Novation Analogue Synthesizer, Bass Station 2 (Now With AFX Mode)

The Novation Bass Station II is an analogue mono-synth based on the classic Novation Bass Station but with a much bigger sound, bringing the best elements of the original together with re-worked modulation, effects, filters and more. It has two filters, two oscillators plus a third sub-oscillator, patch save, and an effects section. Add a step sequencer, arpeggiator, full sized keys and a powerful modulation section and you have the makings of a synth that is built for bass, but with a sound-engine that is versatile enough to kick out sharp leads and and crisp arpeggios.

The signal is pure analogue – including the effects section. The hardware has been laid out in modules with dedicated ports, switches, sliders and buttons for all major parameters. Critically, you can store and recall patches on the Bass Station II. It comes with 64 killer factory presets, with space for 64 of your own on the hardware – and you can store more on your computer.

The key-mech consists of 25 full sized keys that are velocity sensitive with assignable aftertouch. It has been developed as a ‘synth-action’ keyboard, where each key is individually sprung so it is light to the touch and highly responsive to the synth engine. Bass Station II is a fully class compliant MIDI device with MIDI I/O on 5 pin din ports – for connecting to other MIDI outboard – and with your computer over USB. You can even connect an external instrument and run it through Bass Station II's analogue filter and effects.

Firmware update 2.5 (November 2018)

The v2.5 firmware update adds some of the most requested features including filter tracking, paraphonic mode, microtuning and new preset Soundpacks. Installation couldn't be easier from the Novation Components content manager.
 
Paraphonic mode
Filter tracking
Envelope retriggering
Oscillator error
Microtuning editing

New presetsTwo new Soundpacks are in Components: Silver and Sinevibes. Silver's presets explore the v2.5 features and inspire new tracks and sound design. Sinevibes, designed by Sinevibes’ founder Artemij Pavlov, gives 101 classic Bass Station II presets.

AFX Mode
Perfect for sequencing and arpeggiation, every key on the instrument can become a new patch, making it a powerful analogue drum machine, a flexible sound design tool, or a killer bass or lead module. With striking purple reveals and the famous ‘A’ insignia, it’s an instant collector’s item.  

Producer Series Soundpack (available on Novations website)
This collection of unique analogue sound patches was created for us by world class synth producers from our eclectic artist and producer community.
Whether you’re creating dance, funk, electronica, indie, pop or something totally experimental, these 46 Patches will add true analogue depth to your music. You will need to download and install the librarian to load the patches.

Artist Soundpack (available on Novations website)
We decided to put a call out to a handful of our Bass Station II artists to have them create some patches for a new soundpack. Here’s the roster of analogue noodlers who got involved: Nite Jewel, Cian from Super Furry Animals, Jeremy from Everything Everything, Jason Miles, Victor Paris Mitchell, Adam Freeland.

Included software:
Ableton Live Lite
4G Loopmasters
Free Melodics lessons