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Description

Experience the power and versatility of the Novation Bass Station Rack, a dynamic sound module that has become a staple in the world of synthesizers. This rack-mounted version of the classic Bass Station synthesizer is perfect for those looking to integrate vintage analog sounds into a modern setup without taking up keyboard space. Renowned for its distinctive analog filter, the Bass Station Rack offers deep, resonant bass tones, as well as crisp leads and lush pads. It's a fantastic choice for musicians who crave that authentic analog warmth combined with the convenience of digital control.

The Bass Station Rack features dual oscillators, allowing you to explore a wide range of sonic possibilities. With extensive modulation options and MIDI connectivity, it's easy to incorporate this powerhouse into any studio or live performance rig. Its user-friendly interface ensures that musicians of all levels can effortlessly craft their signature sounds. Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a budding producer, the Novation Bass Station Rack delivers reliability and richness that inspire creativity.

Key Features:

  • Dual oscillators for diverse sound shaping
  • Classic analog filter for rich, warm tones
  • Extensive modulation capabilities
  • MIDI connectivity for seamless integration
  • Rack-mounted design, perfect for studio setups
  • User-friendly interface for easy sound creation
  • Ideal for bass, lead, and pad sounds

Product specs

Brand Novation
Model Bass Station Rack Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1994
Categories Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Novation Bass Station Rack an analog synthesizer?

Yes, the Novation Bass Station Rack is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm, rich tones and classic analog sound.

How many voices does the Novation Bass Station Rack have?

The Novation Bass Station Rack is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time.

What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Novation Bass Station Rack?

The Novation Bass Station Rack features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, allowing for versatile integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.

Can the Novation Bass Station Rack be used for live performances?

Yes, the Novation Bass Station Rack is suitable for live performances, offering robust analog sounds and reliable MIDI connectivity for seamless integration into live setups.

What year was the Novation Bass Station Rack released?

The Novation Bass Station Rack was released in 1994, making it a classic choice for those seeking vintage analog synthesis.

zibbybone

zibbybone

Novation Bass Station Rack - Preset Patches and External Filter Input Demo

Video thumbnail for Novation Bass Station Rack - Preset Patches and External Filter Input Demo by zibbybone

Novation Bass Station Rack - Preset Patches and External Filter Input Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Novation Bass Station Rack Theme by Martin Aulkjær Ottesen

Novation Bass Station Rack Theme

Martin Aulkjær Ottesen

Martin Aulkjær Ottesen

Video thumbnail for Novation • BassStation Rack / TR-606 by Ramón Amezcua

Novation • BassStation Rack / TR-606

Ramón Amezcua

Ramón Amezcua

Video thumbnail for Novation Bass Station Rack Demo by VintageSynthShop

Novation Bass Station Rack Demo

VintageSynthShop

VintageSynthShop

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Novation Bass Station Rack features an autoglide mode that approximates the TB-303's slide effect, though it's not an exact match.

    Source
  • Velocity on the Bass Station can trigger accents, providing a dynamic range that contrasts with the TB-303's binary accent system.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the Bass Station can emulate acid sounds well, it lacks the booming low end and growl found in synthesizers like the MS20.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the Bass Station particularly effective for acid-style leads and basses, with many sweet spots despite not excelling at sharp leads.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Bass Station Rack's price has dropped from around $350 to $200, making it an affordable option for those seeking an acid sound module.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Novation Bass Station Rack requires a 9V center positive power supply, not the commonly used 9V center negative type found in BOSS pedals.

    Source
  • It's crucial to use a multimeter to check the power supply's functionality, as older PSUs often have large electrolytic capacitors that may fail over time.

    Source
  • Power issues may stem from incorrect power supply specifications; using a 1mA rated adapter successfully powered the Bass Station Rack, indicating a low power requirement.

    Source

Other

  • After being stored for 20 years, vintage gear like the Bass Station Rack can still function if powered correctly, highlighting its durability and resilience.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Novation BassStation

soundonsound.com

The Novation Bass Station Rack delivers a '90s take on analog monosynths with a durable build and impressive sound flexibility, thanks to its dual oscillators and robust MIDI/CV capabilities. It stands out with its ability to emulate the iconic TB303 while offering a wide range of sounds that appeal beyond the dance music scene. The inclusion of external input for further sound processing and extensive MIDI control are major highlights. However, novices might find the envelope switching controls confusing, and the lack of independent pulse width control for each oscillator is a minor drawback. Overall, it's a tremendous value for analog enthusiasts seeking a reliable and versatile synth.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
jimmarchi1

Gerat when it came out, still great today!

the original 1LFO/2env bass station in a convenient knob-per-function rack. MIDI and CV/gate connectivity.... I ahd one of these when it came out. Now it can be had for about $200 on ebay so I got another one. Sure there's a similar engine in my Monostation, sure I had a BSII. But those are bulky and take up a lot of space so I gave BS2 to a worthy young musician in my family, kept the circuit and got this 1ru monstuh for dueling Chris Hugget, wasp filter goodness. Which leaves me with 3 more rack units in my table top rack in the studio.... Oberkorn 3 sequencer? Modal Argon rack? But seriously, do yourself a favor and embrace the minimal feature set of the original bass station, get a rack unit. You'll use the hell out of it and it'll pay for itself in no time at all.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Underworld uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Underworld

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via Archive

In this archived version of a December 2000 article from Sound On Sound, Underworld's Rick Smith explains the band's then-current live setup. "This gear forms the heart of [his] live setup. It is complemented by a TR909, Nord Lead, Nord Rack module, Sony DPS V77, MP5 and Boss SX700 multi-effects, Behringer Composer MDX2100 compressor/limiter, Korg DL800 MIDI delay line (x2), Quasimidi Technox synth (x2), Korg O3/R sound module, Novation BassStation Rack bass synth, Emagic Unitor 8 MIDI interface (x2), plus some 'secret boxes' made by Kenton Electronics, which have 'something to do with MIDI.'"

See how Merzbow uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Merzbow

Composer, Music Producer

Kikuri

...
Verified via Archive

this website lists the gear that merzbow uses. the Novation Synth Rack being one of them

See how Scooter uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 3:19 into this video.

See how pdogg uses Novation Bass Station Rack

pdogg

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the Bass station right underneath his 500 series modules.

See how D.Ramirez uses Novation Bass Station Rack

D.Ramirez

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, D. Ramirez showcases the Novation Bass Station Rack, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Daniel Miller uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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

See how DJ Koze uses Novation Bass Station Rack

DJ Koze

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Dancing Astronaut

In an article by Grace Fleisher on Dancing Astronaut, it is noted that DJ Koze uses the Novation Bass Station Rack, visible atop his vintage keys setup.

See how Noriyuki Iwadare uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Noriyuki Iwadare

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via ALBORADA DEL GRACIOSO

"I also use this occasionally to produce analog bass. Easy to edit, easy to understand"

See how Erol Alkan uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Erol Alkan

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 0:12 into this video

See how Chymera uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Chymera

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

In an article by Adam Gilbert for Attack Magazine, Chymera discusses their studio setup, which includes the Novation Bass Station Rack, highlighting its role in their sound design process.

See how Cinthie uses Novation Bass Station Rack

Cinthie

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via MusicTech

As seen in the rack photos of this MusicTech interview.

See how goreshit uses Novation Bass Station Rack

goreshit

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

In the Instagram post by goreshit, the Novation Bass Station Rack is visible in the hardware rack above the Akai S6000, confirming its use by the artist.

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 Rack, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
alf_kagg

alf_kagg

Gear IQ 57

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

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