Novation Bass Station II Analog Monosynth

Bass Station’s signature sound was achieved using flexible, digitally-controlled oscillators (DCOs), classic waveforms, and a warm analog 12dB / 24dB filter — combined with a modern twist: real-time MIDI transmission. This was quite a rarity at the time and allowed expressive live tweaking to be captured and recorded. Parameters could also be automated, making Bass Station perfect for both studio and live performance.

The success of Bass Station resulted in demand for more, leading to the release of Bass Station Rack in 1994. This was much more than just a key-less version — it featured expanded memory, an LCD display for easier sound navigation, and deeper MIDI integration. The LFOs could now sync to MIDI clock, more parameters could transmit MIDI data, and envelopes offered expanded control options. The rack version also introduced switchable CV/Gate I/O, external audio input for filter processing, and MIDI thru for better integration in rack setups.

AFX Mode

AFX Mode is the realization of electronic music legend Richard James, aka Aphex Twin. It lets you modify your Bass Station II patch on a key-by-key basis. Use it to introduce subtle variations across the keyboard, divide the keyboard into multiple sound zones (even one per key), or create full drum kits within a single preset for manual or Arpeggiator-triggered playback. AFX Mode unlocks a completely new dimension of performance and sound design possibilities. This feature is available in the v4.14 firmware update, downloadable free via Novation Components.

Key Features

• Two pure analog, syncable and tuneable oscillators with four selectable waveforms, plus a third sub-oscillator, noise and ring modulation.
• Switch the multi-mode Classic Filter between low, high, and band pass with 12 and 24dB slopes.
• 24dB Acid Filter delivers darker, wetter, and smoother resonance than the Classic mode.
• Create crunchy, aggressive tones with analog distortion, filter modulation effects, and separate filter overdrive.
• Comes with 64 factory patches covering a huge range of styles, plus 64 user slots for creating and archiving your own sounds.

Technical Specifications

Hardware & Controller Assignment

• 25-note synth-action keyboard
• Aftertouch assignable to Filter Frequency, LFO1 to Osc Pitch, Osc2 Speed, or Pitch Wheel
• Modulation wheel assignable to LFO2 to Filter Frequency, LFO1 to Osc Pitch, or Osc2 Pitch
• Octave up/down buttons
• 64 factory presets + 64 user patches (with patch dump facility)
• Master volume dial

Inputs and Outputs

• USB MIDI (for connection and power)
• Mono output (1/4" TRS jack)
• Headphone output (1/4" TRS jack)
• External input (1/4" TRS jack)
• Sustain pedal input (1/4" TS jack)
• MIDI In / Out ports (5-pin DIN)
• DC power input
• Power mode switch: Off / DC powered / USB bus powered

Synth Engine

Oscillators

• Osc 1
• Osc 2
• Sub Osc (3)
• Noise generator

Osc 1 & 2 Features

• Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square/Variable Pulse Width
• Sync 1 & 2
• Detune, Octave range, Pitch bend
• Pitch modulation from Mod Envelope and/or LFO 1
• Pulse width modulation from Mod Envelope and/or LFO 2

Sub Oscillator (3)

• Waveforms: Sine, Square, Narrow Pulse
• Tracks Oscillator 1 tuning and modulation
• Independent octave selection

Mixer

• Osc 1 level
• Osc 2 level
• Sub Osc level
• Noise generator level
• Ring modulation depth
• External signal level

Filter

• Two filter types: Acid (diode ladder) and Classic (derived from original Bass Station)
• Features: Cutoff, Resonance, Overdrive
• Filter modulation depth from Mod Envelope and/or LFO 2
• Classic Filter modes: Low-pass, Band-pass, High-pass
• Slope options: 12dB or 24dB

Envelopes

• Two ADSR Envelopes (Amp and Mod)
• Combined control of both envelopes
• Trigger modes: Single (hold state), Multi (re-trigger each note), Auto-glide (portamento)
• VCA limiter

LFO

• Two LFOs: Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Sample & Hold
• Independent rate and delay control
• Key Sync on LFO 1 & 2
• LFO Slew (Low-pass filter on waveform)

Effects

• Analog distortion send
• Oscillator filter modulation (FM effect via Oscillator 2)

Step Sequencer / Arpeggiator

Arpeggiator

• Up to 32 patterns
• 1–4 octave range
• Swing function
• Directions: Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, As Played, Random
• Latch function

Step Sequencer

• Up to four sequences
• Choose from 32 preset rhythms or create custom ones
• Insert rests or legato (slide)
• Sequencer re-trigger option

Portamento

• Adjustable glide time
• Single or re-trigger modes
• Integrates with step sequencer and arpeggiator

Power Requirements

• USB bus powered or 9V DC power supply (included)
• Maximum power consumption: 9V DC, 300mA

Product Dimensions

457mm (18") width x 273mm (10.75") depth x 76mm (3") height

Enjoy three years of warranty

Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Novation hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault