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. That said, I didn’t love the 32-step pattern length, and I’d hope to see it expanded to 64 steps in a future firmware update. Pattern-chaining, parameter locking, automation, and the like are all simple to do.
Production hub b review full#
The pads’ RGB control is taken full advantage of by Novation, with different colors corresponding with different tracks, menus, and settings. Several menu settings such as scale, pattern options, and gate are accessed by holding a corresponding button down and using the pads to change settings, which is surprisingly intuitive. The 32 pads are used for sequencing, performing, and menu selections, with their default mode providing a 16-note scaled keyboard and a 16-step sequencer for the selected track. Because of this, I would recommend investing in a case or separate bag when traveling with the Tracks.Ĭheck out a performance on the Circuit Tracks from Novation. The case is finished in black matte, which feels very premium but does tend to scuff easily. I was pleased to find metal shafts underneath each pot, which sit tightly beneath their rubber caps. 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. The rubber encoders each have their own corresponding LED that changes in brightness to display parameter values. The pads’ velocity response is spot-on, and they have just the right amount of squish and give for finger-drumming and playing. The 32 velocity-sensitive pads feel great, and are derived from Novation’s famous Launchpad range. It is built with an extremely light plastic chassis, but is still very sturdy and has no problems with bending or wobbling. The Circuit Tracks is a massive improvement over the original Circuit in terms of build quality. This process, which typically takes anywhere from 10 minutes to almost an hour in a DAW, is doable in seconds on the Circuit. The device focuses on providing a simple and intuitive workflow – select a scale, choose a preset, dial in a synth sound with the eight macro knobs, sequence or record a pattern, lay down a drum beat, and add in delay and reverb.
The Circuit Tracks fits this description well, with two internal synth engines, an intuitive pad-based sequencer, and four monophonic drum samplers.
The Novation Circuit Tracks is marketed as a groovebox – a term coined by Roland in the 1990s to describe a self-contained electronic music production interface. This review aims to compare the Tracks to the original Circuit, as well as provide a complete overview of the Tracks for potential new buyers. The Tracks builds on the impressive legacy of the original Circuit by providing a variety of new features: a built-in battery, two mono inputs, improved build quality, extra MIDI sequencing tracks, and an updated layout. 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. Novation has just released the Circuit Tracks, an improved version of its beloved Circuit groovebox.
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