Gaia SH-01, although it uses the legendary Roland abbreviation SH, nevertheless has nothing in common with the famous analog synthesizers of the 80's, although it emulates their sounds quite well. It is a compact synthesizer sporting mixed architecture which has a 16-part multitimbrality, and only one part of is generated through a virtual analog engine, and the others can be generated out of PCM-samples.

Gaia SH-01 replaced SH-201, though they share a common concept, however, each of them has pros and cons. Generally Gaia is more productive (more voices, presets, arpeggiator patterns) and has a better keyboard, while SH-201 has more octaves and 10 virtual analog voices, as well as 2 main oscillators and 2 LFOs (for Gaia - 1 LFO) as well as excellent editing software.

Like SH-201, Gaia does not have a screen - all the managing and control is carried out via the backlit buttons. The instrument features a nice interface, all control elements are logically grouped.

What makes Gaia SH-01 stand out in the segment of inexpensive VA synthesizers is that it provides you with 3 independent sound layers, each of which contains an oscillator, filter and attenuator with its own settings. Gaia has a good set of filters, however, it gives way to some competitors due to lacking a built-in vocoder.

As for the connectivity, you’re golden, considering the competitive price. There is a MIDI input and output, USB to a computer with MIDI support and a port for USB drive, a stereo line output, headphones output, as well as a stereo input and a pedal jack.

We should note that Gaia SH-01 is a real good synthesizer, which will please both beginners, who will find themselves speaking the same language, as well as experienced musicians who will appreciate the excellent sound and elaborate architecture, and will breathe out putting more expensive units aside for a moment and have a rest from heaped instruments. In addition to the wall wart power, Gaia can run on batteries, which, thanks to the compactness of the device as well, makes it possible to take it to live performances and not think about how manage a lot of power cables.