Roland GAIA Synthesizer SH-01 Is A World Of Sexy

roland-gaia-sh-01

Musikmesse 2010: Roland is introducing a new synth designed to offer massive sound and hands-on playability at an affordable price – the Roland GAIA SH-01 synthesizer.

Roland GAIA SH-01 synthesizer Features:

  • 3 Complete Virtual Analog Synths
  • 64 Note Polyphony
  • 3 Oscillators
  • 3 Multi-Mode Resonant Filters, LFO’s and Amplifiers, Plus 9 Envelope Generators
  • D-Beam Sensor
  • Combined Pitch Bender and Modulation Controller
  • Comprehensive Selection of Effects Including: Reverb, Distortion, Fuzz, Bit Crash, Flanger, Phaser, Pitch Shifter, Low Boost, and Delay with Panning and Tempo Sync.
  • Up to 5 Simultaneous Effects
  • Experession Pedal Input on 1/4″ Jack
  • Full USB DAW Compatibility for Midi Data, and Storing Patches and Phrases To USB Flash Drive
  • External Input for Playback of External Sources

With three complete synths, 64-note polyphony, three oscillators per voice, 9 envelope generators + effects, the Roland GAIA has some serious brains to go along with its knobtacular body.

Best of all – they expect this to sell at a street prices of about $650.

¿Muy sexcellente? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Roland GAIA SH-01 Description:

Get your teeth into the new triple-stacked virtual analogue engine, comprising three complete synths with 64 note polyphony for incredibly thick, powerful sound. Unleash the three oscillators that drive a trio of multimode, resonant filters, multi-shape LFOs, and amplifiers, plus nine envelope generators.

You can layer up to five simultaneous effects for dozens of variations. The onboard effects include reverb, distortion, fuzz, bit crash, flanger, phaser, pitch shifter, low boost, and delay with panning and tempo sync. Dedicated control knobs are provided for tweaking the effects in real time.

The front panel puts every control directly under your fingertips. There are no hidden menus, no nonsense. Just play and move the knobs and sliders, or wave your hands over the invisible D Beam for dramatic effects. The logically designed front panel shows the signal path from left to right and allows hands-on control during performance.

Connect directly to a computer (Mac or PC) with one simple USB cable, and stream audio directly to the software of your choice. GAIA’s USB port can also be used to transmit and receive MIDI data, and to store your patches and phrases (recorded with the Phrase Recorder) to a USB memory stick. And for integrating with other external devices, the EXT input lets you connect external audio sources such as an MP3-player to play along with your favorite songs or backing tracks.

At less than 5kg, GAIA is lightweight, compact, and great for musicians on the go. The 37-note keyboard is full size, so performers can play naturally and comfortably. The synth can be powered via AC or batteries for the ultimate in portable convenience.

via jjuup, Facebook

210 thoughts on “Roland GAIA Synthesizer SH-01 Is A World Of Sexy

  1. OK. With the right price point (I know, cliche) I will get this. It will be my first Roland ever, as normally they seem dull to me. Perfect companion to my Micron. Sold by the USB port, panel layout & fx. Not sure what 'three complete synths' means, but, whatever. Software editor??

  2. OK. With the right price point (I know, cliche) I will get this. It will be my first Roland ever, as normally they seem dull to me. Perfect companion to my Micron. Sold by the USB port, panel layout & fx. Not sure what 'three complete synths' means, but, whatever. Software editor??

  3. OK. With the right price point (I know, cliche) I will get this. It will be my first Roland ever, as normally they seem dull to me. Perfect companion to my Micron. Sold by the USB port, panel layout & fx. Not sure what 'three complete synths' means, but, whatever. Software editor??

  4. Roland have definitely been going in the right direction with their synth panel design lately. Menus suck. having everything laid like this makes things so much more enjoyable. Despite how limited it is, I much prefer programming my sh-201 over my virus classic, though my virus sounds way better. >_>

  5. Hey – we should be glad we've got both.

    I'm also sort of glad that Roland doesn't blow companies like dave smith's out of the water.

  6. Hey – we should be glad we've got both.

    I'm also sort of glad that Roland doesn't blow companies like dave smith's out of the water.

  7. I'll not be buying one but thinking back to the days when I saved up my first holiday job pay for a Casio CZ101 this looks brilliant. I love the simplicity of the panel layout: 'here is how a sound is made' interactive device; a play thing in every sense; the soul of synthesizer! Excellent.

  8. Aw, I wanted another ROMpler with 16-stage envelopes! One good thing about it: if you're using a DAW rather than stacking up a ton of hardware, a good synth can act as glue for fancier softsynths. I love Logic, but my two Korgs are the foundation of pads, strings and layering resources the soft-stuff can't quite muster alone. Let's see what its actual soundset is like and whether or not there's an editor for it. It sure seems to compete well with things like Xiosynth.

  9. Errr. I just bought a Jx – 8p as an SH -101 was just too pricey, and then they have to tempt me with this!!!
    What ever, I'll just have to save up for some knobs, or just enjoy the old stuff.

  10. Yeah, this looks awesome. Nice price, nice sound, nice feature set. For $650 I really couldn't care that it's not real analog. Besides, Roland have always done the best virtual analog sounds out of all the big VA manufacturers IMO.
    Really nicely designed, too. I could see everything clearly even through crapola video compression. Yeah, this is getting bought when it come out fo sho!

  11. Yeah, this looks awesome. Nice price, nice sound, nice feature set. For $650 I really couldn't care that it's not real analog. Besides, Roland have always done the best virtual analog sounds out of all the big VA manufacturers IMO.
    Really nicely designed, too. I could see everything clearly even through crapola video compression. Yeah, this is getting bought when it come out fo sho!

  12. I'll not be buying one but thinking back to the days when I saved up my first holiday job pay for a Casio CZ101 this looks brilliant. I love the simplicity of the panel layout: 'here is how a sound is made' interactive device; a play thing in every sense; the soul of synthesizer! Excellent.

  13. I'll not be buying one but thinking back to the days when I saved up my first holiday job pay for a Casio CZ101 this looks brilliant. I love the simplicity of the panel layout: 'here is how a sound is made' interactive device; a play thing in every sense; the soul of synthesizer! Excellent.

  14. Aw, I wanted another ROMpler with 16-stage envelopes! One good thing about it: if you're using a DAW rather than stacking up a ton of hardware, a good synth can act as glue for fancier softsynths. I love Logic, but my two Korgs are the foundation of pads, strings and layering resources the soft-stuff can't quite muster alone. Let's see what its actual soundset is like and whether or not there's an editor for it. It sure seems to compete well with things like Xiosynth.

  15. Aw, I wanted another ROMpler with 16-stage envelopes! One good thing about it: if you're using a DAW rather than stacking up a ton of hardware, a good synth can act as glue for fancier softsynths. I love Logic, but my two Korgs are the foundation of pads, strings and layering resources the soft-stuff can't quite muster alone. Let's see what its actual soundset is like and whether or not there's an editor for it. It sure seems to compete well with things like Xiosynth.

  16. Errr. I just bought a Jx – 8p as an SH -101 was just too pricey, and then they have to tempt me with this!!!
    What ever, I'll just have to save up for some knobs, or just enjoy the old stuff.

  17. Errr. I just bought a Jx – 8p as an SH -101 was just too pricey, and then they have to tempt me with this!!!
    What ever, I'll just have to save up for some knobs, or just enjoy the old stuff.

  18. lol @ Roland & lol @ all the people who are impressed by this piece of shit TOY KEYBOARD.

    looks like shit, sounds like every other VA out there with "massive" sound. what a fucking joke. it's a cheap plastic box, with the same DSP chip in as every other fucking VA wank and will sound just as unispiring.

    the only people who fall for marketing terms like "massive sound" are teenage berks attempting to meke "teh IDMZ liek Afex Twinz" in their bedroom. this synth will be bought by their mums for them for christmas and will be either broken or gathering dust in a cupboard within 6 months when they realise they don't actually know what the fuck they are doing and don't like making tracks anyway.

    total waste of time and effort from Roland. again.

    0/10

  19. lol @ Roland & lol @ all the people who are impressed by this piece of shit TOY KEYBOARD.

    looks like shit, sounds like every other VA out there with "massive" sound. what a fucking joke. it's a cheap plastic box, with the same DSP chip in as every other fucking VA wank and will sound just as unispiring.

    the only people who fall for marketing terms like "massive sound" are teenage berks attempting to meke "teh IDMZ liek Afex Twinz" in their bedroom. this synth will be bought by their mums for them for christmas and will be either broken or gathering dust in a cupboard within 6 months when they realise they don't actually know what the fuck they are doing and don't like making tracks anyway.

    total waste of time and effort from Roland. again.

    0/10

  20. Whatever, this is a low cost VA with excellent sound shaping potential that is excellent for educational use, beginner synth enthusiasts, giging musicians, and professionals alike. Quit being a hater. I own an MEK, Prophet 08 module, TI keyboard, Radias Keyboard, JD-800, MicroX, and two Wavestation SRs, and I'll definitely still be buying this at that price point. Let's not forget, Roland's JP series is the mother of the Supersaw. Still some of the most lush pads I've ever heard.

  21. Whatever, this is a low cost VA with excellent sound shaping potential that is excellent for educational use, beginner synth enthusiasts, giging musicians, and professionals alike. Quit being a hater. I own an MEK, Prophet 08 module, TI keyboard, Radias Keyboard, JD-800, MicroX, and two Wavestation SRs, and I'll definitely still be buying this at that price point. Let's not forget, Roland's JP series is the mother of the Supersaw. Still some of the most lush pads I've ever heard.

  22. I love it when that happens. That's how I get such good deals on used gear from ebay and craigslist.

    Still I wouldn't be so harsh on VA, I haven't heard this synth yet but remember that Access is technically VA technology as well as much of Korgs stuff, even botique manufacturers use VA tech (Elektron). With proper use of effects and good sound design a synth like this could compliment any setup, pro or 'bedroom'.

    It's not the instrument that makes the music, it's the musician.

  23. I love it when that happens. That's how I get such good deals on used gear from ebay and craigslist.

    Still I wouldn't be so harsh on VA, I haven't heard this synth yet but remember that Access is technically VA technology as well as much of Korgs stuff, even botique manufacturers use VA tech (Elektron). With proper use of effects and good sound design a synth like this could compliment any setup, pro or 'bedroom'.

    It's not the instrument that makes the music, it's the musician.

  24. I love it when that happens. That's how I get such good deals on used gear from ebay and craigslist.

    Still I wouldn't be so harsh on VA, I haven't heard this synth yet but remember that Access is technically VA technology as well as much of Korgs stuff, even botique manufacturers use VA tech (Elektron). With proper use of effects and good sound design a synth like this could compliment any setup, pro or 'bedroom'.

    It's not the instrument that makes the music, it's the musician.

  25. @Svenn—> I think it's 64 presets loaded. 300 on the USB?
    Also, I think you can also have another 64 User Patches.

    Going to get me one of these.
    Has anyone found one for sale yet?

  26. @Svenn—> I think it's 64 presets loaded. 300 on the USB?
    Also, I think you can also have another 64 User Patches.

    Going to get me one of these.
    Has anyone found one for sale yet?

  27. this keyboard will sell like crazy and yo uknow what? at the end of the day if you know how to make amazing tunes you'll make anything work for you and personally? this thing sounds like a fuckin beast! it might be digital analog but its all good! have fun and good luck to however gets this 🙂

  28. this keyboard will sell like crazy and yo uknow what? at the end of the day if you know how to make amazing tunes you'll make anything work for you and personally? this thing sounds like a fuckin beast! it might be digital analog but its all good! have fun and good luck to however gets this 🙂

  29. i find it quite amusing when people are so dismissive of equipment they've never even tried or played. I own a shit-load of very vintage, very beautiful gear and also some VA stuff, and they each have their uses. It doesn't matter at all what you use to make music, only that you make the best you can with the tools available to you.

    Some of the best music I hear is made by kids in their bedrooms using cheap synths or even just freeware, because its fresh and from the heart. Owning a huge and very complex modular synth just means you own a nice piece of kit. It does not make you creative or talented. Get over yourself.

  30. i find it quite amusing when people are so dismissive of equipment they've never even tried or played. I own a shit-load of very vintage, very beautiful gear and also some VA stuff, and they each have their uses. It doesn't matter at all what you use to make music, only that you make the best you can with the tools available to you.

    Some of the best music I hear is made by kids in their bedrooms using cheap synths or even just freeware, because its fresh and from the heart. Owning a huge and very complex modular synth just means you own a nice piece of kit. It does not make you creative or talented. Get over yourself.

  31. I have an SH-101 and appeal other than the monstrous bass is the interface which helps you get a sound much quicker than digging through menus. I would love to diss Roland or any of the other big companies but they are at least making gear that is fun to use – just like the old days. The price is amazing considering what you get. I would gladly have this next to the Buchla or Cwejman. At that price, if I get bored of it, i'll sell it and lose very little.

  32. I have an SH-101 and appeal other than the monstrous bass is the interface which helps you get a sound much quicker than digging through menus. I would love to diss Roland or any of the other big companies but they are at least making gear that is fun to use – just like the old days. The price is amazing considering what you get. I would gladly have this next to the Buchla or Cwejman. At that price, if I get bored of it, i'll sell it and lose very little.

  33. sigh true its having some nature… over corner babe price if u will… i want minimal uber compact modular hybrid whatever solar powered instrument please… well DIY

  34. Yes . The GAIA keyboard sound's good.
    I'm very sad because only have 3 octaves ! A real professional needs to work nothing unless 4 !

    The price is too High !!! Scandalous High !! The keyboard dont deserve 650 eur !!!!

  35. Yes . The GAIA keyboard sound's good.
    I'm very sad because only have 3 octaves ! A real professional needs to work nothing unless 4 !

    The price is too High !!! Scandalous High !! The keyboard dont deserve 650 eur !!!!

  36. Yes . The GAIA keyboard sound's good.
    I'm very sad because only have 3 octaves ! A real professional needs to work nothing unless 4 !

    The price is too High !!! Scandalous High !! The keyboard dont deserve 650 eur !!!!

  37. ===> For those who don't know, this actually isn't even a VA synth. It uses samples instead. i.e. a Supersaw is just a looped sample. We tried it at NAMM today, and asked our 30 minutes back. That's how bad it sounds. Total disappointment. And yeah, the design is really poor. Cheap white plastic in 2010?

  38. ===> For those who don't know, this actually isn't even a VA synth. It uses samples instead. i.e. a Supersaw is just a looped sample. We tried it at NAMM today, and asked our 30 minutes back. That's how bad it sounds. Total disappointment. And yeah, the design is really poor. Cheap white plastic in 2010?

    1. So,are you the only one who noticed that! Gratz!!!
      Are you noticed that on “supersaw” wave you only have 3 variations instead of “detune” knob?
      It is simple,”supersaw” on gaia have 3x sampled “supersaw” waveform with 3x different detune “fixed” algos called “variations”…
      Also,what the hell,64 “DSP” VA voices from 700$ synth!!!! It would cost atleast 1,5k$ or more…
      Conclusion,
      Gaia is simply a “single cycle” waveform sample player!

  39. I get so sick of the whole real analog promotional mut heads. A good composer with a VA can sound so much better than some smuck with analog gear that can't compose. I personally have allot of gear, but the thought of a lightweight portable plastic synth with a great sound is very enticing. Having 3 signal paths that can be layered also sounds very sweet! I ignore the term massive sound…it is all about can you create your sounds and use them with good mixing in the studio. Analog Shmamalog, who gives a rats ass!

  40. I get so sick of the whole real analog promotional mut heads. A good composer with a VA can sound so much better than some smuck with analog gear that can't compose. I personally have allot of gear, but the thought of a lightweight portable plastic synth with a great sound is very enticing. Having 3 signal paths that can be layered also sounds very sweet! I ignore the term massive sound…it is all about can you create your sounds and use them with good mixing in the studio. Analog Shmamalog, who gives a rats ass!

  41. @ Mike – Are you sure? In one of the interview videos above, the Roland dude pretty-much explicitly states that it was all strict DSP and there were no samples involved at all.

  42. If Roland "targets" the education market with this, they should have inluded a FM section with a few sliders marked "Osc1toOsc2", "Osc1toOsc3", "Osc2toOsc3" etc. to "teach" FM, and give more sound creation posibilities. And independent arp patterns for each of the three "full" synth parts would be tons of fun. Missed opportunities ….

  43. Roland's gear ususally doesn't interest me because it's all too workstation-y and expensive. This on the other hand looks interesting 🙂

  44. Roland's gear ususally doesn't interest me because it's all too workstation-y and expensive. This on the other hand looks interesting 🙂

  45. Why would anybody buy this? Haven't you heard of VSTs?
    Who uses hardware synths nowadays, with all the concomitant hassle they cause, compared to VSTs?
    What does this offer that a score of VSTs on the market (or freeware) don't?
    The sounds are nothing special, nothing new, nothing that can't be done by umpteen different VSTs. Clue: if you use VSTs, you can use as many instances as your PC will allow, you don't need to buy a second VST to run two instances, nor a third to run three, etc.
    So why is everybody on here going nuts over this antique?

  46. Why would anybody buy this? Haven't you heard of VSTs?
    Who uses hardware synths nowadays, with all the concomitant hassle they cause, compared to VSTs?
    What does this offer that a score of VSTs on the market (or freeware) don't?
    The sounds are nothing special, nothing new, nothing that can't be done by umpteen different VSTs. Clue: if you use VSTs, you can use as many instances as your PC will allow, you don't need to buy a second VST to run two instances, nor a third to run three, etc.
    So why is everybody on here going nuts over this antique?

  47. TomatoHead has it right on the money…
    Why would anybody buy this, or any other hardware synth nowadays?
    I can have twenty different VSTis running in Buzz, taking up no space whatsoever in my room, no cables, no need to muck about with a mixing desk, external effects, all that rubbish.
    This offers NOTHING that you can't already do in Synth1, Genesis CM, and any number of commercial (and MUCH cheaper) VSTs.
    Why didn't Roland go the whole hog and just reduce it down so that it had just ONE piano key, and only one preset? After all, that seems to be some kind of 'advantage' to all the douchebags on here…

    Such as 'Gordon':
    "I love the simplicity of the panel layout: 'here is how a sound is made' interactive device; a play thing in every sense; the soul of synthesizer! Excellent."

    Douchebag, more like. Don't you know that VSTs offer a graphic interface, which is much better than the SH-01's laughable offering?

    If you have that much money to piss away, give it away to charity. Stop hyping up bullshit like this.

  48. TomatoHead has it right on the money…
    Why would anybody buy this, or any other hardware synth nowadays?
    I can have twenty different VSTis running in Buzz, taking up no space whatsoever in my room, no cables, no need to muck about with a mixing desk, external effects, all that rubbish.
    This offers NOTHING that you can't already do in Synth1, Genesis CM, and any number of commercial (and MUCH cheaper) VSTs.
    Why didn't Roland go the whole hog and just reduce it down so that it had just ONE piano key, and only one preset? After all, that seems to be some kind of 'advantage' to all the douchebags on here…

    Such as 'Gordon':
    "I love the simplicity of the panel layout: 'here is how a sound is made' interactive device; a play thing in every sense; the soul of synthesizer! Excellent."

    Douchebag, more like. Don't you know that VSTs offer a graphic interface, which is much better than the SH-01's laughable offering?

    If you have that much money to piss away, give it away to charity. Stop hyping up bullshit like this.

  49. My engineer friend at Sweetwater Sound just called me and said that they were getting 2 of these and that 1 was already sold, so I grabbed the 2nd one on advanced order. It is supposed to ship May 14th…can't wait!

  50. My engineer friend at Sweetwater Sound just called me and said that they were getting 2 of these and that 1 was already sold, so I grabbed the 2nd one on advanced order. It is supposed to ship May 14th…can't wait!

  51. Hey Ian. Have found for sale at Sweetwater Sound, (grabbed #2 of 2 they ordered) and Musicians Friend has them on advanced order but won't be stocking them. I would imagine that other regular distributors (list available at Roland.com) will have them available. Ship date for mine is @May 14th.

  52. Hey Ian. Have found for sale at Sweetwater Sound, (grabbed #2 of 2 they ordered) and Musicians Friend has them on advanced order but won't be stocking them. I would imagine that other regular distributors (list available at Roland.com) will have them available. Ship date for mine is @May 14th.

  53. Absolutely! I am going to fully enjoy this synth. Just bought mine on advanced order today. If somebody doesn't want this, it has to be because they haven't played it, or they are biased to another company…ok. This is going to be great for jamming as it is too much hassle for me to move 2 computer systems for all my VST's.

  54. Absolutely! I am going to fully enjoy this synth. Just bought mine on advanced order today. If somebody doesn't want this, it has to be because they haven't played it, or they are biased to another company…ok. This is going to be great for jamming as it is too much hassle for me to move 2 computer systems for all my VST's.

  55. IDIOT! Here's why? My computer systems are to much hassle to move for jam sessions just so I can say, " I'm using some VST's"! Get over yourself…no caveman here. I started working for Tapco, Mackie back in the 70's as an electronic audio tech. I have a Dr. friend who says that M.D. stands for ME DUMB!

  56. IDIOT! Here's why? My computer systems are to much hassle to move for jam sessions just so I can say, " I'm using some VST's"! Get over yourself…no caveman here. I started working for Tapco, Mackie back in the 70's as an electronic audio tech. I have a Dr. friend who says that M.D. stands for ME DUMB!

  57. It takes a real LITTLE punk to put other people down just because they find value in something YOU obviously don't. Dr. in Dumbshit.. NO DOUBT! You are the Douchebag..asswipe twirp. Go fuck yourself!

  58. It takes a real LITTLE punk to put other people down just because they find value in something YOU obviously don't. Dr. in Dumbshit.. NO DOUBT! You are the Douchebag..asswipe twirp. Go fuck yourself!

  59. Too bad Gaia uses the same VA engine as SH-201 and the V-Synth. Flat and dull sound with hash resonance and steppy filters. I was hoping for at least something decent from Roland this year, but nothing really good has come out of this company since the 90's.

  60. Too bad Gaia uses the same VA engine as SH-201 and the V-Synth. Flat and dull sound with hash resonance and steppy filters. I was hoping for at least something decent from Roland this year, but nothing really good has come out of this company since the 90's.

  61. If you dont like it and aren't going to buy just do everyone a favor and shut up, nobody cares about your purist opinion and if they want to buy it then let them buy it, so what if its a little overpriced? Are gibsons overpriced? Are ferraris overpriced? get over yourselves

  62. If you dont like it and aren't going to buy just do everyone a favor and shut up, nobody cares about your purist opinion and if they want to buy it then let them buy it, so what if its a little overpriced? Are gibsons overpriced? Are ferraris overpriced? get over yourselves

  63. Jeez, what a fascist. Aren't people aloud to have an opinion anymore? It doesn't matter if you shut up all the people who are not impressed. It still going to sound like poop. Sorry.

  64. Jeez, what a fascist. Aren't people aloud to have an opinion anymore? It doesn't matter if you shut up all the people who are not impressed. It still going to sound like poop. Sorry.

  65. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  66. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  67. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  68. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  69. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  70. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  71. Yo here's the real deal. people need to stop buying this crap because it's exactly the type of product which is all about product margins and "green" synth buyers who don't understand how many corners are cut in making these over-priced pieces of junk OR tired digital-defenders who have a hopeless romantic relationship with the latest synth. It doesn't matter about analog or digital what matters is people are getting suckered into buying overpriced instruments because they don't know there is better stuff out there OR they like to fight for their team. Maybe this is practical as a gigging synth but come on…a DSI mopho is way cheaper than this and is going to sound infinitely better in the studio, live wherever.

    When people defend the whole digital vs analog debate they miss the point that they are continuing a cycle of allowing companies to sell us crappy products. If we demand that roland give us a "Real" synth in this present day…they'll do it because they'll see the market feedback. When a bunch of stooges go out and pick up this crap when it is essentially a carbon copy of VSTs they already have on their computer…Roland makes a lot of cash and gets the wrong feedback from their market. They see "Oh nice they bought that and gave it great reviews…so we'll make another one that is even cheaper to produce but has more features so we make more money."

    People like dave smith or Moog CARE about what you are making music with…they want you to have a lasting quality instrument that excels in your hands. Yeah they are businesses too but their necessity to make profit is outweighed by their dedication to what they lovd. Roland is huge and unfortunately they need to make their board happy, so many of their new synths are based on what makes them money. Of course their are real people who work at roland who have families and depend on their jobs their…so I'm not saying don't buy their stuff. I'm just saying tell them you want QUALITY stuff. Sure give me a digital synth but make it have excellent components… don't make it an innovation in cheaper production. Honestly, if Roland was the real deal they would have brought back a true analog to celebrate the SH series. I remember at NAMM I went to the roland both to ask if they new any roland analog techs in CA and the douches at the booth were like "We haven't made a analog synth since the 80's(douchey laugh)" In my head I thought "That's your problem."

    Do your research and buy from innovators who are truly devoted to giving you what you deserve…..which is a great synth. Synths like these are just a smokescreen for making fat pockets they have no intention of being "great" instruments.

  72. SOME OF you with the dismal comments and negatives stacked how high? yes those will be the same DJ whatevers thinking they are so cool because they have downloaded whoevers "vip" mix first from a top secret worm hole online, with guess what, this synth all over it. Definately real artists producers etc are right now busting their ass to get the best sounds out of it now and put them in stone in a track, now so they will have the newest fat ass tracks coming out while people havent heard it. . The look of it, killer and like mother I got some years behind me so when I say its got potential it sure as hell does, complaints complaints get a buzz or laid cause the bitching is sounding like a lot of wankers to me.

  73. Picture a simple synth with one LFO, one VCO, one VCF, one amplitude modulator, and four ADSR generators (one for each of the above). "Three complete synths" means that the Gaia is that times three: 3 LFOs, 3 VCOs, 3 VCFs etc., twelve ADSRs.

    There's a cluster of six buttons just to the left of the LFO controls. Three of them select which of the three "synths" you hear when you press a key. The other three select which of the three synths are affected by all of the knobs and sliders in the LFO, VCO, VCF, and Amp clusters.

  74. Has Roland made anything that sounds decent since the 80's? Their entire line of COSM stuff sounds terrible to me. I've yet to come across anything Roland or Boss that sounds 1/2 as good as their earlier gear. The Korg synth engine, and even the Novation synth engine sounds much better to me than their attempts.

  75. I agree, but you can't build a roof with a broken hammer either. This synth just sounds like garbage. You could save yourself $300 and just get a Novation x-station.

  76. For your sake, I really hope it isn't your first Roland ever. This thing is garbage. Over priced plastic garbage. It sounds as good as its build quality. and for $650? Just get a Novation X-Station 47 key for $400 and save yourself $250. Or better yet, get a used Access Virus on eBay. You'll be worlds happier.

  77. How many VAs have you heard? Because if you honestly think this is the best sounding VA out there, then you've got cotton in your ears.

  78. SH-101 is overly hyped/priced now due to eBay sales. If you could get one for under $400 it would be worth it.

    As for your JX-8P purchase… I'd be happy with one of those (and the companion controller for editing). Why the lust for this hunk of garbage?

  79. yeah, roland has made a few great instruments since the 80s. JP-8080? SH-32? (i miss mine so much), V-Synth GT?, VP-550?….

    I've owned much of the earlier roland stuff… the analog stuff. They are over rated, overpriced, and have become a fetish for analog loving synth-heads who weren't alive during that era. It's actually kind of funny, because the new roland stuff does shit that the old ones couldn't dream of. People hear the word analog or vintage and think it actually means better… it does not… i hate hipsters.

  80. roland missed a trick not making it multitimbral. you can only access one va sound at a time and a hidden gm module (wtf!) so at the entry price it's far too expensive for what it is compared to…micron, microkorg, novation ect

  81. Have any of the naysayers on this site actually produced anything worth listening to? Or is your hobby just bashing anything and anyone that tries anything?

    This looks like a great little synth for the price.

    BTW, I go all the way back to the sh-1000. I also have extensive experience with modular, digital, analog and software synths of every description.

    Also BTW, a good musician can make a klunker sound great. It doesn't matter what you give to a putz. It'll sound like crap.

  82. Dr. Adford, I agree with you. I create
    music that is mainly evolving, atmospheric
    soundscapes and I have tried and tried
    to match with hardware what I have been
    able to accomplish in Rapture and have never
    been able to come close.

    I've had plenty of hardware synths including
    Wavestation EX, Korg X50, Roland SH201,
    and various other synths and I have never
    been as productive with them as I have been
    with VSTi's like Rapture and Dimention Pro.

  83. [Quote MAG] " Have any of the naysayers on this site actually produced anything worth listening to? Or is your hobby just bashing anything and anyone that tries anything? ____ELEMENT115: " That's a subjective attitude to have, what you may consider __?Worth listening to? may be complete rubbish to another and vise-versa "____[Quote MAG] " This looks like a great little synth for the price. ____BTW, I go all the way back to the sh-1000. I also have extensive experience with modular, digital, analog and software synths of every description. ____Also BTW, a good musician can make a klunker sound great. It doesn't matter what you give to a putz. It'll sound like crap. ____ELEMENT115: " I bought the Roland SH201 after a short demo at the__guitar center, it seemed pretty cool at first, I got it home, dug a little__deeper into it, messed with it for about a week or two and then__it sat for a month while I actually got some results from Rapture and__Dimention Pro. a month later, I sold my SH201 as it was uninspiring.____the GAIA is nothing more than the SH201 part deux

  84. Yeah Tomato Head, if there is something else that is like this but better, for the same price could let me know instead of ranting like a tool? Cause i'm about to drop some serious money on it in two weeks after playing it for about 30 min. the other day and since its my first not mini/micro korg/alesia I just would like to know if theres something i'm missing out on.

  85. what a bunch of complete analogue tossers half of you lot are esp tomato head.some people have a budget and cannot afford the luxury of high end gear.but surely it is what you do with the damn thing than anything else.
    bet you play in a covers band don,t you,must have all the sounds just like ………
    or a studio muffin,but do you actually record /release any music or just talk absolute bollocks.
    you are a disgrace to music you are a snob of the worst kind,idiot.

  86. Synths better than this that you can find used for less money.

    Virus b desktop, waldorf racks, yamaha an1x, used radias, alesis micron, novation nova desktop, korg prophesy, Nord rack 1or 2, cheap laptop with reason, quasi midi Sirius, kawai k5000 rack, Dave smith tetra, monoevolver, used paia modular, 3 sh32s, 2 used ms2000r and dinner, I could go on…..

  87. pls send me rate and ur address i m give for gaia sh-01 call me my no my name is Kalyan jadahav my phone no is 9011273561

  88. Build a sound for $700? What's wrong with that? Hell, the Arturia six vintage synths software package costs almost that much. Wait, I only paid $555 for my Gaia, so they are roughly the same, except you don't have to shake a mouse to tweak a Gaia. What's more, if you buy an Arturia Origin with keyboard, you are really paying a grand just for a controller. Forget that.

    1. Don’t compare Arturia synths and controllers with this toy!!!

      1.)Just a single Arturia synth can beat Gaia instantly!
      2.)Arturia controllers are metal (tanks) with bigger keys and better feel,just like you can find on “access virus Ti KB”.Sliders and knobs are miles better than on plastic gaia…

  89. i'd rather have the arturia software bundle…. WAAAAAYYYYYYY more powerful… multiple instances, higher polyphony, more presets, more power for making your own sounds, more options and no cables required… plus I could map it a fader box for control…

    I love hardware, but this new synth is kinda weak…. I could do more with a micro q rack from the mid 90s and would have money left over for a 61 note controller…. i guess to each his own…

  90. Hey guys i've been playing guitar for 7 years and just picked up my first set of keys (Yamaha YPG-635) and im getting really into it but i need a synth for my sounds. I'm looking for something with atleast 37 FULL SIZED KEYS and im only fifteen so im not going to afford anything over 900 bucks (bye bye analogs). The keyboards i've been looking at are, from roland, SH-01 gaia, Juno-Di, from Korg, R3, X50. I dont NEED a vocoder at the moment because i dont have any music that i play that uses one but i could always purchase a talkbox and use it for both my keys and playing frampton on guitar. I'll be playing the older stuff like Yes, Aha, Pink Floyd, ToTo, The Who, Led Zeppelin, ect but also some modern hardcore techno so i need a versatile lil thing! Thx alot guys and plz tell me your oppinion on hat i should buy! (btw this is my first synth so i don't want anything too complicated!)

  91. I am playing around with one at my house at present and no it doesn't come with an on-screen editor like the SH-201

  92. "No analog?…
    C'mon, it is 2010!!!"

    Spoken like a true teenager who never owned a piece of analog gear (that drifted out of tune, had no presets and had no lfo sync) until it became "the cool thing to have."

  93. Obviously you're missing something. Tactile control. Some people like to ACTUALLY turn knobs and press buttons. Some people like to click mice… To each their own.

  94. Have you ever owned a DSI instrument? Their "pots" are trash, I've had to replace at least 4 in the past 2 years. Moog has good build quality but you pay out the nose for it. It also has just as many if not more fanboys and fake hipster users than Apple.

    Analog has limits, digital is a different beast. They are good for two totally different things. If you want presets and multiple onboard effects you arnt using an analog synth. Period. Unless its a hybrid. In which case AT BEST the oscillators and filter are analog with a totally digital programming method and front end. You CANT have the best of both worlds. Have you ever spent an hour trying to tune a modulation source to a tempo? Have you spent hours in dx-7 menus? If you answer no to either question… You probably shouldnt be pining about analog vs digital.

    Honestly get over yourself.

  95. i bought one. i can confirm it's excellent. has a few sonic surprises, a very powerful sound and is very fast to use. Roland is back baby..! And, in response to criticism of the quanity of presets — of course no one would be seen dead actually using presets, but they give some great clues as to how to implement the features of the synth, so they are actually quite useful.

  96. My first synth was a Jupiter 6 and it's been my personal benchmark for the parade of synths that have entered and exited my studio ever since. Done the VST thing, but needed dedicated knobs for shows. Unlike a computer rig, the SH01 powers up instantly, is self contained for easy transport, and there is no need for a mouse.

    To say that it's three synths in one can be misleading but it is otherwise difficult to precisely describe the voice architecture. The virtual analog section is a stack of three single oscillator synths, which can be edited independently or as a group. From the perspective of a sequencer the unit is polyphonic but mono-timbral, and there's modulation sources and destinations everywhere. The appeal for me was: one key, three LFOs each with a different rate and waveshape. It’s strange to hear at first, until the mad scientist possibilities start trickling into your mind. Almost like the Absynth, in a way.

    In general, I find Roland / Boss gear to have tame but predictable sound quality and the oscillators here are no exception. Obviously there's none of that beloved abrasive Moog character but detuning all the oscillators really animated their collective sound. Each oscillator has seven waveforms, three variations each. I noticed that bass sounds became beefier with sine waves layered underneath, and the Super Saw is like an instant string pad generator. Overall the SH01 can sound like any microprocessor-based synthesizer that was available in 1982.

    Though there are no menus, reading the manual is recommended since some functions are not immediately obvious, for instance: the keyboard can be transposed over a seven octave range, MIDI Thru is a software switch, several controls have multiple functions via the Shift key, the modulation joystick is independent from the other three LFOs, etc.

    I personally have no use for the arpeggiator, the phrase recorder or most of the effects but a device with this feature set 30 years ago would've been a lot more expensive than this one is today. Favorite features: the LFO random waveform (the depth is random but the time is constant), the inverted filter envelope depth, and the ring modulator =) The only missing feature I would like to see: a built-in limiter, which could inch the SH01 closer to the punchiness of the Minimoog (will verify this with an outboard limiter and oscilloscope). The most curious feature: there's a hidden PCM General MIDI sound generator. I am only able to access a few sounds; I will explore this further when I return home.

    The gigging musician will definitely want a case. I suspect the sliders will be the first to break – the stems seem flimsier than steel ones on my Juno 6. Surprisingly, the unit feels more massive / solid / sturdy than a comparably sized M-Audio controller. Being battery powered could be a plus but I would probably want a second SH01 which I expose to the sand and the ocean.

    The preset patches only hint at what’s possible: the requisite string pads, juicy flatulent basses, “caves of ice” pads, the portamento monosynth leads are all present. But the patches that are good are GREAT: there’s a pretty decent guitar, there’s a great organ, there’s an awesome bell / manhole cover, and there is an annoying portamento “kick drum / high hat / sampleAndHold” thing that I cannot stop playing. If you are even remotely into Stockhausen, you will have no problems creating sounds here.

    The SH01 will appeal to electronic musicians (in the academic, avant garde sense), dance producers, progressive rockers, new wavers and disciples of Dr. Dre. This instrument is designed for performance, and in that regard it will not disappoint. The seasoned synth programmer will immediately feel at home; less experienced sound designers will find lots to discover underneath the deceptively simple interface.

    Not everyone (me) has gotten around to building a modular synth of death and carnage yet. Not everyone can find or afford to purchase vintage synths. But for the available features (a lot) at this price point (relatively low), the SH01 is tough to beat.

  97. It's really funny when I read comments like this. Most of the people who leave stuff like this suck at producing, suck at engineering, can't make decent sound with an analog synth or a virtual synth and usually don't take their craft seriously. This kid is probably like 16 and hangs out on a forum with other people who think they're "cool" because they like analog over digital. In all reality there is no difference except for the qwerky sounds that analog made due to the heat causing fluctuations in the tube. I don't know what you're talking about either. What do you mean people who drop this kind of cash on something like this don't like making music? This clearly shows how much they actually enjoy making music. You sir are the one who doesn't know how to make a track.

  98. I've got a ton of great virtual on my computer … why would I pay $650 for a plastic VST?
    (that requires a slow USB connection … not even firewire to boot).

    Why can't Roland release a killer price-point analog that breaks new ground?
    Are they still trying to get the entery-level market?

  99. Looking at this synth reminded me that I don't really need shit… just one good laptop and a controller.

    People spend wayyyy too much time worrying about the gear, and never seem to be making any music… wtf? I've been making tracks all day with nothing but and ipad and my laptop… and I'm very happy with the way it sounds…

    and im also pretty sure that a crowd won't give a shit how I made it, as long as they can dance to it. so..

    Roland can keep yet another jp-8000 rehash to themselves, and I'll be busy laughing at the people who think a dollar sign equals talent.

  100. Ipad & a laptop ………Really? The fact that you said that, followed by "crowd won't give a shit how I made it, as long as they can dance to it." tells me what you know about dynamics…dick

  101. @Zen …. Don't get me wrong, making tracks for the dance floor is fun … but so is buying new toys and twisting knobs. I can get to the store in a Fiesta … but Geez … a Shelby Mustang with an aluminum block is much more fun to go pick-up a gallon of milk.

  102. I played one in the store, and LOVED it. My only gripe was that instead of the ability to route external audio through the filters – which ISN'T a feature – they gave us an 1/8" input for MP3 players so you can "jam along" with pop songs. Huh. Does anyone really need this more than the ability to filter external sources? Odd choice for a mid-to-pro-level synth.

    Other than that, though, I loved the synth. Very cool. I spent an hour with it and wanted to take it home with me.

  103. Are you sure you guys are keyboard players.You kind of have the old guitar player everyone sucks but me additude.I own it,played it on gigs,and recorded with it.It's not the greatest but for the price it's
    a good bang for the buck.No;I didn't say that did I

  104. I had Gaia for a short test period. It was a BIG disappointment: not any single good sound. Nice looks and features but what can you do if it sounds like shit…

  105. Analog doesn't use tubes, they use transistors, resistors and capacitors. They sounds warmer because the source waveforms are not precise and have higher harmonics that the pure digital counterparts. They're also noisier and a pain to work with due to fact they detune with temperately fluctuations.

  106. alright tomato head the gaia actually sounds incredible
    ive already came up with so many dope sounds
    and i got the gaia over a little phatty and i couldnt be happier

  107. exactly all these ppl are hating
    ive designed mad dope sounds with it and im stoked
    shit is awesome
    i use ableton and just got too tired of its sounds so i got this n couldnt be happier for my first synth

  108. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  109. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  110. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  111. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  112. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  113. and c'mon yourself! do you even know how effin' painful it is to wade through a bunch of tiny LCD screens with bad fonts and crappy visibility?

    Very seriously speaking, from an ergonomic standpoint, this synths has the best of both worlds…you can easily program sounds with it AND store patches!

    i don't own it per se, but i have seen a few reviews and it seems alright!

  114. yes…hipsters suck ass in all walks of life, with their superficial attitude…they only skim the surface and move from one trend to another….

    why are people fixated on this analog vs. digital debate? have any of these hipsters heard all the great music made with freeware on a crap-ass computer, as some other mentionned on this thread?

  115. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  116. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  117. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  118. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  119. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  120. I played one of these for 10 minutes in the store and walked out with one tucked under my arm. Before I even got out the door, three different people came up to me and told me how much they love their Gaia. Purists may love it or hate it, this is gonna be a smash hit for Roland, and will introduce a whole new generation of musicians to the glory of synthesis.

    A musical instrument is an interface between the player and the sound. This one is all that – no menus, just sliders, knobs, and buttons to dial in an amazing range of sounds. For most of us, the barrier to good synthesis is understanding how the sound is built, and how to tell your synth to barf up the sound that you can already hear inside your head. The best way to do that is with a logical panel layout and no parameters buried deep inside a menu structure.

    I have a 30-year-old SH-101 which is totally outrageous, except that I'm afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted titanium road case to play it. By contrast, I can smash three SH-01's in a weekend and not lose any sleep over being able to find a replacement.

    The sound engine here is very versatile, if a bit "Roland-esque." The three overlaid synth engines are easy to understand and configure, and a blast to tweak out. Sure, they threw in a few bedroom features – like MP3 input and GM wave table, but I finally have a rig I can bring to a gig or to a campfire alike without feeling like I'm risking the destruction of a museum piece.

    Haters will hate, but they'll be clicking mice and patching cords until they're blue in the face, while I'll be tweaking sounds and refining my understanding of how great sounds are constructed. And if you don't think you need user presets on your rig, you've obviously never gigged out. The practical lessons I'm learning by doing on this thing will transfer to any other synth I sit down with.

    Gaia is a solid 9.5 in my book. The keys could be a bit more solid, and they really shoulda fed that audio input back to the waveform generator for vox or guitar processing. But this is one heckuva nice piece of gear. Thirty years from now, I'll be afraid to take it out of its diamond-encrusted, titanium road case.

  121. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  122. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  123. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  124. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  125. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  126. I really don't get this "toy" talk. What does your instrument being plastic or digital have to do with creating music?

    I picked up a Gaia in the summer. Seriously, this is the most inspirational, fun and musical piece of gear I've purchased in a long time. I set up a user forum for users to trade information, patches – check it out http://www.gaiausers.com

  127. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  128. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  129. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  130. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  131. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  132. I don't even know how to play the keyboard, but I feel inspired to now. These two play well together. I never get to see people create music together, even though it wasn't really there objective. Right in the middle it sounds like a cyber defender or something. I love it!!!

  133. hey-look in the mirror & read out loud your description of yourself as described by you. You got yourself mixed up with that Gaia synth.

  134. Wow. After reading this thread I can say there are a lot of hateful people out there. :/

    I am picking up a Roland GAIA SH-01 at the end of June with the extra SD-SH01 GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer software from Sweetwater. Along with this software the GAIA SH-01 is a nice little synthesizer for learning about creating your own sounds.

    The GAIA SH-01 will fit right in with my JUNO-Gi I just got last month.

    I want a Dave Smith Instruments Poly Evolver too, because I love the sounds one can create with it, but at the moment I can’t afford the $2500 to get one. Later this year I will be able to get it on a three month payment plan. I’m also looking at a Yamaha MOX8 and/or a KORG M3 (88-key).

  135. Never forget: Anything can be used to make great music. Never blame your tools (provided they are working as intended). It's all down to you. Great music only happens with great musicians and composers. Any idiot with zero skill can push a button, or click a mouse and unleash a spectacular-sounding factory preset with a complex timeline of cascading envelopes, swirling filters and thumping rhythms… Think about it.

  136. I bought my Gaia sh01 in a pawn shop in 2012 for $299!!! It was barely used and so I bought it on the spot figuring that if I didn’t like it I could flip it and turn a nice little profit…but here we are over two years later and I will not part with this synth! I’ve got it set up as my master keyboard via midi controlling my Roland mks-7 and I’ve created sounds and crazy modulation fx that are impossible with the juno-106 synth engine inside the mks-7! I like alot of Roland gear and also have my Gaia surrounded by an sp-555, cdx-1 disc lab, mc-909 and a D2, plus my ‘go to’ studio multiFX is the Boss VF-1 half rack powerhouse fx unit.

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