have Zen Core which they use as building blocks for all their hardware products. As in they mish-mash various said blocks and sell them as a standalone synth. Not a bad idea per se, but all synths ultimately end up sharing the same tone, just with a different set of features. Gaia 2 is definitely looking like a very usable product, but you hear its sound on every other synth and groovebox of theirs.launch

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September 28, 2023

Several commenters feel the roughly £789/$900 price is steep, especially compared to used Jupiter or Korg alternatives, putting it out of reach for some buyers.

@GerenM63

I spent an hour or so with one a few days ago, and in general, I really do like the GAIA 2. But, I too had some areas that didn't float my boat. For one, I really liked the architecture of the original GAIA with it's filter and amp per oscillator. That made truly complex sounds possible. There are a few other boats missed as well. For instance, if oscillators 2 and 3 are indeed VA, then it should be possible to sweep/morph through the waveforms. Speaking of that, the knob that controls the wave shape is so easy to turn and the detents so minimal, it's easy to accidentally change the waveshape while playing. And, when that happens, the sound drops out and then retriggers as if you'd played the notes again. The same is true of the range control. I agree that the pitch and mod wheels are kind of a joke, though I also don't like the usual Roland paddle for this kind of instrument -- wheels are where it's at here. But, I can't see any good reason why they couldn't use full-sized wheels.\n\nDon't get me wrong, it sounds great, but I feel like they hamstrung the GAIA and piled some glitz on it to cover up the result. I really wanted to love the GAIA 2. I wanted for it to scream at me to heat up a credit card. But IMO, it is not a $900 synth. FWIW, my local dealer feels the same way.launch

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October 15, 2023

@SRDhain

It sounds good & your review, as usual, is thorough and fun.\n\nMy only reservations are how closely priced it is to a used jupiter xm, whose footprint it very closely sits with. Those are also 5 part multi timbral & although the screen isn't great & it has less controls, it does allow you to use the jupiter x editor & Comes with many of the roland models pre installed.\n\nAt approx £789 or 899 dollars, it also costs more than the korgs, which are of a similar size. Perhaps making it bitimbral would be ideal, but as it is, it's ironically competing with one of its own brethren in terms of functionality and even (at used prices), value.launch

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September 28, 2023

@gnosis80s

£789.00 just puts it out of reach for many in the potential market I feel. It does seem very nice though. A decent attempt by Roland to get back into the Korg dominated mid range market.launch

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September 28, 2023

Commenters flagged a bouncy keybed and general build quality downgrade, drawing comparisons to past Roland keybed issues, alongside frustration over requiring a paid WiFi dongle for model expansions.

@kierenmoore3236

That pseudo-bitibrality is pretty cool … but apart from that, the improved sequencer/FX and the USB-C (and the slightly improved(?) keybed, I guess), I hate most everything else about it, lol. The downgrade in general build quality is a bit concerning, too. Continual authorisation of Model Expansions via a Wifi dongle you have to buy is outrageous. At least it is an actual “VA”, not like the scam (shout out to Espen Kraft) they were running with the first Gaia, lol. No user-wavetables sucks, though. Tiny screen: BOOOOOO !! 👎🏼launch

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October 7, 2024

@djkanyon

Thanks man! What a reivew, i was waiting for a honest one for a long time. Really good synth! Now i know. But this key bounce thing... one can only imagine what will happen to it after half a year of humidity and dust. Roland at it again (anyone remember jdxi keybed? i do, and it's not a pleasant memory). I hope they will fix it? Donner B-1 had the same problem and it was magically fixed in the update! \nHey man you did a great job, one of the best channels around!launch

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October 15, 2023

Reviewers note the absence of a mod matrix or equivalent as a baffling oversight compared to synths like the Minifreak and Wavestate that offer much deeper modulation options.

@JaseLovesDub

The lack of a mod matrix (or equivalent) seems like a huge - and slightly baffling - oversight. I appreciate the idea of simplicity but the Minifreak and Wavestate both offer a ridiculous amount of modulation if you want to go beyond the WYSIWYG of their front panels. Great video though. It's always nice to hear actual pros and cons!launch

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September 28, 2023

Some users found the pitch/mod wheels too small and the waveshape knob's minimal detents easy to accidentally bump during play, causing unwanted sound retriggers.

@GerenM63

I spent an hour or so with one a few days ago, and in general, I really do like the GAIA 2. But, I too had some areas that didn't float my boat. For one, I really liked the architecture of the original GAIA with it's filter and amp per oscillator. That made truly complex sounds possible. There are a few other boats missed as well. For instance, if oscillators 2 and 3 are indeed VA, then it should be possible to sweep/morph through the waveforms. Speaking of that, the knob that controls the wave shape is so easy to turn and the detents so minimal, it's easy to accidentally change the waveshape while playing. And, when that happens, the sound drops out and then retriggers as if you'd played the notes again. The same is true of the range control. I agree that the pitch and mod wheels are kind of a joke, though I also don't like the usual Roland paddle for this kind of instrument -- wheels are where it's at here. But, I can't see any good reason why they couldn't use full-sized wheels.\n\nDon't get me wrong, it sounds great, but I feel like they hamstrung the GAIA and piled some glitz on it to cover up the result. I really wanted to love the GAIA 2. I wanted for it to scream at me to heat up a credit card. But IMO, it is not a $900 synth. FWIW, my local dealer feels the same way.launch

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October 15, 2023

One detailed comment lists missing user-loadable wavetables and continues to call the screen too small despite improvements, alongside concerns about paid dongle-based expansion authorization.

@kierenmoore3236

That pseudo-bitibrality is pretty cool … but apart from that, the improved sequencer/FX and the USB-C (and the slightly improved(?) keybed, I guess), I hate most everything else about it, lol. The downgrade in general build quality is a bit concerning, too. Continual authorisation of Model Expansions via a Wifi dongle you have to buy is outrageous. At least it is an actual “VA”, not like the scam (shout out to Espen Kraft) they were running with the first Gaia, lol. No user-wavetables sucks, though. Tiny screen: BOOOOOO !! 👎🏼launch

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October 7, 2024