Musikmesse 2013 – A Classic Synthesizer re-worked for the 21st Century with 70’s thinking. The new Novation Bass Station II is an analogue mono-synth based on the classic original Novation BassStation. The Bass Station II features 25 full sized ‘synth-action’ keyboard with aftertouch, two filters, two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, patch save capability, and analog effects, a step-sequencer, arpeggiator, onboard modulation, and MIDI and USB.
The Novation Bass Station II layout and controls are very much in keeping with the original, and feel solid. The case is a more muted gray, and not as loud as some recent Novation outings. The cooler features on the Bass Station II: LFO slew, hard oscillator sync, and velocity mapping are very nice, indeed. And this does qualify as “analog,” with an analog signal path and analog filters, even with a switchable diode filter modeled on the 303 for what Novation describes as “acid” and “squelchy” sounds. And you get lots of hands-on controls for the synth, a welcome feature.
The new Bass Station II is improved, expanded, and more connected. This is yet another entry from OSCar and Wasp creator Chris Huggett, who contributed to some legendary synth designs and has continued to work with Novation.
Dave Smith Prophet 12 Synthesizer features a 61-key 12-voice polyphonic synthesizer keyboard with four oscillators capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator, resonant analog low-pass and high-pass filters, analog VCAs Per Voice, Effects, Arpeggiator, Tune feedback path, a quad multi-mode delay all per voice and bi-timbral operation add to the character of the Prophet 12.
At twelve voices, the Prophet 12 boasts the greatest polyphony of any instrument designed by Dave Smith. To command all this sonic firepower, you get enough real-time controls to pilot a space shuttle. The Dave Smith Prophet 12 has a knob per function interface which means the user does not have to dive through windows to access parameters. The Prophet 12’s new Character section adds a variety of wave shaping and sound sculpting options, like Drive, Hack, Decimation, Girth, and Air. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can all be synced, either to the internal clock or an external MIDI clock. Two programmable position- and pressure-sensitive touch sliders taken from the Dave Smith Tempest take the performance controls beyond the standard pitch and mod wheels. All pots act as controllers meaning the control possibilities are endless. A dual stereo analog distortion circuit was added at the end of the signal path to enable the user to drive the signal if desired.
The Prophets 12 looks amazing and sounds just as amazing. This synth has an analog filter with digital oscillators, so that makes it a hybrid synth.
The Akai Professional MAX25 Keyboard Controller features a 25-key USB/MIDI/CV Controller with Semi-weighted Action, Aftertouch, CV/Gate Outputs, 8 x MPC Pads, 4 x Touch Faders, and Akai Connect Mapping Software.
The MAX25 comes with AkaiConnect automatic-mapping software and Mackie Control® and HUI® modes for instant compatibility with many DAWs. The MAX25 also features an expanded arpeggiator and a step sequencer, which is ideal for sequencing effects. There are also inputs for footpedals for adding sustain, making the MAX25 ideal for dedicated keyboard players as well as synth-lovers and music producer.
This new addition to Akai’s Max series offers the same great feeling keyboard but in a compact package that will fit perfectly in front of a laptop on stage. The difference between MAX49 and MAX25 only lies in the number of onboard controls.
“This is a controller that’s made to be in front of a crowd,” said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Product Manager.