Novation Bass Station II Swifty Edition is a limited-edition paraphonic analog synthesizer, created in collaboration with British graphic designer Ian "Swifty" Swift. Blue and white colourway featuring bold typography and motifs inspired by rave flyers, dubplate culture, and DIY zines. Technically identical to the standard Bass Station II – the same fully analog signal path, two oscillators, sub-oscillator, dual Acid and Classic filters, AFX Mode, and paraphonic mode. Includes 60 new artist presets from Legowelt, Pecq, and Maria Chiara Argirò, with hidden AFX Mode functions labelled directly on the panel.
Analog Signal Path and Dual Filters
Bass Station II is built on a fully analog signal path. Two syncable oscillators (VCO1 and VCO2) offer four waveforms: sine, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse with variable width (PWM). The sub-oscillator runs one or two octaves below VCO1, available as sine, square, or narrow pulse. Two independent analog filters: Classic (multimode – LP/HP/BP, 12 or 24 dB/octave slope, derived from the original Bass Station) and Acid (diode ladder, 24 dB, 303-style character). Each filter has its own overdrive. Modulation comes from two ADSR envelope generators and two LFOs. Keyboard aftertouch is assignable to filter cutoff, VCO1 pitch, or LFO2 speed.
AFX Mode, Paraphonic Mode, and Sequencer
AFX Mode (firmware v4.14, free) assigns a separate patch to each key, turning the synth into an analog drum machine, chord organ, or effects bank. Paraphonic mode (firmware v2.5) allows independent pitch control of each oscillator, enabling two simultaneous notes. The step sequencer stores up to 4 sequences (notes, legato, rests, rhythm); the arpeggiator runs 32 rhythmic patterns across a 1–4 octave range. The synth is class-compliant over USB and supports preset management via Novation Components.
KEY FEATURES
- Limited edition with Ian "Swifty" Swift artwork – blue and white colourway, rave/DIY motif
- 60 new artist presets: Legowelt, Pecq, Maria Chiara Argirò
- Hidden AFX Mode functions labelled on the panel
- Fully analog signal path
- 2 × VCO (sine, triangle, saw, pulse PWM) + sub-oscillator + noise + ring mod
- Classic filter: LP/HP/BP, 12/24 dB slope, overdrive
- Acid filter: diode ladder 24 dB, overdrive
- 2 × ADSR, 2 × LFO
- AFX Mode: unique patch per key
- Paraphonic mode: 2 simultaneous notes
- Step sequencer: 4 sequences × 32 rhythmic patterns; arpeggiator 1–4 octave range
- 64 factory presets + 64 user slots; managed via Novation Components
- 25 full-size keys, velocity + assignable aftertouch
- External audio input (routed through analog filter and effects)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: analog monophonic / paraphonic synthesizer
- Keyboard: 25 full-size keys, synth-action, velocity + assignable aftertouch
- Oscillators: 2 × VCO (sine/triangle/saw/pulse PWM) + sub-oscillator (1 or 2 octaves below) + noise + ring mod
- Filters: Classic (LP/HP/BP, 12/24 dB) + Acid (diode ladder 24 dB) – each with overdrive
- Modulation: 2 × ADSR, 2 × LFO
- Analog effects: distortion, filter overdrive
- Presets: 64 factory + 64 user slots
- Step sequencer: up to 4 sequences, 32 rhythmic patterns
- Arpeggiator: 32 patterns, 1–4 octave range
- USB: class-compliant (MIDI + power)
- MIDI: 5-pin DIN In + Out
- Audio output: mono 6.35 mm jack (line out)
- Headphone output: 6.35 mm jack
- External audio input: 6.35 mm jack
- Sustain pedal input: 6.35 mm TS jack
- Weight: approx. 4 kg