Designed in collaboration with British graphic designer Ian 'Swifty' Swift, the Novation Bass Station II Swifty Edition is a limited-edition monophonic analog synthesizer with 25 full-size keys and assignable aftertouch. While optimized for bass sounds, it also excels at leads, arpeggiated sequences, and creative sound design. The Swifty Edition includes a unique colorway, 60 new artist patches, plus AFX and Paraphonic modes.

The Bass Station II features two analog oscillators plus a sub-oscillator for deep low-end. Its oscillators can be modulated and shaped using Classic and Acid filters, dual ADSR envelopes, 2 LFOs, and analog distortion. The onboard arpeggiator offers 32 rhythmic patterns with 1–4 octave range, while the step sequencer supports up to 4 stored sequences. With its dedicated front-panel controls, you have direct access to all parameters, and edits can be stored to 64 user patches for instant recall.

AFX Mode

With the free v4.14 firmware update, Bass Station II transforms into an AFX Station—developed with electronic music pioneer Aphex Twin. AFX mode lets you assign unique synthesis parameters to each key, enabling evolving sounds across the keyboard, multiple zones, or even complete drum kits within a single preset. This opens powerful new options for sound design and live performance.

The Synth Engine

The synth engine is built on three analog oscillators and a noise generator, with two main oscillators that switch between sine, saw, square, and pulse waveforms, and a sub-oscillator that can produce square, sine, or narrow pulse tones one or two octaves below Oscillator One. For filtering, you can choose between the Classic filter, which offers low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass modes at 12 or 24 dB slopes, and the Acid filter, a diode-ladder design that delivers a 303-style squelch, with both filters featuring built-in overdrive for added tonal shaping. The effects section includes analog distortion, which introduces harmonic richness and grit, as well as Osc Filter Mod, an FM-style effect that uses Oscillator Two to modulate the filter frequency.

Effects

Analog Distortion: Adds harmonic richness and grit.

Osc Filter Mod: FM-style effect using Oscillator 2 to modulate filter frequency.

Modulation

Two envelopes (amp ADSR + mod envelope) and two LFOs. The mod envelope can affect filter cutoff, pitch, or pulse width. LFO 1 is for pitch, LFO 2 for filter and pulse width. LFO Slew allows sculpted waveforms for expanded modulation possibilities.

Analog Signal Path

Fully analog audio path, preserving the spirit of the original Bass Station with optimized circuitry for powerful bass performance.

Filters

Classic filter with multiple modes plus a new Acid filter for aggressive, squelchy tones.

Patches

Ships with 64 factory presets and 64 user slots. Patch dump supports archiving and sharing sounds.

Arpeggiator and Step Sequencer

Arpeggiator runs through 32 rhythmic patterns in multiple directions with variable octave ranges. Step Sequencer stores up to 4 sequences with rests and legato, playable through arpeggiator patterns.

Hands-On Controls

Analog synth layout with dedicated knobs and sliders for real-time sound shaping.

Connectivity

MIDI I/O and USB for easy integration with DAWs and external MIDI gear.

Keyboard

25-note synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity and assignable aftertouch for expressive play.