Roland Gaia Sh-01 and iPad

PhilW

I am thinking of getting a Roland Gaia SH-01 and would be interested if any other iPad musicians have one and what their experiences are with using them together?

pichi

I don't have it, but have tinkered with it in the shop. It's not a quality synth in terms of sound or build. iOS synths are better quality and if you need it as a controller there are cheaper options. I would recommend a Novation over the Gaia. The Bass Station II is an excellent analog monosynth in the same price range. If you need polyphony and more keys the Ultranova is a good virtual analog. Both keyboards have aftertouch.
I would even recommend a Microkorg over the Gaia. There's a reason the Microkorg has been around forever. I have its big brother the MS2000.
Just my opinion of course...

[Deleted User]

Answering you in a kind of curious coincidence, 'cause just recently I tried to sequence one at my brother's place ... via usb-midi cable.
Not without restrictions, but possible in principle (certain midi channels default to the gaia's inbuilt gsm soundfonts(?), no velocity on the keys, note off recognition etc.). If you have a specific question, I can look for it. It's a nice synth, esp. for bubbles and the like.

PhilW

Thanks for the views so far. By the way, it does have velocity, but you need to turn it on, it is off by default (strangely!).

[Deleted User]

Thanks, really good to know. Midi parameters seem to be configurable then to get it to adapt to the ipad (likely arpeggios too with extra software 'from some guy' ...)

thus

If you haven't already, @PhilW, have a look at the new Roland JD-Xi too. I just bought one, and I'm in love with it.

euraquilo

Re-opening an old topic...

Is it possible to plug an ipad into the Gaia SH-01 USB port and have it transmit MIDI performance stuff (notes, pitch bend, CC controls, etc) to an ios synth AND have it pass that ios synth audio back and send to its output (like an audio interface)?

wim

I don't have one, but the manual seems pretty clear that it can, provided the USB interface is class compliant. I couldn't find any conclusive info on that in my relatively quick search.

The blurb below doesn't specifically mention MIDI output. However, the MIDI implementation chart shows MIDI full output and input. It doesn't specifically state that both output and input go through the USB port, but there's no reason to think it wouldn't.

Got one? You could plug it in and try it in less time than it takes to post here. If you don't and are researching before buying, then you should probably wait for someone with actual hands-on experience to confirm.

USB COMPUTER connector for connecting your computer

Since the GAIA SH-01 supports USB MIDI/ AUDIO, you can use DAW software on your computer to record a performance from the GAIA SH-01 or to record the sound from the EXT IN jack.

MIDI data played back by your DAW software can be sounded by GAIA SH-01’s sound generator, or audio played back by your DAW software can be output via the GAIA SH-01.

euraquilo

Thanks for the response! I don't have the SH-01 (nor is there one nearby that I know of) so I was thinking about picking one up (perhaps with a generous return policy) to see if it does what I was hoping. I have found, however, the Yamaha MX series does exactly what I was hoping.

My purpose has been to make use of the plethora of truly excellent ios synth apps for live performing. The hindrance for me is how cumbersome it can be to set up the multiple components (ipad, usb-c hub, audio interface, midi controller, all the cabling and power supplies, etc) on a stand above my primary piano keyboard. Having a way to reduce this list is very helpful. It means carrying and setting up fewer components and having fewer connections to fail. It also means having a backup sound source (I'm very big on having a failover plan).