Novation Bass Station II

^# 8

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$379.00 to $499.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (162)

2 Critic Reviews

23 Reviews

All time low price

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14 community setups

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132 wishlisted

428 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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5.0 (51)

$579.99 $499.99 $80.00

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5.0 (9)

$579.99 $499.99 $80.00 · All time low

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4.5 (231)

$499.99 New

$399.99 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (48)

$408.40 39 available New

$293.95 21 available Used

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5.0 (6)

$579.99 $499.99 $80.00 · All time low

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5.0 (4)

$499.99

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4.6 (5)

$579.99 $499.99 $80.00 · All time low

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4.7 (288)

$388.00 $379.00 $9.00 · All time low

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£401.00

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Average Price: $453

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Novation Bass Station II is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Novation Bass Station II". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the dynamic world of synthesis with the Novation Bass Station II Analogue Mono-Synth. Designed for true musicians and sound designers, this powerful instrument is much more than just a bass synth. With its versatile sound engine, you can sculpt sharp leads, deep basses, and intricate arpeggios, all with the warmth and richness of pure analog sound.

This upgraded version of the original Bass Station combines the best elements of its predecessor with a host of new features. Highlighting its two analog oscillators, a noise generator, and a sub-oscillator, the Bass Station II invites you to explore rich, analog bass sounds. The signal path is entirely analog, including the effects section, ensuring the highest quality sound output.

The Bass Station II sports 25 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch, offering a synth-action keyboard that is highly responsive to the synth engine. Its hardware is arranged in modules with dedicated controls for all major parameters, making sound creation intuitive and fun.

This synth isn't just powerful—it's smart, too. It allows you to store and recall patches, with 64 factory presets and room for 64 of your own sounds on the hardware. Plus, you can store even more on your computer.

Key Features:

Pure analog signal path including the effects section
25 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch
Two tuneable analog oscillators and one sub-oscillator
Analog distortion drives and Osc Filter Mod effects
Two discrete filters—Acid or Classic—with built-in overdrive
Two envelope generators and two low-frequency oscillators (LFOs)
Arpeggiator and Step Sequencer for performance and production
Class-compliant MIDI device with MIDI I/O on 5-pin din ports
Ability to store and recall patches with 64 factory presets and user space
USB interface for connecting with your computer
Firmware update v2.5 adding filter tracking, paraph

Owner's manual

Novation Bass Station II User Manual

Product specs

Type	Keyboard Synthesizer
Analog/Digital	Analog
Number of Keys	25
Type of Keys	Synth Action
Aftertouch	Yes
Velocity Sensitive	Yes
Other Controllers	Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
Polyphony	Monophonic, Paraphonic Mode
Number of Presets	64 x Factory, 64 x User
Oscillators	2 x DCO, 1 x Sub-oscillator
Waveforms	Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square Pulse Width
LFO	2 x LFO (triangle, sawtooth, square, s&h), Key Sync
Filter	4-pole Lowpass Diode Ladder Filter, 2/4-pole Lowpass/Bandpass/Highpass Filter
Envelope Generator	2 x EG (attack, decay, sustain, release)
Number of Effects	2
Effects Types	Distortion, Oscillator FM
Arpeggiator	Yes
Sequencer	32-step
Audio Inputs	1 x 1/4" TS (line/instrument)
Audio Outputs	1 x 1/4" TS (mono out)
Headphones	1 x 1/4" TRS
USB	1 x Type B v1.1 (2.0 compatible)
MIDI I/O	In/Out/USB
Pedal Inputs	1 x 1/4" TS (sustain)
Features	Aphex Twin AFX Mode
Software	Novation Components (backup, transfer)
OS Requirements - Mac	OS X 10.9 or later
OS Requirements - PC	Windows 8 or later
Power Source	9V DC power supply (included) / USB bus powered
Height	2.5"
Width	18"
Depth	10.62"

FAQs

Is the Novation Bass Station II suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Bass Station II is well-suited for live performances with its robust build, intuitive controls, and features like the arpeggiator and step sequencer, which allow for dynamic sound manipulation on stage.
Can the Novation Bass Station II be powered via USB?: Yes, the Bass Station II can be powered via USB, making it convenient for studio setups and live performances without needing an additional power source.
What kind of sounds can I create with the Novation Bass Station II?: The Bass Station II offers a wide range of analog sounds, from deep basses and leads to percussive elements, thanks to its dual oscillators, sub-oscillator, and versatile filters.
Does the Novation Bass Station II have aftertouch and velocity-sensitive keys?: Yes, the Bass Station II features aftertouch and velocity-sensitive keys, providing expressive control over your playing dynamics and sound modulation.
How does the Novation Bass Station II integrate with a DAW?: The Bass Station II easily integrates with DAWs via USB MIDI, allowing you to use it as a MIDI controller or to record its analog sounds directly into your software.

Videos

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Novation

Novation // Bass Station II Performance

Novation

Novation Bass Station II : Synthesizer Demo : Analog Mono-Synth Monster

Perfect Circuit

Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Novation // Bass Station II - Overview

Novation

Novation Bass Station II analog synthesizer review - SoundsAndGear.com

SoundsAndGear

Bass Station II - Advanced Sound Design // Novation Live

Novation

BOOcast - Synth of the Month: Novation Bass Station II

Battery Operated Orchestra

A 2013 Mono Synth…Still Best for Your $$ Eight Years Later?? The Novation Bass Station II Revisited

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Novation Bass Station II Analog Mono-Synth Performance | Full Compass

Full Compass

Novation Bass Station II Review

Integraudio

Novation Bass Station II Analog Mono-Synth Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality, versatile from clean to chaos
Great bang for the buck with numerous features (2 oscillators, sub-oscillator, 2 LFOs, 2 filters, aftertouch, patch memory)
Substantial firmware updates adding features like paraphonic mode
USB power option with midi CCs control for convenience
Highly recommended for beginners, easy to learn synthesis
Sturdy knobs and envelope faders; full-size keys with responsive aftertouch
Comes with a useful sequencer and arpeggiator
Preset indicator light helps with learning and tweaking
AFX mode allows per-key patch creation
Durable and lightweight for easy portability

CONS

Plastic casing feels cheap and might not be durable
Limited modulation capabilities
Editing ON-Key functions can be less intuitive, needing more tactile control
Some users report issues with power switch and key functionality
Sound character considered a bit cold by some
Filters cannot be controlled via MIDI (possible limitation)

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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The Bass Station II is noted for its modern analog sound, contrasting with the vintage character of synths like the Microbrute.
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Compared to the Moog Messenger, the Bass Station II lacks continuous wave shaping but is noted for its strong value proposition and feature set at half the price.
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Compared to the Roland SH-101, the Bass Station II offers similar sonic architecture with additional features at a lower price point.
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Build quality

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The Bass Station II is entirely made of plastic, which some users feel lacks the sturdiness found in other synths with metal components.
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Use cases and applications

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The sub oscillator can now be detuned and fine-tuned, enhancing its versatility for creating unique bass sounds, following a recent firmware update.
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AFX mode is highly valued for enabling unique drum machine-like capabilities, offering innovative sound design options.
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The synth is praised for its ability to cut through the mix, especially for bass and lead sounds in band settings.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users find patch navigation tedious, requiring scrolling through patches with a button, making it difficult to quickly access preferred sounds.
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Owners mention the annoyance of cryptic shift+key options for accessing updated features and the inconvenience of patch selection resetting on power off.
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Some users report the plastic knobs degrade and get sticky over time, though not a deal breaker.
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Features and functionality

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The Bass Station II allows sine wave selection for both oscillators and sub, a rarity in its price range, praised for smooth leads and a versatile waveform palette.
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The synth can be powered via USB, adding portability for on-the-go use.
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The Bass Station II offers 2-oscillator paraphony with the firmware 2.5 update, allowing for dual-note play.
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The Bass Station II includes 7 filter types, including LP, BP, HP in 12/24db slopes, plus an "Acid" filter, offering versatility unmatched by many analog synths.
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The AFX mode supports patch-per-key functionality, allowing different sounds per key, useful for drum machine-like setups.
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Software and compatibility

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The lack of a desktop or rack version is a common complaint, as it limits space efficiency in studio setups.
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User experience

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Users appreciate the latch button for enabling two-handed manipulation, enhancing performance versatility with swells and atmospheric sounds.
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Shared envelope controls can be cumbersome during live tweaking due to lack of catch/pickup mode, leading to value jumps.
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Value and pricing

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Found refurbished for $350 with shipping, making it an affordable option with a generous feature set.
Source

Critic Reviews

Novation Bass Station II review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Novation Bass Station II is a triumphant return that enhances the original's charm with new features. It offers expanded filter options, a powerful arpeggiator, and step sequencers, which significantly boost its sonic potential. The tactile control set is intuitive, making it user-friendly for both novices and experienced producers. However, the build quality, while decent, isn't the best available. Despite this, the Bass Station II excels in delivering rich, deep bass sounds and more, appealing to EDM producers and beyond. It's a worthy successor to the original, bringing the beloved analogue sound into contemporary music production.

positive

Full Review

Novation Bass Station II - a full-blown analog synthesizer - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Novation Bass Station II dazzles as a robust analog synthesizer, transcending its "bass" moniker with a versatile sound palette. Its dual DCOs deliver everything from soft to aggressive tones, while the sub-oscillator and modulation options enhance its sonic capabilities. The intuitive layout and comprehensive feature set, including a sequencer and arpeggiator, make it a delight for both novices and veterans. However, the lack of CV/Gate connectivity might disappoint modular enthusiasts. Despite this, the Bass Station II remains a standout in its price range, offering rich analog textures and creative potential, solidifying its reputation as a modern monosynth staple.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 23 Reviews and 162 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

kimba_nevile

370

over 8 years ago

Great sounding synth!

If you want a great bass synth this one is for you. Do you need a good lead synth? Got you covered. Do you want to make some pads or get some really spacey sounds? It works for that too.

Outstanding all around mono synth.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Folk, World, & Country

polygecko

120

over 10 years ago

Powerful monosynth

This is the first analogue synth I bought and it met all my expectations. It's taught me a ton about signal flow, LFO, OSCs, etc. It's a staple in my studio and I couldn't create the way I do without it.

stekfdd

118

over 8 years ago

Flexible easy analog synth

Monophonic synth, old BassStation classic analog on steroids. Beautiful distortion and overdrive, osc filter mod. Useful step sequencer for internal and external hardware work. 2 classic side octaves, nice keys. Warm and strong sound.

doubleshotmaestro

136

about 11 years ago

The best analogue monosynth under $500

This was my first synthesizer, and I wouldn't easy part with it. Its incredible for the newbie to learn on, as well as a great addition to the collection of a seasoned pro. Must-have!

jhon_shepherd

407

over 6 years ago

Top 5 of 2019 For Good Reason

Novation absolutely has their stuff together when it comes to developing kick ass hardware that sounds as sexy as it looks.

6mon

over 7 years ago

Great for the price

A very nice and affordable analog mono synth.

Roles:

Guitarist Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Folk, World, & Country

eboz

105

almost 9 years ago

thickness

powerful synth for the money....until you're ready to pony up for a real Moog, this is cool, and has lots of good features like the arpeggiator and aftertouch and presets. dig it.

jimmarchi1

41029

9 years ago almost 9 years ago

I gotta say that the Novation and Artuira stuff is not in the Moog cmap at alla nd I eman that in a good way. They are far more aggressive, more in the roland and seuqnetial circuits style. I eman, if you're really just going for bass nothing does it quite like a Model D or Sub phatty/37 to my ear, but you don't always want that sloshy, deep moog sound and these other alternaitves are tighter and punchier without processing. Don't be thinking a Moog will replace a Novation, you will wanna keep both.

dave_stitch

about 9 years ago

Great synth

good all rounder of a machine. It may not have the quirkyness of vintage gear but what it does, it does well and is pretty versatile. Very enjoyable for messing around with.