Novation’s Bass Station II is regarded as a modern day vintage in the synth world. And, the business warrants a great deal of credit rating for continually issuing updates and growing its element established. In truth, even however the main three-oscillator analog seem motor is unchanged, the 2020 model of the Bass Station II feels like a fully various instrument from the one launched in 2013. This is, objectively, a fantastic factor. We can only hope that other providers present their legacy items the same attention and affection that Novation does. But, there’s a person massive trouble: Right after a long time of adding options, there are plenty of features that you just won’t discover labels for on the front panel of your trusty Bass Station.
The most speedy difference here is the layout. But this is not just an aesthetic transform, the labels have been totally revamped to make all the most current attributes very easily accessible — you no more time have to keep in mind that perform and a double press of the 2nd F# essential is how you enable AFX Mode overlays.
Terrence O’Brien / Engadget
This could possibly feel like a small transform, but rely on me it tends to make a globe of variation. The Bass Station interface is by now pretty sophisticated. So piling concealed functions on top could make it rather intimidating to a beginner. It’s one particular of the reasons why I hesitated to propose it in my novices manual to getting a synth. (That and the $440 asking price tag place it a little bit above what we considered “entry degree.”)
The over-all look is also pretty a bit darker and more modern day. The considerably dated boxy blue and black has been changed with a retro black and white plan, that includes pixelated fonts and purple highlights. The complete point has an 80s laptop or computer vibe. The physique is however bulky and boxy you can undoubtedly tell this is not an instrument designed in 2020, but the facelift would make sense a lot more current. To be reasonable, not like a ton of other mainstream synths out there, the Bass Station has complete sized keys. And honestly, I’d gotten so utilized to minikeys, which I’d nearly overlooked what enjoying on whole sized keys was like.
The entire factor also comes in a special restricted version box with artwork designed by regular Aphex Twin collaborator Weirdcore.
Terrence O’Brien / Engadget
To full the deal, the AFX Station is preloaded with the hottest firmware and AFX Manner previously mounted. This adds features like extended sub oscillator controls and glide diverge (which means the two oscillators will glide to a target note at various prices). Much more importantly, it provides what Novation phone calls “overlays,” which essentially enable you produce a distinctive synth patch on every single crucial (nearly like sample locking). This allows you to perform insane glitchy sales opportunities and bass strains that mutate with each and every observe and even turn the Bass Station into a entire fledged drum device. It is 1 of the most unique capabilities I’ve at any time found on a synth.
Rounding out the updates are seven new overlays (you can have eight in overall) and 128 new presets from artists likes Noyze Lab, Richard Devine, Lightbath, rbeny and Perplex On. While there are a good deal of traditional sales opportunities, basses and even a couple of pads. A whole lot of the new patches enjoy to the Bass Station’s odd side and new rhythmic traits.
Engadget · Novation AFX Station Demo
I know that AFX Method is generally a year aged at this position, but I hadn’t experienced a likelihood to use it in individual until eventually now. And I have obtained to say it is even extra amazing than I expected. It’s just insanely entertaining to jam with and make nuts glitchy rhythmic areas on. It’s not normally I uncover myself just finding misplaced in crafting drum areas, but I could simply spend several hours just building organized chaos.
Keeping monitor of your overlays can get very complex, but Novation added a supervisor to their Components program tool which does enable a bit.
Thinking about the up to date search, exciting new presets and function entire interface, it is clear the AFX Station is the variation of the Bass Station II to get if you’re in the marketplace for a new one particular. Primarily because it is the same rate — $440.
Some parts of this article are sourced from:
engadget.com