Circuit TRACKS vs Circuit OG: Review and full tutorial for Novation's new groovebox

[@loopop]

UPDATE: After this video was released, Novation released a firmware update that triples the total sample storage to over 3 minutes! However, you still can't play melodies with samples, unless you get my template here :) www.patreon.com/posts/47328078

[@GabeMillerMusic]

From now on I'll only ever refer to low and high pass filters as outside the club and car radio.

[@loopop]

I never understood why people use such confusing terms when there are very clear alternatives. LFO is robot knob wiggler in case I didn't mention it

[@HIFI1965]

OK then - what about bandpass?? On the phone?

[@loopop]

@Harry Imster ELO mode?

[@abstractmodule4574]

@@loopop Brilliant!

[@sinistar99]

Attack = "Waaaah or booow"

[@LongEarthTradingCompany]

Hmm, official Novation video... Nah, I’ll just go straight to Loopop.

[@Aggersborgdnk]

True I did the same.

[@TurkmanSouljah]

Same!

[@WhiteWulfe]

More like what, 15-20 official videos? That was a lot from them in my feed.... I also jumped directly to loopop's video, haven't watched Novation's promo videos.

[@BsYtHandle]

Same thing.

[@LongEarthTradingCompany]

@Gordon Rayan exactly. I’ve watched some of them several times both before and after buying stuff.

[@electric.kitchen]

To answer the question: Yes, original Circuit got the same editor update on Components. Novation, keepin' its customers happy!

[@eaman11]

Novation is doing the good job, also Arturia with the continue updates to the Microfreak. So I should get a Circuit to pilot my MF and get new features for a long time :)

[@andyq9669]

Novation have been excellent in support of the original Circuits. Big Kudos 2 them; other manufacturers should take note.

[@BackspinZX]

The fact that the inputs pass through the FX section is huge. I think I actually might be sold on this now...

[@Anthony-sn9kl]

Agree

[@TechGently]

One thing missing on the Microfreak was the Reverb and cool Delay FX's thought I'd have to buy a pedal or run through a DAW, but the Circuit Tracks makes it a joy.

[@twinc]

Man! you're so good on doing this. The structure of the review is so logical and the voice is so soothing. I wish you the best!

[@nedogled]

Hmm it's more of an update than an upgrade to the original Circuit. The 2 main limitations I have with the original Circuit still remain: 1) Can't do sound design on it without a screen 2) Stereo out only. Considering the price, that's perfectly fine... but I have no intention of selling my old Circuit to get the new one.

[@flightvision]

Same here.

[@geluix69]

I second that. Its a nice effort from novation . The deal breaker was the USB power only , not a fan .

[@Daphoid]

@@geluix69 Can I ask why? There's still a battery inside, what's so specific about a USB C cable into a power brick vs a barrel plug into a wall wart cable?

[@Chris-rd6ih]

I feel this is what the Circuit should have been to begin with.

[@IvanMiheyev]

And there goes I who want circuit for 4 years and new model is coming out :)

[@seanspartan2023]

Ok, I'm sold. The rechargeable battery, 4 independent drum tracks, can store multiple packs on SD card and recall them, USB power, sleek design and form factor, black color scheme, external input to run stereo signal chain thru effects... yup, definitely getting that.

[@foodstampz]

How much ??

[@maxmakesmusic6836]

Looks really nice, I'm glad to see them building on an established system that really works well. The Circuit was already a capable MIDI controller and I'm glad they're leaning into it I'm gonna be missing the speaker though

[@sinistar99]

I love that Carl Sagan has come back and is now into electronic music.

[@loopop]

Billions of synths to review

[@RabidBatMusic]

Perfect timing Loopop, I couldn't breathe for lack of info!

[@tetkiktedavi1674]

Amazing review, I just got a Circuit OG and was blown away and it seems like Tracks is a clear upgrade.

[@LukeLine]

Wow, this and the Typhon would be a great mini setup!

[@andyhcape]

Surely the stereo out only, is still a huge limitation. I just transferred 6 tracks (on my old Circuit) to Logic Pro - took a lot of fiddling. When the MC-707 and MC-101 let you export to separate tracks (4 and 8 respectively) I think Novation have missed a trick here. If you are serious enough to buy this new Circuit, over the old one secondhand, you are serious enough to want to get your sounds into a DAW eventually. All that work, tweaking, panning, adding FX to each track, sample flipping building up a really complex piece of sound/music and you can't keep it separate for extra mixing and mastering in a DAW..........when you can on MC101, Akai Force, MC707 - even the old Electribe allowed you to export stems/parts to Ableton - and that is as old as the original Circuit.

[@justFUNdimples]

Fully agree with you! Should be able to interface with the DAW as separate tracks.. Especially with a name like "Circuit Tracks", and since you can run and mix external sound with it... only makes since to be able to send separate audio tracks to a DAW for recording. Novation was good about their firmware updates... maybe they'll sort that out when they release their firmware updates for the Circuit Tracks.

[@andyhcape]

@@justFUNdimples maybe, I hope so (although what a tease that would be) and if they did do it - I'd for one jump straight in, and keep my current Circuit 1 as a spare or simple drum machine - Circuit 2 has actually rekindled some love for my old version, which is not that far behind as it stands now - in fact it's on my desktop right now building a new pack for it........

[@BsYtHandle]

do you have a 101 to compare it to? Wondering if it's worth swapping out my Circuit for one.

[@andyhcape]

@@BsYtHandle no I don’t sadly. Gabe Miller does a good comparison between the two (old circuit and 101) that might be helpful. I nearly bought the 707. But now resigned myself to learning Logic Pro properly and finding that more rewarding.

[@BsYtHandle]

@@andyhcape thanks for the heads up. Good to hear you're enjoying LP.

[@thebluehotel5215]

If Loopop doesn't review it does it exist? Jokes aside, love the product design for new Novation stuff, not that I minded the old stuff.

[@electrosonicnebula]

Really cool update in every way especially those MIDI tracks. Arpeggiator would have been nice!

[@Dorachagi1]

At 3 minutes: It's definitely better than my OG Circuit, but not enough for me to upgrade At 4 minutes: Damn you Novation just take my money...

[@GirlfightClub]

Right? But I gotta see the Rhythm version first

[@BenColemanUK]

What changed your mind? All I'm seeing is an OG Circuit with 2 MIDI tracks and longer patterns. Same effects, same synths, same 4 drum tracks, same nearly everything

[@anthony_pr1033]

@@BenColemanUK and a battery you can't replace if it wears out

[@Dorachagi1]

Expanded MIDI capabilities without sacrificing my drum/sample tracks, divided drum/sample tracks, external audio in, probability, more room for patches, scenes instead of having to use separate sessions unless I want a different patch, SD card, rechargable battery (I'd actually take my Circuit places if I didn't have to worry about batteries, well and pandemics but that's hardly Novation's fault that I know of). All of that's enough for me to prefer the new one between the two, and the things that remain the same aren't really negatives for me since I love my Circuit and am already familiar with it.

[@BeniRoseMusic]

I honestly just want the upgrade so I know where all the 1.x features are. I swear I never use my Circuit anymore cause I can't remember how.

[@fcf8269]

Novation engineers: We should update our circuit; it is a pretty nice device after all Novation boss: Totally! make it slick; but don't overdo... Remember that people freak out if there is a LCD that does not look like a calculator, have more than 32 steps per sequence and more than 8 tracks and 1 minute of total audio for sample pack.

[@hectorcen]

I was expecting 4 tracks of Internal synth deluge style synth edition, where knobs functions change per pad and everything else just like that but for me is just hardware update and some extramemory

[@52thephotoshop]

I don't understand how these machines are still so artificially limited hardware has advanced massively since the original circuit and they still don't have more than a minute of sample memory.

[@kiko1935]

I don't get it either. The Yamaha montage has I believe 2 GB of flash memory- which really doesn't sound that impressive considering it's $3000?

[@TechGently]

@@kiko1935 My MODX (Plastic version of Montage w Montage Engine) has only 1.5gb and it's already full, I have the Bosendorfer and Chick Corea Library. Hoping that Yamaha could just allow external SD drives.

[@blankblank4949]

i understand it when theres an sd slot. for the most part I think most people would prefer to use sd instead of onboard flash memory. As for a reason, cost obviously. But there are a few I didn't consider initially. Yeah larger memory modules cost more money, but making a board that can accommodate them is a engineering and hardware cost as well. I still think its inexcusable to be putting out a device like this in this day and age and not having more than 20gb of storage, especially when these devices are so expensive and so premium.

[@samprock]

Neat sounding track at the begging/end as always, LP! Use flow looks non-complicated to use. I like they managed intake most of the best handy features from Push to OP--Z. While more accessible pricewise, so why not have enlarged OP-Z around and dock it it as mini-Push standalone to drive no-obligation synth session in studio. Midi track and audio-in makes it possible to be used as a heart of the studio.... I've heard this, I think, just lately, so lil hypnotized :)

[@MichaelMoore-bx6st]

I love the integrated battery and revised editor and sleek design. The only thing preventing me from ordering it is the same dated nova engine.. this would be a relatively expensive sketch pad as I have too many other devices that just simply sound better. I don't have any as portable or with this great workflow though.. I just wish they updated the sound engine and I could bounce tracks I made on the go into ableton as audio. Currently, I'd only record then as midi and then replace sounds.

[@UnfinishedIdeas]

Oohh real time link with components? The software looks way nicer too, I hope Novation will do an iPad Components app for full portable control of the Circuit

[@eaman11]

Agreed, we all have "portable displays" around in the form of smartphones or tablets.

[@squoblat]

This isn't the huge update I was hoping for, but I'll probably still buy it as soon as the shops open again here in the UK. I am still holding out for a circuit pro that's more in the MC-707 bracket. Biggest con here is there still only being one pair of outputs, bit disappointed that it's still the Nova engine and a heavy reliance on components, but the additional MIDI sequencing and CC automation is worth buying it for. I could probably do a lot of what's available with the launchpad pro mk3 and the original circuit. £360 is on the upper limit of reasonable, the MC-101 seems like the competition and that has audio over USB, which is a huge advantage and a feature that appears to be a massive omission from this generation of circuit. If this had audio over USB it would be the game changer I was hoping for, it's kind of baffling that Novation haven't included it.

[@andyhcape]

I agree - all that work building up a song on 8 tracks and then to get it into Live or Logic you have to play it in 8 times - once for each individual track - or pan L and R and do it 4 times - but what a faff.

[@renek.6434]

@@andyhcape I think this device is more meant to be for fun tbh :)

[@andyhcape]

@@renek.6434 I'm not convinced by that - £360 and constant claims 'it is not a toy' - even when the first Circuit was launched. The specs are so good across the board, the sequencer and now as a controller for midi external gear that the lack of separate channels as outputs is a big mistake. Roland can do it for the same price and similar form factor MC-101.....?

[@renek.6434]

@@andyhcape Well for sure it's more than a toy but I meant it's more suitable for jamming around than producing professionally. I guess the best idea would be to include a usb sound card with separate channels as many more outputs probably wouldn't fit on the unit.

[@LiftedNoise]

So you have inputs but can't sample into it..? I was almost interested..

[@LiftedNoise]

Okay novation may have to take my money for the rhythm then, looks like sampling into the inputs is possible with that model.

[@sullenpuffin]

Thanks Loopop, best Circuit Tracks video I’ve come across :)

[@MrTanukiD]

Seems like a lot of the updates are focused on jamming workflow which is great. It is a shame they didn't update the synth engine but it's still a lot of fun for your money. Components was always the weak link. If that update is solid then that alone is cause for celebration.

[@strangersun7721]

Love my original circuit, and I like this one too. Lots of good new stuff. I won't miss the speaker. It wasn't useful. There are a lot of nice changes that take into account some good features on the launchpad mk3 and sl mk3. The per-step setting of macro knob values is one of the main things I was missing on the original Circuit. Sequencing more gear with midi tracks is excellent as I love the Circuit sequencer and have been sequencing external great with a launchpad pro. Won't need it for live stuff anymore.

[@jimidigit]

"From outside the club to in the car radio..."

[@jefgibbons]

I was going to mention that... love it!

[@jonaseggen2230]

Should be label icons, like turtle and rabbit for slow and fast as seen on some gear.

[@dvdny]

Hehe the last car radio I had that was that bad was my ‘69 Dodge Dart

[@elsantoproductora]

Your review was awesome as always but Tracks is really disappointing. I was hoping for chromatic sample play mode, more than 2 synth tracks, direct sampling and a new synth engine

[@strangersun7721]

I am a massive fan of Circuit. Released two albums based primarily on work with it. Have to agree. This is more of a hardware revision and I was hoping for more. Maybe we'll get it with the one they are releasing over the summer.

[@DopamineOverload]

Direct sampling, yeah... why the hell are there two 1/4" inputs on this, if that feature is not included? Possible future firmware update?

[@elsantoproductora]

@@strangersun7721 I love circuit too, it has a nice, fast workflow with no menu diving and it's very fun and inspiring. The thing is I didn't want labeled knobs or flat buttons, just something like the mc101 but with circuit's sequencer.

[@elsantoproductora]

@@DopamineOverload my guess is tracks and rhythm share the same hardware but have different firmware. That helps keeping the manufacturing costs down.

[@LucidMusicIncRecordings]

@@DopamineOverload routing audio to fx

[@SHLDMusic]

Great review! Now the question is should I get a second hand Circuit or buy the circuit tracks? 😁

[@loopop]

Thanks! Depends on the market price for old Circuits I think - it's interesting to see what it will "stabilize" at

[@eaman11]

Buy the new one and sell it to me as used ASAP!

[@SHLDMusic]

😂

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

Can you use samples from the sd card in the synth engine or only in the drum "engine"?

[@fernandomercado5519]

I already have the circuit mono, but this will definitely be then next purchase. I love the workflow of the circuit. It's faster than the elektrons, and for jamming it's super forgiving. I'm glad they added the SD card. If the Circuit Rhythm is legit, that would also be a no brainer, would be a great addition.

[@JustinUrban1]

It’s my birthday today so I decided to get myself a little gift, so of course I bought one of these little wonders!

[@emilfunkvang]

New loopop video of new gear! *watching my wallet* *realizing brokeness* ... *keep watching loopop videos anyway...*

[@joseluisfernandez3453]

You're not alone bro

[@Ponchy]

Super helpful vid as always, Loopop! Just picked one up myself and am loving it!

[@damelos4039]

I have no idea why you don't have a quarter million subs by now. Great video as usual.

[@derekholland3328]

kudos to your hard work in reviewing these new products.

[@comradecat1859]

Probably gonna go for the Roland Mc 101 for this.

[@martinkulik9466]

why

[@Jason75913]

@@martinkulik9466 much more potent portable groovebox, for anyone not minding the awful menu-diving

[@romanyel]

Thanks once again! I see the section on Components is very similar to how its used for Circuit Rhythm.

[@suga4all]

Great review! And great product! So glad that Novation made a follow up 👍

[@finalfrontierpro]

When changing scenes does it keep the same tempo like the old circuit? I was hoping it could change tempo between scenes as the music I want to play has several tempo changes that just happen and I wanted to trigger.

[@TrickWatcher]

Do you know if it's possible to load my existing packs from Novation Circuit into the Circuit Tracks? Wouldn't want to loose the work i did on my Circuit if I decide to upgrade.

[@fotoniknoise]

From outside the club to the old car radio :-D

[@mikeexits]

A few things I'm curious about: 1. Do the two internal synth tracks have the capability of also sequencing externally (overdubbing like the original)? 2. Is the probability function able to be applied to individual notes on polyphonic steps? 3. Are you able to play external synths through the Circuit Tracks with a MIDI keyboard? On the original, if I were to plug a keyboard into the Circuit's MIDI in, and have a synth sequenced using the Circuit's MIDI out, the keyboard would play the internal synths but not the external ones.

[@loopop]

1. Yes the two internal tracks can sequence. Not sure what you mean by overdubbing? 2. No, probability is for the entire step 3. I didn't try

[@mikeexits]

@@loopop Thanks! Circuit Tracks looks awesome and I'm super excited to see what Novation do with its firmware updates going forward. And by overdubbing, I meant that the MIDI sequencer on a track for the internal synth and external gear assigned to the same MIDI channel are shared. Meaning, if you don't turn the mixer volume to 0 for that track, you'll hear both the internal synth on that track and the external one that's set to that MIDI channel. Maybe overdubbing isn't the best word for that.

[@loopop]

@@mikeexits ok - you can’t - each of the four tracks needs to be sent on it’s own channel

[@mikeexits]

@@loopop *(Update: This comment is irrelevant due to miscommunication. If you're reading this and don't continue further in this thread, know that Circuit CAN sequence 4 synths total, with two of the tracks being shared with the internal synths, like on the original)* Oh ok, nevermind then. That's kinda disappointing honestly. I would've loved to be able to sequence 4 external synths in total, even if the internal synths shared a sequence/channel with two of the external synths. At least it's still an improvement over the original, just not as much of an improvement as I hoped. Maybe a firmware update can make it so, hopefully. Thanks for replying.

[@loopop]

@@mikeexits I guess I misunderstood your question - yes you can sequence 4 external synths

[@anakamhi7097]

LOOOOOVE your performance at the end, loopop!!! 🙏🏼

[@loopop]

Thanks!

[@fuzbeats]

Nice review🙏the sample knobs is a big con. You speak out of my heart when you mentioned a knob for sample start. Would be such a game changer. I guess something must be left for the rythm 😂

[@bikegarrett]

What format file you need stuff to be, I'm using audacity to chop samples for my samplepad4 needs mono

[@bikegarrett]

I'm 15 min in and I think with good knowledge of all the functions you can do anything,

[@matthewadunlap]

Sample start and sample attack would be excellent. The sample engine is so basic, I'd rather just use a volca.

[@fuzbeats]

@@bikegarrett 16 bit Mono 48khz in wav or mp3

[@fuzbeats]

@@bikegarrett yes almost anything 😁but the sample features are really basic

[@diegofernando2912]

Circuit Tracks, Roland MC-101 or Elektron Model:Samples what the best for house/techno/minimal music?

[@LieorDie24]

So one question is this Maschine enough if you want to make Musik tracks like turrican or Airwolf or final countdown songs or would i need other Maschines and Programms for 300 Euros this must be a good way to make Musik or do i have to buy more equipment?

[@rickoibop7372]

Hello … can we do a step shifting? Imean usually after live recording notes sometimes the timing is not in correct steps.

[@sammywarren3070]

Loopop ! Happy holidays ! May I ask you a midi noobie a question!? I got myself the sq64 for Xmas and I’m not sure if it’s right for my setup. I’m thinking about returning it for the notation circuit tracks. My issue with the sq64 Is that I can’t get the hang of it so we’ll, there’s SO MANY bugs and , I’m just not sure it was what I should’ve bought. My setup is modest, Korg monologue, NTS1, volca sample, volca mix (ughh) Korg monotron delay and I also have a PO32, and a castle synth (possibly)…so would this be something cool I could work with or should I just keep the Sq64 and wait for Korg to come out with a miracle firmware update while I continue my time KORG detention ?!? Yes I am a little annoyed at them for this one but oddly I’m thinking I should’ve just got an sq1 and a Beatstep pro

[@sammywarren3070]

Thanks BTW

[@sammywarren3070]

OR I could trade the Sq64 and get a microfreak and a better mixer and just sync everything via mini jack ?!?

[@sammywarren3070]

This decision is really killing me and I have only a week to make it

[@loopop]

My friend, you have an SQ1, Beatstep Pro, SQ64 (which you found many bugs in!) etc - I have news for you - you're not a noobie ;) no one can answer the question but you. Happy holidays!

[@yago8672]

Can I connect two units together? if a use the filter on the unit with master clock, will affect all the 4 inputs?

[@dinogoldie9716]

I have questions. Does it have audio-over-USB? Is the audio-over-USB 8 channels or a single master output? Can patches/samples/patterns/sessions from the multiple packs on the one machine be mixed and matched? Have they improved panning functionality so that it's now per step? Or is panning still a per-track, set-and-forget thing? Can velocity of microsteps on the one step be varied? Can gate of microsteps sharing the same step be varied? Does the Circuit Tracks have any punch-in/live performance functionality (e.g. step jump/stutter)? I understand users are able to customise what the 8 macro knobs do for the two MIDI sequencer tracks. For which products has Novation already created custom macro config files?

[@loopop]

I have answers no audio over usb yes you can mix and match project and samples using the software, might be a bit tedious because you can only see one at a time panning can be automated one gate and velocity for all notes in a step see the video for pattern settings you have 8 cc templates for the macro knobs in the MIDI tracks no custom config files that I saw

[@SonicVibe]

the one thing about switching between projects is it keeps the bmp the same and not the bmp of the project it was made in or saved 2, It seems to keep the bpm of the first project before switching projects I guess this for a long set but you would have to make every project the same bpm or switch on the fly ?

[@00nsqo]

oooof love it. pretty much inproved everything that weve all wanted

[@Imetalman2000]

The 2 midi channel are what sales it for me, but I just got a keystep 37 so not sure it’s something I really need.

[@MisterGrooves]

You ought to still have the opportunity to use the two synth tracks as midi outs.

[@mikehemens9359]

Help I"m a 'noobie'! I don't need the samples or the synth engine in the circuit. Would I be better with the keystep pro as a controller for 2 synths and a drumbrute impact? I need the poly sequencing and micro timing. I do like the motion record feature of the circuit tho. Does that work for the the midi tracks? Im buying and selling lots of equipment trying to figure out something I like.

[@lackofmotivation5972]

So, just finished watching. I do like the new upgrade and think it's worthwhile, the only thing i'm bumped about is that they didn't update the Synth engine which I never really liked.

[@sentokan]

Can you insert chords or single notes in step midi sequencing using an external keyboard? Thanks!

[@jasonmus]

You had me at "2 midi channels".

[@simonlee601]

Hello quick question if thats ok , what do you think would be the best box , machine , module , for using odd time signatures like 5/4 or 7/8 etc , is there one that can do this ? thanks ,simon

[@Don-h4d]

Can you associate your own samples to each button and store them into it? Everyone shows the features but nobody makes it clear.

[@hipsterscout1]

this litterally fixed every problem i had with circuit, which like i was fine with but now i need the upgrade

[@pyrotek45]

Is it possable to tweak the synths without an external editor? And if not could u ask novation to add that in? One day the website and editors won't be supported. At least make it possible(even of its janky) to access all the synth parameters within the unit itself.

[@loopop]

No it's not possible - there's really nothing to ask, there are so many parameters in these synth there's no way they could implement it in a reasonable interface

[@P-S-T]

Hi! Nice video. I have a question. I have connected my OP-1 to Circuit Tracks with help of an midi USB to midi host. Audio out from OP-1 to audio in on the Circuit Tracks. Somehow, if I for example chose midichannel 1 on OP-1, I can record the sound playing from the Circuit Tracks channel 1 onto the OP-1. How is that even possible?

[@Rustik1722]

So I basically can put 4 sample kits on the device. I cannot switch while playing though, correct? I may just get the damn thing. Any idea on Rhythm Unit? As for the decoupled samples...does that give 8 knobs per sample edit capabilities?

[@loopop]

If you're referring to projects it's 32 kits of up to 64 samples, up to 1 minute in total per kit

[@oferhait2898]

Thanks for the Video loopop! just a question about the midi tracks... Can you connect an ios device (iPhone/iPad synth app) to the midi channels? And how can you do it? What cables/adapters are required? Do you need to connect only the midi I/O or also the circuit tracks audio to the ios device? assuming I want it portable, only using the headphone out, how can you hear the ios midi channel? Thanks!

[@loopop]

Yes you can. For MIDI: You need a camera connection kit and a USB MIDI interface (Roland makes a good one, MIO is another option). For audio, assuming your iPad has a headphone jack, route audio into Circuit. If your iOS device doesn't have one, you'll need a dongle with both audio and USB

[@l.g.5899]

I was lookind at Akai One, Force, Live... I discovered they don't manage other than 4/4 rhythm... Does this unit have the same limitation?

[@Oblique331]

Can the midi tracks select patches on external synths eg on a boutique? (And save them per pattern?)

[@BigBadWolf..............]

I checked the comments and didn’t see an answer to this. I use a midi merge with the original circuit in order to sequence external synths with the circuit and use a midi keyboard to input notes. With this new design can you use a midi keyboard into midi in and midi thru out to an external synth and input notes into the sequencer with the keyboard? Thanks for any answer.

[@loopop]

Yes you can

[@GraemeMarkNI]

Can it play old Circuit sessions? Does the aux in go through the filter?

[@GraemeMarkNI]

I suppose no because the filter’s digital?

[@loopop]

I didn't try to load old sessions. The signal is converted to digital because it's processed by the fx, mixer and sidechain

[@dvdny]

Incredibly detailed video, thanks for posting! Is the operation and workflow of Tracks largely the same as for the current release of Circuit do you know?

[@All_Together_Now]

so my FRIEND (definitely not me) just ordered a circuit last week to start getting into music production, now this comes out, do y’all think it’s worth it to send it back, get the refund, and buy the new one?

[@ivangonzalez3523]

Thank you very much for the review. It's excellent. It's excellent. I'm gravitating between Circuit Tracks and Microfreak to play around with my Roland JV-1080. Circuit Tracks with their sequencing or Microfreak with poly aftertouch, apart from the sounds of the machines themselves. Difficult choice since the price is practically the same. Would you say that Microfreak is a better option?

[@loopop]

Glad it was helpful! To your question, what's right for me will likely not be right for you - and the two are VERY different. go with what will inspire you to make music

[@incaroads001]

It's funny how I just completely blow off the "official" videos and search here instead. And this box is exactly (pretty much) what I've been looking for. I'll get a couple NTS-1's to round it out. It's nice to see something that was designed right from the start as an "instrument". That is, it was designed to be played and not searched through. When you want to play the guitar, you just pick it up and play it. Why not the same for groove boxes?

[@delonjayrodgers5655]

Help me out loopop, it clearly says "Can record samples straight to the hardware and manipulate them freely" in the description of this item. Is this misinformation? Thanks

[@loopop]

Where in the description does it say that?

[@wesleyforman8391]

This or beat track pro? Really just to control external sense I'm not all for onboard cheese sounds I have my NI maschine with all it soundpacks for that

[@vznquest]

best gear reviews on the internet hands down

[@darkuniversesound]

Thanks for the comprehensive review, as always! 👍👍 Quick question - is pattern chaining still implemented in the same way as OG Circuit, now that the Scenes are involved? The old format of going back and forth, chaining pattern 1 three times in a row followed by pattern 5 twice and pattern 8 once? That was very good, does pattern chaining still function in this way in the new unit? Can you chain the Scenes out of numerical order as well? 🤷‍♂️🤔

[@loopop]

Thanks! You can't chain scenes out of order currently. Regarding the OG firmware update pattern chaining workflow, I have to admit I never explored it...

[@MrJimmyjammmy]

I liked the built in speaker. It was great for just noodling about.

[@OttosTheName]

Unlike any other synths I've ever played the speaker sounded okay!

[@martinausdeutschland]

How would one be able to "duplicate over" a note from one drum track to another if there is just one visible at a time? Can you now just record them in realtime with the new Circuit Tracks?

[@DopamineOverload]

Hey Loopop! Great review as always. I was a little confused about the Projects / Packs.... are the Projects independent of the Packs? Basically, if you load Pack A, and Projects 1 through 4 are made with Pack B, will the Projects play the samples and synth presets from Pack A even though they were made with Pack B? Not a deal-breaker, but just wanted to make sure. Thanks!

[@loopop]

Thanks! I've actually not tried to verify, but, to my understanding projects are just notes/midi information and don't contain any samples, just references to samples.

[@DopamineOverload]

@@loopop Gotcha! That's what I thought. Again, not a deal-breaker. It's awesome being able to store 32 Packs on the unit itself... lots of flexibility, there.

[@darkuniversesound]

Do you know if the 64 sessions/projects can be switched around on the SD card - for instance making projects with pack A and different projects with pack B, and being able to switch the project clumps back and forth as you change from pack to pack? Maybe this is something that can only be done through the Components app? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@tangbrotang]

Hello @loopop really nice review thanks Is it possible to use synth 1 and synth 2 tracks to sequence external synths as well as with midi 1 and 2 ?

[@finnjones123]

Very helpful video! Any scope to review the sequential pro 3 by any chance? Keen to see what you make of the sequencer and using it for chords/in creative ways.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not likely unfortunately

[@dinogoldie9716]

Here's something that's got me stumped. I want to copy 31 Jamuary patterns from my OG Circuit to my shiney new Circuit tracks. I've connected MIDI out from my ogC to the MIDI in of my CT. I've gone into MIDI settings on both units and have lit all the pads on the bottom row to ensure that everything is T(ransmitted)X and R(eceived)X. MIDI channel settings are the same (1, 2 and 10) on both units. I have the same pack* (Bass pressure) loaded on both units. The start/stop transport controls and note data are getting through. However, presets, automation and specific drum sounds are not. The CT plays notes using default presets and it plays all drums as the same kick sample. The CT doesn't replicate any of the macro automation stored in the ogC patterns. Is it possible to do what I am attempting or am I wasting my time? Is there a ogC MIDI template for the CT? (*The CT version of the Bass Pressure pack has its macro controls in a slightly different order to the ogC pack. nevertheless, no automation is getting through).

[@Reis_mit]

Is there a limit for the length of an individual sample to load Into the system? I did only read that you can load 64 samples with total of 6sec into it. Does that mean each sample can only be

[@nmcpcj]

Great video. I wonder if the two Midi channels only control external Hardware or can they control/sequence VST's in a DAW, since the send to separated Midi channels. Thanks 🙏

[@necrotictrust]

as always a brilliant review which makes all other reviews obsolete. Thank you.

[@salvadoravila7145]

Is it possible to record or sample instruments on the go , and use them like record a guitar and add it to a loop? I would like something like Korg kaossilator but a bit more versatile

[@vladagordanic574]

Hey Loo is it possible to assign different type of delay on different channel and if it so, how? THX

[@loopop]

the delay time/character needs to be the same globally but the send level can change per track

[@anthonyevangelosdabos]

Hi! Can it work as a normal Launchpad in Live? Thanks!!

[@rsvp9816]

1.25 minutes in, you saved me the time, same synth engine.

[@MGoolas]

That's all that mattered to me to ! I have a bunch of samplers to connect that thing too so I use it almost exclusively as a synth. My OG stays for now

[@NecroMantis]

Maybe I missed this in the video but what if I don't have any intention of using the midi tracks? Do I just lose out on that or can they be used another way?

[@loopop]

If you don't plan on using any other musical instrument (even a computer or iPad) you'll have no use for these tracks. If you buy this, at some point you'll probably want to expand your setup - in which case you can use the two MIDI tracks to pan external audio or send it to effects, or sequence said expanded setup/iPad/iPhone/computer from one place.

[@NecroMantis]

Thanks for the reply. My normal setup is Push 2 and the Keystep but I'm looking at this for portability. Still deciding between this and the Rythym. The two synth limitation isn't a huge deal but I want to make sure I can get what I need from it.

[@felipefuentes1832]

Hi, is it possible to add a sustain pedal to the synth engine via an external midi controller? Thanks!

[@ranlev]

How would I make these 2 mono inputs work as a stereo pair? I'd like to connect this to my Korg Wavestate and couldn't find anything about switching the 2 inputs to a stereo pair (so I can connect both L&R outputs of the wavestate)? I can pan one input to left and the other to right, but it would be a project thing and not a global setting.. hope there is some hidden setup function I'm not familiar with.. thanks for another great review!

[@loopop]

thanks! no other way that I know other than panning left and right

[@Funtaman]

Can you record midi with pitch bend with external midi keyboard? I don't think you can do it with the first Circuit.

[@TheRealPuppyMachine]

@loopop I tired to record automate the tracks I wanted enabled when working out my scenes. However, I was not successful. Is there a way to do this or another other workaround you suggest? Ty

[@loopop]

pressing record works for me - try asking on the circuit group on Facebook?

[@TheRealPuppyMachine]

@@loopop Okay, I just realized that I can't work out my scenes live. I have to pre-program the patterns with whichever tracks I want on and off for each of the scenes, then program that pattern sequence into a designated scene. I was trying to enable the tracks on and off in the Mixer while live. ty for the reply

[@sainsay]

i love how many of the sequencer controls are the same of that of the launchpad pro mk3. I'll keep that in mind when I need another sequencer.

[@maarzt]

kick and bass fighting over the same frequency! These types of metaphors help me understand stuff :) Thanks again!

[@RottenMechGaming]

It still sounds a little mushy. I have the first edition and always found a song would start to mush together and be a bit fuzzy. Not sure if it was the quality of the audio output or synth engine. Being an addict I have ordered a tracks anyway and will be comparing closely to the sound output of the early model.

[@seedbarrett6853]

So now you can store 64 x 1 minute of samples, do I get it right? You can store them at once, but can't play them without switching the set?

[@loopop]

32 packs with one minute of samples each. Indeed you need to switch packs which takes a few seconds

[@seedbarrett6853]

@@loopop ah, 32. Thanks very much