With Circuit Tracks, Novation presents the further developed version of the Circuit from 2015, which wants to enrich the market segment of all-in-one groovebox models with two polyphonic digital synths tracks, four drum tracks, new effects, and functions.
The core concept and the user interface of the new Novation Circuit Tracks is almost identical to the original Circuit was first introduced back in 2015. The two synthesizers and the four drum tracks are now joined by two MIDI sequencer tracks including the corresponding MIDI I/O section. For this purpose, the 3.5 mm TRS MIDI jacks on the circuit were replaced by practical 5-pin sockets including MIDI thru, with which external sound generators can be controlled. There are also two line inputs to integrate the corresponding signals into the Groovebox setup. Like the synth tracks, the MIDI tracks can be torn down with a mixer, effects, and sidechain.
While the first circuit for the mobile operation could still be powered by batteries, Novation replaced this with a rechargeable battery in the “Tracks”. An additional microSD card slot is used to save and exchange projects, patches, and samples that can be edited and sequenced using the four drum tracks.
Novation has also equipped the Groove box with new programming features: From now on 32 instead of 16 steps per pattern are possible, which can be switched via the corresponding button. Another new feature is a random function called “Mutate”, which randomly varies the pitch and timing of patterns.
Novation Circuit Tracks Features
- 2 synth tracks (6-part polyphonic)
- 2 MIDI tracks with programmable CC output
- 4 drum tracks (samples)
- 32 RGB pads (velocity sensitive)
- 8 macro encoders
- Reverb, delay, and sidechain effects
- Lowpass & Highpass Filters
- MicroSD slot
- Integrated batteries
- Novation Components app for synth settings
- 5-pin Din MIDI In / Out / Thru
- Analog sync-out
- 2 audio inputs (mono) for external signals
- Stereo audio output
- Headphone output
Price and availability
Novation Circuit Tracks all-in-one groove box is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com website for $399.99.
Recently, Polyend has also updated its Tracker Sampler, Synthesizer, and MIDI Sequencer with a new firmware update v1.3.0, allowing users to take a breather from music-making and refill their creative juices.