he Novation Circuit groovebox was an instant classic among electronic-inclined musicians and proponents of DAW-less production styles. Sleek, intuitive, and affordable, Circuits provided an excellent way for people to experience the pleasure of working with a standalone groovebox — marking a refreshing change from computer-based production. Novation Circuit Tracks now expands the functionality of the original unit, resulting in a surprisingly formidable and ultra-portable production workstation. Battery powered with a compact form factor, Circuit Tracks enables you to take your production game anywhere. It provides a huge tool kit for creating full-fledged productions, including two polyphonic synthesizers, four independent drum tracks, two MIDI tracks for driving external devices, and built-in FX for a final polish! Programming and performance are a pleasure with Circuit Tracks’ 4 x 8 matrix of wonderfully playable RGB pads, and parameters are easily and eminently tweakable via 10 responsive control knobs. Once you experience the freedom of making music with the Novation Circuit Tracks groovebox, it’s certain to become a fixture in your beat-production rig.
Four slamming drum tracks
Loaded for beats with killer drum sounds, the Novation Circuit Tracks serves up four independent monophonic drum sequencing tracks for generating densely layered rhythms. Start with a basic kick, snare, and hat pattern on the first drum track, and use the remaining tracks to layer one-shots, create polyrhythms, and fill up the sonic landscape with percussive ear candy. If you want to use custom sounds from your personal sample library, no problem! With the free Novation Components software, you can curate packs and load them into Circuit Tracks via microSD.
Two powerful polyphonic synth engines
You’ve got a beat that slaps. So, what’s next? Some scorching synth sounds, of course! Circuit Tracks is armed with two synth tracks, featuring a stellar collection of patches that cover all the usual suspects: throbbing bass lines, shimmering bells, laser-like leads, and more. Both synth tracks deliver six notes of polyphony for creating rich pads and stabs, and they can be programmed and played right from the pad matrix. Moreover, Circuit Tracks can map 16 musical scales to the pads (with user-defined root notes), meaning you can freely improvise without worrying about hitting a sour note!
Drive external devices via MIDI
Along with its cavalcade of internal sound generators, the Circuit Tracks features two MIDI tracks for driving MIDI-equipped devices. Programming MIDI tracks works the same as with the synth and drum tracks, but it allows you to expand your palette to include hardware analog and digital synths, drum machines, and standalone and DAW-based virtual instruments. For both in-studio production work and live performances, pairing Circuit Tracks with MIDI devices empowers you to create complex compositions utilizing all of your favorite sounds.
Polish your tracks with built-in FX
Put the finishing touches on your tracks using the ample onboard FX section. With Circuit Tracks’ eight reverb types and 16 delay presets (selectable from the pad matrix), you can slather your songs in deep ambience or add subtle space and depth. The delay presets are tempo synced, presenting numerous time divisions such as triplets and dotted notes with ping-ponging stereo modes. Moreover, the reverb and delay send levels are able to be automated, allowing you to add momentary impacts and transition effects.
Battery powered for on-the-go creation
While there’s nothing better than geeking out with your gear in the studio, sometimes you want to switch up your environment. Loaded with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 4-hour run time, Circuit Tracks untethers you from the studio. Producers and sound designers at Sweetwater enjoy toting their Circuit Tracks to the neighborhood coffee shop, or even outdoors to catch some inspiration from nature. Plus, Circuit Tracks’ portability makes it an ideal instrument for jam sessions and pop-up performances!