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Novation Bass Station Keyboard

$1,853.79 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (35)

3 Critic Reviews

7 Reviews

Newer option

Novation Bass Station II

$388.00 - $579.99

4.5 (162)

Find out who is using Novation Bass Station

2 community setups

23 wishlisted

79 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (3)

$1,853.79 14 available Used

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Average Price: $1,854

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Novation Bass Station Keyboard is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Novation Bass Station Keyboard is a modern powerhouse designed for musicians who crave authentic analog sound and versatile control. This synthesizer is a reimagining of the classic Bass Station, retaining the beloved authentic analog tone while offering enhanced features that suit both studio and live environments. Equipped with 25 velocity-sensitive keys, it provides expressive playability and precise control over your performances. Whether you're crafting deep basses, sharp leads, or evolving soundscapes, the Bass Station has the tools you need.

At the heart of the Bass Station Keyboard is its dual-oscillator analog engine, delivering fat, warm sounds that can be customized with ease. The addition of a sub-oscillator allows for even deeper bass capabilities, while the multi-mode filter provides a wide tonal palette, from smooth and creamy to aggressive and biting. Musicians can benefit from its extensive modulation options, including two LFOs and an envelope generator, offering creative flexibility. The built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer expand your musical possibilities, allowing for intricate rhythmic patterns and melodic sequences.

Key Features:

25 velocity-sensitive keys for expressive performance
Dual-oscillator analog sound engine with additional sub-oscillator
Multi-mode filter with overdrive for diverse tonal shaping
Two LFOs and an envelope generator for complex modulation
Integrated arpeggiator and step sequencer for dynamic compositions
MIDI I/O and USB connectivity for seamless integration with your setup
Compact design, ideal for both studio and live performances

Videos

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AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Novation Bass Station - Bassless TB-303???

AudioPilz

RS025 Novation Bass Station (1993): How low can you go?

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Reviews

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PROS

Compatible with Launchkey 61 out of the box
Recreates Bass Station II sound in a plugin
Effective for bass sounds in music production

CONS

Interface considered small on 1080p screens
Limited appeal beyond Ableton users
Considered dated in today's market
Some users find little to no use for it

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Bass Station Keyboard.

User experience

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Aftertouch requires significant downforce, with white keys exhibiting a "lever" action, which some users find concerning regarding potential wear or damage.
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Some users find the minimalist display and limited sequence memory (only four sequences) to be insufficient for recording song ideas.
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Some users report the plastic knobs degrade and become sticky over time, though this isn't a deal-breaker for many.
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The shared envelope controls may be cumbersome for live tweaking, as switching between envelopes can require extreme slider adjustments.
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Comparisons

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The Arturia MiniBrute and Korg Minilogue are often compared, but users frequently find the Bass Station II superior in versatility and sound quality.
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Compared to Yamaha's DX7 keybed, the Bass Station II's aftertouch is less responsive, which may disappoint those accustomed to high-quality key assemblies.
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The Bass Station II is likened to vintage SH-101s but offers more features at a lower price point.
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Use cases and applications

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The Circuit Mono Station, with a similar synth engine, offers additional modulation benefits like motion sequencing and a mod matrix, complementing the Bass Station II.
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When paired with a sequencer or sampler, the Bass Station II can function as a comprehensive tool for creating full-fledged songs.
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Features and functionality

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The synth includes three oscillators, with two main oscillators and a sub oscillator that became tunable after a firmware update, enabling triad creation.
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It offers seven filter types, including LP/BP/HP with 12/24db slopes and an "Acid" filter, unique among non-digital synths for its variety.
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The Bass Station II features a latch button that allows for hands-free manipulation, enhancing live performance capabilities with swells and atmospheric changes.
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The Bass Station II uses a "fast action" keybed, distinct from the Novation Mininova's mini key design, emphasizing a different playing experience.
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The Bass Station II can be updated to firmware 2.5 for paraphonic mode, allowing each oscillator to be controlled separately for playing two notes.
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AFX Mode allows assigning different patches to individual keys, effectively transforming the synth into an analog drum machine.
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Build quality

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Some units display inconsistent key resistance; black keys may feel lighter, with varying pressure required to trigger notes, unlike more consistent units found in stores.
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Value and pricing

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Available refurbished from Novation for around $350, offering significant features for the price.
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Other

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Some owners mention issues with high humidity affecting the synth's performance, necessitating repairs.
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Setup and maintenance

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The keybed includes aftertouch and a good synth action, with no mini keys, making it suitable for solos and as a MIDI controller.
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Critic Reviews

Novation BassStation

soundonsound.com

The Novation Bass Station is a compact powerhouse delivering funky bass tones reminiscent of the iconic TB303 but with added versatility. With its hands-on controls, it offers immediate sound manipulation, making it an excellent choice for real-time performance. The keyboard is a notable advantage over module-only competitors, and its ability to transmit MIDI data adds flexibility for studio use. However, the casing feels flimsy, and patch memory is limited. Despite these drawbacks, its affordability and fun factor make it a standout in its category, offering timeless bass and synth tones beyond the current fad.

positive

Full Review

Novation BassStation

soundonsound.com

The Novation Bass Station Rack impresses with its wide array of analogue sounds and built-in MIDI/CV converter, offering versatility for both dance music enthusiasts and broader musical applications. Its compact design and real-time sound tweaking controls make it user-friendly, while notable improvements over the original keyboard version, such as increased patch memory and additional MIDI functionalities, enhance its appeal. However, the envelope controls can be confusing for beginners, and the lack of independent pulse width control for oscillators is a drawback. Overall, it's a commendable and fun monosynth that provides great value.

positive

Full Review

Novation Bass Station | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Novation Bass Station keyboard, with its compact form and simple controls, offers a faithful reproduction of classic analog bass sounds reminiscent of the TB-303 and others. It's a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a basic yet effective monophonic synth. However, its limited memory storage—just seven patches—could be a drawback for users needing more versatility. Despite this, its portability and price point make it an appealing option for musicians on the go.

positive

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 35 Ratings

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graspee

268

over 11 years ago

Blah

Like V Station, it's not bad, it's just not that exciting. It's nice that it worked out of the box with the knobs on the Launchkey 61 though. The UI is really small even on 1080p though so if you have a bigger monitor you're going to have a bad time.