New Novation Synth Re-Invents Bass Station Sounds
July 25, 2001Novation has launched a new polyphonic synthesiser delivering high quality sound and control at a very low price. The A-Station is an evolution from the classic Bass Station mono synth, using technology developed for the Nova and Supernova II. It carries a recommended price tag of $699.
Sheer processing power is at the heart of the A-Station concept. It employs what Novation describes as "Liquid Analogue" filter technology, enabling the creation of analogue sounds of a richness that even the original analogue machines could not achieve.
With a strong aftermarket in the original Bass Station modules, the A-Station will satisfy widespread demand for authentic analogue sounds that benefit from the precision of digital control. All 25 knobs transmit MIDI and provide quick and intuitive selection and adjustment of the bank of 200 preset patches.
Add eight-voice polyphony, a bank of onboard effects and a built-in 12-band Vocoder and the A-Station represents a highly affordable option, both for people creating their first set-up and for experienced
producers looking for that ultimate killer sound.
Key features
Oscillators
All the classic waveforms are incorporated, including a sub-oscillator for floor-shaking sub-bass grooves. Oscillators may be synchronised or utilise FM for the generation of metallic or percussive timbres. A continuously variable Noise Source, from Blue through to White and Red completes the waveform engine. External audio can also be input and used as an Oscillator source waveform, or routed through the Mixer, Filter and Envelope sections.
Liquid Analogue Filters
The A-Station filters take full advantage of the massive processing power built-in to the synthesiser to give unprecedented richness, smoothness and precision. Selectable low-pass, 12dB or 24dB cutoff curves with resonance and overdrive make it easy to recreate faithfully anything from a distorted TB303 to a tightly rounded Bass patch.
Fingertip control
Novation is famed for its control over synthesised sound. The AStation front panel is immediately satisfying, with every soundshaping control clearly visible. The A-Station also has a comprehensive MIDI specification, with all knobs transmitting MIDI controllers for easy recording of any movements in real-time on a sequencer.
Effects and Vocoder
The A-Station features a powerful built in effects processor section. Effects include Distortion, Stereo Chorus and Reverb, with a full range of controls. Stereo Panning can also be assigned to LFOs and envelopes to allow enhanced dynamic control of the stereo image. In addition, the Delay engine can add remarkable time-synchronised repeats to the performance. Unusually for a synthesiser in this pricebracket, a 12-band Vocoder is also included.
Arpeggiator
The two LFOs on the A-Station feature Random, Tri, Saw and Square waveforms, with Speed and Delay parameters. The built in Arpeggiator's Speed, Synchronisation, Sweep Range and Pattern parameters are stored with the program for instant recall. The Arpeggiator and both of the LFOs can be individually synchronised to MIDI Clock in different time signatures. In addition the Arpeggiator and LFO 2 can be synchronised to LFO 1 in different time signatures. Both these possibilities allow the creation of highly complex audio motion effects. Trigger signals may also be generated from the External Audio Input, allowing the external signal to be processed automatically by the internal Filters and Envelope Generators without the need for MIDI note or Gate signals. For more information, visit their web site at www.novationmusic.com. | 
