For sure. I have an Akai Force for that, so I’m going with the Rhythm. I love the synth engines and grid fx. Great little devices. Really shows how much you can actually do without an LCD.
Agree , but that’s a tough market to usurp due to the long legacy , hopefully they are testing the waters though . I have an MPC one and it’s fantastic in its capabilities and utility, but I don’t enjoy the much touted workflow very much , the circuit by contrast is very intuitive to me since week one with the OG unit back in the day . I had high hopes for the SLMKIII , but they crippled its sequencer seemingly intentionally . Anyway yeah I hope they make a 3rd gen circuit soon incorporating both of these with at least 16 tracks and a sequencer built for complete composition in mind .
Sorry you had problems locating that info. We did provide a product comparison on our website but totally appreciate that might not be as easy to digest as a video - novationmusic.com/en/compare-circuit
Its such a shame that the rhythm has such limited midi functionality. If the midi wad polyphonic, it would be an ideal drum machine, sampler, sequencer and midi controller. Perfect for an external synth, or even a daw
Have you checked out Circuit Tracks? Unlike Circuit Tracks, Circuit Rhythm is a hardware sampler that features monophonic sample playback. Only one sample can be assigned to each step in the sequencer so there is no polyphonic sequencing for it's MIDI output destinations.
@@NovationTV Thank, you for the response. Yes, I have, and though I do see that the Tracks is more suited for sequencing, and working with other hardware. Its the sampling aspect of the Rhythm that has me exited. It would allow me to sample my vocals, and other instruments, and use it as a really nice arranging and performance tool. As well as a powerful drum machine.I realize I might represent a niche, wanting the best of both worlds. But I believe that making the MIDI functionality polyphonic would make this an amazing tool for arranging both outside and inn the DAW. Right now im torn between buying a midi controller or a sampler. My hope was that this would be both.
@@ChromaticFarmer7 this would make it an instant buy for me and other live performers I know... Being able of live looping/samplig my eurorack, as well as sequencing it (both in mono and poly) plus adding some nice grid fx sounds like a dream come true. Im using my iPad for this at the moment.
I still can't make up my mind I think I'm leaning towards the rhythm as I can sample synths into it as use that as I would synth tracks ... decisions decisions
It's a tough one! It's important to remember that Circuit Rhythm's tracks are mono so if you'd like to play/sequence chords, that will take multiple tracks or, you could go for Circuit Tracks which has 2 polyphonic synth engines built-in.
This is helpful regarding technical differences, but for a novice, can you tell me why someone would buy Tracks vs. Rhythm using practical examples. What do the limits of one vs the other mean in the real world? for example - if using this for live performances, you may find _______ better because of this. But if you're predominately demoing or recording, go with the ____________ because these elements give you more control....
We do try to cover the fundamental differences in the video but appreciate they may be somewhat technical, due to the nature of these devices. Both feature very similar workflows and interfaces but are ultimately designed to do different things. Circuit Rhythm is a sampler and so relies on samples rather than synthesis for sound creation. You can record sounds directly onto the hardware using the audio inputs. You can also resample onboard sounds, recording the sound output from the hardware back into itself for endless creative possibilities. You can add custom sounds to the Drum Tracks on Circuit Tracks but this requires the use of our 'Components' software. You can sequence eternal hardware and connect their audio output to audio inputs on Circuit Tracks, to mix them with the internal sounds and apply FX but you can't resample internal sounds or record directly into Circuit Tracks. If you want to load up a sound and play a chord, you will need Circuit Tracks. This features 2 internal synthesiser engines that are each capable of generating up to 6 notes for every step in the sequencer. You can play these internal synth engines using the pads or by connecting an external MIDI controller keyboard. Sequencing a chord from an individual sample is technically possible but would require the use of multiple tracks. Unlike Circuit Tracks, it isn't possible to sequence multiple notes to an individual step in the sequencer. If you have any questions, please message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or use our Live Chat feature - bit.ly/NovationSupport
Great question! Both devices are very fun to work with and will take some time to fully understand but I would suggest that Circuit Tracks is perhaps a bit easier to grasp as it features 2 polyphonic synth engines and a playable surface that instantly yields great results with ease, through the use of the fixed scale mode. John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
I tought i just found my weapon of choice for portable music making... after watching this i realized that i would need to buy both units and so these are a not for me. i need to keep searching for the portable one-in-all unit.
since i updated my C. tracks every time i turn it on the click track is on. does anyone know how to change it? i can still turn the click off afeter powered up, or lower the volume and save it, but it was better when it wasnt on by default.
Hi there! Looks like you have a Support Ticket submitted - we'll be getting back to you via email as soon as we can. Please make sure you check your Spam folder if you haven't received a reply in the next couple of business days.
That's right. An external keyboard connected to Circuit Tracks via 5 Pin DIN can be used to play the internal synthesisers and the notes and chords played on the keyboard can be recorded into the step sequencer.
That's right. Circuit Rhythm is a portable, standalone sampler and groovebox. It comes preloaded with sounds, including many drum and percussive sounds. In addition to sampling directly on the unit, you can also import sounds using Components - components.novationmusic.com/circuit-rhythm/packs
I didn't know I could sequence external gear from synth 1 & 2. How would I do that, using midi over USB? Also, can I sequence the Rhythm from the Circuit?
That's right. Synth 1 and 2 function much like the independent sequencer tracks, transmitting MIDI from the both the DIN and USB MIDI ports. You can select a different MIDI channel for each track and then set your hardware to receive on the desired channel. Circuit Rhythm can certainly be synchronised with and controlled by Circuit Tracks. They work very well together. You just need to connect via 5 Pin DIN and ensure that Circuit Tracks is transmitting on the MIDI channel that Circuit Rhythm is set to receive. Give us a call or live chat with us if you need assistance - bit.ly/NovationSupport
You should probably mention the device crippling microsd card issue that turns the devices (mostly the tracks, the better option, unfortunately) into soft bricks that only kinda work. That certainly managed to screw me over when I bought my tracks and rhythm. Aside from the microsd card issue, the devices are unquestionably wonderful entriesfor their price. they aren't by any stretch of the imagination gonna compete with Maschine+ or MPC One, but they're a small fraction the price and have what may be the easiest sequencer in the world to use. Fix the microsd card issue and I'll buy one again, but till then, I'll make do with my Model:cycles/samples competitors and my maschine+, pair wonderfully with a usb-c to DC power cable to make it genuinely portable. No lie, I'm pretty bitter about the Microsd card. Wasted $375, fought it for 2 weeks, including going to Novation support who wasted my time with an RMA that had the exact same issue (cause if I didn't mention, it's a firmware issue and affects all circuit tracks with the current firmware, and current firmware is required to use Novation components). I got an amazon replacement, same issue. Went to guitar center to try theirs, all had the same issue. I will say that after 2 weeks of various attempts to fix the Rhythm, I was successful, though I know not what of the many things I did was the one that fixed it, if it was even just one solution to begin with. I still have my Rhythm...for now, but I'm so bitter that I don't use it. The worst part is that I took this so far that I was talking to Novation developers. I was actually told that Novation was aware of the crippling issue when they chose to release the product and was aware they made the issue far, far worse with the newest firmware AND STILL RELEASED IT. After I learned that, I ditched literally all of my Novation gear aside from my Launchpad Pro MKIII (pry it from my cold dead hands) and migrated everything to Native Instruments and Elektron, with a few things from Arturia. No more Novation-only setup for me. That being said, I'm likely going to go back to my Novation 61SL MK III midi controller. It's simply better. The Komplete Kontrol S61 I have now is nice and all, but unless you work entirely on Kontakt samples, it's useless, and I don't. I live on East West samples (ComposerCloud+). It's also $200 more than the Novation, after taxes. That's my rant for the night. TLDR; The Circuits have a problem so bad that it nearly bricks them entirely. I lost all faith in Novation when I learned they knew they pre-release and moved to Native Instruments, ditching almost all my Novation gear, which was my entire setup for DAW and DAWless production.
Not quite. Similarly to Circuit and Circuit Tracks, Circuit Rhythm doesn't feature any specific DAW integration but many of its parameters do transmit MIDI. When connected to your computer via USB, Circuit Rhythm can be manually mapped to control parameters of your choice within Ableton Live and the pads can be used as a playable surface for plug-in control but Ableton Live doesn't feature a dedicated script that will provide automatic integration.
Come on guys, you need to add polyphony to the Circuit Rhythm. At least some kind of shared 8 voice polyphony. Tracks can share their voice when not in use, just like the Digitone. I would buy it immediately
Ricky really needs to start a side gig reading children's books.
no doubt. he would be great on a Pete the Cat type series
Fulltime
3:40 : This is why I'm going with Circuit tracks. 2 external synths routed into Tracks and Drums from tracks would make a neat little set up!
For sure. I have an Akai Force for that, so I’m going with the Rhythm. I love the synth engines and grid fx. Great little devices. Really shows how much you can actually do without an LCD.
The very best, concise comparison of these two! I'm opting for a used Tracks now. Thank you.
the two could be just one machine.
Mc 707
Makes me think why Novation just didn't release a MPC equivalent instead of these two machines. Those Novation pads are awesome!
Agree , but that’s a tough market to usurp due to the long legacy , hopefully they are testing the waters though . I have an MPC one and it’s fantastic in its capabilities and utility, but I don’t enjoy the much touted workflow very much , the circuit by contrast is very intuitive to me since week one with the OG unit back in the day . I had high hopes for the SLMKIII , but they crippled its sequencer seemingly intentionally . Anyway yeah I hope they make a 3rd gen circuit soon incorporating both of these with at least 16 tracks and a sequencer built for complete composition in mind .
I would really really like to be able to import my original circuit projects / sessions to tracks.
I have circuit tracks and its great doing live jamming.
Looking forward to buy rhythm to make them good team 👏
This video need doing at the time of the release it would have saved a whole lot of deep diving to find this info.
Sorry you had problems locating that info. We did provide a product comparison on our website but totally appreciate that might not be as easy to digest as a video - novationmusic.com/en/compare-circuit
Thank you.
Hi! Nice video! I wish that Circuit Tracks could use the Midi tracks for the built in sounds just like track 1 and 2. 😁
Afraid that isn't possible. That would require additional internal synthesiser engines. The MIDI Tracks are designed for sequencing external devices.
Peter, that would be fantastic to have the option to have external MIDI but also use them as internal synth.
@@NovationTV is it possible to add triggering of internal samples via track 1 & 2 in software update?
Its such a shame that the rhythm has such limited midi functionality. If the midi wad polyphonic, it would be an ideal drum machine, sampler, sequencer and midi controller. Perfect for an external synth, or even a daw
Have you checked out Circuit Tracks? Unlike Circuit Tracks, Circuit Rhythm is a hardware sampler that features monophonic sample playback. Only one sample can be assigned to each step in the sequencer so there is no polyphonic sequencing for it's MIDI output destinations.
@@NovationTV Thank, you for the response. Yes, I have, and though I do see that the Tracks is more suited for sequencing, and working with other hardware. Its the sampling aspect of the Rhythm that has me exited. It would allow me to sample my vocals, and other instruments, and use it as a really nice arranging and performance tool. As well as a powerful drum machine.I realize I might represent a niche, wanting the best of both worlds. But I believe that making the MIDI functionality polyphonic would make this an amazing tool for arranging both outside and inn the DAW. Right now im torn between buying a midi controller or a sampler. My hope was that this would be both.
@@ChromaticFarmer7 I totally agree.
@@ChromaticFarmer7 this would make it an instant buy for me and other live performers I know... Being able of live looping/samplig my eurorack, as well as sequencing it (both in mono and poly) plus adding some nice grid fx sounds like a dream come true. Im using my iPad for this at the moment.
@@mynmyself How do you do this with your iPad?
Cool 🤘🎶
I still can't make up my mind I think I'm leaning towards the rhythm as I can sample synths into it as use that as I would synth tracks ... decisions decisions
It's a tough one! It's important to remember that Circuit Rhythm's tracks are mono so if you'd like to play/sequence chords, that will take multiple tracks or, you could go for Circuit Tracks which has 2 polyphonic synth engines built-in.
I am in the same spot. What did you do in the end?
This is helpful regarding technical differences, but for a novice, can you tell me why someone would buy Tracks vs. Rhythm using practical examples. What do the limits of one vs the other mean in the real world? for example - if using this for live performances, you may find _______ better because of this. But if you're predominately demoing or recording, go with the ____________ because these elements give you more control....
We do try to cover the fundamental differences in the video but appreciate they may be somewhat technical, due to the nature of these devices. Both feature very similar workflows and interfaces but are ultimately designed to do different things.
Circuit Rhythm is a sampler and so relies on samples rather than synthesis for sound creation. You can record sounds directly onto the hardware using the audio inputs. You can also resample onboard sounds, recording the sound output from the hardware back into itself for endless creative possibilities.
You can add custom sounds to the Drum Tracks on Circuit Tracks but this requires the use of our 'Components' software. You can sequence eternal hardware and connect their audio output to audio inputs on Circuit Tracks, to mix them with the internal sounds and apply FX but you can't resample internal sounds or record directly into Circuit Tracks.
If you want to load up a sound and play a chord, you will need Circuit Tracks. This features 2 internal synthesiser engines that are each capable of generating up to 6 notes for every step in the sequencer. You can play these internal synth engines using the pads or by connecting an external MIDI controller keyboard. Sequencing a chord from an individual sample is technically possible but would require the use of multiple tracks. Unlike Circuit Tracks, it isn't possible to sequence multiple notes to an individual step in the sequencer.
If you have any questions, please message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or use our Live Chat feature - bit.ly/NovationSupport
Wich device is better for Beginners / Children 7 and 10 years? or some other?
Great question! Both devices are very fun to work with and will take some time to fully understand but I would suggest that Circuit Tracks is perhaps a bit easier to grasp as it features 2 polyphonic synth engines and a playable surface that instantly yields great results with ease, through the use of the fixed scale mode.
John // Novation UK 🇬🇧
Cool 🤓
I tought i just found my weapon of choice for portable music making... after watching this i realized that i would need to buy both units and so these are a not for me. i need to keep searching for the portable one-in-all unit.
Safe to say you're going to pay more than double the price for any "all in one" unit that can match the capabilty of these two units.
@@Abruzzo333 Roland MC-101 is kinda capable and is smaller. i got it second hand for 200e.
Great video ❤️🖤👌💯
since i updated my C. tracks every time i turn it on the click track is on. does anyone know how to change it? i can still turn the click off afeter powered up, or lower the volume and save it, but it was better when it wasnt on by default.
Hi there! Looks like you have a Support Ticket submitted - we'll be getting back to you via email as soon as we can. Please make sure you check your Spam folder if you haven't received a reply in the next couple of business days.
Can you insert chords or single notes in step midi sequencing using an external keyboard? Thanks!
That's right. An external keyboard connected to Circuit Tracks via 5 Pin DIN can be used to play the internal synthesisers and the notes and chords played on the keyboard can be recorded into the step sequencer.
Is it possible to add Bank-D to the mininova? Or 3 banks is maximum
You can store up to 384 patches on the hardware.
Does the circuit rhythm have built in sounds im looking for and drum machine and sampler standalone groovebox?
That's right. Circuit Rhythm is a portable, standalone sampler and groovebox. It comes preloaded with sounds, including many drum and percussive sounds. In addition to sampling directly on the unit, you can also import sounds using Components - components.novationmusic.com/circuit-rhythm/packs
I didn't know I could sequence external gear from synth 1 & 2. How would I do that, using midi over USB? Also, can I sequence the Rhythm from the Circuit?
That's right. Synth 1 and 2 function much like the independent sequencer tracks, transmitting MIDI from the both the DIN and USB MIDI ports. You can select a different MIDI channel for each track and then set your hardware to receive on the desired channel.
Circuit Rhythm can certainly be synchronised with and controlled by Circuit Tracks. They work very well together. You just need to connect via 5 Pin DIN and ensure that Circuit Tracks is transmitting on the MIDI channel that Circuit Rhythm is set to receive. Give us a call or live chat with us if you need assistance - bit.ly/NovationSupport
You should probably mention the device crippling microsd card issue that turns the devices (mostly the tracks, the better option, unfortunately) into soft bricks that only kinda work. That certainly managed to screw me over when I bought my tracks and rhythm. Aside from the microsd card issue, the devices are unquestionably wonderful entriesfor their price. they aren't by any stretch of the imagination gonna compete with Maschine+ or MPC One, but they're a small fraction the price and have what may be the easiest sequencer in the world to use. Fix the microsd card issue and I'll buy one again, but till then, I'll make do with my Model:cycles/samples competitors and my maschine+, pair wonderfully with a usb-c to DC power cable to make it genuinely portable.
No lie, I'm pretty bitter about the Microsd card. Wasted $375, fought it for 2 weeks, including going to Novation support who wasted my time with an RMA that had the exact same issue (cause if I didn't mention, it's a firmware issue and affects all circuit tracks with the current firmware, and current firmware is required to use Novation components). I got an amazon replacement, same issue. Went to guitar center to try theirs, all had the same issue. I will say that after 2 weeks of various attempts to fix the Rhythm, I was successful, though I know not what of the many things I did was the one that fixed it, if it was even just one solution to begin with. I still have my Rhythm...for now, but I'm so bitter that I don't use it.
The worst part is that I took this so far that I was talking to Novation developers. I was actually told that Novation was aware of the crippling issue when they chose to release the product and was aware they made the issue far, far worse with the newest firmware AND STILL RELEASED IT. After I learned that, I ditched literally all of my Novation gear aside from my Launchpad Pro MKIII (pry it from my cold dead hands) and migrated everything to Native Instruments and Elektron, with a few things from Arturia. No more Novation-only setup for me. That being said, I'm likely going to go back to my Novation 61SL MK III midi controller. It's simply better. The Komplete Kontrol S61 I have now is nice and all, but unless you work entirely on Kontakt samples, it's useless, and I don't. I live on East West samples (ComposerCloud+). It's also $200 more than the Novation, after taxes.
That's my rant for the night.
TLDR; The Circuits have a problem so bad that it nearly bricks them entirely. I lost all faith in Novation when I learned they knew they pre-release and moved to Native Instruments, ditching almost all my Novation gear, which was my entire setup for DAW and DAWless production.
What is this issue even you don't talk about it. is it the microsd having to be formated to fat32.
Yo what’s the track being played in the background
Afraid that hasn't been commercially released. This is just something that was created for the video - glad you enjoyed it!
Is there planned polyphony on rythm ?
Afraid that's not currently planned but we appreciate your feedback 👍
Time traveling to 2030 so I can buy the mega circuit with 4 synths, 4 midi, and 8 drum/sample tracks and 16 knobs etc
Does the circuit rhythm work with ableton
Not quite. Similarly to Circuit and Circuit Tracks, Circuit Rhythm doesn't feature any specific DAW integration but many of its parameters do transmit MIDI. When connected to your computer via USB, Circuit Rhythm can be manually mapped to control parameters of your choice within Ableton Live and the pads can be used as a playable surface for plug-in control but Ableton Live doesn't feature a dedicated script that will provide automatic integration.
Come on guys, you need to add polyphony to the Circuit Rhythm. At least some kind of shared 8 voice polyphony. Tracks can share their voice when not in use, just like the Digitone.
I would buy it immediately
@NovationTV yes this is exactly what rythm is missing. and also scales
YES, same here. Why not just combine the two into one unit?
These devices could be transformed into a mini ableton push
That's an interesting idea but they aren't designed for DAW control. You may want to check out Launchpad.
where's your head at at at at