Novation Bass Stationchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users describe the synth as capable of deep, heavy, grinding bass through a proper amp as well as huge leads and pads. Many say it stands shoulder to shoulder with pricier synths and covers a wide sonic palette from Moog-style bass to acid-adjacent tones.

@LFOVCF

If you're willing to sit with it, and noodle, it'll damn near make any patch of whatever you want. Moog bass, Da Funk riff, Don't go riff, Acid squelch, Tora Tora Tora bass and everything early DM. It changes patch so fast, you can set each key to a patch and sequence it like a drum machine (Does analogue drums too.) Sends polyphonic midi out with velocity and after touch. It has built in distortion and overdrive.\nCreamy funk basses, and I've just coaxed mine to make the lead from Boogie nights. Filters you say? FOR DAYS! (classic, acid, LP BP HP)\nGet one.launch

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July 20, 2026

@kevteop

BS2 was actually the first synth I ever bought! I'm primarily a bass guitarist (I play upright too) and I had a massive pedalboard and was getting frustrated that I couldn't get good, solid, repeatable volume and modulation envelopes from pedals. So I bought a synth.\n\nI would say for anyone playing bass guitar it's a great product. It's a very, very good synth for Roland-ish sounds, it's very light if you're already lugging a lot of gear, and it's got enough on the panel to make it playable live. MOST IMPORTANTLY (for me anyway) is it switches between presets instantly. You can play call and response parts between two different voices, you can even (with the new settings from the AFX update) have a different sound on every key, turning it potentially into a mono analogue drum machine.\n\nI genuinely still love it. It sounds massive, too.launch

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July 20, 2025

@extralifedisco

Those little rackmount synths are an ergonomic disaster, but they sound great! I've never had a BS1, but I think the Bass Station 2 is probably my favorite monosynth of all time. The sounds are huge and the user interface is perfect, with full-size keys, aftertouch, nice mod/pitch wheels, and well-spaced knobs and faders. It even has an \"original value\" led. The filter is perhaps the weak point, as I have never once used the \"acid\" mode on the filter (it sounds nothing at all like a 303!). However I think it does do moog, cs-15, and dx-100 sounds with style and ease.launch

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September 5, 2020

@LFOVCF

I just bought one, and it's capable of fantastic patches, and basses so \npowerful, I could feel the woofer on my monitors blow a gale my \ndirection.\nToday I played on just about every synth that's available,\n inc matrixibrute, sub 37, Phatty, Korgs etc, and the BS2 has stood \nshoulder to shoulder, and the key action is one of the best.launch

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May 22, 2017

Novation kept releasing firmware (2.5 to 4.14) that added paraphonic playback, tunable sub-oscillator, loopable envelopes, adjustable keytracking, and per-key AFX patches. Users appreciated that a synth bought years ago kept gaining new capabilities at no cost.

@Death_By_Media

There are even hidden functions only accessible through NRPN functions like the Sub OSC decoupled as a Full third OSC not just detuned . \nSub OSC Pulse width is NRPN 0:83 Sub OSC Tune Coarse is NRPN 0:84 Sub OSC Tune Fine is NRPN 0:77 There is even a Saw wave hidden in there , but I don't know what the NRPN for it is . Only discovered this running across a demo of Patch Base running a BSII editor hereon the Tubes . Cheers !launch

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March 6, 2023

@Vimana

Important! Some functionalities you gain with the firmware updates, the latest version is 4.14:\n\n1. Adjustable filter keytracking. Many settings from zero to the default 100% keytracking\n\n2. Duophonic (paraphonic) mode\n\n3. The sub oscillator can be tuned independently. You now have a real 3 oscillator synthesizer\n\n4. You can loop both of the envelopes. They can loop all the time or you can set how many times they loop. It's like you suddenly got two additional customizable LFOs.\n\n5. You can now enter an \"AFX mode\" and program a different sound for every 25 keys of the keyboard and then save those settings. Some preset ones that mostly work as drum kits are included\n\n6. You can set a different portamento time for each oscillator\n\n7. You now have tuning tables. There are many preset ones but you could make your own as well\n\n8. \"Oscillator error\" settings. You can set the oscillators to drift out of tune.\n\nThere might have been even more new functionalities but these were the ones off the top of my head.launch

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June 14, 2019

@dussie920

Bass Station 2 users should really update to firmware version 2.5. The BS2 changes from monophonic to paraphonic synth and has some other new functions which really add some cool features!!!launch

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February 8, 2019

@bitronicc1887

Fun fact: The firmware update this week has now changed this synth from monophonic to paraphonic.launch

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November 4, 2018

Multiple users highlight that patches switch instantly, letting you play call-and-response voices live or even map a different patch to every key. This immediacy makes it enjoyable and practical for live performance.

@LFOVCF

If you're willing to sit with it, and noodle, it'll damn near make any patch of whatever you want. Moog bass, Da Funk riff, Don't go riff, Acid squelch, Tora Tora Tora bass and everything early DM. It changes patch so fast, you can set each key to a patch and sequence it like a drum machine (Does analogue drums too.) Sends polyphonic midi out with velocity and after touch. It has built in distortion and overdrive.\nCreamy funk basses, and I've just coaxed mine to make the lead from Boogie nights. Filters you say? FOR DAYS! (classic, acid, LP BP HP)\nGet one.launch

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July 20, 2026

@LFOVCF

It'll never go out of style. it's as versatile as...\nIt has some mad features, like the ability to put a different patch on every key, and because it can change patch instantly, you can't use it like say a drum machine, with a kick patch on one key, and a snare patch on another.\nI've just made the lead patch for Daft Punk's 'Da Funk' with it's built in distortion. the keyboard has a lovely feel (Synth action) but also it has midi controller after touch that you can set to say filter cut off etclaunch

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July 21, 2025

@kevteop

BS2 was actually the first synth I ever bought! I'm primarily a bass guitarist (I play upright too) and I had a massive pedalboard and was getting frustrated that I couldn't get good, solid, repeatable volume and modulation envelopes from pedals. So I bought a synth.\n\nI would say for anyone playing bass guitar it's a great product. It's a very, very good synth for Roland-ish sounds, it's very light if you're already lugging a lot of gear, and it's got enough on the panel to make it playable live. MOST IMPORTANTLY (for me anyway) is it switches between presets instantly. You can play call and response parts between two different voices, you can even (with the new settings from the AFX update) have a different sound on every key, turning it potentially into a mono analogue drum machine.\n\nI genuinely still love it. It sounds massive, too.launch

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July 20, 2025

@halcyo

I actually don't like the aesthetics on this version at all. It looks like a mess haha. I have the regular model, that I got for less than $100 at a local warehouse auction site. I like it, but I have a few other synths in my home studio that are just overall nicer- my Moog Subsequent 37 and 25 fit my vibe more. I will admit, the Bass Station II does seem like it would be a good live gig mono synth, because it's very light weight to pack, and it's not so nice or rare that you'd freak out about it getting beat up on the road. It does have \"a sound\", and the AFX feature is WILD (where you can have a completely separate patch on EVERY KEY.launch

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July 20, 2025

Several owners note the synth delivers a lot of sound for relatively little money compared to alternatives like the Moog Sub 37 or Little Phatty, making it an easy purchase decision for the quality on offer.

@georgegeez8708

I just bought this synth 2 weeks ago from a pawn shop that was going out of business for $125 USD. I'm a synth enthusiast/collector. I have to say this Novation Bass Station II is a little monster. I knew always that it was great for bass, but it does so much. After seeing this video, it opened my eyes and ears to so many other things it can do. It all of a sudden became one of my favorite synths in my collection. I thank you for this great video.launch

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October 7, 2024

@LohPro

for the money, the BSII is awesome. I much rather prefer DCO's, because with my Moog's, there were always 30-40 minute start ups times so that the oscillators would get in tune and wouldn't drift. i like to just turn a unit on, get my idea out and sequenced and the BSII allows that. Also it's way smaller than the Sub37 & Little Phatty, both of which I prefer over the smaller Sub Phatty. The Moog filter is the best I've heard, but for me personally, the cons of the Moogs have me choosing the BSII over them. Spending $600+ for slightly \"better\"/different synth isn't enough for me to justify buying & keeping a Moog. I liked my LP, but the $$$ I've saved can go towards other gear. There are pros/cons with each piece of gear. The BSII isn't an entry level synth either as I've heard others call it in videos....it's just a damn good 2 OSC Analog synth that sounds amazing to my ears and is quick & enjoyable to work with.launch

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October 15, 2016

@mootsym

Help me to understand this. The Bass Station 2 is over $1000 less than the Sub 37, and seems to have most of the same features. The sequencer isn't as nice, and to my ears the oscillators don't sound as nice as the Moog, and the filter is it's own thing obviously. But.. is that really all that's missing? The knobs are multi-function with the switches for VCO 1 and 2, the ADSR has the switch too.. so a few less knobs, but it seems to be all there, just like the Sub 37. Such a huge price difference.launch

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July 21, 2016

@twzstudio139

This is a very good overview of the synth.  While it is obviously competing with the Minibrute and Microbrute as far as price, but it is a totally different approach, and they are actually hard to compare to each other.  In many respects it is more similar to the Pulse 2, but about half the price. This synth has a lot of nice features for such a small foot print and is worth serious consideration.launch

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February 8, 2014

Owners praise the small footprint and light weight for hauling to gigs, along with a keyboard feel and aftertouch that several call one of the best they've used, especially on the rack version for tight studio spaces.

@kevteop

BS2 was actually the first synth I ever bought! I'm primarily a bass guitarist (I play upright too) and I had a massive pedalboard and was getting frustrated that I couldn't get good, solid, repeatable volume and modulation envelopes from pedals. So I bought a synth.\n\nI would say for anyone playing bass guitar it's a great product. It's a very, very good synth for Roland-ish sounds, it's very light if you're already lugging a lot of gear, and it's got enough on the panel to make it playable live. MOST IMPORTANTLY (for me anyway) is it switches between presets instantly. You can play call and response parts between two different voices, you can even (with the new settings from the AFX update) have a different sound on every key, turning it potentially into a mono analogue drum machine.\n\nI genuinely still love it. It sounds massive, too.launch

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July 20, 2025

@halcyo

I actually don't like the aesthetics on this version at all. It looks like a mess haha. I have the regular model, that I got for less than $100 at a local warehouse auction site. I like it, but I have a few other synths in my home studio that are just overall nicer- my Moog Subsequent 37 and 25 fit my vibe more. I will admit, the Bass Station II does seem like it would be a good live gig mono synth, because it's very light weight to pack, and it's not so nice or rare that you'd freak out about it getting beat up on the road. It does have \"a sound\", and the AFX feature is WILD (where you can have a completely separate patch on EVERY KEY.launch

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July 20, 2025

@extralifedisco

Those little rackmount synths are an ergonomic disaster, but they sound great! I've never had a BS1, but I think the Bass Station 2 is probably my favorite monosynth of all time. The sounds are huge and the user interface is perfect, with full-size keys, aftertouch, nice mod/pitch wheels, and well-spaced knobs and faders. It even has an \"original value\" led. The filter is perhaps the weak point, as I have never once used the \"acid\" mode on the filter (it sounds nothing at all like a 303!). However I think it does do moog, cs-15, and dx-100 sounds with style and ease.launch

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September 5, 2020

@LFOVCF

I just bought one, and it's capable of fantastic patches, and basses so \npowerful, I could feel the woofer on my monitors blow a gale my \ndirection.\nToday I played on just about every synth that's available,\n inc matrixibrute, sub 37, Phatty, Korgs etc, and the BS2 has stood \nshoulder to shoulder, and the key action is one of the best.launch

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May 22, 2017

Unlike true VCO analog synths that need 30-40 minutes to stabilize, the DCO-based oscillators let users turn the unit on and immediately start working, which several found more practical for quick idea capture.

@LarryKleinke-BlackAgent

Novation's problem was marketing this as 303 clone, which it isn't. It's just a standard two Osc mono synth. Way more like the 101 than the 303. It also has plenty of bass, no doubt. And yes, DCOs ARE analog, they're just under digital control. Their output is 100% analog.launch

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September 10, 2020

@LohPro

for the money, the BSII is awesome. I much rather prefer DCO's, because with my Moog's, there were always 30-40 minute start ups times so that the oscillators would get in tune and wouldn't drift. i like to just turn a unit on, get my idea out and sequenced and the BSII allows that. Also it's way smaller than the Sub37 & Little Phatty, both of which I prefer over the smaller Sub Phatty. The Moog filter is the best I've heard, but for me personally, the cons of the Moogs have me choosing the BSII over them. Spending $600+ for slightly \"better\"/different synth isn't enough for me to justify buying & keeping a Moog. I liked my LP, but the $$$ I've saved can go towards other gear. There are pros/cons with each piece of gear. The BSII isn't an entry level synth either as I've heard others call it in videos....it's just a damn good 2 OSC Analog synth that sounds amazing to my ears and is quick & enjoyable to work with.launch

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October 15, 2016

Some original Bass Station owners report units still working perfectly after decades of touring and travel, with programmed patches surviving untouched since purchase.

@ldtregent

I bought a Novation Bass Station when the came out. There were no real new analog (vco or dco) alternatives at the time. It has been used live many times and literally traveled around the world twice with me since and it still works perfectly. Several of the patches are the same ones I programmed into it when I first got it. I bought a Bass Station 2 several years ago and the knobs are already falling off. It has never traveled anywhere except from from the store to my studio. No screen? I grew up on ARPs, MiniMoogs and MicroMoogs. No screen needed. :)launch

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January 26, 2021