Novation Bass Station II: after 21 years, the Novation Bass Station analog synthesizer has been redesigned to meet the demands of the 21st century. Bass Station II is a mono-analog synth with a strong inclination towards bass, but with a versatile engine that allows for sharp solos/leads and lively arpeggios; the best elements from the classic Bass Station have been redesigned and expanded, Bass Station II features a new design, redesigned modulation, effects, improved filters, and much more.
The signal path is purely analog - as is the effects section. The hardware has been organised into modules with dedicated pots, switches, sliders, and buttons for the most important parameters. Additionally allowing for the storage and recall of patches, Bass Station II comes with 64 factory presets and space for another 64 user locations.
The keyboard features 25 velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch, it is a typical 'synth-action' keyboard. Bass Station II is also a MIDI complement with MIDI I/O on 5-pin connection ports.
The Synth Engine of Bass Station II:
Oscillators: Bass Station II is built on 3 analog oscillators and a noise generator. It has two completely independent oscillators and a sub-oscillator. Oscillator One and Two can switch between 'sine', 'sawtooth', 'square', and 'variable pulse width', while Oscillator Three can be set to one or two octaves below Oscillator One. Oscillator Three can be 'sine' or 'narrow pulse width', providing the characteristic 'fat bass' tone.
Filters: Two discrete filters can be selected - 'Acid' or 'Classic' - each with integrated overdrive for a wide range of tones from 'dry' to 'warm', to 'naughty'. The 'Classic' filter can switch between 'low pass', 'high pass', and 'band pass' with slopes of 12 or 24dB. The 'Acid' filter is based on a ladder diode design delivering characteristic 303-esque, aggressive sounds.
Effects: Bass Station II has 2 effects (not including the overdrive on the filters). The analog distortion acts on the circuit components to add new frequencies to the sound. The Bass Station II's Distortion effect can add warmth, gritty graininess, or anything in between. The second effect is 'OSC Filter Mod' which creates a distinctive FM-type sound by using Oscillator Two to modulate the filter frequency. This effect is great for adding crunchy effects that substantially thicken the bass and solo/lead patches.
Modulation: Bass Station II has 2 envelope generators and 2 low-frequency oscillators (LFOs). The first is an ADSR amp envelope and the second is a mod envelope that can be used to modulate filter frequency, oscillator pitch, and 'osc pulse width'. LFO One is dedicated to pitch modulation, while LFO Two is used for modulating 'osc pulse width' and filter frequency. Although it seems there are 4 LFO waveforms, the 'LFO Slew' function can be used to sculpt the LFOs to smooth out the wave shapes.
Arpeggiator and Step-Sequencer: The Arpeggiator and Step-Sequencer in Bass Station II are exceptional tools for performance and production. The arpeggiator can be directed to run through 32 rhythm patterns in different directions with a switchable octave range. The real fun begins when the Step Sequencer is engaged, up to 4 sequences can be played - with legato and rest - and associated with any of the 32 rhythm patterns.
analog synthesizer, pure analog signal path with a strong inclination towards bass that revitalises the original spirit of Bass Station
typical 'synth-action' keyboard with 25 velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch
2 distinct analog filters: Acid and Classic
loading and saving of patches: 64 factory patches and 64 user locations
programmable arpeggiator and step-sequencer based on patterns
typical analog synth interface with dedicated controls for important sound engine parameters
2 syncable and tunable oscillators with 4 waveforms and a sub-oscillator:
2 pure analog effects: distortion, filter modulation
overdrive effects on filters
2 x ADSR envelopes and 2 x LFOs: LFO waveforms include triangle, sawtooth, square, and sample & hold;
MIDI I/O and USB connectivity for connection to computer or other MIDI equipment
...that should not be missing from any producer's arsenal (especially EDM, HipHop, but not only) or amateur. Despite not having the character of a Moog, Korg MS-20, or Arturia Mini/MicroBrute, it easily finds its place in productions, filling it effortlessly, generating massive basses, sharp leads, and surprising effects. A versatile synth that integrates perfectly with Ableton Live and offers unexpectedly much satisfaction for its price. Soundcreation, chapeau!!!
