Novation Bass Station II Swifty Edition: A Mo’ Wax-Inspired Rethink of a Modern Classic
Novation has brought a new look to one of its most beloved synths. The Bass Station II Swifty Edition is a limited-run version of their flagship analog monosynth, wrapped in bold, Mo’ Wax-era graphics designed by legendary UK artist Ian “Swifty” Swift. The instrument itself is unchanged under the hood—but visually and sonically, it gets a fresh twist, thanks to over 60 new patches from producers like Legowelt, Pecq, and Maria Chiara Argirò. This isn’t the first time Novation has given the Bass Station II a makeover. Back in 2019, they collaborated with Aphex Twin to release the AFX Station, which introduced a performance-focused overlay and new firmware tweaks. While the Swifty Edition sticks with the standard hardware, it carries forward that same spirit—bridging UK electronic culture, visual design, and hardware synthesis in a way few brands do. It's part collectible, part celebration of a synth that continues to earn its keep in modern studios.
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TL;DR — Swifty Edition at a Glance
What it is – A limited-edition version of the Novation Bass Station II with artwork by Ian “Swifty” Swift.
What it’s for – Analog basslines, leads, and acid-style sequences with hands-on control.
What’s new – Custom Swifty-designed graphics and 60+ new presets by Legowelt, Pecq, and Maria Chiara Argirò.
Why it’s different – A visual nod to '90s UK design culture paired with a modern synth classic.
Who it’s for – Collectors, synth enthusiasts, and musicians who missed the AFX Station but still want something unique.
Alternatives – Arturia Minibrute 2, Korg MS-20 Mini, Behringer Model D, Novation Bass Station II (standard version).
What Is the Bass Station II Swifty Edition?
A Monosynth with History
The original Bass Station was released in 1993, just as analog gear was starting to regain attention from underground electronic musicians. Its accessible interface and hands-on sound-shaping made it a favorite among acid producers and rave scenes looking to escape the menu-diving of digital synths. The Bass Station II, released in 2013, took everything that worked about the original and expanded it: more modulation, a second oscillator, better filters, patch memory, and paraphonic operation. Over the years, it’s quietly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and flexible monosynths in its class.
The Swifty Visual Touch
The Swifty Edition doesn’t touch the synth engine itself—but visually, it’s a total refresh. Designed by Ian “Swifty” Swift, the limited graphics reference his iconic work for Mo’ Wax, Talkin’ Loud, and UK publications like Straight No Chaser and The Face. Swifty’s work helped define the look of UK club culture in the '90s, blending bold color blocks, playful type, and jazz-inflected graphic energy. The synth’s new skin feels more like a collector’s edition record sleeve than a gear reskin—and that’s what gives it its charm.
New Patches, New Voices
To make the Swifty Edition stand apart sonically, Novation also tapped a diverse crew of artists to contribute new presets. Dutch synth explorer Legowelt lends his signature retro-futurist textures, while UK-based duo Pecq and jazz-influenced artist Maria Chiara Argirò round things out with experimental and melodic sounds. The 60+ new patches cover gritty basses, airy leads, and modulated textures that show off the Bass Station II’s deep modulation engine.
Feature Rundown: Why It Still Stands Out
Analog with a Modern Brain
The Bass Station II strikes a smart balance between classic subtractive synthesis and modern flexibility. It features two analog oscillators plus a sub-oscillator, noise source, and ring mod—more than enough to cover bass, leads, and acid-style sequences. Its filter section offers both classic and aggressive modes, with the ability to switch between 12dB and 24dB slopes. Modulation is surprisingly deep, with two envelopes, a flexible LFO section, and aftertouch-ready routing, making it more than just a simple bass box.
Built for Bass and Beyond
While it’s easy to pigeonhole the Bass Station II as a bass synth, it’s far more versatile in practice. It’s capable of warm leads, sharp stabs, and even evolving drones when pushed. The paraphonic mode lets you play two-note intervals using both oscillators, giving you just enough polyphonic flavor to break out of mono lines when needed. For live use, features like step sequencing, arpeggiation, and performance controls (including velocity and aftertouch) keep it playable and responsive.
Limited-Edition Factor
What makes the Swifty Edition notable isn’t just the look—it’s the way it situates the Bass Station II within UK design and music history. Much like the AFX Station, it turns a well-loved instrument into a cultural object. For collectors, fans of Mo’ Wax-era design, or simply synth users who missed the last special edition, this is a rare chance to own a piece of hardware that stands out both visually and sonically—without sacrificing any real-world usability.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Swifty Edition catches your eye but you’re still exploring your options, there are a few standout analog monosynths worth comparing. The Arturia MiniBrute 2 and 2S both offer a more modular-leaning take on analog synthesis, with a powerful oscillator, Steiner-Parker filter, and a full patch bay for routing modulation. They lean a bit wilder than the Bass Station II, making them great for sound design and Eurorack integration. Meanwhile, the Korg MS-20 Mini brings raw, vintage-style tone and a semi-modular architecture. Its dual filter design and patch panel give it character—but also a steeper learning curve.
For more straightforward bass duties, the Behringer Model D delivers a faithful clone of the Minimoog sound at an affordable price. It’s all analog, with no presets or MIDI sequencing, but it punches hard and sounds massive. And of course, the standard Novation Bass Station II is still available for those who prefer a cleaner, more classic look with the same sonic power as the Swifty Edition.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into this category, check out our full guide to the best analog bass synths available right now.
Final Thoughts: Is The Swifty Edition For You?
The Swifty Edition is a smart move for anyone who appreciates synths with both character and cultural context. It offers everything that made the Bass Station II a modern classic—fat analog tone, deep modulation, hands-on playability—wrapped in a design that nods to an iconic moment in UK music and visual culture. For fans of Mo’ Wax, collectors of limited-run gear, or anyone who missed the AFX Station, this release offers a second chance to own something distinct without compromising on functionality.
It’s not a radically new synth, but that’s not the point. This is a celebration of what’s already one of the best analog monosynths of the past decade, dressed up with fresh patches and a visual identity that sets it apart. Whether you’re building a live rig, upgrading a starter setup, or just want a synth that looks as bold as it sounds—this one’s worth a look.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.