Roland Future Design Lab (Superbooth B023 & B026), the forward‑looking research division of Roland Corporation, and Tokyo-based AI music technology company Neutone today announced Project LYDIA Phase 2, a refined evolution of their experimental AI‑powered neural sampling pedal concept. Shaped by months of direct feedback from musicians, developers, and live performers, Phase 2 moves the project closer to a fully self‑contained, performance‑ready hardware platform.
Project LYDIA Phase 2 builds on the technology preview first unveiled in November 2025 and will make its public debut at Superbooth Berlin (May 7–9), offering attendees hands‑on access to the latest iteration.
Phase 2: Integrated, Performance‑Ready, and More Expressive
Responding directly to feedback gathered through live demos, industry showcases, and global surveys, Project LYDIA Phase 2 introduces several key hardware enhancements:
- Refined hardware design with enhanced flexibility, supporting easier Raspberry Pi 5 installation and standalone USB MIDI controller operation
- Fully integrated audio I/O, eliminating the need for an external USB audio interface
- Onboard LCD display for clearer navigation and real‑time parameter feedback
- User Preset memories for saving control settings and more
- MIDI connectivity for deeper control, automation, and integration with existing studio and live rigs
A Feedback‑Led Approach to AI Hardware Design
Roland Future Design Lab partnered with Neutone to introduce Project LYDIA as an open, public‑facing experiment: exploring how neural sampling could be embodied in a tactile, musician‑centered hardware format. The initial prototype quickly generated strong interest from many corners, prompting extensive dialogue about workflow, control, and musical expressiveness.
“From the very first demos with professional audio developers through the overwhelming response from musicians worldwide, it was clear that Project LYDIA was resonating,” said Paul McCabe, LA‑based leader of Roland Future Design Lab. “That dialogue directly shaped Phase 2. This version reflects what creators told us they want from AI hardware in real musical contexts, while also bringing forward new ideas from our team.”
Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for musicianship, Project LYDIA emphasizes augmentation and control, allowing performers to interact with neural models in immediate, physical, and musically expressive ways. The familiar pedal format places AI processing into a workflow many musicians already trust, bringing transparency and tactility to technology often associated with screens and abstraction.
This feedback‑driven development aligns with Roland’s broader commitment to responsible AI innovation, as outlined by AI For Music, the initiative co‑founded by Roland and Universal Music Group to establish ethical principles for AI use in music creation.
Debuting at Superbooth and Beyond
Project LYDIA Phase 2 will debut publicly at Superbooth Berlin, followed by appearances at Audio Developers Conference Tokyo in early June and select additional events throughout 2026. RFDL and Neutone will continue gathering insights from creators both in person and online to inform future iterations of the project.
