Novation Bass Station II Swifty Edition

In the 1990s and early 2000s, as genres like hip hop, electronica, house, techno, jungle, acid jazz, and various global fusion styles surged into 

underground and mainstream consciousness, graphic design became a key tool in shaping how these sounds were seen, not just heard.

 This era saw a democratization of both music production and visual culture, with independent labels, club nights, and pirate radio stations relying 

heavily on DIY aesthetics, bold typography, and experimental layouts to communicate their ethos.

 In the electronic world, labels like Mo’ Wax, Ninja Tune and Talkin’ Loud fused acid jazz and trip-hop with record sleeve designs that evoked both 

crate-digging sophistication and street-level cool. 

Club culture relied on graphic codes — day-glo colors, distorted text, abstract forms — to mark out spaces of hedonism, rebellion, or spiritual 

communion. In world music fusions, design often walked a line between celebration and exoticization, reflecting both the hybridity and tension of 

cross-cultural collaboration. Across these genres, graphic design was not merely decoration; it was integral to storytelling, identity formation, and the 

sensory architecture of evolving music culture

Since its release in 2013, the Novation Bass Station II has cemented itself as a modern classic in analogue synthesis. A staple in studios and live setups 

for over a decade, it delivers deep sound design capabilities, raw character, and unbeatable value. Now, this modern classic gets a bold new look, 

courtesy of Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift — the visionary designer behind the unmistakable aesthetics of Mo’ Wax, Straight No Chaser and many more; a key 

figure in the evolution of the visual identity of UK hip-hop, jazz, and street music culture.

 This limited-edition Bass Station II features Swifty’s signature typography, custom-printed panels, and graphic motifs inspired by rave flyers, dubplate 

culture, and DIY zines bringing underground attitude to a synth that has been a driving force in electronic music for over a decade.

 Complimenting Swifty’s unique remix of the Bass Station II’s visual identity, we are delighted to present new patches* from a diverse selection of Bass 

Station II power users; Legowelt’s endless electronic curiosity, Pecq’s kaleidoscopic alt-pop sounds and Maria Chiara Agirio’s breathtaking, “crazy 

good” modern jazz fusion.

Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift | Bio

 Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift is a legendary British graphic designer whose bold, experimental work helped define the look and feel of UK music and club 

culture through the 1990s and 2000s. Originally trained at Manchester Polytechnic, he made his mark at The Face magazine alongside Neville 

Brody, where he pushed the boundaries of typography, mixed media design and layout.

 He may be best known as the visual force behind Straight No Chaser, a cult magazine focused on world music, rare groove, jazz, electronica and 

hip hop. Swifty’s designs for the magazine, filled with hand-drawn type, collage, and vibrant energy, helped set a new standard for design that 

was rooted in both street culture and fine art. His use of custom typefaces, collage, and remix aesthetics mirrored the musical experimentation 

happening at the time.

 Swifty's design philosophy involved a "visual remixing" approach, drawing parallels between graphic design and the musical sampling prevalent

in hip-hop. He immersed himself in club culture and record shops, drawing inspiration from classic album covers, particularly those designed by 

Reid Miles for Blue Note Records. This influence is evident in the magazine's layouts, featuring bold typography and dynamic compositions.

 In addition to publishing, he crafted iconic brand work for music labels like Mo’ Wax and Talkin’ Loud, contributing to the early visual identity of 

genres like trip-hop and acid jazz. His influence stretches across generations of designers who blend music, urban culture, and visual innovation.

 Swifty is celebrated for blending street culture with sophisticated visual design; a vital figure in modern British design history

  • Dual oscillators with PWM & additional sub oscillator

 • Two analogue filters modes 

• Classic; multi-mode switchable 12 / 24db slope

 • Acid, 24db slope

 • Flexible modulation with 2 envelopes and 2 LFOs

 • 64 Presets and 64 user locations

 • Pattern-based arpeggiator with step sequencer and Rhythm 

parameter

 • Pre-filter drive circuit and analogue distortion

 • AFX Mode (patch per key)

 • Micro-tuning (Tuning Table available via Components)

 • 25 velocity sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch

 • Line inpubt: 6.3 mm mono jack

 • Line output: 6.3 mm stereo jack

 • Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack

 • Sustain pedal 6.3 mm jack socket

 • 5 pin DIN MIDI in/out

 • USB B port

 • Power via USB or power supply

 • Included power supply unit and USB cable

 • Pitch and Mod wheels