GForce Bass Station
An expanded software tribute to our first ever synthesiser
$129.99
Description
Back in 1993, we introduced the world to a compact analogue synth with a colossal low end — the original Bass Station. Now, more than thirty years later, we’ve partnered with analogue-modelling pioneers GForce Software to create the definitive virtual version of this cult classic.
Key features
- A faithful sonic recreation of the 1993 original
- Plus polyphony, expanded sequencing, and more
- 300+ inspiring presets
- Included with Launchkey MK4, SL MkIII, and FLkey
Recreated, then reimagined.
Back in 1993, we distilled the gritty ethos of Britain’s early electronic underground into our first ever synthesizer: a portable, affordable, analogue beast that was destined to become a cult classic. More than three decades later we’ve invited GForce Software to bring those now-iconic sounds — plus a whole load of upgrades — direct to your DAW.
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A vintage voice for your Novation hardware
The Bass Station plugin is included with every purchase of Launchkey MK4, SL MkIII, or FLkey and has been specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with each model. -
Based on a true story
Explore an expanded celebration of Bass Station, whose digitally controlled analogue oscillators, filters, and VCAs from the late Chris Huggett’s WASP gave it an unruly, lo-fi sound. -
Expertly modelled by GForce
Having made their name with pitch-perfect recreations of classic synths, GForce have been pushing the boundaries of analogue modelling since the turn of the millennium.
Classic sounds, cutting-edge features
Bass Station fans will feel at home with the original sound, feature list, and much of the interface present and correct. But GForce didn’t stop there. This digital descendent comes with modern enhancements and quality-of-life improvements we could only dream of in 1993.
16 voices, one Bass Station
The original Bass Station was monophonic, however, with software synths, there’s no limit. Featuring 16 voices across polyphonic, unison, and combined modes, you are now equipped with a virtual chorus of Bass Stations from one keyboard.
Shape your soundscape
GForce have stayed true to the spirit of the original while seamlessly incorporating powerful new sound design features. With new waveforms, an additional sub oscillator, FM, new LFO options, filter key tracking, and much more, you now have more ways than ever to craft a tone that’s unique.
Maximum modulation
X-Modifier is more than just an additional modulation source — it brings movement to every aspect of your sound. Simply click a control and dial in your modulation to add unique, independent LFO and envelopes to almost every one of the synth’s parameters.
Instant inspiration
Unusually for an analogue synth of its time, the original Bass Station featured on-board patch memory — for up to seven sounds. This virtual iteration comes packed with more than 300 expertly crafted presets to kickstart your next track, plus plenty of space to store your own creations.
More to explore.
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Effects on everything.
GForce have included a full suite of creative tools, including, delay and chorus, an expansive sounding reverb, and four distinct types of distortion. -
Sequencing superpowers
Program patterns with the brand new sequencer and arpeggiator, featuring controls for individual step length, velocity, swing, scales, and more. -
Take control with macros
Two versatile macros can control as many parameters as you like. Just click and drag a parameter, then twist a knob to go from restrained to raucous.
The Bass Station story.
The original.
Recognising the potential in the MM10 chassis, legendary designer Chris Huggett incorporated ideas from his earlier Wasp synthesiser to form the basis of what we now know as the original Bass Station: a distinctive two-oscillator synth that delivered booming low end for a fraction of the cost of rival bass synth, the Roland TB-303.
Bass Station Rack
More than a keyless Bass Station, this rack-mountable iteration greatly expanded patch memory and added an LCD display for faster navigation. With syncable LFOs and enhanced modulation options, it also introduced early versions of some of the features now found in GForce Bass Station.
Super Bass Station
The headline update of the 1997 Super Bass Station was its additional sub-oscillator, delivering even more earth-shaking low end. It also included further memory expansions and new sound design tools such as ring modulation and a white noise generator.
Bass Station II
Celebrating 20 years of Bass Station in style, we launched its true successor, Bass Station II, in 2013. Built on the original’s heritage, and aping its looks to some extent, the sequel bested the original Bass Station in many ways, with a new layer of digital control allowing for modern features like instant patch storage and recall.
And beyond
Over the years, Bass Station II has continued to improve, with major upgrades coming via a series of free updates. Since it's release in 2013, it's gained microtuning, oscillator drift control, Paraphonic Mode, and AFX Mode — a collaboration with Aphex Twin that added the ability to load a new patch on every single key.
Specifications
Compatibility
- MacStandalone Application, AU, AAX, VST and VST3
- PCStandalone Application, AAX, VST and VST3
System Requirements
- macOS 10.13.x or above
- Intel or Apple Silicon Mac
- Windows 7 and above
- 2GHz CPU with 2GB RAM
Included with
- Launchkey MK4, SLMkIII, and FLkey
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