Using the Launchpad Pro as a DAWless workstation | Novation Connects

video upload by Novation

"In our first episode of Novation Connects, we demonstrate how to sequence the Pulsar 23 and Fireball via midi with our Launchpad Pro, in a DAWless approach to music production.

Here's how to sequence external gear with your Launchpad Pro, using a DAWless setup. The Pulsar 23 and Fireball are connected to the Launchpad Pro via midi, allowing the user to send midi notes and cc parameters to both the Fireball and Pulsar 23. This allows you to sequence and control each instrument. The Launchpad Pro is mapped to send midi to each drum track on the Pulsar 23, and another midi channel on the Launchpad Pro is mapped to sequence the Fireball. This DAWless setup is great for both music production and live performance.

Novation Connects Episode 1 - Chapters:
0:00 - Using Launchpad's drum grid to sequence a pattern
0:41 - Creating variation with the Launchpad probability settings
0:52 - Sequencing with the Launchpad note mode and Mutate function
1:21 - Using Launchpad mute buttons to create variation
1:41 - Modifying pattern length to build tension
2:06 - Jamming with Launchpad's Sequence mode"

Novation Connects Episode 2:

We went DAWless with an AFX Station and Endorphin.es Pedals - it sounds BONKERS
video upload by Novation

"Bass Station II: https://novationmusic.com/products/ba...
Circuit Rhythm: https://novationmusic.com/products/ci...

In Novation Connects episode two, we show you how to use our epic AFX Station in a DAWless setup with Circuit Rhythm, the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal and Endorphin.es Golden Master.

This setup brings together the minds of Aphex Twin, who collaborated with us on the AFX Station, and Andrew Huang, who helped design the Endorphin.es Ghost pedal, to create a brilliant DAWless workflow.

Chapters:
0:00 - AFX Station - Endorphin.es Ghost - Circuit Rhythm - Endorphin.es Golden Master
0:37 - Manipulating sounds with the Endorphin.es Ghost
01:02 - Activating AFX Overlays
01:50 - What is AFX Mode?
02:37 - DAWless jam"

Meet Novation's Synth Family: Bass Station II, Circuit Tracks, & Summit

video upload by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

"There are 100s of synths to choose from, so which do you buy? Gabe discusses 3 synths from Novation--the Bass Station II, Circuit Tracks, and Summit to check out how they sound together and individually!"

0:00 Intro
1:25 Opening Demo
3:30 Bass Station 2 Overview
2:42 Firmware updates & added functionalities
4:49 AFX Mode
5:48 Synth Controls Overview
6:38 Bass Station 2 Demo
8:26 Circuit Tracks Overview
9:26 Creating Patterns
11:04 Sequencing External Gear
11:46 Effects and Sidechain
12:55 Customizing via Components
13:23 Summit Demo
15:48 Summit Overview
17:38 Performance and Modulation Controls
18:08 Front Panel and Synth Controls
19:14 On-board Effects
20:06 Final Thoughts

"Droid Mischief" - Akai MPC X + Arturia MiniFreak + ASM Hydrasynth + Novation BassStation II

video upload by Patrick Manderson

"'Droid Mischief' was recorded live late afternoon on Friday August 25, 2023 using a MIDI sequencer and a room full of synthesizers and drum machines. Three analog mixers were used with a rack of ouboard effects mixed in stereo and recorded. Mixing and automation was controlled by the sequencer directly to the synthesizers. The final recording required manual adjustments and muting of the of mixer channels to suppress the noise coming from some of the devices. Video was recorded weeks after afterwards.

'Droid Mischief' was inspired initially from a previous composition utilizing a number of budget analog synths from Behringer. At [3:35] these synth along with the everpresent Novation BassStation II play a series of bleeps and bloops with a backdrop of ominous vocal grunts and breaths by the *Korg MS2000*. Each of the Behringer analog synths were patched for their perspective parts with CV modulating their volumes from the *Akai MPC X*.

Three patches were programmed for the Xenomorph voice on the *Korg MS2000*. Each utilizing the Korg's distortion. Dual patches were used to mix breathing noise and throat noise with velocities. [0:24], [1:53], [3:21]

The second part 'The Feast', is anchored by a groove using syncopated bass notes on the ASM Hydrasynth and percussive embilishments using AFX-MODE on the *Novation BassStation II*. Note: 4-5 stacked BassStations w/AFX-MODE would make an incredible sounding percussion synthesizer.

The Korg Radias is always present with its flexible 16 voice drum kit filled with various bottom frequencies, mid and high filtered noises layered and mixed with various modulations to make all sorts of lovely percussions [3:30]. Vocal 'Ahhs' embelish the suspensful parts [3:46], [4:45].

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet REV2 filled in a number of spaces, most notably the drama strings at [4:36] with the Roland JP-8080.

Eight patches were staged for use in the first half on the *Roland System-1M*. Its fidelity cuts through very nicely. I was suprised by the sound coming out of it despite the generic sounding filter. The oscillators and overall fidelity is excellent.

The Korg Minilogue and Minilogue XD take turns playing bass as well as other parts throughout. Always useful and never disappointing. The Minilogue is permanently coupled with the Drawmer DL241's gate to manage its noise.

Engine drones were provided by the Sequential Prophet 6*. It also provided additional syncopated notes with the *Hydrasynth in the last 3rd.

The delicious sounds coming from the Arturia MiniFreak was on stage throughout. Liberal use of its two macro modulations over MIDI CC-117, CC-118.

00:00 somwhere on deck D of the Nostromos
00:39 introduction
01:06 MS2000 and System-1 layered voices
01:27 buildup using BS AFX sounds layered with Rytm and Radias
01:49 Minilogue XD playing the bass
02:15 all instruments playing here
02:51 transitions with synthesized percussions
03:28 the chase
04:36 string transition with Prophet REV2*
05:00 Hydrasynth syncopation at 'The Feast'
05:49 resolved tension
06:16 finishing up with 'the groove'
07:25 synth credits"

Bad Gear - Bass Station 2

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Novation Bass Station 2. Has the immensely popular successor to the original Bass Station from the 90s become a classic in its own right for a reason? Should you get the AFX Station? That's no moog, it's a...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:10 Overview Novation Bass Station II
01:44 DCO Section
02:13 Filter Section, Acid Mode
02:42 Envelopes, LFOs
02:57 Effects
03:15 Arpeggiator, SH-101 Style Sequencer
03:34 Updates, Additional Features (Paraphony,...)
04:19 AFX Mode (+ Aphex Twin Heresy)
04:48 What else??? (Compontents, UI, Pricing)
05:10 Hate
05:33 Jam 1 (Dirty Bass)
06:29 Jam 2 (Novation should give me Money - Jam)
07:31 Finale (Less Musically Challenging Music)
08:01 Verdict"

Bass Station II Battle // Novation Live

video upload by NovationTV

"Watch Novation’s Product Specialist team from around the world, battle it out by creating patches and using them for four different live jams using Bass Station II.

To celebrate Bass Station's 30th year, and 10 years of Bass Station II, we're bringing our team together to show you how Bass Station II is much more than bass!

After 10 years the Novation Bass Station II is still the ultimate monosynth for warm, fat, and dirty analogue sounds. Based on the original classic 90’s Bass Station it is enhanced in every area to make it bigger, more versatile, and more powerful in every way. With two filter types, two tuneable paraphonic oscillators and a sub-oscillator (that can also be treated as an independent 3rd oscillator) plus; noise, ring mod and the unique and powerful AFX mode designed in collaboration with Aphex Twin mean the sonic possibilities of this analogue powerhouse are unlimited.

You won't want to miss this - tune in on May 31st to watch.

--- Discover Bass Station II
https://novationmusic.com/en/synths/b..."

Bass Station II Deep Dive // Novation Live

video upload by NovationTV

"Join -CALC- for another Novation live stream: 30 years after the original Bass Station was released we're also celebrating 10 years of Novation’s amazing analogue monosynth, Bass Station II. In this session -CALC- will chart the history of the Bass Station and explore the elements that make this a stand-out classic of our time.

Using the synth’s powerful analogue architecture and unique features such as AFX mode, paraphony and microtuning, we’ll be sculpting patches and creating sequences to show how this unashamed BEAST of a synth is still the go-to monosynth after all this time.

-- Discover more about Bass Station II:
https://novationmusic.com/en/synths/b...

--Discover more about Novation’s 30 Years of Making Music:
https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years..."

Shaping the signal of a live drum-break w/ Bass Station 2

video upload by NovationTV

"Bass Station 2 is a fantastic way to process sound sources using the external input. Bass Station 2 is especially powerful when processing external sounds when in AFX mode. Here we’re shaping the signal of a live drum-break with some wild results!"

Novation Celebrates 30 Years with Giveaways and More

video upload by NovationTV

"It’s been 30 years of Novation and music made with bass, beats and synthesisers.

From early beginnings in 1992, Novation has been a pioneer in developing music technology, allowing artists to create decade-defining sounds. Starting as Novation Electronic Music Systems, we built a small but innovative device, the MM10, which let you control a MIDI sequencer, the Yamaha QY10, for the very first time from a keyboard.

Since then, our synths, MIDI controllers, grooveboxes and more have helped people create, play and perform at all stages of their music-making journey.

From all of us at team Novation – we want to wish a huge thank you to our whole community for keeping us inspired. We can't wait to hear what you make next, and we look forward to another 30 years.

- Discover more about Novation’s 30 Years of Making Music
https://novationmusic.com/en/30-years..."

novation · Novation Legacy Sample Pack

"Crafted from old-school Novation gear and adapting Trance to a modern time, The Novation Legacy Soundpack looks back on the history of electronic music and the gear that helped shape it. Made with Bass Station, BS Rack, AFX Mode, K-Station, A-Station, Mininova, Peak and Summit.

--- Sign up to our mailing list to receive your Novation Legacy Soundpack:
novationmusic.com/en/sign-novation-emails

"Novation looks back on three decades of bass, beats and synthesizers.

Since 1992, Novation’s synths, MIDI controllers, grooveboxes and more have helped people create, play and perform at all stages of their music-making journey.

In 1992, Novation developed the MM10, an innovative MIDI sequencer that controlled the Yamaha QY10 from a keyboard, revolutionising the way we make music as the first MIDI controller of its kind. Bass Station’s arrival in 1993 pushed them further into the spotlight as a standout synth of the ‘90s. Developed by none other than synth designer Chris Huggett, his expertise with analogue and digital synth design influenced many of their iconic synths including Supernova, Bass Station II, Summit and Peak.

Over the years, Novation’s instruments have brought new life to music-making, including the Launchpad range which changed the game for grid-based music production and DIY performance, Circuit’s much-loved intuitive approach to beatmaking and sampling, and the award-winning Launchkey range of MIDI controllers used by artists in many genres.

In 2022, they’re celebrating 30 years of music, pioneering music technology and people that made Novation what it is today.

With Novation, anything is possible
Over the past three decades, countless artists have brought their musical ideas to life with Novation instruments. From October until Christmas, they’re bringing their community together to celebrate the made music with their instruments over the years with videos from artists across the globe, huge prizes up for grabs in their 30th anniversary competition and exclusive curated soundpack giveaways.

Giving back to the global community of fans
Novation will be giving away their biggest prize bundle yet to encourage their worldwide music-making community to share the love for their instruments. One lucky winner can own a full studio’s worth of gear, as well as three years of upcoming products.

The prize bundle includes:
1. A suite of Novation products, including Circuit Rhythm, Circuit Tracks, FLkey Mini, Launchkey 37, Summit, Peak, Bass Station II, Launchpad Pro.
2. Three years of future Novation products.
3. A feature on the Novation website spotlighting their entry/music and a short interview with accompanying social media promotion.
4. A 1:1 Product Demo Session with a Novation product specialist.
5. A Novation Logo T-Shirt.

The giveaways continue with 30 exclusive soundpacks covering countless genres. All users can get their hands on samples made for the Circuit Rhythm, and perfect for all of the Launch range – regardless of what DAW they choose. Newsletter subscribers can also get their hands on the Novation Legacy Sample Pack – add moods, textures and unique sounds from the Bass Station, AFX Station, and plenty of classic instruments.

Novation is also going backstage with creators in their community to see just how they make their music. Learn how to make songs and build beats in Ableton, Logic, Cubase and FL Studio from long-time Novation users including Lex Luger, Trishes, Bad Snacks, Seids and Venus Theory.

Join Novation in celebrating their story so far and become a part of their future as they continue to encourage creativity and make music production a rewarding experience for all."

Explore Novation's 30 Years

AFX4 -CALC- Novation AFX Station (Bass Station 2) Performance with Elektron Machine Drum

video upload by -CALC-

"This is the performance I worked on for the release of the Novation AFX Station. It's also included as part of the presentation I gave when the synth was released on Novation's YouTube channel.

This was a lot of fun to work on and was a bit of a pressure gig (releasing a signature synth collaboration with one of my all-time musical heroes). I spent a lot of time practicing to get it right.

The performance makes a lot of use of the AFX mode in the Bass/AFX Station with a nice smattering of microtunings too. It was also a lot of fun to break out the masterpiece that is the Elektron Machine Drum again too..... The MD was my first ever stand alone device, it broke me out of the box and changed my life for evermore... I will never let it go."

Bass Station 2 // AFX Mode // 3 Practical Examples

video upload by Jorb

"Wanted to demo some more grounded ways of using this wonderfully deep feature, hope it gets you thinking differently about the tools at your fingertips."

Bass Station II Editor in Patch Base

video upload by Coffeeshopped

"A simple demo of the Bass Station II voice and overlay editors now available in Patch Base for Mac and iPad. You can fully edit every voice and overlay (AFX Mode) parameter, visualize everything, and even access some hidden parameters on the Bass Station II

More info here: https://coffeeshopped.com/patch-base/..."

Bass Station II - Battle Performances with Ehsan and -CALC- // Novation Live

video by NovationTV

"In this livestream two Novation stalwarts, Ehsan Gelsi and -CALC- will battle it out, performing individually, using Novation’s powerhouse analogue mono-synth Bass Station II as the main feature. Both will perform live and then run through the techniques used, looking at how to use the killer AFX mode and checking out how the Bass Station II can form the centre point for any set-up.

--- Discover Novation Synths:

https://novationmusic.com/en/synths"

AFX Station // -CALC- Walk-through // Novation

NovationTV

"-CALC- introduces you to AFX Station: our modern classic monosynth, remixed by Aphex Twin.

Designed in collaboration with electronic music legend Richard D James aka Aphex Twin, AFX Station is a limited edition release of Bass Station II. A sound designer’s dream, AFX Station has the same powerful feature set as Bass Station II, with the addition of AFX Mode pre-installed, which revolutionises the way the monosynth can be played and programmed.

--- Discover AFX Station: http://bit.ly/AFXStation"

Novation AFX Station • Lightbath Patches + Overlays Demo

Lightbath

"I'm honored to be one of five sound designers selected by Novation and Richard D. James to create Patches + Overlays for the new AFX Station synth. I'm in good company with the others being Richard Devine, Noyzelab, Perplex On and ol' pal, r beny.

The AFX Station is a Bass Station II with a facelift that makes it easier to use the AFX Mode Overlays that are part of the new firmware. Plus, the thing looks great, now. More pro, less toy imo. It's a powerful synth that reminds me a lot of my Roland SH-101, but with patch-saving capabilities and some gnarly distortion and drive.

My patches parody a few choice sounds like BoC's Roygbiv and One Very Important Thought and some of the dirty sounds used by Tobacco and Black Moth Super Rainbow as well as a bunch of 'classic' Lightbath sounds and even a few jokes.

Lightbath Patches

082 - Audubon
083 - B3 Marimba
084 - Bass Racer
085 - Dandy Gum
086 - Formantable
087 - Gravity Error
088 - ImportantThought
089 - Mosquitohead
090 - Pluckbath
091 - Roy G. Biv
092 - SH-Gregorian
093 - The Fourth Below
094 - Threefold
095 - Tobacco Blessing
096 - Warm Chillbath

Lightbath Overlays

o5 - Gyil
o6 - Glitch
o7 - Flute"

Novation → https://novationmusic.com/en/synths/a..."

You can find additional Novation AFX Station posts here.

Introducing the Novation AFX Station - Limited Edition Aphex Twin Collaboration

Limited edition Black Novation Bass Station II with AFX Mode for $439.99. As always see the dealers on the right for availability. Details follow:

"Introducing the Limited Edition Aphex Twin collaboration - AFX Station.

Following an exciting hunt for clues across the globe, gathered and documented by the press [on MATRIXSYNTH here and here] and public, the spotlight has been shining on Novation to reveal the mysterious Aphex Twin collaboration.

Novation is excited to finally announce AFX Station, an all-new, limited edition of their modern classic Bass Station II monosynth, designed in collaboration with electronic music legend Richard D James aka Aphex Twin.

AFX Station is a sound designer’s dream. It has the same powerful feature set that has made Bass Station II the go-to monosynth for countless music makers. In addition, it has AFX Mode pre-installed, which revolutionises the way the monosynth can be played and programmed. Perfect for sequencing and arpeggiation, with AFX Station, every key on the instrument can become a new patch, making it a powerful analogue drum module, a flexible sound design tool, or a killer bass or lead machine.

To check out the AFX Station visit our site from launch on Tuesday 20th October, 8AM PST.

Availability: Online and in-store, limited
Cost $439.99"

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Novation Aphex Twin Teasers

via @WeAreNovation

"In honour of our upcoming collaboration with Aphex Twin, we'll be revealing a mysterious code for you to decipher over the next few days. Reply to this tweet and let us know what you’ve decoded... ⬇️ Only a week to go: 20.10.20 // #WeAreNovation"

And the clip below.

P.S. This one is actually pretty simple. :) See if you can figure it out.

Aphex Twin's visual collaborator Weirdcore created this next clue. More hints will be appearing this week, with all revealed on 20.10.20. We also think that the track used here makes incredible use of AFX Mode - 10 guesses as to who created it...
🎥 : https://t.co/hGI61eS4wQ pic.twitter.com/L7FA5LXApF

— Novation (@WeAreNovation) October 12, 2020

The Glorious Combo Livejam- Juno 106, Bass Station 2, Blooper, Launchpad Pro, Octatrack and RE 201

-CALC-

Fresh back from a little servicing love, the Roland Juno 106 and RE201 tape echo get back on the bench for a workout.

Based around a simple sequence from Launchpad Pro into the Bass Station 2 (using the marvellous AFX mode) the 106 is feeding loops into the Chase Bliss Blooper pedal. Octatrack holding the rhythm section in check.

JS Bach sits on watching."

Novation Teases New Aphex Twin Collaboration

Apparenlty these billboards are popping up in LA, Berlin, Bristol, and London per CDM.

Click the image to the left to zoom in and find some clues, if they apply that is.

On the left you'll see X-Station. The original X-Station was a controller keyboard with the K-Station engine built in. Note the font below it.

On the right you'll see Osc Filter Mod. Below you'll see Microtuning.

Feel free to see what else you can find.

Aphex Twin also worked with Novation on the AFX Mode Bass Station II and the Warp Records WXAXRXP 30th Anniversary Bass Station II.

Rumor is we'll find out Oct 20.

Update: and an image of the purported box spotted by Soviet Space Child.

Bass Station II - Advanced Sound Design // Novation Live

NovationTV

"-CALC- revisits the classic Bass Station II analogue synth, with a live stream focused on sound design. -CALC- will cover some of the more interesting and unusual features that this beast of a monosynth has to offer, including a look at programming the powerful AFX mode, releasing the 3rd Oscillator, paraphonic control and exploring the very powerful and programmable envelopes."

noyzelab's NYZ BSII M8Y Pure Data Patched Editor for the Novation Bass Station II

Available here

"Pure Data patch to assist with editing the Novation Bass Station II consisting of 3 main editors i] AFX Mode ii] Microtuning iii] On-key Functions"

via @noyzelab:

"NYZ BSII M8Y for editing AFX Mode, Microtuning & On-Key Functions on Bass Station II available as a FREE open source @HashtagPureData patch

beta testing & special advisory natteringz @AphexTwin
+
THNX 2 @WeAreNovation"