Novation Circuit Rhythm! Deep Dive, Beat Making, & GRIPES!!!

[@AveMcree]

What hardware do you want me to review next?

[@DopamineOverload]

Sonicware Liven XFM! Circuit Tracks (unless I missed that video), Digitakt? Digitone? There's something I dig a lot about the Circuit Rhythm. I don't know what it is. Maybe the super-quick slicing. I have to spend more time with it. Look fwd to watching this whole video (just wanted to quickly comment).

[@AveMcree]

@@DopamineOverload I have the original Sonicware Liven & still need to do a video on that.

[@YoungBeanz]

I need a high quality Audio Interface but I am so undecided on what to get, I would love to see a video of you going over some of them to give me a better idea of what I should look out for, thanks for the vid fam 🤟❤️

[@teddybearasaurus]

Totally agree with the 85 percent assessment

[@kalimaa999]

If you could do a review on the new Elektron De.Ez that'd be great

[@NovationTV]

Thanks for taking the time to create this! If you're concerned that the sequencer might not accurately capture the feel of your playing you can use Resample to capture a beat as you played it. You can set the recording threshold to ensure that recording is triggered on the first hit and hitting the record button in any View will stop the recording. Alternatively, you could also double the tempo to get 2X the sequencer resolution.

[@AveMcree]

Thanks for the support. Greatly appreciated!!

[@playpm]

Come on Novation, resample method suggestion for replacing proper high resolution recording? That's a little bit lazy :(

[@GraemeMarkNI]

@@playpm Meh doesn’t seem like a bad workaround. I mean they call it unquantized, but really the microstep approach is just quantized to 64th note triplets ;) But I get that they want to maintain that pad workflow. Maybe adding a nudge feature would be an option… somehow worked into the tempo view or whatever

[@krisgakakrisqu0717]

how would you record the unquantized snares then?

[@NRG2]

Tracks owner here and even though I have some Moog & Arturia stuff with slightly more powerful synth capabilities, these Novations seamlessly blend sequencing, drums and synths in a way I find more pleasing than any other single unit I’ve used. It’s the perfect blend of power and simplicity that’s just FUN to use. Partner it up with a Micro Freak and that is a HELL of a combination. As an instrumentalist I can say you can’t find any instrument at that price with that much power anywhere else.

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

One hour on the toilet with this thing got me up & running. Love it!

[@smaudd]

Why most people in the comments section want this device to be the SP404 MK2 or other device that it isn't. The SP404 MK2 is great but it's a completely different device in terms of workflow. The CR has a lot of major flaws but it is unique on its own way and the SP404 MK1/MK2 the same. Novation and Roland are making a great work but I kind of feel that most of people I see on the KZbin section actually want a DAW inside a box with pads (MPC these days) instead of take creative advantage of limitations. I don't really want to have a DAW on another form factor. I really don't get the complains about the lack of screen, it is like the main appeal of this device, specially on a world where I need to see at screens to work, talk with my friends and family, entertainment, etc... I just really hope Novation keeps the essence of what DAWless means to me, being able to produce tracks and feel completely decoupled from an actual computer.

[@RabbiSt.Jermaine]

Its very similar to the Sp404sx but much easier to use once you get used to it and as far as the screen goes once you get used to using the circuit rhythm you will begin to realize that the grid is the screen, personally I love it.

[@BloodyChunX]

Exactly. I would love a 404 but will never have the cash. This thing may not have all the features, but in 2024 is a lot cheaper and has most. Especially if you aren't hipster enough want to go retro and DAWless. DAWless it also over rated. Surely the Lappy is just a piece of equipment that easily binds the 'toys' together in a DAWless setup!? I'm now thinking Novation Launchkey PRO for a similar price. With the right plugins I can do the same and more. The irony is that most DAWless instruments NEED a PC to upgrade them! 🤣

[@pongtrometer]

Love using this... looking forward to pairing it with SP404 mk2 for effects.... I’m using it with SP555 . It’s fast for getting ideas going, no hassle for sampling/resampling.... and the no screen formula, gets you listening , rather than looking at sound...

[@dinogoldie9716]

This is a very fair review and a superb showcase of the Circuit Rhythm in a Hip Hop context.

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

Cool demo. Novation made a great beat making machine. Everyone wants the Roland 404 MKII but this offers better sequencing and some unique options. Cheers!!

[@AveMcree]

Couldn't agree more!

[@ChrissyUkulele]

I'm learning a lot by watching your videos. Thank you.

[@alexwestconsulting]

good job. keeping it real even on a demo unit or freebie or whatever it was. ricky is good about that too, even when being a novation guy. i love my OG circuits, but with Novation's move of proliferating devices, splitting the functionality between 2 units in the new incarnation, and Akia really stepping up their game, I went with Akia.

[@PeanutButterAM]

I see zero reason to buy one of those. I keep watching vids and it keeps proving me right.

[@thegroove2000]

For me this has so much potential. If they focused on beatmakers it could be a heck of a tool. Add a screen with waveform editing etc and it woud be head to head with the MPC and roland SP.

[@kb420ps]

It's a nice groove box, but personally at that price point, I think I'd much rather have a Roland SP 404mk2.

[@cresshead]

yeh SP-404 mkii looks really good.

[@sawtooth808]

@@cresshead when in doubt, get both, the new SP can double as a sub mixer.

[@damelos4039]

I'm leaning the same way. I have the Rhythm but thinking of selling it.......and get the Roland.

[@DavidDeLuge]

For recording quantised, you don't need to keep repeating it because it is a toggle. When you hold shift and press record, if the record button lights green, then you are in quantised record mode and that will remain, even if you switch the device off, until you change it. You seemed to be repeating the process and so one time you switched it on and the next you switched it off. Remember that the colour of the record button is significant when holding shift and pressing it. Green = quantised, Red = unquantised.

[@AveMcree]

Thanks for the info

[@mistertwister4862]

Great review Ave, and your f-in kick had Chevy’s doors boomin

[@SabcatPrinting]

To clear a tracks pattern.. press PATTERN.. on that view hold clear, and the relevant pattern on the track 😉 My biggest gripe is also the sample trimming start and end points.. it’s certainly to coarse. Accurately trimming two sample loops start points don’t always happen and stuff flams. On the whole I enjoy how immediate the thing is though.

[@elbeethrie5140]

hold 'shift' while you move start and end points, for smaller moves.

[@bbailey0625]

The Rhythm is Dope. I got some beats on my channel if anyone wants to see it in action. However, I'll probably sell for the 404mkll. I do think the Rhythm has a better sequencer still over the new 404mkll, but the 32 voice polyphony and stereo of the mkll in my opinion is a necessity that the Rhythm doesn't have. The Chop function on the Rhythm is seemless and perfect though...

[@leewightman8619]

Definitely a dope little sampler I find my self using it more then any of my other gear I just wish it was stereo...the monophonic per track aint a big deal as u can build chords progressions on different tracks then resample it...it's more fun to use then any other sampler and groove box iv used as it's straight forward every thing works as you'd think it would it like to see an eq getting added either as a master eq as a grid effect or preferably an eq for separate tracks in the mixer as it already has vol and pan treble mid and bass would make a massive difference Especially for the drums I think that's all it's really missing..I'd like to be able to turn normalize on and of too . Proper time stretch would be nice but I don't think it would record well due to the micro steps as there is a way to do it but it doesn't record the way u play it in ...I think they will add time stretch effect to grid effects tho

[@Nestradamus]

Better to spend the extra hundy on the 404.

[@AppAxis]

It’s an 8 track PO33 for me basically. #Dawless #CircuitRhythm #Lofi #PO33 #PO133

[@smaudd]

That´s exactly what I was thinking

[@Mikepepp2]

The 404mk2. Just killed the market for samplers $500 and under 😂😂😂

[@AveMcree]

lol maybe people will like both.

[@alexwestconsulting]

meh, the sequencer on units like this still kill the mk2, good as the mk2 is.

[@sammadden5540]

OG circuit was pretty cool, I don't think this sampler one has enough new to be that cool. Plus most of us want to see the sample edits these days 😅

[@dinogoldie9716]

Here's my thoughts on the CR.... The "off grid" recording is somewhat misleading. In real terms, you can only toggle between 16 steps or 96 steps per bar (4ppq and 24 ppq respectively). This is pretty low note resolution. The Grid FX are cool but they are global. There is, at present, no way for specific tracks to bypass the FX. It would be cool if one could apply, say, lowpass filter just to musical samples while leaving drum tracks unaffected. The sample slicing and keyboard modes are simple and very usable. That being said, the keyboard mode could benefit from a second set of start/end loop points within a sample so that, when playing a sample as a musical note, only the sustain part of the envelope loops rather than the full ADSR. It would be good if swing was per-track and not just global. Overall, it's a great bit of kit at a very good price.

[@CoolDougLove]

100 percent agree. I think swing per track especially would go a long way to deal with the low sequencer resolution.

[@DopamineOverload]

12:28, you mentioned Shift gives you tuning micro-adjustments. Opposite, actually. Without shift is fine-tune, and with is by semitones. Pretty helpful. I wish it was the opposite, though. Should be semitone without holding Shift, and fine-tuning, with.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Thanks for this video. Nice demonstration and tutorials. I was really excited about this box when it was announced because I owned the original Circuit and really liked it but ultimately this one just didn't get my money. Was REALLY hoping it would have at least a couple stereo sampling tracks but all of them being mono, there was just no reason to get this when I already had a Digitakt in the studio.

[@ricardomilice2470]

Ave , appreciate all your reviews…… and Novation messed up with no screen, I can’t get past it. Lol originally I feel like they was trying to step on Sp404 toes…… and they didn’t see the Sp 404 Mk11 coming 😁. Sp404mk11 have the same color of the Novation.

[@sawtooth808]

@@rorz999 the original Circuit and the Circuit Tracks have no display screens either, it keeps with the Circuit theme, there maybe finer tuning of samples in an update of Rhythm’s components, who knows.

[@ssmith2019]

Good vidy ! ~ I got me one 2 . It pairs nicely with my circuit tracks and Ks4 !

[@boarques]

what is better Novation Circuit Rhythm or EP 133 Ko 2 ??

[@a_magnificent90]

Dope little groove box

[@nicholasgrayson7398]

I enjoyed your review Ave. For me, I’m sooo glad I passed on one of these because now that new 404 MKII is looking like the portable sampler that I have been wanting for someone to make. For only an extra hundo too. I gotta think Roland has got folks at Novation bummed. I wonder if Korg will finally revamp the Electribe in response to the new SP? Maybe even NI could come out with a battery powered little brother to the Machine Plus?

[@teddybearasaurus]

Gave mine back. Upgraded to the mpc one. I didn’t not like it. It could be really cool with usb over midi like the mc101 or tr6s. Workflow was cool, but components wasn’t the best. You can run another groovebox through it for fx kinda like an sp404. Still cool though. I wanna see you work with a digitakt. You can clear in patterns view pretty quick btw. Hold a few buttons together and it should do it.

[@AveMcree]

Thanks for the info! I'll try that out one day soon

[@MIXtofMusic]

I really enjoyed your video! 👌I've got a Circuit Rhythm 2 and really like it! Do you have the Circuit Tracks 2?

[@AveMcree]

I have the Circuit Tracks... Video soon

[@coffeeknuckles4802]

Interesting video. Do you ever mess with trackers? The Polyend Tracker looks interesting and the buttons have that clicky sound. Also, I like your frames.

[@AveMcree]

Thanks! Yes I have a review and a few streams using it kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYSYZ5ikrKaCr9E

[@coffeeknuckles4802]

@@AveMcree Sorry, I missed that review. Gonna check it out now.

[@TheTonyTitan]

Thanks once again bro!

[@marekusfluellen4773]

PRess patterns then select the track block and press clear

[@kimmyfrmphilly215]

Just bought one an it stopped playing sounds and I can't load packs

[@djgeorgieporgie7862]

Sp404 Mk2 for the win. ⛳️🏌

[@yonatorres6361]

Algo economico que recomiendes ??

[@MrDETROITWAX]

Hello - Ave i have a question. Do you have issues with the new MPC X update(Frimware) 2.10.1 ?

[@AveMcree]

Yeah, I reported some of the issues to AKAI directy because it effects my workflow

[@MrDETROITWAX]

@@AveMcree Yeah, bruh - i thought it was me. its so unstable. this time its the worst since i had from its conception. Also, i want to thank you for your video's - you my go ti guy for Mpc X and Maschine + i hope you do more videos on the Maschine +!!! thanks for the reply!!!

[@DefconUnicorn]

Nice review dude! The agressive nobs arnt that much of a problem for me, I think they work like a percent of the sample so the appear very agressive on longer samples. If you trim the sample down to slighly larger than you want it, save it and then trim it again you will find the nob is now more accurate. Hope that helps.

[@Gainn]

You just hold down shift to put it into a finer adjustment mode.

[@DefconUnicorn]

@@Gainn quite right but, I belive he said that holding down shift was still not quite what he needed.

[@Gainn]

@@DefconUnicorn it is quite sensitive. There were some suggestions a firmware update might address it, but I sent mine back after a couple of days.. It had such potential and they blew it big time imo.

[@norenttv_]

why you got them glasses on?

[@jzno]

My MPC One, my iPad, my Launchpad Pro MK3, my Synths.

[@jdpower6360]

I’m actually sending mine back. I found this to be the most uninspiring unit I’ve messed with recently.

[@Beatz-Pocket]

Your new glasses fits your face perfectly like MSX expansion packs. Just saying.

[@dracul74]

I have the original circuit. I do like it, but I mostly sculpt sounds from it and then sample them into my Mpc where I like the workflow better.

[@AveMcree]

Sounds like a good idea honestly!

[@qwe1231]

Seems like nice hardware, but for me personally I prefer the Circuit Tracks.

[@AveMcree]

I got that too

[@teddybearasaurus]

I got that one. I feel like the tracks has more possibilities with the synths, midi channels, and scale modes🤷🏽‍♂️

[@CoolDougLove]

I really like the Rhythm. The low sequencer resolution is probably my biggest gripe. I like the sequencer overall. I prefer to step sequence. I really like being able to enter notes directly into the sequence. I like the way that the patterns and scenes work. But I wish that I could nudge steps as precisely on this as I can on my Digitakt or the Model: Samples and Cycles I sold to get this. That and not being able to duplicate tracks. Still, it really agrees with me as a device overall. I've had it for almost three months now and where I think it really shines is resampling. I think between the really great filter, the distortion, and the quick and dirty sampling and slicing it just wants to work like this.

[@AveMcree]

Big fan of your videos btw... I agree but love how quick the Novation Circuit Rhythm's workflow.

[@CoolDougLove]

@@AveMcree Thanks, man. That's really cool to know

[@echo_opera]

I just picked up one of these and am enjoying it for what it is. I really love the simplicity of it, and I think it's a nice evolution of the Circuit line. I hope Novation evolves it like they are known for with their gear. Just finished this track last night, and I'm quite happy with the results: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CteGaGhNBlgJY

[@AveMcree]

it's a pretty nice sampler

[@cresshead]

2 bar pattern max length is too short for how i create songs no screen is gonna do my head in on hidden shortcuts i think it's cool concept though and will work really well for some people. good insight with the video, thanks steve

[@cresshead]

@@toomuchjam nice workaround

[@cresshead]

@@toomuchjam i usually make 8 bar patterns on my mpc so whilst it's doable in a fashion on circuit it's all rather clunky.. why not just have 8 bar patterns?

[@cresshead]

if it's okay for you.. cool, i can't get past them limiting the pattern length then selotaping patterns together to fix their own limits...

[@cresshead]

@@toomuchjam yeh whatever works for you is great, a load of people love it's workflow and ascetics and it has a vibrant user base too...looking at it for me it just doesn't fit how i like to work/create.. which is fine.. some people love trad DAW's some love the ableton live..options find what works for you. ' works for you'.

[@about2productions358]

404 mk2 & akai will clear up in 2022

[@rhythmjones]

You don't have to hold clear to clear the step sequencer. Just hit the pads again.

[@sklobi]

Yes new hardware!!! But $400....?? I get it’s a standalone but still, $299 is where it needs to be IMO

[@vancleef3616]

TASCAM Model 12

[@RoofElmao]

8 bars would be best feature they could add to this can't make a proper bass line on my rhythm

[@ultrajayme]

I don't think you have to hold clear to clear pads. I think you just tap on them to deselect them

[@Gainn]

The 'unquantised' parts sound turrible. Novation PPQ is too low resolution for it to sound natural. Sample flipping makes it more usable, but they did hobble the thing by still making it reliant on Components. Even if one of the tracks was stereo that would make it a lot better. The price has gone steadily downwards, so I guess it's not selling quite as well as they hoped. I only ever use my OG Circuit as a drum machine because the synth sounds like shit, so this would have been a good upgrade if they'd thought it out a bit more.

[@RnBGarvey]

NO seal of approval.

[@syntheshwara]

The new sp404 murdered the circuit rhythm…

[@bryantwalley]

It was strange watching you play in one thing and it seem to just play back whatever it wanted to. Like you had to convince it to do it your way. I’m getting to old to be fighting with my box.

[@damelos4039]

Can't get past the colors to figure out. It's not intuitive at all. The learning curve is VERY steep......too steep, with no screen. Probably sending mine back. Think I need an SP-404 MKII

[@iblamesummers]

s/0 Novation.

[@dinogoldie9716]

I've seen a lot of reviews for the CR complaining about total sample capacity and maximum length for individual samples. If you need more than 25 seconds for a single sample, you'd probably be better off with a karaoke machine. As for the criticism about the 8 sample tracks being "monophonic?" Most samplers comprise monophonic tracks. If you want to play chords 'n shit, you'd be better off with a soundfont player or Kontakt or some other virtual instrument or multisample player.

[@AveMcree]

Most samplers can play samples chromically & aren't limited to "monophonic tracks". Examples MPC, Model Samples, Maschine Plus, Octotrack, AKAI Force, Korg Volca Sample, & Roland SP-404 MKII to name a few... A 25 second sample should be able to load my dude... It's not 1995 bro

[@dinogoldie9716]

​@@AveMcree Most samplers are monophonic. That's monophonic as opposed to polyphonic and not monophonic as opposed to stereo. The Volca Sample and Elektron Model Samples may hold stereo samples but each track is still monophonic. There are some samplers (e.g. the new Roland grooveboxes) which have polyphonic tracks but they all cost significantly more than the CR and, as I say, imo, that's more virtual instrument territory than sampling. As for sample length. 25 seconds is a hell of a long time (as is the 32 seconds per individual sample when sampling directly onto the CR). That's like a fifth of a song. That's not "sampling" to me. that's loop peddle territory.

[@teddybearasaurus]

I wonder if novation has the fix for your problems and are strategically holding out based on the new roland coming out

[@DoctorRevers]

Never feels right. The sequencer and sounds idk it just ain’t right.

[@andreash3906]

Sequencer works great for me personally. And what do you mean about the sounds? It's a sampler.