The Novation Bass Station II represents a triumphant return of the classic Bass Station after 20 years (launched in 2013), reimagined for the modern analogue monosynth renaissance. This compact, portable synthesizer maintains the distinctive timbre and analogue character of its predecessor while introducing significant improvements and new features.

Design & Build Quality

The Bass Station 2 features a refined black plastic chassis with rounded edges and improved build quality over the original. The previous "toy-town" stubby knobs have been replaced with a deeper panel featuring well-laid-out knobs, switches, and sliders. A distinctive sky-blue undercarriage adds visual appeal, while the large filter cutoff knob in the right-hand corner provides majestic control over the filter frequency. The unit includes a friendly carrying handle for portability.

Sound Engine Architecture

At its heart, the Bass Station 2 features a fully analogue signal path with digital control. The oscillators are DCOs (Digitally Controlled Oscillators) rather than VCOs, but offer higher resolution tuning controls than many patch-memory synthesizers. The synth incorporates two oscillators, two LFOs, two envelopes, and notably, two distinct filters.

Oscillators

• Two main oscillators with 16' to 2' range
• Waveforms: Sine, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waves
• Pulse width modulation available via envelope or LFO
• Oscillator sync capabilities for rich harmonic content
• Sub-oscillator tied to oscillator 1 frequency, pitched one or two octaves down with sine, square, or pulse waveforms (more versatile than Roland SH101's sub-oscillator)

Filter Section - Dual Filter Design

The Bass Station 2's standout feature is its dual filter configuration:

Classic Filter (designed by Chris Huggett of Wasp and Oscar fame):

• State-variable design
• Switchable 12dB/24dB slopes
• Low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes
• Built-in 100% keyboard tracking
• Edgy, sparkly character with aggressive resonance

Acid Filter:

• 24dB diode ladder design
• Low-pass mode only
• Darker, fatter character than Classic filter
• Wetter, smoother resonance
• 50% keyboard tracking
• Optimized for TB-303-style sounds

Both filters feature bi-polar modulation from the mod envelope and LFO2, with effective overdrive capabilities that transform the character significantly at higher settings.

Effects Section

• Distortion: Post-filter overdrive perfect for acid-style sounds
• Oscillator Filter Modulation: Audio-level modulation using oscillator 2 as source, providing filter FM capabilities

Modulation & Control

The Bass Station 2 employs intelligent control sharing across its multiple sound sources:

LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators)

• Two independent LFOs with separate physical speed controls
• Speed range from extremely slow to audio frequencies
• LFO2 can be modulated by aftertouch
• Clock sync capability to internal or external MIDI clock
• Sync ranges from 1 cycle per 16 bars to 32nd-note triplets
• Individual waveform selection buttons
• Keysync option for LFO restart on key press

Envelopes

• Two envelopes: Standard ADSR and Mod envelope
• Simultaneous basic shape control with individual fine-tuning capability
• Improved slider controls over original knob design

Performance Controls

• 25-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch
• Two-octave range with transpose buttons for extended range
• Pitch wheel and modulation wheel with assignable destinations
• Autoglide/Portamento with legato triggering for smooth bass lines

Sequencer & Arpeggiator

Step Sequencer

• 32-step maximum length per sequence
• Four separate sequences stored per patch
• Real-time recording with note velocity capture
• Step-time entry with rests and ties
• MIDI transmission of sequences to external devices
• Non-destructive gaps via Rhythm control
• Sequence transposition via keyboard
• Swing control and forced retrigger options

Arpeggiator

• Up to 4-octave range
• Multiple modes including Random and As Played
• Latch function for hands-free operation
• Seamless switching between sequencer and arpeggiator modes

Memory & Patch Management

• 128 total patch locations: 64 factory presets + 64 user slots
• All patches user-overwritable
• System Exclusive patch export capability
• Simple save system with destination preview
• No conventional menu system - streamlined interface design
• On-Key Functions for accessing deeper parameters

Connectivity & MIDI

Physical Connections

• USB MIDI (class-compliant, no drivers required)
• 5-pin MIDI In/Out
• 1/4" mono line output
• 1/4" headphone output
• 1/4" external input for processing external signals
• 1/4" sustain pedal input

MIDI Implementation

• Enhanced resolution on key parameters (filter cutoff uses 14-bit resolution instead of standard 7-bit)
• Every control transmits MIDI data
• Automatic clock sync with seamless reconnection
• Patch change transmission (non-suppressible)
• USB bus power or external 9V DC adapter

User Interface

• Three-character LED display for patch numbers and parameter values
• Original value indicators (arrow LEDs showing parameter offset from stored value)
• Backlit pitch and mod wheels
• No pot pickup implementation (noted limitation)
• Shared controls with intelligent switching system

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• Keys: 25 full-size synth-action keys
• Range: 2 octaves + transpose buttons
• Velocity Sensitive: Yes
• Aftertouch: Yes, assignable to filter frequency, LFO 1 to Osc pitch, or Osc 2 speed

Sound Generation

• Architecture: Analogue signal path with digital control
• Polyphony: Monophonic
• Oscillators: 2 DCOs + 1 sub-oscillator
• Oscillator Range: 16' to 2'
• Waveforms: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse (per oscillator)
• Sub-oscillator Waveforms: Sine, Square, Pulse
• Sub-oscillator Pitch: -1 or -2 octaves from Osc 1
• Oscillator Sync: Yes (Osc 2 to Osc 1)
• Pulse Width Modulation: Yes, via envelope or LFO

Filter Section

• Filter Count: 2 independent filters
• Classic Filter: State-variable, 12dB/24dB slopes, LP/BP/HP modes, 100% keyboard tracking
• Acid Filter: Diode ladder, 24dB slope, LP mode only, 50% keyboard tracking
• Filter Modulation: Bi-polar mod envelope and LFO2
• Overdrive: Independent overdrive per filter

Modulation

• LFOs: 2 independent LFOs
• LFO Speed Range: Very slow to audio rate
• LFO Waveforms: Multiple waveforms per LFO
• LFO Sync: Internal or external MIDI clock
• Sync Divisions: 1/16 bars to 32nd note triplets
• Envelopes: 2 (ADSR + Mod envelope)
• Modulation Sources: LFO1, LFO2, Mod Envelope, Aftertouch, Mod Wheel

Effects

• Distortion: Post-filter overdrive
• Filter FM: Oscillator 2 to filter modulation
• Ring Modulation: Available in mixer section

Sequencer/Arpeggiator

• Sequencer Type: Step sequencer
• Maximum Steps: 32 per sequence
• Number of Sequences: 4 per patch
• Recording Mode: Real-time and step-time
• Velocity Recording: Yes
• MIDI Out: Yes, sequences transmitted via MIDI
• Arpeggiator Range: Up to 4 octaves
• Arpeggiator Modes: Up, Down, Up/Down, Random, As Played
• Latch Function: Yes

Memory

• Total Patches: 128 locations
• Factory Presets: 64
• User Patches: 64
• Patch Backup: System Exclusive export
• Sequence Storage: 4 sequences per patch, retained after power cycle

Controls

• Pitch Wheel: Yes, backlit
• Modulation Wheel: Yes, backlit, assignable destinations
• Octave Buttons: Up/Down transpose
• Display: 3-character LED
• Value Indicators: Dual arrow LEDs for parameter offset indication

Audio I/O

• Main Output: 1/4" TRS jack (mono)
• Headphone Output: 1/4" TRS jack
• External Input: 1/4" TRS jack
• Sustain Pedal Input: 1/4" TS jack

MIDI/USB

• MIDI Ports: 5-pin DIN In/Out
• USB: USB 2.0 (class-compliant MIDI + power)
• MIDI Resolution: Enhanced 14-bit for key parameters
• MIDI Channels: Assignable
• Clock Sync: Automatic MIDI clock sync

Power

• USB Bus Powered: Yes
• External Power: 9V DC adapter (included)
• Maximum Consumption: 300mA at 9V DC
• Power Switch: 3-position (Off/DC/USB)

Physical Dimensions

• Width: 457mm (18")
• Depth: 273mm (10.7")
• Height: 76mm (3")
• Weight: Not specified
• Construction: Black plastic with sky-blue undercarriage
• Portability: Carrying handle included

Software Compatibility

Supported Operating Systems:

• Mac OS 10.12 Sierra
• Mac OS X 10.11
• Mac OS X 10.10
• Mac OS X 10.9
• Windows 10
• Windows 8

Included Software:

• Ableton Live Lite
• Additional Novation software bundle

Additional Features

• Auto Clock Sync: Seamless MIDI clock synchronization
• On-Key Functions: Deep parameter access via keyboard combinations
• Autoglide: Legato-triggered portamento
• Rhythm Control: Non-destructive sequence gap insertion
• Swing Control: Adjustable timing feel
• External Signal Processing: Process external audio through filters and effects

Tags: analog synthesizer