Novation Circuit Rhythm Review: Worth the Hype?

My review of the Novation Circuit Rhythm, an old school sampler with a modern groovebox workflow. I show a bunch of the features like chromatic sample flipping, sample chopping, sampling synths, grid FX, and more.
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My current favorite music production gear:
Novation Rhythm: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Novation Circuit Tracks: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Korg Electribe 2: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Roland MC-101: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Model:Cycles: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Arturia MicroFreak: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
ATH M40 headphones: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Edited by Coastland Creative: www.coastlandcreative.com
Note that some of the above links are affiliate links, which give me a commission (at NO extra cost to you!) if you use them to buy something.
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[@GabeMillerMusic]

I filmed this before the device was announced, so I didn't know how it would be received. I know some of y'all were disappointed by it, and I was too when I read the spec sheet, but that disappointment went away once I used it nonstop for a couple of weeks. It's not for everyone, but I really like it.

[@bbailey0625]

So, I know MPC One is way more feature heavy because its basically a daw in a box, but would u say that the Rhythm is a limited mpc of sorts? I am looking to use the Rhythm sort of like an mpc all out production unit for lofi beats, this should be perfect correct?

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

@J. C. "new trend" really?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I've had an Electribe acid / techno video requested a few times at this point, I'll make it a priority once I have a bit more time.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I'd say it's like a limited MPC. I'm going to do a full video comparing the two eventually, but yeah the Rhythm is perfect for lofi.

[@bbailey0625]

@@GabeMillerMusic mpc one vs. rhythm comparison would be dope

[@crowfoot7355]

Rythm finally on the way. Will definitely be checking out more of your videos Gabe thanks.

[@robertlee1176]

Great work on the vid. I see myself using this as a drum sequencer more than anything.

[@MIXtofMusic]

Thanks for the video. Now I'm even more excited about it. 😊

[@wesgutierrez3620]

Oh man, sold! Once I sell my old drum machine of course. Thanks for the detailed info. Very helpful.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Glad it helped!

[@h2o1969]

Came to this from Bo Beats. I am really considering it. I'm going through this playlist. Thanks for the work on this.

[@dbrian56]

These videos are great. Thanks for fleshing these things out in a clear and concise manner. I'm curious to see how well this plays with the Tracks. Really seems like you could have the Tracks act as the brain for a setup that includes the Rhythm and two synths if you wanted it to be.

[@NovationTV]

Circuit Rhythm and Circuit Tracks work great together!

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

I'm late to the party but I ordered one today, sweet review dude. It helped convince me to get it. I still would love to see you review the Elektron Digitone!

[@artofwebdesign]

Thanks. I think I 'm gonna get one. Like your comparison with Roland devices.

[@RonCavagnaro]

It's on my preorder. I have other samplers : deluge, octatrack, tracker. I'm totally excited to get the rhythm to be used as a drum machine type unit. I will be doing videos on it when I get mine!

[@bhaskarville]

Do you buy these because you love them, or do they add to your workflow? Cuz I am always puzzled when I see producers with multiple samplers that practically do the same thing.

[@RonCavagnaro]

@@bhaskarville both. I use and adds to my workflow yes. Rhythm is so immediate octatrack not as fun for me. Unless someone wants to show me what's so great about it haha

[@tooonyo]

just bought one of your pack for Rhythm : totally worth the money ❤️

[@tooonyo]

You just have Gabe's Ultimate One-Shot Pack ?

[@UniversalHomeboy]

multi track over usb would be amazing as a feature. i'm sold on this device but that really needs to be added in a firmware update

[@GaryRSpicer]

Multi tracking is easily done with midi sync and clocking. Just be sure to always reset the playhead to the zero point/mark. Determine your bars to record and use the mute functions on the machine itself and record each of the tracks to corresponding tracks in a DAW or just invest in an external track recording device with midi output to keep things in time for recording and playback.

[@GaryRSpicer]

Definitely worth it. Especially with the 2.0 update, basically takes away the need to load grid effects. Lovely

[@RoyWilding]

Not sold on this yet. I've been using the Tracks for a while now though and really like it. One annoyance though which I assume is common to both devices it that I wish empty patterns weren't coloured. An inactive pattern with data and blank pattern should be visibly delineated by making blank patterns the white pad colour or something.

[@damelos4039]

I'd assume easily done in a firmware upgrade.

[@neonpop80]

Not sure which one to get. I want to primarily hook up two synths that I can sequence with a circuit. Doesn't the Rhythm do that as well? If that's the case I might go with the Rhythm because I don't need the Tracks' synth.

[@ssmith2019]

Nice one Gabe !

[@dinogoldie9716]

Thanks for this good and fair review.

[@ToyKeeper]

It's basically a mod tracker and sampler in hardware form, and I would have absolutely loved it back when I was still using trackers. It's pretty fantastic from that viewpoint. Today though, I'm more interested in an Ableton-style workflow with clips and a timeline. It still looks pretty great though, and it's crazy how good music hardware has gotten.

[@ToyKeeper]

@Mahen Yes, and I still remember some of the command letters for those effects. I mostly used Scream Tracker 3 and Impulse Tracker though, instead of Amiga mods. Impulse Tracker's NNAs (new note actions) were really useful, plus really flexible envelopes and multisamples. The Dirtywave M8 looks particularly nice... little/portable, sounds great, and has nearly all the features I wanted when I was using trackers. However, after switching to an Akai Force, I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to trackers. I've gotten spoiled by how much easier it makes things.

[@evantraasdahl4040]

I enjoy the circuit so I am excited for this. Looks to be a good time. I’m in for a sampler within the circuit workflow.

[@RonCavagnaro]

Exactly

[@MGoolas]

Nice to see in the comments that people still considering the mpc 500. So many that really underestimate it

[@joeb.4204]

bro I was gonna trade mine for a circuit rhythm but I realized how powerful the thing is so I kept it and have really been digging into mine for the past week or so

[@JakeSweeper]

I've seen vids about the 500. It's neat what the base model could do and what mods folks put into it.

[@desmondsparrs]

I agree. had mine for ages. the os is buggy unfortunately but except the menu diving, bad pads(easily modded, i did that) and for me bad tact switches (gonna replace those) its actually a great portable DAW almost. my new circuit tracks is kinda keeping me busy from repairing my mpc atm.

[@SuchaDoofus]

Superb review! Would you recommend pairing the Tracks and Rhythm? For instance, the Rhythm does not do midi sequencing of external synths right? Also do you think stereo sampling could be in a firmware update, or is this hardware limitation? (A combined Tracks/Rhythm would be awesome right?)

[@robertdalin]

would love to see a comparison with sp404 and digitakt

[@wickeddubz]

What is the logic of ui layout in sampling mode? User needs to remember operations by their position and color, am i correct?

[@phillindablank]

This circuit rhythm reminds me of an expanded upon po-33 in a circuit body. Nice review!

[@sugarhigh4242]

From what I've seen of the Rhythm, I think I'd still prefer the sp-404 for its effects, and far superior memory/storage functions. The Circuit's key strength is the sequencer, but already having an OG Circuit mostly addresses that. I think a Tracks + 404 would be a much more lethal combo than a Tracks + Rhythm.

[@jakubberan2720]

Hi, do you know if its possible to play samples by external keyboard chromatically and each track has its own midi channel? Thanks

[@suga4all]

Great video! For me, just looking at video reviews, it really looks like a super fun performance machine. It's a no brainer with the work flow and the ease of sound manipulation. I also see the limitations, with the limited sample time, the missing polyphony and timestretching. Its a real pity and I don't wanna justify it like a fan boy. I honestly don't like those decisions made by Novation. I just believe, that even despite its obvious limitations, its still a great and fun little box.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah it's got some brilliant aspects and disappointing aspects. I don't have any interest in defending or not defending Novation and their decisions, I just want to judge it off my own experience and inform people accurately of what it is and isn't capable of. I like it in spite of the limitations, but that's not gonna be the case for everyone.

[@suga4all]

@@GabeMillerMusic Same here, I am really not on a mission. If somebody doesn't like it for its limitations, I can see them. But I also believe that Novation made a couple of things damn right. For me the biggest disappointments were the missing polyphony (yes I know, 8 tracks, but well...) and time stretching. Yet after thinking about it, I believe that this means I will just adapt my work flow towards samplinh any individual chord coming from my synths. And this even could be an improvement for the overall sound, if that makes any sense to you? Well, let's see. I have ordered mine 😁

[@jazz7060]

Thanks, bro🤘

[@RichPLive]

The limitations VS the price point is a no brainer. They will develop this to a beast!! Can’t wait to get one

[@sugarhigh4242]

Unfortunately the things I'd really want to see are the most unlikely to update. Thinking of USB mass storage support and PC audio. One dope thing I bet they could add would be auto-sampling to capture external synths.

[@RichPLive]

@@sugarhigh4242 yep I think it’s a lot of stuff they can add but as is, it’s a great unit for the price. I can definitely see auto sampling as an update, maybe even more sampling time. I agree PC audio would have been amazing

[@JESchomb]

@@RichPLive what's pc audio? im unaware

[@SuchaDoofus]

@@JESchomb USB audio you mean. Not at this price.

[@Hellinabarrel]

nice little sample pack. Contacted your mate to do some video editing for me however he never got back to me.

[@NotJesseVentura]

Looking for something I can use on the go. Break at work. Randomly on the couch when inspiration hits. Good candidate?

[@eFiddle]

I am not sure about MIDi, if I sample sound into Rhythm, then go to Note mode, can I play MIDI sax to trigger these note? Or only Tracks can do this because it has 2 synth channel? (My guess is Rhythm can only save wav file, but TRACKS can save the notes as MIDI?)

[@jasonmiyauchi5869]

Hi Gabe. I always enjoy watching your videos and I just recently sold my drumset to make room for my kids. But I want to get into grooveboxes and I am really interested in the circuit rhythm, but just was wondering, is it also possible to play standard drum rhythms including jazz, swing, and each bars in 3/4? If you could answer my question when possible, i’d greatly appreciate it.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

You can definitely do time signatures other than 4/4, I showed how to do that on the original Circuit in a couple of past videos (the tips, tricks, and hacks one might have it if I recall correctly). I wouldn't count on the drums sounding super realistic, since you can't have the samples change based on velocity, but you can definitely get the timing, and even play unquantized.

[@samprock]

Circuit Pro is a very good leak we all want to hear :) maybe it'll materialize earlier then Push Standalone

[@SisterRose]

Do you think this would be a good alternative to the SP404? I might want to go back gigging at some point and I'd love to go DAWLess so I don't have to worry about my laptop. I don't really see my MC101 being used for that, i'd use it as a live sound module more than anything. Like do you think you could play a gig with *just* this? The reason I would get it over an SP404 though is that it's easier to integrate my other synths(like the POGchamp Microfreak) tho

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm not super familiar with the SP404, but the Rhythm would definitely be a good device to play a whole set on.

[@charleszaman7666]

Nice video as usual Gabe, do you think we’ll see an update for a midi track? If not what else can we use the midi out for?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I doubt it, you'll just need to sacrifice at least one of the 8 tracks to sequence midi. You can have the inputs active to record stuff in, it just won't get sidechain or effects sends (although it will get grid effects). But also, I have no idea what Novation has planned from here.

[@sr7bbird]

Hello, can someone please help me out with something? I seem to can not record on my midi tracks via midi thru. is there something I'm doing wrong or is thing just a silly toy?

[@The.Foolosopher]

Is there anything out there like what you describe with the circuit pro idea?

[@no1june]

Hi, Gabe! Does Roland MC 101 sounds better than this groovebox? I had 404 and tr-6s from Roland and their sound was very cool. are it's effects also nice?

[@mattcero1]

I love this guy's concise and well broken down reviews. One thing though that every single piece of hardware like this, especially proper samplers, needs is an XLR combo port for a microphone or instrument. It would add so much more capability and it's been done to death on every other piece of music hardware so WHY NOT!? The SP-404 Mk 2 has a mono 1/4" for voice/guitar but why has it taken so long?!

[@Hanoveur]

I sold my Circuit a week or so ago. So this looks to be about the same pain point I had. The biggest problem for me is the friction of getting sounds onto it. It’s slow and really gets in the way of quick experimentation. Whereas every other groovebox lets me copy and paste directly onto the SD card which takes seconds instead of the many minutes it took me to make “packs” for the Circuit. The inability to write directly to the SD card from your computer just seems weird. I don’t want to sit around when I only have an hour to be creative. I REALLY wanted to like it and the Circuit Rhythm. But sometimes I just wanted to noodle. I just didn’t want to have to put that much thought into it every time.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

That's definitely fair, although it's not been a problem for me. I buy and make packs built to be versatile, then load a bunch of them onto a Circuit from the beginning. That way I *can* just pick it up and start making beats. Having the ability to load multiple tracks helps with that too. It takes extra work up front, but it brings down the friction dramatically.

[@synth-studio]

+1 on this. It was probably the biggest hurdle for me to liking this box. Because pretty everything else about is what I'm looking for, I tried to power through that unfortunate aspect, and I'm glad I did.

[@EannaButler]

Very very good video. Subbed.. 👍

[@WhiteWhiskerMusica]

So if im not mistaken there was an update to the Tracks shortly before i got mine that increased sample memory time. I wonder how long it will take them to mysteriously discover how to make that happen for the Rhythm too. Anyway, my hesitation on jumping on Rhythm now is losing control over synth sounds via macros, but the ease in adding new samples seems like such a game changer for me. Some times with working with Tracks, you just need 1 little sound or change to really fit into a track, but then you gotta download or record a sound if you dont have it already, move it to components, make sure you arent deleting or moving something that will throw off every other track in the pack, etc etc. For someone who mostly uses Tracks for d&b, lofi, and the occasional house track, do you think its worth the buy? And keeping the Tracks as a sampling source, or melding them together once the RAM in my brain can handle that process?

[@DavidDeLuge]

Looks great but I have a Deluge and an MV-1 and so am not sure it would give me much that I can't already do.

[@leewightman8619]

Does any one know if there's any hacks for slides as iv started making drill beats and there's no way of doing the 808 slides I'm having to sample a slid 808 and play it in that way it works ok but wondering if there's any other techniques iv found record pitch sweeps works for cool effect but it's not that traditional slide sound I'm looking for one of the packs have a good slidy 808 that works it's pretty close to what I'm looking for so it's not a huge issue

[@prod4540]

Thanks for the great videos! I appreciate your efforts and information. Help! I am struggling to decide if I should start of my groove-box journey with the 'Tracks' or the 'Rhythm'. I am just getting started. I want to make music for my teaching videos, and I am unsure of which device would better suit my needs. Thanks for any help :)

[@GabeMillerMusic]

A Tracks is probably best for teaching, especially if you're teaching music theory because it can do multiple scales and play polyphonically (so you can demonstrate playing chords and such)

[@prod4540]

@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks! I appreciate the response. I am not teaching music however. I am teaching drawing, and I need to be able to make music (background) for my drawing videos. So, with that in mind, do you feel the Tracks would still be the way to go? (sorry for the extra question!)

[@GabeMillerMusic]

In that case, either will be great, it depends on what kind of music you're trying to make. If you want synthy stuff with long, drawn out notes, I'd go for the Tracks. If you want to make hip hop with some sample chopping, I'd go for the Rhythm. There are a lot of other use cases but those are at least some aspects to consider. It might also be worth watching Loopop's video where he compares the two.

[@prod4540]

@@GabeMillerMusic Excellent! That is great to hear. I appreciate your help and feedback. I am excited to get started, and your videos and responses have been very helpful. Thanks again :)

[@dinogoldie9716]

Start with the Tracks. The Circuit Tracks is a good all-rounder and a good centrepiece for a hardware setup.

[@peeknic]

Hello Gabe! I'm new to all this. I got into it as a hobby and have been playing with drum machines (mostly Uno Drum and Arturia Drumbrute Impact). I would like to start playing with a sampler and effects and just learned about the Novation products. Could you help me understand the difference between this product and the SP 404 MK2? Thank you and best regards from Vienna!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I haven't had a chance to get my hands on an SP-404 yet, but BoBeats already brat me to that video idea and did a Circuit/404 comparison on his channel. Definitely worth a watch.

[@bolch88bb8]

Does this have a built in sound module?

[@Thedrumsthebass]

Lol 222 seconds. I’m old as hell as we were stoked to get close to 30 seconds in the late 90’s. Honestly I think the sample time is very generous as it forces you to select very particular sounds , effectively loading the most versatile and usable sounds you can instead of just dumping loads of samples on there.

[@dinogoldie9716]

Exactly. 220 seconds is three minutes and forty seconds. That's a heck of a lot. I've seen some people complaining that an individual sample can "only" be 32 seconds long. That's not "sampling;" that's a jukebox.

[@slipknotboy555]

@@dinogoldie9716 Agreed. When he complained about the sample time and 222 seconds popped up on the screen, I was like hahaha what!?

[@nebula0697]

So true. Does mean that it won't make my EHX45,000 obsolete as I'd hoped, though ;-)

[@WhiteWhiskerMusica]

@@dinogoldie9716 Right, if you need to sequence 32 second samples, its time to just rip them to the computer via components and get a goddam launchpad set up 😄

[@luismp8548]

sp1200 the mother of them all...5 seconds.

[@EnochDark]

I'm kinda hoping this is the droid I'm looking for... Something better than a RC-202 but not as involved (or as expensive) as an MPC or Tracker? Basically I want a looper on steroids more than an actual sampling DAW replacement type device. Is this it?

[@jthorpe4droid]

I'm not sold on this either, in the time its taken to come out I've saved enough for the MPC one now. But I'm keeping my tracks I like that, and I can load samples into that via components so not really losing much, also I'm hopping they will update with Chromatic samples at some point now they have worked out how to do that. One question I did have was can packs be swapped between the Rhythm and Tracks, I'm guessing not because the samples page is larger but it would have been cool to sample on one copy the files over to the other or swap SDs without saving them each with components and reloading them.

[@RichPLive]

It wouldn’t be fair to compare the MPC with this. I think the features for the money and given their constant development of the Circuit products, this will be a beast.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

The MPC One is definitely a great route to go. I like both for different reasons.

[@philippeedwards5813]

Hey Gabe, love your videos! Could you tell me if you can automate paning or choose panning per pad? that would kind of be a solution to create a good stereo image without abusimng the verb

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm not sure if you can do it per pad, but I know for sure that you CAN automate the panning (that works on both the Rhythm and the Tracks).

[@philippeedwards5813]

@@GabeMillerMusic thx for the answer!

[@philippeedwards5813]

@@GabeMillerMusic could you do it per step?

[@toaster2661]

4:56 The Lick!

[@Jason75913]

Where have I heard that? I no longer remember.

[@HenningSprang]

i hope they will make a circuit pro one day that has the capabilities of both circuits combined, and a little display to let me play with synth parameters without connecting a computer, give patches names when saving, and more sample time. could be a digitakt (+digitone) and mc 707 killer at a similar price as these.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

If there was a Circuit Pro with polyphonic samples, multitrack out, and more sound design from scratch, I'd probably use it exclusively all the time. The Roland MC-101 is kinda close when it comes to budget devices (minus the sound design from scratch), and the MPC One is probably the actually closest thing (minus the portability).

[@herranton]

Why is the noise floor so high when you're demoing the sound?

[@N1h1L3]

Gabe: "it has just 222 secs of sample time ..." Me, while in my early teens using an Ensoniq Mirage 8 bit 128kb sampler: "Wow ! That's more than 3 and a half minutes !!!"

[@bert3163]

LMAO…me and you both!!!

[@eos777]

Did you open the device to check where the battery is located and how it is connected? I do not like the idea that the battery is not user replaceable ... but maybe it is just a few screws away from that.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I haven't opened it all the way, although I want to do that at some point. So far it looks like the back should pop off pretty easily.

[@mattijsblekemolen7968]

Thanks Gabe! Is this Circuit Rhythm also designed to connect an electric guitar and mic and sample those?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

You'd need some sort of amplification for a mic (there's only a line in, no proper mic in), but a guitar should work fine.

[@Vadlife]

Outro music 10:05 - are those sounds included in your sample pack?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep!

[@synth-studio]

I've had mine for a few months now and haven't yet spent enough time with it. But I can already feel what a powerhouse it can be if you get creative with the limitations. Thanks, Gabe, for convincing me on the Circuit workflow... it's certainly paying off.

[@johntrask8779]

Have you anything of the monostation interests?

[@mr.b7586]

How does it compare to Digitakt?

[@tomvtroye]

Those effects would become an addiction for me. I've been abusing the filter knob on the OG circuit like i'm Dave Clarke🤣 for years now.

[@alecsbuga]

Hey Gabe, when you set a sample to GATE mode to play melodies, does the SLOPE parameter ofer it release? You can you play different note lengths and have a release envelope when you let go of the note? Or is it like the Electribe 2?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep, the slope parameter is basically an attack and release envelope. So you can hold a note down for whatever length (depending on how long the sample is) and then the tail set by the parameter rings out. Hopefully that made sense, you're exactly correct with your first description.

[@alecsbuga]

@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah, that's great! I thought it would just shorten the note so you can't play as long as you hold it. This is dope. Man I can hardly wait to get my hands on it. I've been dying to buy a Circuit tracks but I wanted to wait for the sampler and boy I wasn't disappointed. PS: are the samples readable from the SD Card? Let's say I bounce some stems and copy them from the SD to Maschine or Ableton for better mixing. Or I need to use Components for this too? PS2: In GATE mode can you set loop points? I guess not, but worth asking :)

[@alecsbuga]

Oh, does the Filter Cutoff follow the envelope? :D Well I guess you can resample that note tbh...

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It doesn't currently, but yeah you can resample, or do some automation for longer, more drawn out notes.

[@djfalcon487]

Well i'm thinking to change my circuit for one of the new ones. My only doubt is the long-term possibilities for both. The tracks has the advantage of the 2 midi channels and the drawback (for me) of the 2 synth patches (there arent enough patches to cover all the genres and plugins). The rythim has an Infinite amount of ideas if you have the right samples. But compared to other samplers it isnt that special. Any advice or suggestion folks?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Based on what you've said in the comment, it seems like you'd be leaning towards the Rhythm. The thing that makes it unique isn't its sampling tech, but its workflow.

[@xristoskalandrias2834]

What happens wt vocals?

[@aliceleer6561]

Can i save my project in .wav or mp3 format on SD ? how can i save my music on PC ? thx

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Not directly, but I did a video showing multiple ways to record it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6LHfn5unsqgqqs

[@aliceleer6561]

@@GabeMillerMusic thx very much

[@crowfoot7355]

Gabe can I record sounds from a reface dx into the rythm?

[@NovationTV]

Yes, you can record directly on the Circuit Rhythm hardware.

[@maxed_well]

getting back into music with synths and edm and I hear the lick... come on, man!

[@JessicaSaves]

So you saying that when playing a sample from the keyboard it employs a time-stretch algorithm but when using pitch it doesn't? @4:58

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I misspoke a bit... There's no timestretching, time is all tied to pitch (higher pitched samples get sped up, lower pitched samples get slowed down). It sounds pretty clean when it does that though.

[@JessicaSaves]

@@GabeMillerMusic Cool, thanks for clarifying :)

[@harmony2368]

Is Kool to go the point and administer wise narrative , I’m looking for a sampler for my girlfriend, and there’s so many cheesy reviews. Thanks bro

[@SwiftDreamer]

I preordered the Circuit Rhythm, but I'm pretty torn on if I should keep it or get a refund. I have the mc101, and me being so in tune with Roland's workflow, I'm missing what the circuit rhythm can offer me other than a direct line in port & a more simplistic workflow. The only thing that has me holding out hope is Novation being notorious for great firmware updates for the circuit

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'd definitely make the decision based on what you like using and what experience you know is available to you now. I wouldn't bank on theoretical future updates, although I do hope they happen.

[@paulwhiting1731]

Looks interesting, I can only afford one, either Roland mc 101 or this, what would you buy?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm honestly not sure... I'd maybe give the win to the MC-101, but only barely. Regardless, stay tuned for next week's video, I've got a direct comparison between those two devices on the way.

[@paulwhiting1731]

@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks Gabe, excellent work as usual. Look forward to the head to head comparison. Also Gabe thanks for the prompt reply.

[@gokugoma3258]

When I first heard about this about 6 months ago I wanted it.. but now I am getting over my GAS and I am glad to say I no longer want this I already have about four or five drum machines and the sounds in this are great but I can get the same sounds out of my current drum machines but this does look like an excellent drum machine 👍🏾

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I personally like the device a lot but I'd ALWAYS say use what you already have if it's working for you. Good on you for that!

[@Drone453]

Sounds better to me than the other circuits. Less thin. Granted, you can load samples into the other two, but overall I speculate you'd get a better overall production with this as you wouldn't be using the synth engine for leads etc.

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

For somebody like me, that doesn't want to be tied to a screen/desk after a long working day at the (home) office, this looks almost perfect. Timsestretch is the only thing holding me back...

[@steelcitysi]

This! I pre-ordered and am crossing my fingers on the timestretch in the future.

[@itsrelativ3967]

Honestly I would only use this to make drum patterns when I'm super anxious to make a beat and don't want to be tied to Logic Pro X.

[@wappytappy]

can you do step automation to each and every knob? gate length tone etc

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep!

[@wappytappy]

@@GabeMillerMusic nice if that is the case then i feel the only true weak point is sample time per pack. the creative work flow is definitely something people just don't get while they are filling your comments with tears. i recently started treating my circuit like a performance instrument. i am a guitar player. i had many little humps to get over before i realized, that for the money, i got something i won't push to the limit for years. it is finally not a 300 dollar metronome to me.

[@rike1175]

Did you just play the lick?

[@crowfoot7355]

Thanks Gabe unfortunately I think I will be waiting till mid July for my preorder.

[@user-sx2iw2hq3l]

Could we make automation for grid fx? Thanks

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm at work right now, but you can't if I recall correctly

[@JESchomb]

@@GabeMillerMusic oooooooo that blows

[@redneckrosey8221]

Good note pad for song written

[@RockBandVlds]

Are you the creator of Dream of Tears? The techno dream trance? It's amazing 👏

[@neonpop80]

Not sure which one to get. I want to primarily hook up two synths that I can sequence with a circuit. Doesn't the Rhythm do that as well? If that's the case I might go with the Rhythm because I don't need the Tracks' synth.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

The Rhythm can hook up to synths, but keep in mind that it can only play one note at a time per track, and that you can't sidechain or really process the synths like you can with the Tracks. If you don't mind that, I think the Rhythm should work.

[@neonpop80]

@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks Gabe. Im torn. I already have effects like NTS-1 and Zoom MS700SDR so I don't REALLY need the processing I don't think. But I also have the KO33 that I could sample if I wanted to if I sync it to the set up. I just find the memory of the KO tiny to store samples I want. I also like the drum effects. I assume the Tracks doesn't have those drum effects?

[@difflocktwo]

Maybe make a video on making chords and chord progressions with something like this which is all mono voices. The solution probably looks something like preparing samples before transferring them.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I've been recording banks of chords or power chords in, and that's helped a lot. You could also record in a bunch of chords in quick succession, them chop them up.

[@difflocktwo]

@@GabeMillerMusic ARP plus reverb?

[@TheCircusp]

thx u for the vid but mono station is real part of the family ;-)

[@anthonyevangelosdabos]

Can it just be used as a Launchpad ??

[@matthewmonahan8662]

Anyone know how to fix the low volume sampling problem?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Check my dedicated tutorial for sampling, there are a couple of different volumes you can sample at.

[@matthewmonahan8662]

@@GabeMillerMusic Great! Thanks

[@JakeSweeper]

I'm slowly getting into the Tracks and considering how long I had to wait for it, I'm not in any kinda hurry to buy the Rhythm at this time. That doesn't mean "never", just not right now.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

That's definitely fair, the Tracks is a great device with a ton to dig into. A lot of people will only need one Circuit or the other for what they're trying to do.

[@iamkeebz]

I dunno... I look at the Circuit Rhythm and then I look at the Elektron Model : Sample at $100 cheaper but with way more flexibly and the only thing I see in the Circuits favor is the ability to directly record into the unit (that is nice). But I think the Model Samples actual sequencer and shaping flexibility might take the cake while being cheaper. Elektron did screw up with that power bar though, so the Circuit does edge out on portability since the sample still requires a battery pack.

[@newsdaily8270]

Is the Roland 404 better?

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

That really depends on what your goal/preferred workflow is. The 404 would do well to have a robust sequencer like this does. Working on the 404 sometimes feels challenging because it doesn't necessarily help you along very much.

[@CoolDougLove]

How important is sample time to you? What about stereo sampling? Do you need a proper sequencer? I think it's all going to depend on what you want to do with it. For me, the 404 not having proper pitch control made it a bad fit. Other people swear by it. Different strokes and all that.

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

@@CoolDougLove well said! The good news is if you pickup either one of these boxes the resale value is strong so it's worth trying them if you can.

[@wickeddubz]

Incomparable imho, they are in different categories and have different workflow.

[@pyronb]

@Gabe I can't really figure out in what aspects the Rhythm is different from the Tracks. Could you please explain that ?

[@damelos4039]

I think he did a video on that.....

[@dinogoldie9716]

The Tracks is a Groovebox. The Tracks has two onboard-synth tracks, two tracks for external synths and 4 drumpler tracks. The Rhythm is a sampler with eight sample tracks and a grid of punch-in performance FX. Both utilise a colourful LED pad interface for step sequencing. hth?

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

I suspect we'll see this box get some nice updates from Novation in no time. I'm sure that sample limit will be increased...right? Right? 😆

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I hope so, but I try not to put much stock in theoretical updates when evaluating a device. Although to be fair I've already mentioned to Novation some stuff I'd like to see updated if possible.

[@LiftedNoise]

@@GabeMillerMusic is making this thing polyphonic one of your requests?

[@ontheroad579]

I wouldn't hold my breath for increased sample limit. I'd expect it to be a limitation of the physical RAM they have put in the device. It could read directly from the SD, but I guess they had some technical issues for not doing it. Those may be fixable though. I think the 1010 BlackBox reads and writes from an SD pretty smoothly (I don't have it; I think it does from watching some reviews). EDIT: they may be able to increase sample time by compressing the samples (more, if they already do) but I doubt it too. EDIT2: They extended time for the Circuit Tracks which totally disqualifies what I said earlier.

[@kejo703]

So I can record my electric guitar directly into Circuit Rythm?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep, as long as you can get it loud enough. I wouldn't count on recording long parts, since the sample time is pretty short, but something short to sample is totally doable.

[@kejo703]

@@GabeMillerMusic Great! But I would also want to be able to play chords like in Tracks. Guess I'll have to wait for the combination of Tracks and Rhythm or go for the Electron Rytm (really expensive).

[@damelos4039]

That thing REALLY makes you happy! It's all over your face. It's like you adopted your first puppy and he ran to you when you called him. LOL

[@dinogoldie9716]

Why does it have stereo inputs but then turn samples into mono?

[@OttosTheName]

So you don't miss any of the audio when some of the sampled audio is panned, but to also save sample space and processing power when manipulating samples? Not a fan, but it does make sense...

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

Because it makes more sense to sample the left or right channel seperately, rather than taking the whole stereo part. Why do all these people want to sample 3 minute stereo chunks of audio?

[@dinogoldie9716]

​@@jeroendeclercq7580 That might make sense if that were an option. It would make sense if there was a button to sample only the left in or only the right in but that option does not exist. So it doesn't make sense.

[@jeroendeclercq7580]

@@dinogoldie9716 sorry my bad. In that case you'll have to plug in & out cables. Which shouldn't be the way to go indeed.

[@jvdasz]

@@OttosTheName well, why not a single stereo input then? which would gather all panned tracks with a stereo cable?

[@jona_KardCiv1]

Doesn't this have effects?

[@MreenalMams]

4:57 the licc

[@onaucc9899]

4:56 My Dude playing "The Lick", Legend

[@articmobile]

Ordered mine, have to wait until mid July 😔

[@samkarugu666]

4:56 the liqq