Novation Bass Station II 25-Note Analogue Monosynth (Swifty Edition)

About: Novation Bass Station II 25-Note Analogue Monosynth (Swifty Edition)

Equally at home on stage and in the studio, Bass Station II is a classic analogue synthesiser that can sound as warm and mellow or aggressive and hard as you want it to. Modulate the filter to make it sing, crank the distortion to toughen up that bass, and push the resonance to self-oscillation to get those lead lines screaming.

Featuring two tuneable oscillators, plus a sub-oscillator for enhancing the all-important low end, as well as noise and ring modulation, Bass Station II more than delivers when it comes to generating raw tones. It's also got two distinct analogue filter types – the Classic multi-mode filter of the original Bass Station and the 24dB/octave Acid filter, with its darker, smoother sound – plus plenty of modulation in the shape of two LFOs and a pair of ADSR envelopes.

• Create a huge variety of sounds — two tuneable, syncable analogue oscillators with a selection of four waveforms, plus sub-oscillator, noise and ring modulation
• Classic analogue filter — switch between low-, high – and band-pass modes with 12 and 24dB/octave slopes – with an aggressive overdrive
• Get instant inspiration — record notes, ties, rests and rhythms in real time using the step sequencer and arpeggiator, then store them for use with any patch.
• Flexible modulation — triangle, sawtooth and square LFO waveforms, as well as sample and hold and two ADSR envelopes

Together with visionary British graphic designer Ian “Swifty” Swift, we’ve reimagined our iconic paraphonic synthesiser in his inimitable DIY style and packed it with fresh, new artist packs from Bass Station II power users Legowelt, Pecq, and Maria Chiara Argirò.

• Limited-edition colourway
• Includes 60 new artist patches
• Two analogue oscillators
• Two characterful filters
• Incudes AFX and Paraphonic modes

Graphic attitude. Analogue soul.

Since 2013, Bass Station II’s deep capability, raw character, and unbeatable value have made it a modern classic. Now, together with British designer Ian “Swifty” Swift, we’re reimagining it with a fresh, new look, that brings underground attitude to a synth that's long been a driving force in electronic music.

Powerful analogue oscillators

Bass Station II’s true-analogue signal path begins with two tuneable, syncable oscillators with four waveforms each plus, a sub-oscillator for even more low end and adjustable portamento. The two dedicated LFOs allow for modulation of other parameters via four waveforms of their own.

Filters, envelopes, and effects

Bass Station II features two distinct analogue filters: the state-variable Classic Filter and a separate low-pass Acid filter, controlled via the extra-large cutoff knob. There's also a dedicated filter overdrive and oscillator filter mod control. The flexible envelope section makes it easy to shape your sounds, and an additional post-filter distortion supplies extra grit.

Arpeggiate and sequence

Perform notes, ties, rests, and rhythms in real time, then play them back with the step sequencer. Four separate sequences of up to 32 notes can be saved in Bass Station II and recalled later for use with any patch. There’s also an easy-to-use arpeggiator with dedicated controls to help shape your patterns and an additional swing function.

Made to be played

Bass Station II features 25 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys with a fast, synth-action mechanism, each with assignable aftertouch for modulating oscillator pitch, filter frequency, or LFO speed.

Go beyond bass

• AFX Mode: Created in collaboration with Aphex Twin, AFX Mode gives every key a unique sound — ideal for drum kits, split layers, and inspiring sound design.
• Paraphonic Mode: Control the pitches of each oscillator separately and play two notes at a time with the v2.5 firmware update.
• Exclusive gift box with attitude: Swifty brings his bold aesthetic to the gift box, repurposing the instrument's design with energy outside and his trademark logo style inside.
• Save and load patches: In addition to the Swifty Edition's new artist patches, Bass Station Il comes packed with inspiring sounds to get you started.
• Connect to just about anything: Connect to all your existing software and MIDI-capable hardware via 5-pin MIDI, USB, external audio out, a dedicated headphone output, and more.

Ian “Swifty” Swift

If you don’t know Swifty, you’ll certainly know his work. For more than 30 years, the British graphic designer has been contributing his unmistakeable, DIY visual style to iconic labels, brands, and publications, helping to define the look and feel of British music and club culture in the process.

Included sound packs

• Legowelt: The Dutch techno icon supplies a plethora of dreamy, saturated pads, basses, and drums that push the Bass Station II’s limits.
• Pecq: Explore the outer reaches of the London duo's electronic palette with growling basses, alien-sounding FM, and oddball percussion.
• Maria Chiara Argirò: The keyboard virtuoso’s mixture of deep analogue textures, glitchy rhythms, and evolving arps is gritty, expressive, and full of character.
• AFX patches: Released with the limited-edition AFX Station, this collection features 128 patches from Richard Devine, r beny, Lightbath, and more.
• Producer Pack: A compilation of unique analogue sound patches was created for us by world class synth producers from our eclectic artist and producer community.
• Artist Pack: An eclectic collection of basses, leads, and everything in between from some of our favourite Bass Station II artists.

Specifications

• Overview
  • Two digitally controlled analogue oscillators (DCOs)
  • Sub oscillator
  • Analogue signal path – filters, envelopes, modulation
  • Traditional “single function” style rotary controls
  • LP/BP/HP filters with variable slope
  • Separate dual LFO section
  • Ring Modulator (inputs: Oscillators 1 and 2)
  • Versatile 32-step arpeggiator with wide range of patterns
  • 32-step sequencer with four memories
  • Portamento with dedicated time control
  • Pre-loaded with 64 factory Patches
  • 60 brand new artist patches
  • Pitch and Mod wheels
  • 25-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch
  • -5/+4 octave keyboard shift
  • Key transpose function
  • On-Key functions – use the keyboard to adjust non-performance sound parameters
  • LED display for patch selection, parameter adjustment, octave settings, etc.
• Connectivity
  • USB-B socket
  • 5-pin MIDI In socket
  • 5-pin MIDI Out socket
  • Mono output 1/4" jack socket
  • Headphone output 1/4" jack socket
  • External input 1/4" jack socket
  • Sustain pedal 1/4” jack socket
  • DC power input
  • Kensington security slot
• Software Compatibility
  • Class-compliant MIDI over USB (send and receive)
• Power requirements
  • Power by USB or DC
  • Maximum power consumption 9V DC 300mA
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 18 x 10.75 x 3 inch (457 x 273 x 76mm)
• Weight: 5.47 lbs (2.48kg)

What's in the Box

• Bass Station II Swifty Edition
• USB type B-to-A cable
• 9V DC power supply included