@@TheCheeriosMan likewise, and the extra sequence memory is so welcome :) for me there are lots of game changing aspects to the Tracks over the OG circuit. Mine only just arrived a couple of days ago, lots to dive into!
Good luck staying minimalist with your gear. I really tried to keep with a small setup but it’s like an unstoppable rash, the collection keeps growing. Its partly your fault I ordered the Tracks as well.
Haha hopefully you enjoy it! I definitely have more gear than I actually need, partially so I can create a variety of videos for the channel, but I still very much like minimalist aesthetics and setups, even if I have multiple setups to choose from.
Facts. haha. I didn't order the new Circuit (and probably won't as I still like my original)... but as far as staying minimalist.. yeah.. not. possible. :)
@@GabeMillerMusic I have 95% more gear than I actually need. All for future videos / tutorials, etc. I wish I could have a simple laptop / midi keyboard / drumpad but nope. I want nearly all of them, for various reasons, ha.
MicroFreak and Circuit Tracks is absolutely a killer setup. It is really amazing what can be accomplished these days with a couple of devices. As usual, great video, keep them coming, they are very motivating!
That’s the set up, I think I’m going to acquire. Just doing the research I need as a bit of a novice. Will I be able to operate these synths with my iPad ?
I love your idea to sketch out a track using the internal Synths and then using an external synth later, so you can just use the Tracks to begin with and keep it portable.
Great review ;) After watching your videos I ordered OG Circuit. Sad on new Tracks there is no replaceable battery and built in speaker anymore. Cant wait what features will be on next Circuit release
I've been watching a lot of your videos to decide between this and the Circuit Rhythm. I was leaning toward the Rhythm but two things have me settled on the Circuit Tracks. First, the ability to make other synths better by bringing in their audio and adding effects (what a huge setup enhancement!) that you explained at the end of this video. Second, I watched Novation's video walking through the synth engine and it really clicks for me. The flexibility is on par with a (lightly) stripped back version of Serum or Vital. I wish it had full on-board editing like the Microfreak, but I can live with that compromise. Thanks for all your work showing these units off!
Hi ! I’m a 41 year old fader !! For some reasons I still don’t understand I bought a Medusa last year . I have been playing around with it and I really like this “thing”of synthesizer , and I was looking for something to add to my minimal set up. Thank very much for your young energy presenting and explaining this synthesizer to people like me.
I should have seen that in time. Until now, I thought the Novation Circuit was some kind of MIDI controller. But it's a great piece of hardware. Great video, thank you!
Would have been nice with a Synth 3 / Midi 1 combo for at least one of the midi tracks for those who aren't interested in buying when more hardware but still want to build tracks with a bassline, arp and some pad chords all playing at once.
So funny story. I had my circuit tracks for a day and the first night I took into to my bed and jammed with it a little. I fell asleep and just placed it on my bedside table. In the morning my 3-year-old son poured juice onto it. The juice got far enough to stop the buttons from triggering sounds so the next day I voided my warranty and cracked it open. Very easy to take apart and put back together. Simple to clean and if you want I have a picture of the insides on my phone. Gabe, let me know if you want and I can talk you through it. There are five screws on the case in total that you have to remove.
That's awesome to hear that you were able to repair it. Definitely shoot me an email (it's listed in the about section of my channel) and I'll follow up on this
Fun fact. I bought a Volca Keys to mess about with a couple of months ago because I'm bored with lockdown (I can't play music). I then saw @Gabe Miller Music mucking about with a Volca Keys and the OG circuit. The Circuit Tracks arrived today I have no idea what I'm doing but it looks pretty and makes doof doof noises 😅
Hi Gabe, I'm looking at this unit as an alternative to a daw. Whild I've looked at daws I've never been hooked. Do you think the Circuit or Circuit Tracks is a good first step to dawless. I'm wanting to make House Techno and DnB.
One thing that I love about circuit is that Novation are the absolute best with continued support for older gear like the Circuit and Bass Station. Even the discontinued Circuit Mono Station got a great update with patch flip. That, to me, is really important when comparing products. I can see myself getting another Novation synth like the circuit or summit and the sampler. They’re so much fun.
Gabe you sold me on the Circuit Tracks. Honestly this thing is ingenious and so well priced compared to other standalone grooveboxes (cough Mpc, maschine)
Thanks for all of your tutorials with this device. It’s really opened up different ways of approaching music. I hope they continue to update the software. An undo function seems like a bit of an oversight (unless I’m missing it). It would also be good to add some transitions similar to the 101s ability to flood everything with effects at the press of a button. There’s something oddly satisfying about the limitations that keeps me coming back to it though. It must be Stockholm Syndrome.
No undo button, but it's usually pretty easy to clear steps or patterns when needed. I think the limitations have forced me to be more creative and made me a better producer in the process. Getting the absolute most out of a small device is a fun challenge.
Hi Gabe, great video for me as a beginner! Midi ports from Circuit Tracks are different from the connected Volca and Microfreak. Are these easy to connect? How?
Thanks for a detailed review- there's definately enough improvements over the OG Circuit to make me want to get one. I'm with you on the built in rechargeable battery- I can only imagine that will wear out and eventually leak inside the circuitry and that makes me a big squeamish. I use rechargeable batteries in the OG Circuit.
Thanks for all you vids, Gabe. And yes, please some tutorials on the Tracks. I've watched all your circuit vids since last Sept when I was hunting around for a drum machine to help my bass playing. As much as the 1.8 Circuit firmware made it 'entirely' different than the original 2014 model, so too Tracks is a new order of instrument from the 1.8firmware Circuit. So in continuing to watch Circuit videos, am I harming my Tracks learning?
Definitely check out the super in-depth Tracks tutorial I made for beginners and intermediate users a bit ago. I'll do an advanced one eventually. I was able to pick up the Tracks really easily when I used it for the first time, so no, I don't think you're hurting your learning by watching videos with the OG. The workflow is super similar, just with new stuff and fewer functions hidden under shift commands.
What I noticed that not many people are talking about--- the volume is drastically lower than the original Circuit. Headphones-- the original Circuit could almost be painful, when messing around or playing a full track (with maximum volume)... Tracks and Rhythm have a drastic volume dip.... anyone else notice this? Thx!
Agreed that the built-in battery is both a pro and a con, but I doubt that it's anything super special. They're probably using some kind of standard lipo that you can get replacements for once you know its dimensions and specs. The "not replaceable" part is just about warranty, you'll void the warranty if you open the Circuit and replace the battery (and it might involve soldering, though I'd be surprised if it did). I bet some people will open these things up sooner or later (I certainly will mine ;p) and show ways to do it.
As far as I know, in some places, right to repair laws make it so they can't void your warranty, but don't quote me on that. I'd love to see some people more repair savvy than me figure out proper battery replacement.
Thank you for your very informative videos! I've watched several of them and the Circuit Tracks looks quite cool. But one question: is it also the right choice to backup analog or acoustic instruments? For instance, a (bass) guitar or (electric) piano? So far I've seen that a lot of electronic music is made with it, so I was wondering if it would also be a good tool for making backup tracks for, or to practice on, my piano, bass guitar, and the like. Would be great if you had some input on this!
Thank you@ghost mall! Apart from the sounds, does the Circuit Tracks work well for jazzy and Latin rhythms and the like? Or does it work better for more straightforward rhythms, without much syncopation and other small variations?
Does that thing have a wider selection of drums than the usual electronic ones? For instance, can you make acoustic sounding drum tracks on it? I wanted to know because I’d like to use it to create backing tracks for me to play my guitar over. I like a more rock type sound and that comes from acoustic drum samples.
More on the way! In the meantime, I've done a few videos with the original Circuit that show how to get more out of the two synth tracks (a recent one about getting more out of any groovebox, one about how to make heavy music, etc). One thing that might be worth looking into is using some sort of midi interface with a smartphone or tablet, or even using a laptop and sending midi to it over USB. I did a video on using the original Circuit as a USB midi controller as well.
I agree about the battery. Keeping it AA would have reduced the cost by having no battery and no charging included. It would also be useful for people who have it in a permanent setup as the USB for powering it would end up keeping the battery at 100% charge and wear it out or cause it to swell. I'm surprised they did not include any wireless in it, wireless sample/patch upload, midi or Ableton Link would have been handy. As for the styling it's more Ableton Push than Maschine. I just wish they had more consistency when it comes to connectors, it floats between USB C / USB B and 5 din midi / TRS midi in various combinations across the current range.
Like you show in another video, the Novation Circuit Tracks in partnership with a Roland MC-101 is a really powerful combo. That said, I also want an Arturia Microfreak. 🙄
So I ended up getting one, and I'm loving it. However I've got a couple questions after getting my feet wet. 1. Can you clear all the FX dry/wet macro positions for each channel at once, or do you need to turn them off then turn them down individually? 2) Can you edit any parameters on a per-sample basis within a Drum track, or are all the parameters applied to every sample in one of the four Drum tracks? Cheers
Turning the device on will show you the battery level. I did a super in-depth Circuit Tracks tutorial a while back that shows all of that stuff and more.
Hey man, love your videos about the tracks and the Mc101. I recently picked up a TR-8s and I'm trying to figure out if the Tracks would be right for me to add on, or if there's a better option for a sequencer/brain for external synths since I can do my drums on the TR-8s. Maybe an MC101/707? Digitakt/Digitone potentially? Would love to hear your thoughts about building around the TR-8s in a similar dawless/hybrid workflow.
An MC-101 would definitely be good, but be aware that your need extra audio inputs for recording and hearing what you're working on, or maybe see about recording with a composite device over USB. I do think the Tracks and TR-8s would definitely work, you'd just have the extra percussion tracks hanging out in the Circuit that you could use or not use. I'm not super familiar with Digitakt/Digitone, unfortunately.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks for the quick response. Can't you also use the 4 drum tracks on the Circuit Tacks as sample banks, expanding the flexibility a bit beyond just "drums"?
Yeah, you can swap out all the drum banks for user samples, as far as i know 👍 My knowledge is admittedly limited, but i got the Toraiz Squid to do essentially the same thing as you (dawless synth sequencng stuff) and i gotta say, the Tracks does everything i wanted the Squid to be, and more! i wanted randomness, probability, pattern chaining, different transport directions, and i got IT all with the Tracks - and the Squid can't even pattern-chain! The Squid is now sleeping in ITs case for the time being, while the Tracks is living and working in the setup.... Add on the fact that both Tracks synth tracks and both midi tracks can all do the same thing, and suddenly you've got 4 external synths running on the one brain.... 🧠 Honestly, this box is just really, really good 👏 You might want to take a look at the Korg SQ-64, which looks pretty dope.... But the Tracks really ticks the boxes IMHO 🤙😍🌌
@@darkuniversesound so you technically get a potentially of 4 simultaneous MIDI control channels if you give up a built-in-synth track? The biggest thing holding me back is being limited to 2 potential sequences to run to other gear. Is it possible to do difference sequences for each MIDI channel on a single MIDI track on the Circruit tracks? Thanks for the reply btw!
@@_angl_ Yes and no, if i'm understanding you correctly.... Yes indeed, 4 simultaneous midi channels (you'll need to turn down the Tracks' own volume on synths 1 and 2 in order to not double the sounds over your other gear; once that's done, you're good to go with midi sequencing going to four independent external synths).... No, in as far as i know, we've got one midi channel per synth track & midi track; IT sounds like you want to do several different patterns on one track and send each pattern to a different midi channel, if i'm understanding correctly? i'm pretty sure the Tracks can't do multiple midi channels on one given track - although you can set which midi channel # (1 - 15) on which each track goes out! Hope this helps 🤙🤙🌌
You can extend chords without retriggering using drone. Half/quarter speed patterns are still useful for chord progressions and other ”slow” elements, saves on pattern space and allows bigger more varied compositions.
Okay cool, I noticed in the manual that they tweaked note tie, but haven't had the time to fully dive into it yet. But yeah the half/quarter speed patterns are my go to for slow stuff.
I can get behind a groovebox if it sends midi out and takes audio in. It's not quite as portable but you don't need a midi router or mixer or audio interface so it's nearly as good.
Hi, is this something that can create anything ? For example can i create swedish house mafia one's soundtrack or totally different song - kylie minogue cant get you out of my head ? Most people i see use this to make some beats but im not interested in house or techno. I prefer pop. Is this a good choice for that ?
Going back to this video from time to time, just to remind me that it's the one that started it all for me (the dawless jamming, that is). The circuit is such a powerful sequencer, and fun and easy to use. I'm just wondering, you did say in the last part of the video that you Sidechained the volca keys with the kick, but the circuit only allows sidechain for the two main in-built Synth tracks, how did you manage that ?
It also has sidechain (plus reverb and delay sends) for the two midi tracks if you send the synth audio back into the Circuit via its audio inputs. It's my favorite feature of the Tracks.
@@GabeMillerMusic Aaand I just realised that you get access to the two external Synths simply by pressing the down key on the Sidechain panel. The More You Know !
Interesting thought. I have a Microfreak and am considering getting a tracks. I love the arp on the Microfreak and it's modes and octave selector plus the ability to dump that into a sequence. I was just wondering if you could potentially be sending a polyphonic sequence from the Tracks to the Microfreak while having the Microfreak in arp mode? Anyone tried this? That would be absolutely incredible if it worked cause you'd be able to fully write changing arp parts and not hit the limit of remembering the sequence of the changing arp line. Ooooh, that would also mean that you could change the divisions of the notes in the arp line while maintaining the chords for the same lengths of time.
You can do arp on the Tracks ITself! Just shorten the synth sequence length drastically, with some nice notes pegged in together.... For example: a set of six different notes in a row on steps 1 thru 6, with the entire sequence ending on step 6; now, the synth playback will essentially do an arp with the notes, over and over until you change the notes and/or their sequence (longer length, more spaces between, etc.) 🤙🤙
hey Gabe. I am looking to get into DAWLESS music production soon and I have two options for a set up? which would you recommend? the first scenario is using a RD-8 drum machine and TD-3 synth together with a mixer to sync up audio. Since they are both Behringer products the timing will sync up by just connecting the two instruments together with a wire or would you recommend using the Circuit Tracks instead as both a mixer/sequencer instead of a traditional mixer for audio?
Thanks! I've not used the OP-Z, but definitely check out my beginner/intermediate tutorial, I show how to set it up the MicroFreak near the end: th-cam.com/video/hzhTca87xqU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks bro/ I love the sequencer - just think I will replace the synth sounds with a 1980s pack then control a external synth or 2 + swap in sets of my own drum kits - not a fan of the stock sounds - so bright and chiptuney
But the electribe can also sequence external hardware on one of its 16 MIDI-synth-sampler tracks and not only mix the external signal, but also use it in real time as the timbre of any number of the 16 synths as mono or stereo pairs. Perhaps this Tracks has some more modern nuances or an easier workflow, but on paper it seems that the already old electribe wins…
It doesn't when the triggering track is muted (it just doesn't receive a trigger signal at all), but it DOES when the track's volume is turned all they want down. So when stemming stuff out, I'll record an instance with the trigger track muted to get a no sidechain version, and I'll record an instant with the trigger track turned all the way down to get a clean, isolated sidechained track.
I have the original circuit, and just run the output into my 505. There's presumably some midi magic you can do, even beyond temp sync, but it does not need to be fancy.
The external synths I used in this video are paraphonic (so they can play multiple notes at once but in a more limited way) and mono as far as the stereo spectrum is concerned. The built in synth tracks are both polyphonic (up to 6 voices) and can be stereo due to unison, chorus, and phasers, depending on what's built into the patch.
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks! Yes, I meant mono as in the stereo width spectrum of the synth engine goes. I realize now that this may be a stupid question because maybe that's true for nearly all synths and that the only reason sounds are wide are due to effects like unison, haas etc, which has nothing to do with the underlying synth engine?
Are there any good packs available yet for the tracks? Especially looking for some lofi hiphop sounds. I know there were quite a few packs for the original circuit
I'm not sure what's been adapted for Tracks and what hasn't, but the Street Dreams pack by Yves Big City is solid. If it's not converted, you can convert it yourself, stay tuned for Wednesday's video.
I've done whole videos on the topic, but the quick version is: - For live jamming with multiple pieces of gear, the Circuit Tracks is fantastic - For the unique tape workflow and weird sound design, the OP-1 is great, but super niche (I did a whole video on that) - I haven't used the OP-Z, unfortunately, but from what I can tell, it's got way more power than meets the eye for beatmaking and jamming. I'm sure if you spent the extra money on it it would be quality.
What happened to the Novation Component video you just posted this morning? Was really looking forward to watching that but it looks like it was taken down :'(
There’s a ton of variables but someone who just wants to dabble with groove boxes in between diaper changes, will probably never use a DAW, and just wants to make some quick beats for fun. I don’t have a ton of time to go deep. Would you recommend the Tracks over the MC101? I’ve watched all your videos on both and it’s still a toss up for me. I’m leaning towards the tracks right now.
Hi Gabe. I have asked this in multiple platforms including the synthesia live stream they did and I haven't had an answer. How would you chain pattern 1 to pattern 5, as it lands on the same pad you're already holding when you page down? Or 2 to 6 etc. I would appreciate an answer. Thanks in advanced.
@@GabeMillerMusic makes sense since we have lost the ability to chain out of order.Thanks for touching up on that and thank you so much for responding. At least we have longer patterns and the new sessions. Cheers.
Does it bring anything to the table that the synthstrom deluge does not? Roughly the same size. Deluge can send 16 channels and sample and live loop. It may be twice as expensive but it looks like twenty times the capability. Nearly unlimited tracks. It will let you add tracks until you start thrashing the cpu.
Price and workflow would probably be the major ones. The Deluge looks absolutely fantastic, but a lot of people can't or won't afford to drop that kind of money on it. And I have heard from some people who have used both that they prefer the Novation user interface. That's not to give the Deluge a hard time though, it looks amazing and I'd love to give one a go at some point.
I may have missed this but the circuits is only able to drive 2 external devices? can we use the synth and drum tracks to feed midi to external gear as well?
@@GabeMillerMusic well I suppose as long ast it's all sending midin out , the routing after is realitivly easy, I can get 16 devices running off the Electribe 2
My setup is a Microkorg and a Bass Station, which I switch back & forth btw for Bass, lead, arms etc to ableton. In trying to go DAW-less, Tracks seems like a clear choice to sketch out beats & interact with other musicians. Thanks for your review 👍
You don't really do much sound design on the device itself, and there are a ton of preset packs out there, so yeah I'd recommend it for you. And, as you get better at sound design, you can connect it to a computer to design or modify sounds, so there's room to grow into it.
@gabe I love Circuit Tracks and bought one as a central piece to a small dawless set up which is a new methodology for me having worked with Ableton and Push for years now. Can we talk about Components? Does it work for everyone or is it really buggy? I love Circuit Tracks but I feel like I've got half a product because components just doesn't work fully. I try to transfer stuff and it disconnects. I've been in a month long chat with Novation support and still yet to resolve. I just wonder whether this issue is unique to me or others find Components barely usable.
@@GabeMillerMusic Cheers, appreciate the reply. Good to hear it might just be my issue and nothing wider. It really is a brilliant bit of kit and alongside MC101 as a sound module it's a great little setup. Keep up the great vids, they're great. I'd love to see one properly delve into the Components work flow for creating patches and where to go and buy packs. I feel like Novation are really missing a trick there. As a new comer to Circuit I sort of expected there to a library of packs available to buy and add from Novation to expand on the limited factory pack.
It's on the way. I need to double check a few features to make sure I get the right info across, then find time to film it. Hopefully I can get something out this weekend.
@@GabeMillerMusic it's strange that the video that could help me now first appeared and then disappeared) but .. thanks for your work! I'm surprised at your performance!
Yeah there was a pretty major detail that I missed, and it's something that I wish had been mentioned in a tutorial when I was trying to figure it out. I always try to make the videos I wish I had, so I'd much rather redo it to make that happen.
Looks more of an 1.5 incremental update than an 2.0. still pretty good for circuit fans but the limitation of 2 bar maximum sequence length counts me out.
That's definitely fair, but I should mention that chaining multiple patterns together and reducing the speed of patterns can make for much longer musical sections than just 2 bars.
What about implantation of circuits and iOS app production mapping midi with empify groove box blocs wave or koala sampler.it will be rad and huge content video
I just double checked, and yep, they are. Can't believe I missed that. I've edited that part out of the video to not waste people's time or show misinformation.
Full disclosure: Novation did send the Circuit Tracks over for review, but they had zero control over the content of this or any other video.
Can you make your drum pack for the Novation circuit tricks
I did, you should have gotten an email if you already bought it. And if you buy it now, it'll be in there.
I see.
They need to just GIVE you one. Or a hefty discount on one. No one is more of a Circuit master than you, Gabe.
They gave it to me to keep, lots more videos with it on the way.
I’m listening to this rn at work and keep forgetting it’s a tutorial because you’re beats are bumpin! Keep it up friend
"The ability to absorb other synths and steal their powers" 😀😅 Absolute classic!
Agreed! Great analogy!
Same! And probably a huge reason for my pull towards a Tracks.
@@TheCheeriosMan likewise, and the extra sequence memory is so welcome :) for me there are lots of game changing aspects to the Tracks over the OG circuit. Mine only just arrived a couple of days ago, lots to dive into!
meh..... not really.
Good luck staying minimalist with your gear. I really tried to keep with a small setup but it’s like an unstoppable rash, the collection keeps growing. Its partly your fault I ordered the Tracks as well.
Haha hopefully you enjoy it! I definitely have more gear than I actually need, partially so I can create a variety of videos for the channel, but I still very much like minimalist aesthetics and setups, even if I have multiple setups to choose from.
Facts. haha. I didn't order the new Circuit (and probably won't as I still like my original)... but as far as staying minimalist.. yeah.. not. possible. :)
@@GabeMillerMusic I have 95% more gear than I actually need. All for future videos / tutorials, etc. I wish I could have a simple laptop / midi keyboard / drumpad but nope. I want nearly all of them, for various reasons, ha.
MicroFreak and Circuit Tracks is absolutely a killer setup. It is really amazing what can be accomplished these days with a couple of devices. As usual, great video, keep them coming, they are very motivating!
That’s the set up, I think I’m going to acquire. Just doing the research I need as a bit of a novice. Will I be able to operate these synths with my iPad ?
Problem is getting out to a DAW with separate track, if we had a way to export audio as tracks instead of muting each track to create a stem
Dou really sold this little monster to me, your various sound demos helped me decide a looooot! Thanks for the effort!
I love your idea to sketch out a track using the internal Synths and then using an external synth later, so you can just use the Tracks to begin with and keep it portable.
Great review ;)
After watching your videos I ordered OG Circuit. Sad on new Tracks there is no replaceable battery and built in speaker anymore. Cant wait what features will be on next Circuit release
I've been watching a lot of your videos to decide between this and the Circuit Rhythm. I was leaning toward the Rhythm but two things have me settled on the Circuit Tracks. First, the ability to make other synths better by bringing in their audio and adding effects (what a huge setup enhancement!) that you explained at the end of this video. Second, I watched Novation's video walking through the synth engine and it really clicks for me. The flexibility is on par with a (lightly) stripped back version of Serum or Vital. I wish it had full on-board editing like the Microfreak, but I can live with that compromise. Thanks for all your work showing these units off!
Hi ! I’m a 41 year old fader !! For some reasons I still don’t understand I bought a Medusa last year . I have been playing around with it and I really like this “thing”of synthesizer , and I was looking for something to add to my minimal set up.
Thank very much for your young energy presenting and explaining this synthesizer to people like me.
I should have seen that in time. Until now, I thought the Novation Circuit was some kind of MIDI controller.
But it's a great piece of hardware.
Great video, thank you!
Excellent presentation man, just ordered one!
Would have been nice with a Synth 3 / Midi 1 combo for at least one of the midi tracks for those who aren't interested in buying when more hardware but still want to build tracks with a bassline, arp and some pad chords all playing at once.
So funny story. I had my circuit tracks for a day and the first night I took into to my bed and jammed with it a little. I fell asleep and just placed it on my bedside table. In the morning my 3-year-old son poured juice onto it. The juice got far enough to stop the buttons from triggering sounds so the next day I voided my warranty and cracked it open. Very easy to take apart and put back together. Simple to clean and if you want I have a picture of the insides on my phone. Gabe, let me know if you want and I can talk you through it. There are five screws on the case in total that you have to remove.
That's awesome to hear that you were able to repair it. Definitely shoot me an email (it's listed in the about section of my channel) and I'll follow up on this
I would love to be able to see the insides of the Circuit Tracks. I’m not ready to open my Circuit yet
20:14 - That was the key defining moment of this review. Thanks a lot.
Fun fact. I bought a Volca Keys to mess about with a couple of months ago because I'm bored with lockdown (I can't play music).
I then saw @Gabe Miller Music mucking about with a Volca Keys and the OG circuit.
The Circuit Tracks arrived today I have no idea what I'm doing but it looks pretty and makes doof doof noises 😅
Hi Gabe, I'm looking at this unit as an alternative to a daw. Whild I've looked at daws I've never been hooked. Do you think the Circuit or Circuit Tracks is a good first step to dawless. I'm wanting to make House Techno and DnB.
That was impressive and useful. Thanks a lot for this little gems.
Thanx Gabe, clear view on the product.. would work perfect next to the MC-101 and TR-6S
One thing that I love about circuit is that Novation are the absolute best with continued support for older gear like the Circuit and Bass Station.
Even the discontinued Circuit Mono Station got a great update with patch flip.
That, to me, is really important when comparing products.
I can see myself getting another Novation synth like the circuit or summit and the sampler. They’re so much fun.
Gabe you sold me on the Circuit Tracks. Honestly this thing is ingenious and so well priced compared to other standalone grooveboxes (cough Mpc, maschine)
Thanks for all of your tutorials with this device. It’s really opened up different ways of approaching music. I hope they continue to update the software. An undo function seems like a bit of an oversight (unless I’m missing it). It would also be good to add some transitions similar to the 101s ability to flood everything with effects at the press of a button. There’s something oddly satisfying about the limitations that keeps me coming back to it though. It must be Stockholm Syndrome.
No undo button, but it's usually pretty easy to clear steps or patterns when needed.
I think the limitations have forced me to be more creative and made me a better producer in the process. Getting the absolute most out of a small device is a fun challenge.
Can you make a video showcasing how to use iPad synths with circuit tracks?
Yes please
Got to demo one, very pleased with the updated build! Feels just like a Launchpad X
Thanks for the video! : ) Do you know if you can play the MIDI sequences independently of the two build in synth sequences?
Hi Gabe, great video for me as a beginner! Midi ports from Circuit Tracks are different from the connected Volca and Microfreak. Are these easy to connect? How?
Thanks for a detailed review- there's definately enough improvements over the OG Circuit to make me want to get one. I'm with you on the built in rechargeable battery- I can only imagine that will wear out and eventually leak inside the circuitry and that makes me a big squeamish. I use rechargeable batteries in the OG Circuit.
"leak inside the circuitry" -- I see what you did there
Mine arrives today!
Thanks for all you vids, Gabe. And yes, please some tutorials on the Tracks. I've watched all your circuit vids since last Sept when I was hunting around for a drum machine to help my bass playing.
As much as the 1.8 Circuit firmware made it 'entirely' different than the original 2014 model, so too Tracks is a new order of instrument from the 1.8firmware Circuit.
So in continuing to watch Circuit videos, am I harming my Tracks learning?
Definitely check out the super in-depth Tracks tutorial I made for beginners and intermediate users a bit ago. I'll do an advanced one eventually.
I was able to pick up the Tracks really easily when I used it for the first time, so no, I don't think you're hurting your learning by watching videos with the OG. The workflow is super similar, just with new stuff and fewer functions hidden under shift commands.
What I noticed that not many people are talking about--- the volume is drastically lower than the original Circuit. Headphones-- the original Circuit could almost be painful, when messing around or playing a full track (with maximum volume)... Tracks and Rhythm have a drastic volume dip.... anyone else notice this? Thx!
Agreed that the built-in battery is both a pro and a con, but I doubt that it's anything super special. They're probably using some kind of standard lipo that you can get replacements for once you know its dimensions and specs. The "not replaceable" part is just about warranty, you'll void the warranty if you open the Circuit and replace the battery (and it might involve soldering, though I'd be surprised if it did). I bet some people will open these things up sooner or later (I certainly will mine ;p) and show ways to do it.
As far as I know, in some places, right to repair laws make it so they can't void your warranty, but don't quote me on that. I'd love to see some people more repair savvy than me figure out proper battery replacement.
Just got the novation circuit track and Mico freak Saturday great products
Yeah that's a perfect combination that I've come back to a lot
Thank you for your very informative videos! I've watched several of them and the Circuit Tracks looks quite cool. But one question: is it also the right choice to backup analog or acoustic instruments? For instance, a (bass) guitar or (electric) piano? So far I've seen that a lot of electronic music is made with it, so I was wondering if it would also be a good tool for making backup tracks for, or to practice on, my piano, bass guitar, and the like. Would be great if you had some input on this!
Thank you@ghost mall! Apart from the sounds, does the Circuit Tracks work well for jazzy and Latin rhythms and the like? Or does it work better for more straightforward rhythms, without much syncopation and other small variations?
Does that thing have a wider selection of drums than the usual electronic ones? For instance, can you make acoustic sounding drum tracks on it? I wanted to know because I’d like to use it to create backing tracks for me to play my guitar over. I like a more rock type sound and that comes from acoustic drum samples.
More circuit tracks videos please! Would love advice on how to get more than 2 synth tracks when I don't have any other synths. :(
More on the way! In the meantime, I've done a few videos with the original Circuit that show how to get more out of the two synth tracks (a recent one about getting more out of any groovebox, one about how to make heavy music, etc). One thing that might be worth looking into is using some sort of midi interface with a smartphone or tablet, or even using a laptop and sending midi to it over USB. I did a video on using the original Circuit as a USB midi controller as well.
Alright....the last part got me sucked in a bit. Love the fact you are mixing everything from the tracks which makes me sort of want one now lol.
I agree about the battery. Keeping it AA would have reduced the cost by having no battery and no charging included. It would also be useful for people who have it in a permanent setup as the USB for powering it would end up keeping the battery at 100% charge and wear it out or cause it to swell. I'm surprised they did not include any wireless in it, wireless sample/patch upload, midi or Ableton Link would have been handy.
As for the styling it's more Ableton Push than Maschine. I just wish they had more consistency when it comes to connectors, it floats between USB C / USB B and 5 din midi / TRS midi in various combinations across the current range.
Every time I watch these reminds me of Music store in my old neighborhood when I was a Kid:
Gordon Miller Music 😄
where do I find your albums
Like you show in another video, the Novation Circuit Tracks in partnership with a Roland MC-101 is a really powerful combo. That said, I also want an Arturia Microfreak. 🙄
I think a Circuit Tracks paired with the System-1 plug out 25 key synth is killer too!
So I ended up getting one, and I'm loving it. However I've got a couple questions after getting my feet wet. 1. Can you clear all the FX dry/wet macro positions for each channel at once, or do you need to turn them off then turn them down individually? 2) Can you edit any parameters on a per-sample basis within a Drum track, or are all the parameters applied to every sample in one of the four Drum tracks?
Cheers
Hi Gabe,
How can you see battery level?
Can do tutorials on side chain & micro beats.
Thanks
Turning the device on will show you the battery level.
I did a super in-depth Circuit Tracks tutorial a while back that shows all of that stuff and more.
Hey man, love your videos about the tracks and the Mc101. I recently picked up a TR-8s and I'm trying to figure out if the Tracks would be right for me to add on, or if there's a better option for a sequencer/brain for external synths since I can do my drums on the TR-8s. Maybe an MC101/707? Digitakt/Digitone potentially? Would love to hear your thoughts about building around the TR-8s in a similar dawless/hybrid workflow.
An MC-101 would definitely be good, but be aware that your need extra audio inputs for recording and hearing what you're working on, or maybe see about recording with a composite device over USB. I do think the Tracks and TR-8s would definitely work, you'd just have the extra percussion tracks hanging out in the Circuit that you could use or not use. I'm not super familiar with Digitakt/Digitone, unfortunately.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks for the quick response. Can't you also use the 4 drum tracks on the Circuit Tacks as sample banks, expanding the flexibility a bit beyond just "drums"?
Yeah, you can swap out all the drum banks for user samples, as far as i know 👍
My knowledge is admittedly limited, but i got the Toraiz Squid to do essentially the same thing as you (dawless synth sequencng stuff) and i gotta say, the Tracks does everything i wanted the Squid to be, and more! i wanted randomness, probability, pattern chaining, different transport directions, and i got IT all with the Tracks - and the Squid can't even pattern-chain! The Squid is now sleeping in ITs case for the time being, while the Tracks is living and working in the setup.... Add on the fact that both Tracks synth tracks and both midi tracks can all do the same thing, and suddenly you've got 4 external synths running on the one brain.... 🧠 Honestly, this box is just really, really good 👏
You might want to take a look at the Korg SQ-64, which looks pretty dope.... But the Tracks really ticks the boxes IMHO 🤙😍🌌
@@darkuniversesound so you technically get a potentially of 4 simultaneous MIDI control channels if you give up a built-in-synth track? The biggest thing holding me back is being limited to 2 potential sequences to run to other gear. Is it possible to do difference sequences for each MIDI channel on a single MIDI track on the Circruit tracks? Thanks for the reply btw!
@@_angl_ Yes and no, if i'm understanding you correctly....
Yes indeed, 4 simultaneous midi channels (you'll need to turn down the Tracks' own volume on synths 1 and 2 in order to not double the sounds over your other gear; once that's done, you're good to go with midi sequencing going to four independent external synths)....
No, in as far as i know, we've got one midi channel per synth track & midi track; IT sounds like you want to do several different patterns on one track and send each pattern to a different midi channel, if i'm understanding correctly? i'm pretty sure the Tracks can't do multiple midi channels on one given track - although you can set which midi channel # (1 - 15) on which each track goes out! Hope this helps 🤙🤙🌌
Can I connect two units together? if a use the filter on the unit with master clock, will affect all the 4 inputs?
You can extend chords without retriggering using drone. Half/quarter speed patterns are still useful for chord progressions and other ”slow” elements, saves on pattern space and allows bigger more varied compositions.
Okay cool, I noticed in the manual that they tweaked note tie, but haven't had the time to fully dive into it yet. But yeah the half/quarter speed patterns are my go to for slow stuff.
Fully agree on the non-sequential pattern chaining, lets hope they bring it to the Tracks in the next firmware version.
Also, it would be cool to be able to set individual velocity on notes in a step (like you can for microsteps)
@@GabeMillerMusic this guy did a real nice vid of a tie loop, drone into infinity :) th-cam.com/video/0EDwtxYQR9I/w-d-xo.html
I can get behind a groovebox if it sends midi out and takes audio in. It's not quite as portable but you don't need a midi router or mixer or audio interface so it's nearly as good.
Hi, is this something that can create anything ? For example can i create swedish house mafia one's soundtrack or totally different song - kylie minogue cant get you out of my head ? Most people i see use this to make some beats but im not interested in house or techno. I prefer pop. Is this a good choice for that ?
MAM MB33 Retro would work great with this on a midi track, make some Acid :)
Really excited about the Circuit Rhythm. Does anyone know what will be the price and the release date?
July I believe, same as tracks from what I can see online
oh oh, can't wait for mine.
Sequencing external gear and processing the audio can also be done by the electribe right?
It’s so easy to use!!
The audio resolution for 1010music blackbox is 24 or 32 bit, 48khz sample rate. What’s the resolution for the Novation Circuit Tracks?
Going back to this video from time to time, just to remind me that it's the one that started it all for me (the dawless jamming, that is). The circuit is such a powerful sequencer, and fun and easy to use. I'm just wondering, you did say in the last part of the video that you Sidechained the volca keys with the kick, but the circuit only allows sidechain for the two main in-built Synth tracks, how did you manage that ?
It also has sidechain (plus reverb and delay sends) for the two midi tracks if you send the synth audio back into the Circuit via its audio inputs. It's my favorite feature of the Tracks.
@@GabeMillerMusic Aaand I just realised that you get access to the two external Synths simply by pressing the down key on the Sidechain panel. The More You Know !
i have novation circuit tracks... soo cool!
If you use the circuit tracks to sequence a td-3 how do you program a glide note???
Id love to see a built in Arpegiator! other than that its prett cool! a beat repeat on master would be cool too...
Interesting thought. I have a Microfreak and am considering getting a tracks. I love the arp on the Microfreak and it's modes and octave selector plus the ability to dump that into a sequence. I was just wondering if you could potentially be sending a polyphonic sequence from the Tracks to the Microfreak while having the Microfreak in arp mode? Anyone tried this? That would be absolutely incredible if it worked cause you'd be able to fully write changing arp parts and not hit the limit of remembering the sequence of the changing arp line. Ooooh, that would also mean that you could change the divisions of the notes in the arp line while maintaining the chords for the same lengths of time.
You can do arp on the Tracks ITself! Just shorten the synth sequence length drastically, with some nice notes pegged in together.... For example: a set of six different notes in a row on steps 1 thru 6, with the entire sequence ending on step 6; now, the synth playback will essentially do an arp with the notes, over and over until you change the notes and/or their sequence (longer length, more spaces between, etc.) 🤙🤙
hey Gabe. I am looking to get into DAWLESS music production soon and I have two options for a set up? which would you recommend? the first scenario is using a RD-8 drum machine and TD-3 synth together with a mixer to sync up audio. Since they are both Behringer products the timing will sync up by just connecting the two instruments together with a wire or would you recommend using the Circuit Tracks instead as both a mixer/sequencer instead of a traditional mixer for audio?
@Chiroptourettes yoo i ended up with the behringer clones cause I just wanted to make straightforward acid
Hi, great video... how would you set this up with OP Z and microfreak? Thx
Thanks! I've not used the OP-Z, but definitely check out my beginner/intermediate tutorial, I show how to set it up the MicroFreak near the end:
th-cam.com/video/hzhTca87xqU/w-d-xo.html
@@GabeMillerMusic Thx for answer, will check it out! :)
Thanks bro/ I love the sequencer - just think I will replace the synth sounds with a 1980s pack then control a external synth or 2 + swap in sets of my own drum kits - not a fan of the stock sounds - so bright and chiptuney
How many synths do you think you can connect via daisy chain or some kind of midi interface?
But the electribe can also sequence external hardware on one of its 16 MIDI-synth-sampler tracks and not only mix the external signal, but also use it in real time as the timbre of any number of the 16 synths as mono or stereo pairs.
Perhaps this Tracks has some more modern nuances or an easier workflow, but on paper it seems that the already old electribe wins…
hi Gabe, when you track out the stems, does it keep the sidechain on when the triggering track is muted? just wondering
It doesn't when the triggering track is muted (it just doesn't receive a trigger signal at all), but it DOES when the track's volume is turned all they want down. So when stemming stuff out, I'll record an instance with the trigger track muted to get a no sidechain version, and I'll record an instant with the trigger track turned all the way down to get a clean, isolated sidechained track.
How would the Circuit Tracks work with Boss RC 505 looper? How would you connect them?
I have the original circuit, and just run the output into my 505. There's presumably some midi magic you can do, even beyond temp sync, but it does not need to be fancy.
Those two synts are mono synths, right? What about the built in Synth engine, is it capable of stereo sounds?
The external synths I used in this video are paraphonic (so they can play multiple notes at once but in a more limited way) and mono as far as the stereo spectrum is concerned. The built in synth tracks are both polyphonic (up to 6 voices) and can be stereo due to unison, chorus, and phasers, depending on what's built into the patch.
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks! Yes, I meant mono as in the stereo width spectrum of the synth engine goes. I realize now that this may be a stupid question because maybe that's true for nearly all synths and that the only reason sounds are wide are due to effects like unison, haas etc, which has nothing to do with the underlying synth engine?
would love a video on how to set up midi thru to midi 2!
I showed that in my super in depth tutorial:
th-cam.com/video/hzhTca87xqU/w-d-xo.html
Are there any good packs available yet for the tracks? Especially looking for some lofi hiphop sounds. I know there were quite a few packs for the original circuit
I'm not sure what's been adapted for Tracks and what hasn't, but the Street Dreams pack by Yves Big City is solid. If it's not converted, you can convert it yourself, stay tuned for Wednesday's video.
I have been using dread steppa.
Nice. Any thoughts on what would be a better choice for dawless , Circuit Tracks or OP-Z or OP1?
I've done whole videos on the topic, but the quick version is:
- For live jamming with multiple pieces of gear, the Circuit Tracks is fantastic
- For the unique tape workflow and weird sound design, the OP-1 is great, but super niche (I did a whole video on that)
- I haven't used the OP-Z, unfortunately, but from what I can tell, it's got way more power than meets the eye for beatmaking and jamming. I'm sure if you spent the extra money on it it would be quality.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks for the summary. Good thoughts. Great channel.
Question? Are you and Loopop in the same house/studio? Like Apple or PC, you two have such a similar style of production.
Haha no I've not met him. I'm definitely a fan though!
What happened to the Novation Component video you just posted this morning? Was really looking forward to watching that but it looks like it was taken down :'(
Yeah there was a major detail that I got wrong, and I'd rather refilm it than pin a comment, since it's a big enough deal.
@@GabeMillerMusic all good and thanks for the info! Looking forward to it 🙏
There’s a ton of variables but someone who just wants to dabble with groove boxes in between diaper changes, will probably never use a DAW, and just wants to make some quick beats for fun. I don’t have a ton of time to go deep. Would you recommend the Tracks over the MC101? I’ve watched all your videos on both and it’s still a toss up for me. I’m leaning towards the tracks right now.
Circuit is more easy to use and more immediate, more fun too. 101 has a lot more included sounds if is that you want.
Hi Gabe.
I have asked this in multiple platforms including the synthesia live stream they did and I haven't had an answer.
How would you chain pattern 1 to pattern 5, as it lands on the same pad you're already holding when you page down? Or 2 to 6 etc. I would appreciate an answer. Thanks in advanced.
I just tried it, all you have to do is hold down pattern 1, then hit the page down, and it chains 1-5 together.
@@GabeMillerMusic makes sense since we have lost the ability to chain out of order.Thanks for touching up on that and thank you so much for responding. At least we have longer patterns and the new sessions. Cheers.
Does it bring anything to the table that the synthstrom deluge does not?
Roughly the same size. Deluge can send 16 channels and sample and live loop. It may be twice as expensive but it looks like twenty times the capability. Nearly unlimited tracks. It will let you add tracks until you start thrashing the cpu.
Price and workflow would probably be the major ones. The Deluge looks absolutely fantastic, but a lot of people can't or won't afford to drop that kind of money on it. And I have heard from some people who have used both that they prefer the Novation user interface. That's not to give the Deluge a hard time though, it looks amazing and I'd love to give one a go at some point.
@@GabeMillerMusic yeah it’s more expensive. if someone will only get one synth and not want more tracks fills a spot.
Damn it, now I really want one... :)
Great video Gabe. However the bottom of your venetian blinds was vexing my OCD 😫
I may have missed this but the circuits is only able to drive 2 external devices? can we use the synth and drum tracks to feed midi to external gear as well?
I'm not sure how the routing would work, but yes, all of the tracks put out midi.
@@GabeMillerMusic well I suppose as long ast it's all sending midin out , the routing after is realitivly easy, I can get 16 devices running off the Electribe 2
@ghost mall thanks man appreciate the response. I've ended on using Ableton and push to sequence my gear turni g out ok!
Dude. The Kirby comparison lol 😆
That says it all
My setup is a Microkorg and a Bass Station, which I switch back & forth btw for Bass, lead, arms etc to ableton. In trying to go DAW-less, Tracks seems like a clear choice to sketch out beats & interact with other musicians.
Thanks for your review 👍
So do you just need to plug in headphones so that you can hear what you're playing without using a computer?
Yep!
Its brillant, I agree. Thank you.
Would you recommend it to someone with no synth experience? I struggle with the basics of sound design...
You don't really do much sound design on the device itself, and there are a ton of preset packs out there, so yeah I'd recommend it for you. And, as you get better at sound design, you can connect it to a computer to design or modify sounds, so there's room to grow into it.
@gabe I love Circuit Tracks and bought one as a central piece to a small dawless set up which is a new methodology for me having worked with Ableton and Push for years now. Can we talk about Components? Does it work for everyone or is it really buggy? I love Circuit Tracks but I feel like I've got half a product because components just doesn't work fully. I try to transfer stuff and it disconnects. I've been in a month long chat with Novation support and still yet to resolve. I just wonder whether this issue is unique to me or others find Components barely usable.
I've not had problems with Components myself, but that sucks that you have.
@@GabeMillerMusic Cheers, appreciate the reply. Good to hear it might just be my issue and nothing wider. It really is a brilliant bit of kit and alongside MC101 as a sound module it's a great little setup. Keep up the great vids, they're great. I'd love to see one properly delve into the Components work flow for creating patches and where to go and buy packs.
I feel like Novation are really missing a trick there. As a new comer to Circuit I sort of expected there to a library of packs available to buy and add from Novation to expand on the limited factory pack.
I had some problems connecting novation gears to components on my PC. Now it works fine.
@@j-julien thanks for the reply. I'm on Windows pc too. Anything you had to do to fix issues?
@@RoyWilding have you done a firmware update?
Its the Circuit assimilating the opponents!! We saw it coming Kirbi, huhum... Yess precious! :{>
I'm getting one
Does the MC101 have step probability as well ? I must admit the way you're using them on ear candy sounds, is a really cool idea !
Thanks! It does for drum tracks, but not for tone tracks. So the ear candy thing should be totally doable.
only for drum tracks.
Many thanks :D
On drum tracks it's good enough for me :D
Can anyone tell me if I can control two synths with the Circuit?
Yep, you can! I showed that a couple of times in a video.
Just synch like you with microfreak 😎
Great Live JAMMING 👌
I guess it's possible to replace the battery with 18650 or some flat mobile batteries
Can the mc 101 switch songs instantly?
It can't, as far as I know, you have to load songs one by one.
Bro, where is the video about the components + tracks?
It's on the way. I need to double check a few features to make sure I get the right info across, then find time to film it. Hopefully I can get something out this weekend.
@@GabeMillerMusic it's strange that the video that could help me now first appeared and then disappeared) but .. thanks for your work! I'm surprised at your performance!
Yeah there was a pretty major detail that I missed, and it's something that I wish had been mentioned in a tutorial when I was trying to figure it out. I always try to make the videos I wish I had, so I'd much rather redo it to make that happen.
Somewhere on the screen. 👍
Agreed but it needs onboard midi merge.
The battery part and no speaker kinda sucks i hope the rhythms not the same
I don't want a user replacable battery, I want user replaceable EVERYTHING. Knobs, buttons, rubber bumpers, firmware. 🌈
Looks more of an 1.5 incremental update than an 2.0.
still pretty good for circuit fans but the limitation of 2 bar maximum sequence length counts me out.
That's definitely fair, but I should mention that chaining multiple patterns together and reducing the speed of patterns can make for much longer musical sections than just 2 bars.
@ghost mall 'no content' youtuber
What about implantation of circuits and iOS app production mapping midi with empify groove box blocs wave or koala sampler.it will be rad and huge content video
I've got a video on that topic in the works, I'm just waiting on a specific cable to arrive.
Thnx Gabe they will awesome if they make it happens 🤞👍
Indepentant micro steps were already in og
I just double checked, and yep, they are. Can't believe I missed that. I've edited that part out of the video to not waste people's time or show misinformation.
Where is the screen
The pads ARE the screen. I've never once missed having a "proper" screen when using a Circuit.
Aw yeah, with this new Circuit that means the old one's about to get cheaper. But that rechargable battery tho...
If you can snag an OG Circuit for a reasonable price, I definitely recommend it!
Yeah i think its going up in price due to the discontinuation.
All you need is a chromebook or chrome browser to manage it thats great for true standalone
Kirby, from the smash games. Oh no, I'm officially old.
That's just my point of reference, I'm not familiar with his games so I can't really reference them accurately.
I grew up with Pac-Man, Dude ;-)