Novation AFX Station - Limited Edition Synthesizer

General

A long, long time ago - we're talking 2013 - Novation launched the Bass Station II and quickly realised they'd hit the bullseye when it comes to crazy popular stage and studio gear. It may be mono, but at least it's a mono synth bursting with more functions and analogue sounds than you can shake a stick at. The fresh Novation AFX Station bears a lot of similarities but comes with one or two unique twists. For starters, the AFX name, which is simply short for Aphex Twin because yes indeed: Richard D. James has kindly cooperated and even lent his name to this Novation-made sound machine.

The Novation AFX Station

Allow us to refresh your memory a little. The Bass Station 2, which makes up the better part of the AFX, is an analogue mono synth equipped with two oscillators, a sub-oscillator and a noise generator. So, with the AFX, pulsewidth modulation is possible and so is oscillator-synchronisation. The synth offers envelopes for amplitude and 'mod', where the latter is used for the filter or potentially things like pulsewidth modulation. Speaking of filters, you're offered two types (classic/acid), two curves (12dB/24dB) and even the choice between low-pass, band-pass and high-pass for a staggering total of twelve filters! That's in addition to two LFOs that are included to shake things up, an arpeggiator for otherworldly loops, and a few extra editing options 'hidden under' the keys. The built-in distortion effect isn't to be overlooked either, as it does what you'll likely be using the AFX for: create raw and rough sound for louder styles. Needless to say, the options are virtually endless so even if you've got other plans, that's totally fine too. If you did, however, come here to check out a hardcore synth, you've definitely come to the right place.

AFX-Only Features

In terms of exclusive AFX features, you're treated to the intriguing AFX Mode. When active, each key can carry its own patch data, allowing you to play with different sounds despite the synth's monophonic nature. This means you can add subtle changes to highs and lows - much like how it's done with key-follow filter functions. In reality, you can change anything you want, including the oscillator shape. The most obvious thing to do here is to turn the AFX into an analogue drum computer, with the kick on one key and the snare on another. This kind of potential is rare among similarly-priced synths, so if the BassStation 2 has been sitting atop your wishlist for a while now and you happen to be an Aphex Twin fan, don't miss your chance to get your hands on this particularly limited edition Novation AFX Station.