18. June 2025

RILEY

AndertonsKeyboardDept Keeps the Bass Station II Rockin’ in 2025!

Dive into AndertonsKeyboardDept’s latest breakdown of the Novation Bass Station II, a synth that’s been around for over a decade but still packs a punch. From its fresh Swifty facelift to wild AFX features, this mono synth proves it can hang with the best – even offering tricks like oscillator divergence and looping envelopes. Curious about how it holds up in today’s music world? You’re in the right spot!

Swifty Resurrection

AndertonsKeyboardDept brings the spotlight back to the Novation Bass Station II, celebrating over a decade of synth goodness with the Swifty Limited Edition. Host Alex from Novation jumps in, giddy to showcase this special version. The Swifty facelift, courtesy of design maestro Ian Swift, gives this classic synth a fresh appeal. It’s not just about looks; it’s about the craft and the community that cherish it. The enduring legacy of the Bass Station II is a testament to its strong build and continuous evolution.


Getting Personal with AFX Mode

Diving straight into the deep, Alex introduces the AFX mode, which feels like a cheat code for sound design. You can slap a different patch on each step, making it a sandbox of sonic opportunities. This kind of versatility is a beast, letting you tweak on the fly like a mind-bending game of Tetris. Alex breaks down how you can craft a mini drum kit straight from its interface. Starting with a kick, then a snare, and ultimately a hi-hat, each sound is sculpted painstakingly with precision, showing the synth’s multi-faceted personality. It’s the brainchild of Richard James, aka Mr. Aphex Twin, whose input inspired features like this to push synth capabilities. How’s that for street cred? Alex is quick to point out, “It’s just a simple monosynth, but it can do all of this,” which is a testament to the Bass Station II’s surprising depth. You don’t have an engineering degree to exploit the potential here – just a love for beats and a knack for sound manipulation.

"It's just a simple monosynth, but it can do all of this."

Oscillator Shenanigans

"One of them was oscillator divergence, so just like getting a little bit of pitch error in there."

Alex doesn’t stop at beats; he goes into the rich textures unlocked by the oscillator divergence feature. Adding a tad of pitch error gives sounds an edgy charm, reminiscent of those good old days with wonky synths. It’s like adding a splash of vintage attitude to modern capabilities, bringing about flavors that make you feel both nostalgic and cutting-edge. The Swifty edition embraces these nuances with open arms, flaunting its firmware improvements right on the keys.

Looping Envelopes for the Win

Now, let’s talk looping envelopes. This is the kind of magic that brings the Bass Station II to life, like a phoenix rising from the monotony of basic synth lines. Alex uses this feature to transform a hi-hat line into a rhythmic kaleidoscope, looping continuously to add texture and intricacy to sequences. With a quick copy-paste maneuver, Alex multiplies the excitement by adding looping magic to multiple notes, crafting a complex percussive tapestry from a simple mono synth setup. It’s mayhem controlled through wizardry, showing off the Monosynth’s flair for creativity. All these tricks come together when Alex whips up a sequence paired with an arpeggiator, channeling a vibey soundscape that is just waiting to set the stage of a live gig on fire. This feature injects layers of depth and movement, painting soundscapes as dynamic as a city skyline at night. It’s hands-on and enticing, a reflection of how user-friendly yet powerful this machine is.

"And you'll see where we're going with this in a minute when we start building sequences and arpeggiators."

Chord Tricks: Breaking Monosynth Norms

"There's a third one. We didn't know about this. This is the sub oscillator."

Breaking the mold, Alex teases us by using three oscillators to create chords on this ‘monophonic’ synth. The Bass Station II defies its mono label, proving you can pack a triad punch from just one key. Using the sub oscillator as a secret weapon, Alex crafts surprising chords, each note a gateway to a harmonious universe. The bonus? It’s all fun – a jazz session waiting to explode from your fingertips.

Sequencer and Arpeggiator Madness

As if there hadn’t been enough creativity packed into this demo, Alex shifts focus to the sequencer and arpeggiator of the Bass Station II. These features are like putting turbo on an already fast machine. By recording and manipulating rhythms and sounds, Alex demonstrates the heart of this machine – its ability to switch from serene soundscapes to rhythmic chaos with the twist of a knob. The synth’s flexibility shines as you witness how sequences and arpeggios blend seamlessly, creating evolving patterns that reach beyond typical monosynth boundaries.


Micro Tuning Exploration

Finally, Alex delves into the micro tuning options, something of a cult favorite among synth enthusiasts. These tuning options push musical boundaries, allowing pioneers of sound to experiment beyond conventional scales. While not instantly gratifying, the micro tunings lure you in with their promise of untapped frequencies and alternate musical realities. It’s a trip through alternate sound universes, perfect for those who crave the unconventional and aren’t afraid to break from musical norms. The Bass Station II remains untouched by effects in this whole experiment, yet it produces a raw and intimate sound landscape, a rare gem in its class.


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Novation Bass Station II
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