20. July 2025

JET

DavidHilowitzMusic Dives into the Bass Station II: Where Nostalgia Meets the Future

David Hilowitz unleashes a tidal wave of nostalgia with the redesigned Novation Bass Station II. Taking a step back into the classic realms of Acid House and a bold leap forward with Ian Swift’s energetic design, this synth bridges the past and future in an electrifying way. Dive into the gritty depths of sound exploration as Hilowitz blends the old with the new, capturing the essence of what makes this instrument a true legend in modern music.

Unveiling a Modern Classic

From the opening frame, DavidHilowitzMusic plunges us straight into the unboxing of a synth that looks like it might have belonged in your dodgy uncle’s 90s rave band. The Novation Bass Station II, already known for its brawny sound, gets a fresh face thanks to designer Ian Swift. Swift’s redesign captures a blend of brash nostalgia and modern flair, something entirely typical for David’s visually and musically exploratory style.

"Normally, they look like this, but this limited edition version has been redesigned by Ian Swift."

The Legacy of the Original Bass Station

David takes a drumstick to the dusty legacy of the original Bass Station, waxing lyrical about its history and influence on the Acid House movement—a sound as groundbreaking as a fistfight in a punk gig. Launched in the early 90s, this synth gave a voice to the underground, reshaping electronic music. David skillfully parallels this legacy with the new model, revamping old-school vibes with crisp, contemporary tweaks.


Retro Meets the Future

"And sure enough, in this interview I found, Ian Swift does cite him as an influence, so story checks out."

Ian Swift’s redesign is not just skin deep. It brings a fresh sense of retro-futurism, drawing from influences as varied as Saul Bass’s movie posters and classic Moax Records artwork. David highlights how Swift’s artistic approach—definitely feeling like the visual equivalent of a timeless vinyl crackle—has been woven into the very fabric of the Bass Station II, enhancing its appeal without getting bogged down in pretentious tropes.

Soundscapes and Squelches

With a sense of mad scientist glee, David takes us through the sound capabilities of this revamped synth. The reverberating squeals, squelchy basslines, and the unmistakable 70s glide portamento demonstrate the wide-ranging potential of this gear. It’s a love letter to classic engineering with a nod to present-day advancements, perfectly suiting David’s knack for mixing innovation with tradition.

"The flexibility of the engine also makes it really good for sound design."

Call to the Synth Community

In true DavidHilowitzMusic fashion, the video wraps up with a call to the community. David gives a nod to the in-depth work of fellow YouTuber Alex Ball, encouraging viewers to deepen their understanding of the Bass Station’s storied history. David’s inventive spirit not only highlights the Bass Station II but also entices synth enthusiasts to engage with its vibrant legacy through accessible resources and his own meticulously crafted sample libraries.


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David Hilowitz Web Site: https://davidhilowitz.com