Novation Circuit Tracks: An intuitive beatmaking must-have?

The Novation Circuit Tracks stands out as one of the most intuitive and streamlined groovebox solutions for music creators looking to produce electronic tracks on the go. This lightweight, battery-powered unit packs a lot of power with dual Nova synth engines, an easy step sequencer, built-in drum samples, and effects. At €399, the feature-rich Circuit Tracks offers superb connectivity, sound quality, and an acclaimed workflow that lends well to beatmaking, songwriting, live performance, and mobile music production. We’ll examine the Novation Circuit Tracks below and break down the features for on-the-go musicians and producers in need of standalone production gear with high portability and an inspiring interface.

Features

Novation’s Circuit Tracks aims to be the ultimate groovebox, packing an extensive range of sound design and sequencing capabilities into one portable unit. This powerful box of tricks contains two polyphonic digital synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks with customizable kits, two polyphonic MIDI tracks, and a deep step sequencer with up to 256 steps per pattern.

The dual synth engines provide rich, analog-style tones, perfect for crafting lush pads, searing leads, resonant basslines, and more. Users can explore hundreds of factory presets or dive into the intuitive synth architecture to sculpt their own sounds from the ground up. The drum tracks offer flexibility for uploading and modifying your own samples or manipulating the built-in kit.

Circuit Tracks streamlines the music-making workflow with its tactile interface of velocity-sensitive RGB pads, illuminated buttons, and rotary encoders. This hands-on control makes step sequencing intuitive and fun while also enabling real-time recording and tweaking of patterns. Advanced features like probability, micro-timing, and parameter-locking open up creative options.

circuit-track-1 — Image credits: Novation

On the effects side, Circuit Tracks includes stereo delay and reverb as well as a master bus compressor for adding polish to tracks. Sidechain support allows for rhythmic ducking effects between tracks. Everything can be powered by the built-in battery for up to 4 hours of portable music production.

Key highlights:

Portable groovebox for music production, performance, and songwriting
Two internal Nova synth engines with 128 tweakable presets
Four drum sampler tracks for percussion sequencing
Intuitive 32 pad interface for sequencing, playing instruments, and selecting parameters
16-step sequencer can be expanded up to 32 steps
Scaled keyboard mode with different scale options
Pattern chaining, parameter locking, and automation
Built-in delay, reverb, and sidechain effects
Two balanced mono inputs, stereo output, headphones out
MIDI I/O connectivity: MIDI trio in/out/thru plus analog sync out
Standalone rechargeable battery for 4+ hours of use
Lightweight but sturdy construction with premium controls
Components software for organizing presets and samples
Streamlined workflow for quickly laying down patterns and songs

Industry Approval

Artists across various genres utilize Circuit Tracks for both their productions and live performances. Notably, Virtual Riot, Amelie Lens, Pretty Lights, and Richard Devine are some of the many who leverage this equipment as a foundational tool in their studios or as an essential addition to their live setups. Virtual Riot mentioned using the groove box a while ago by posting a playful video online

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A post shared by Virtual Riot (@officialvirtualriot)

Renowned sound designer and electronic composer, Richard Devine, shares his perspective on the Circuit Tracks: “Novation kitchen setup for this afternoon, Circuit is pretty nifty!”

Price & Black Friday offer

The standard cost of the Novation Circuit Tracks is €399, but with their Black Friday promotion, you can purchase it for €339(15% discount) for a limited time.

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