With its slightly slanted housing with silver finish, you might actually think at first glance that the GAIA2 is the latest Korg synthesizer - the resemblance to the Minilogue in particular is unmistakable. Unfortunately, like its Japanese competitors, Roland unfortunately also completely foregoes aftertouch on the keyboard with 37 normal-sized keys. GAIA2 is pleasantly light and therefore suitable for regular transportation to the rehearsal room, but also appears sufficiently robust for occasional use on stage.
Only the essential connections
On the back you will find the following connections: stereo sum (2x jack), headphone jack (in addition to the connection on the front), connection for sustain or controller pedal, MIDI in/out, USB port for audio and MIDI data as well a USB port for storing data or the WiFi stick. Power is supplied via an external power supply.
Direct access to the sound
It is no longer a secret that the Japanese company‘s current products, from the small MC-101 to the large Jupiter-X and Fantom, are essentially based on the identical digital sound generation that has been tried and tested over decades. The SH-4D is no exception, but it offers an interesting new approach. MC-101, MC-707 or Jupiter-XM presentemulations of vintage synthesizers such as the SH-101 or Jupiter-8 (more on these model expansions later).
