Novation Circuit Tracks: Groovebox Sequencer With Synth Tracks, MIDI Tracks And Drum Tracks Electronic Music Making

Product Information

Some settings like setting the scales require reading constantly the manual to understand which scale is which. A unique instrument, the Novation Circuit Tracks is a sequencer, drum machine/sample player dual synth, mixer and FX unit – and it doesn’t even have a screen!

The sequencer was one of the main aspects of the original Circuit to receive massive firmware updates, bringing many features such as micro-step or probability that were lacking on release.

There is even an in-built rechargeable battery which provides up to four hours of battery life, which means it can be unplugged, taken anywhere and used when inspiration strikes. The original Novation Circuit is largely responsible for the resurgence of hardware music production gear, and has a soft spot in many producers’ hearts due to its highly intuitive workflow. While there is no way to create new presets on the Circuit itself, the included Components software has a decent UI for organizing, loading, and designing sounds. It gives me the ability to make songs that include some of my hardware synths without opening my laptop and DAW. A feature added to the original Circuit after we reviewed it was micro‑steps, dividing each sequencer step into six sub steps.

The pads, encoder LEDs, and buttons are all color-coded for simplicity: Synth 1 uses purple, Synth 2 uses green, MIDI 1 is teal, MIDI 2 is orange, and so on.I got this device trying to get an “all in one” GrooveBox to be able to produce tracks in a self-contained manner and reduce software dependency. It’s quick and easy to get a nice-sounding mix this way, and you’ll find yourself flipping back and forward as you compose your track as you naturally balance elements.