Novation BASS STATION II 25-Key Monophonic MIDI USB Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Bass Station II is a 25-key analog monosynth built around two tunable oscillators, a sub-oscillator, a noise generator, and ring modulation. The signal path stays analog from start to finish, so the low end stays thick and the top end keeps its bite. Two filter types cover a wide tonal range: the multi-mode Classic filter switches between low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass at 12dB or 24dB slopes, while the 24dB Acid diode-ladder filter runs darker and wetter for squelchy resonant lines. Analog distortion, filter overdrive, and oscillator filter modulation take patches from mellow pads to aggressive leads.

Sound design happens on the front panel. Oscillator, mixer, filter, envelope, and LFO controls all sit in view, so you edit by hand instead of paging through menus. Two ADSR envelopes handle amplitude and modulation, and two LFOs offer triangle, sawtooth, square, and sample-and-hold shapes with key sync and slew. 64 factory patches ship on board alongside 64 free user slots, and the free Librarian software stores as many patches as you like on a Mac or PC.

The 32-pattern arpeggiator and four-slot step sequencer record notes, ties, rests, and rhythms in real time, with swing and sync to outside gear or software. The full-size 25-note keybed is velocity-sensitive with aftertouch that can be assigned to filter frequency, oscillator pitch, or the pitch wheel.

Connections suit both desk and stage setups: class-compliant USB for MIDI and bus power, 5-pin MIDI In and Out for hardware, 1/4 in. mono and headphone outputs, a sustain pedal input, and an external input that routes outside audio through the analog filter and effects. A 9V power supply is included for use without a computer.