Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,861

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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
AudioPilz

AudioPilz

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

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Novation Bass Station - Bassless TB-303??? by AudioPilz

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

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for RS025 Novation Bass Station (1993): How low can you go? by rejected synths

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

rejected synths

rejected synths

Reviews

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

  • Aftertouch requires significant downforce, with white keys exhibiting a "lever" action, which some users find concerning regarding potential wear or damage.

    Source
  • Some users find the minimalist display and limited sequence memory (only four sequences) to be insufficient for recording song ideas.

    Source
  • Some users report the plastic knobs degrade and become sticky over time, though this isn't a deal-breaker for many.

    Source
  • The shared envelope controls may be cumbersome for live tweaking, as switching between envelopes can require extreme slider adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Arturia MiniBrute and Korg Minilogue are often compared, but users frequently find the Bass Station II superior in versatility and sound quality.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Bass Station II is likened to vintage SH-101s but offers more features at a lower price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • When paired with a sequencer or sampler, the Bass Station II can function as a comprehensive tool for creating full-fledged songs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The synth includes three oscillators, with two main oscillators and a sub oscillator that became tunable after a firmware update, enabling triad creation.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Bass Station II features a latch button that allows for hands-free manipulation, enhancing live performance capabilities with swells and atmospheric changes.

    Source
  • The Bass Station II uses a "fast action" keybed, distinct from the Novation Mininova's mini key design, emphasizing a different playing experience.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • AFX Mode allows assigning different patches to individual keys, effectively transforming the synth into an analog drum machine.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

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

    Source

Other

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

    Source

Setup and maintenance

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

    Source

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

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

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
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 35 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
G

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.

dave_stitch

Phat

My first really phat synth, I used to use this all the time. Bit limited in todays market but fond memories of all the good times for sure.

daltonenright

Good Plugin... for Ableton

Its a good plugin, but I have found no use for it in anything other than Ableton.

Z

Pretty nice bass synth from Novation

jakesaunders27

This is basically my Bass Station II in a plugin.

C

I have it

I have it but i dont even use it

E

Use the VST for bass

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Giorgio Moroder uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Giorgio Moroder

Music Producer

Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen playing Novation Bass Station Keyboard in this post.

See how Peter Christopherson uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Peter Christopherson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Coil

...
Verified via Photo

A Novation Bass Station Keyboard can be seen in this photo of Coil's home studio

See how Samiyam uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Samiyam

Music Producer

FLYamSAM

...
Verified via Cosign

"I make a lot of sound on the Novation Bass Station but I don’t know if I’d recommend anyone to buy it. Haha, but its definitely a cool sounding synth" - Samiyam

picture https://cosign.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/2.jpg?w=300&h=225

See how Andrew Eldritch uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Andrew Eldritch

Singer, Drummer

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via The-sisters-of-mercy

Andrew Eldritch utilizes the Novation Bass Station Keyboard, notable for its ability to transmit controller information with every knob adjustment, allowing sequencers to replicate each sound change. This feature, highlighted on The-sisters-of-mercy's "Sisters Tech - Samplers & Synthesis" page, showcases the Bass Station as a pioneer in this capability.

See how William Orbit uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

William Orbit

Music Producer

Torch Song

...
Verified via all about Madonna

William Orbit (about the gear he used for the recording session of Madonna's Ray of Light album) : “How did I know you would ask me that? Oh, it’s all in a pile there if you wanna look at it . It’s not a ton of gear. Most of it is pretty retro; a Korg MS-20, a [Roland] Juno-106, a [Roland] JD-800. Much of the album was done on a Juno-106. You can get so much out of that synth. Also a significant amount of it was done on the MS-20 – the more spiky sounds. A few things that people think are guitar are actually the MS-20. And then there were a few more bits and pieces: a few modules, a Yamaha DX7, a Novation Bass Statlon, a [Roland] JP-8000, a lot of Roland stuff. I’ve always liked Roland stuff. ”

See how Gareth Jones (producer) uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Garethjones

Gareth Jones' hardware: "Akai S3200; Novation SuperNova, BassStation and DrumStation, Nord Micro Modular; Doepfer MAQ 16/3, Regelwerk, MS404 and Pocket Control; Apogee 500e A/D; Focusrite ISA115HD and ISA 131; TC Finalizer; B&K 4006 mics; Schoeps Collete series mics; Genelec 1029A monitors; Sherman Filterbank; Line6 POD; Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo; Waldorf 4-Pole filter; Apple G3 PowerBook; Digigram VX pocket; E-Magic Unitor II; and the wonderful MT4. My Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad is in daily use. Palm Pilot is also a major part of my life, and my Creative Nomad MP3 player and Sony CD Walkman are great tools."

See how Daniel Miller uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Novation Bass Station is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.

See how Ed Rush & Optical uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Ed Rush & Optical

Music Producer

Ed Rush & Optical

...
Verified via Photo

When asked in this reddit thread what kind of equipment Optical uses, he responds:

"I have owned (and still do mostly) as best as I can remember: Mackie 32/8 32 channel - (I have had 3 altogether), 3 x Emu E6400 Ultra (also E6400 orig), Akai S750, S900, S1100, S3000 samplers, Alesis Quadraverb, Focusrite Green Eq x2, Focusrite Green Compressor, Focusrite ISA430 Producer Pack, Lexicon Alex, Lexicon MPX1, Alesis MidiVerb4, TC Electronics Fireworx, TC Electronics Finalizer, Joe Meek VC1, Drawmer MX40, Sherman Filterbank, CryBaby Wah Pedal Boss Pedals - Too many, Novation Basstation, OSCar, Sequential Circuits Pro1, Prophet 5, Wurlitzer, PPG Wave 2.1, Neumann TLM 105*, Fender Strat 1972, Oberheim/Viscount GM1000, Korg Z1, Kawai K1r, Otari Status 16R Mixing Console with Eagle Automation. BSS DPR-402 Compressor. and more I can't recall right ow ;o)."

*The Neumann links to the 103 because the moderator who approved this post believes Optical wrote 105 by mistake. If anyone believes this to be an error please follow up in the comments section so that we can adjust :)

See how Toby Smith uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Toby Smith

Keyboardist, Composer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via Jamiroquai

"On tour, Toby brings his Moog Source, Hohner Clavinet, Novation BassStation, Yamaha CS1x, and Fender Rhodes 88, mixing their smooth piano chord beats with analog sound sounds."

See how Mike Candys uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Mike Candys

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

"... Let's go analogue :) #BassStation"

See how Morcheeba uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Morcheeba

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Keyboards and synthesizers feature in Morcheeba's studio, and the collection includes a Roland Super Jupiter MKS80, a Novation BassStation, a Hammond organ and a Wurlitzer electric piano. But first prize for pure weirdness goes to the EMS Synthi A -- a 1970s beast in a box that was originally designed as a teaching tool and a portable version of the desktop VCS3 which features so heavily on Dark Side Of The Moon.

See how Everything Everything uses Novation Bass Station Keyboard

Everything Everything

...
Verified via YouTube

at 1:12 we can see clearly the Novation Bass Station Keyboard being played

Album Usage

The Novation Bass Station Keyboard has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation Bass Station Keyboard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Korg Wavestation
Korg Wavestation Synthesizers
3
Alesis Quadraverb
Alesis Quadraverb Effects Processors
3
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
3
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
3
Emagic Logic Audio
Emagic Logic Audio Music Software
3
Yamaha NS-10M
Yamaha NS-10M Active & Passive Monitors
3

Community setups

Show yours
midimal

midimal

Gear IQ 64

sammy_merayah

sammy_merayah

Gear IQ 75

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