Stimming reviews Novation Circuit Tracks

In this video, our in-house reviewer, Martin Stimming unpicks Novation's brand new Circuit Tracks.
Circuit Tracks is a Groovebox with two polyphonic digital synth tracks, two MIDI tracks as well as four drum tracks, plus a very intuitive sequencer with micro timing and other useful features.
It is powered by a USB hub or a built-in rechargeable battery which lasts around 4h and is great for working on the road.
Let's see what Stimming has to say about this latest product by Novation.
We use affiliate links to finance our YT activity. If you use these, you support this channel. Thanks!
Buy Novation Circuit Tracks here: thmn.to/thoprod/512775?offid=...
Stimming's gear recommendations: thmn.to/thocf/qj6ez1cyou
Additional information / corrections
- Components works stand alone, you don't need an account
- The parameters of the synth engine aren't fixed, you can edit them via Components and use even
macro functionalities
- You can have 8 Patterns with 32 steps, so 256 steps in total.
- To centre the Sample pitch, hold clear and turn the pot to the right.
- Chord memory trick: You can record chords internally quite easy with the new View Lock
- Both synths are polyphonic
#stimming #review #novation #circuittracks
stimming.org/
novationmusic.com/
www.sensemusic.tv

[@colmmadden8526]

Love Stimming’s reviews. So joyful, entertaining and informative. Nice to see him hit a couple of dud notes in the play out jam too. Someone must’ve pushed the humanise button 😁

[@JH-lo9ut]

So, the thing Martin shows where he's using the thing as a chord bank, it is possible to do this while still running the sequencer. Just store your chords as you would when creating a sequence. Then, in mixer mode, mute that track. Now, in note/sequencer mode you can play those saved chords, using the two top rows as a custom keyboard. They will trigger independently of the sequencer when the track is muted. Also, to reset parameters, (as in zero-ing the kick sample): hold "clear" and turn the associated knob until it's diode turns red, it will return to default value. This works for basically every knob function exept volume and master filter.

[@henryAightch]

Stimming could review a bag of chips for 7 hours and I would watch it

[@musictalk-tech]

So better subscribe so that we can do the next step here when we reached 1000 subscribers 😬

[@leNotstrom]

Funny Frisch vs Lays vs Chips Frisch 😜

[@valquireveljkovic]

Yes! Dramatically yes!

[@BrancoArgenta]

He could make a track with a bag of chips

[@MartinStimming]

@@leNotstrom lays are the best :)

[@Vernalobos]

Stimming you are so inventive and an inspiration. I stopped making music for a while and this video has made me want to start again. Years ago I used an MPC2000. Then I moved to Ableton and now I just placed my order!

[@peterpan3492]

Another cool and worth 2 watch review - thx again - I agree with Stimming s sound of novation 🤩

[@lesstalkmoredisco9445]

I always love Stimmings live self-evaluations. “Sidechain compression: compression but controlled by another/side channel. Sidechain compression.” His face: “...... Yes, adequate!”

[@michaeldiaz5473]

Sounds great. I want it. Thanx 4 the awesome review.

[@albertorobinson7611]

So many years of great memories, cheers

[@ForeignFamiliar]

No joke i think you’re underrated as a reviewer, not enough views but your reviews are always fun! I tested this out at perfect circuit and was surprised at the ease of use!

[@musictalk-tech]

What do you mean with not enough views? Quality is way more important than quantity and it's a niche product. Wouldn't call Stimming underrated, he has a loyal fanbase and is a well known producer. It takes time until everyone knows that his reviews are shifted to this channel here and not on eb.tv anymore. So it will grow for sure.

[@restless_soulism]

Thumbs up just for the face expression (Gesichtskino) and the moves. Hahaha, gj!

[@NutritionalZero]

You're killing me with the MFB Synth Pro, man.

[@Sonic-Boom]

I wonder how it compares to Novation Peak? Also very nice synth.

[@evantraasdahl4040]

I gauge how much Stimming likes something based on how many times it makes him smile. Seems like this is a pretty good box.

[@tsuriranpu]

25:52 sounds insanely pretty. It made your point about the novation engine sounding less memorable even clearer. Great review ✌🏻

[@pedromarinho8804]

Great review, very fun to watch as usual! In the original Circuit, you can use the "Clear" key and turn the pitch knob for the sample to get back to the original pitch value. This is the workflow for pretty much every parameter assigned to the knobs when it comes to going back to the default value. I think Novation keeps the same workflow for the Tracks. Hope this is helpful. Cheers!

[@musictalk-tech]

Yes, you are right. We added this and other things in the description already.

[@Reis_mit]

Great review as always from stimming, I love that he doesn't just show the features, but you can really see that he always has a lot of fun. The circuit could pair well with my first synth I ordered yesterday (microfreak) as a little beginner setup.

[@agnaldorodrigo7295]

I'm watching from Africa, Mozambique i appreciate too much your work stimming

[@musictalk-tech]

Wow amazing. Hope you are good and healthy.

[@johnchongsing7745]

Great overview. Thanks

[@jammingpositivevibration]

Amazing, you have different style & vibes

[@acid2go]

Watching this review six months after owning a Circuit Tracks, and learned that it has a Master Compressor control in the advanced settings lol

[@cenapturgut]

Amazing as always

[@oliviermissal8739]

Very nice review 👍🏻

[@duketranslucent3rd]

Thanks, Stimming, you answered the question I've been asking: how necessary (if at all) the software is. And it seems it is necessary to, as you say, get anything interesting out of the machine. And that's a shame. It doesn't make sense for me to create a UI that is necessarily dependant on software. That just suggests they didn't yet master the UI to make all control available on the unit itself - or that such an ideal is just not possible without a screen. Either way, a dependency on an ipad or laptop sucks.

[@RASKLOFFICIAL]

12,5... Saw the vid a bit late... Very cool walkthrough 👌🏻

[@7177YT]

Brilliant! Dickes Dankeschön! Bitte mehr!

[@leNotstrom]

Nice Review! Made me get that Maschine+. ;) Now I feel the need to watch a Stimming review about the Synth Pro...

[@musictalk-tech]

No problem 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSWi5mJgc6fnKs

[@GriotDNB]

I know that buying modus...

[@ringtangting]

On 21:30 Martin does a great slapstick or teleshopping bit. Those damn slippery cables!! (no seriously, what is going on there? Take it easy!) Love the reviews btw!

[@ticlm2776]

Am I the only one who notices the "TIU

[@musictalk-tech]

It's a running gag in each episode 😉

[@ticlm2776]

@@musictalk-tech I'm new to this channel and didn't pay attention to that until your arms move behind it, xD Sub +1

[@MIXtofMusic]

Super erklärt. Danke für das Video und musikalische Grüße nach Hamburg! 🎶👌

[@MIXtofMusic]

Wenn Du Lust hast, schau doch mal bei auch auf meinem Kanal vorbei. Es gibt viele Circuit Tracks und Rhythm Videos zu ent😎🎧

[@YraSanto]

congratulations on your personality

[@latergarside-244]

I love his flat white and green cables

[@TheCuri]

Both synth tracks use Same presets and are both polyphonic

[@joneswebs]

10.19. Awsome. Looks like a lot of fun.

[@chrismeif7961]

Finally an example that is musical and sounds great. The other videos are unappealing to me because they sound too cacophonous to me. Though stimming is not my style of music I appreciate his humor and he has more musicality imho that I appreciate.

[@jonasbrinkworse5436]

I just got a circuit tracks two weeks ago, have only played a bit with it and having trouble breaking through the first layer of 4tothefloor banality, and a mere 10 seconds into this video Martin has created some for him classically otherworldly, I could never hope to reach, why even bother!! 😂

[@tommichalsen3847]

So it seems that Colin Farrell left his acting career to review music gear and I'm here for it

[@GraemeMarkNI]

The writing on the noticeboard changes :o

[@user-dt9kk6sg8z]

Great video! Really! Thanks, I may just buy it now! I got two small suggestions: 1. A specific tips & tricks video would be great 2. Get the mike a little further from the mouth; I could hear every little tongue click :)

[@HerrmannHinz]

so ne review hat die circuit echt verdient. nu hab ich richtig bock auf das ding. wie er grinst.. herr lich :)

[@ScreamThatShyt]

22:44 Fantastisch, absolut genau so muss man ein Produkt vorstellen !! Ich werde mir das Ding auch besorgen ! 👍🏻

[@synthanatomy]

Stimming's body movements are pure entertainment :)

[@musictalk-tech]

Just call it groove 😉

[@tsirekasmusic]

so much respect for martin stimming reviews

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Subscribed! I was going to get one but after this...nah i just wanted to have back in my studio the Novation synth engine but...dosen't sound or feel like a Novation Nova desktop that i used to have and loved

[@musictalk-tech]

It’s still the same engine

[@koalarobert974]

I just love this guy

[@PhillipOmusic]

Looks fun! There's no mention of it so I imagine there's no way to get independent tracks out of it for production purposes? Does it sample? It sounds like it is geared towards the live performance market. But yeah, fun nonetheless, for those it was made for. Great job, guys! Stimming's gear reviews are always worth watching even if you're not particularly interested in the product being reviewed 😂

[@musictalk-tech]

You can load own samples via Components

[@renek.6434]

Circuit Rhythm is gonna be released in the summer which is more aimed towards sampling

[@psychosonicmusic]

Wow. Das ist wohl das sympathischste Geekvideo seit langem. 👊😀

[@musictalk-tech]

Gibt noch mehr davon 😉

[@morten1]

25:54 Yeah those chords and sound.. so nice

[@davidlloyd9598]

He got all choked up after that chord swell bless him.

[@RabidBatMusic]

The synths can each be polyphonic or monophonic, it just depends on the patch selected. You can use Components without signing in or having to save to the cloud. Just save patches, samples and sessions to your computer. And to reset drum pitch to its original value, just hold clear and twist the pitch knob. Great fun review, loved the sequencer tip for triplets, thanks!

[@musictalk-tech]

Thanks, we added this info already in the description.

[@MartinStimming]

Yeah, I was unclear with this! It's only the presets on the first 'bass' page which isn't a restriction but simply a preset

[@cubmaggi]

Hello! Thanks for this video. What do you advice me to complete my currently configuration? I thought to buy this machine but with your comments I hesitate. I have a korg electribe 2 and roland jdxi. Thanks in advance.

[@JayKaufman]

Martin Stimming. The man. The myth. The reviewer unlike no other!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

ill second that !

[@MathHammer]

I wish for a knobby desktop about the same size with two (or four) Nova-style engines in it and 2 (or 4) stereo outs. Pads and an internal sequencer are not necessary but perhaps two rows of half-sized pads for trigger notes or chords would be good. The Nova-style synth engine in the Circuit products is a really good VA. I am not sure what is up with that. I asked Novation once on one of their product videos and someone from the company remarked that they thought it was a good idea. Maybe they are worried it would compete with the Peak, but I think it could be made and placed at a fairly sweet price point that sits in between the Circuit products and the Peak.

[@rundtomrasmus]

will we ever get a video that shows everything, which is under the table?

[@musictalk-tech]

Maybe if we reach 100k subscribers here 😂

[@mmmkkkeee]

Oh, my!...

[@breadcrumbtv]

You are literally my new best friend. Hari ohmmm 🙏🤓

[@yvesthps]

Hey super Video! Habe mir das Ding bestellt. Hatte bis jetzt nur Berührung mit mp3 Mixing und habe eine Frage: welches Equipment würdest du noch dazu empfehlen bzw. welcher Sequencer wäre eine gute Ergänzung ? Danke!

[@musictalk-tech]

Sequenzer ist immer Geschmackssache und abhängig davon welche Musik du machen willst. Platzhirsch für elektronische Musik ist Ableton, aber Bitwig, Logic (nur Mac!) oder Cubase sind ebenfalls mächtige DAW'S. Und auch ein Blick auf Exoten wie Reaper lohnt sich durchaus. Schau dir am besten mal unsere Beats On A Budget Serie mit Stimming bei kzbin.info an, da findest du jede Menge nützlicher "Anfänger" und Equipment Tipps.

[@thomasfokas]

What is that large synth you’re using? Also, which Volca would be good to use with this… that wouldn’t have redundant sounds already in the Circuit Rhythm? Mine arrives next week and I’m using it with a MicroFreak and looking for one more external synth or drum module.

[@GuitarManiac1975]

Mal wieder herrlich ehrlich! Das Teil hat mich ja initial eher kalt gelassen, aber scheinbar stecken da doch ein paar Features drin, die ich so nicht auf dem Schirm hatte.

[@thebastian1688]

Best Review!

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

The nicest thing about the circuit that people dont point out is it can have 256 steps in one pattern. Its 4 times the length of the digitakt, electribe, or model sample.

[@musictalk-tech]

We have added that in the description

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

@@musictalk-tech Nice!!!! ( Borat voice)

[@BromeliadBro]

And hundreds of times shorter seq length than in MPC

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

@@BromeliadBro Very true. I wanted to love the new mpc's but it was too much of a daw in a box. They are very capable machines though.

[@randommcranderson5155]

Hi If you were looking between a Novation Circuit Tracks and a Model:Samples primarily for drums and sample playing, which would you get? It seems like there's a lot more general features (and more button!) on the tracks but I'm not sure about its sample playing peculiarities.

[@JH-lo9ut]

I have owned both. Sold the samples. The main reason is that I did not like the work flow on the samples. Also, The Cirquit Tracks looks and feels more pleasant, but that's just my opinion. Samples has a way more powerful sample player though, being able to play longer loops, and editing more parameters, playing samples chromatically, re-triggering et cetera. Both can sequence external gear, but on samples, you are sacrificing one or more tracks to do so, and you can't rout external audio through it's effects section. Cirquit Tracks has a more versatile synth section too. If the model:samples could actually record samples, then there is no question as to wich I would choose, but it can't and I absolutely hate working on a computer.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

The last two reverbs are a bit limited use depending on genre. They have lots of pitch modulation that can’t be adjusted so there are no reverbs with longer tails for deep dub or ambient. Odd decision to make the longer reverbs so wobbly.

[@siyabongantombela1762]

LOL I love this man!

[@acidperex]

I can't believe I've never seen stimming reviews before.

[@RababaInc]

boy you're in for a treat

[@raagulmanoharan6727]

Can we expect a recreation of any of your songs using these machines you review?

[@hjjhkkjhhjkxdf9184]

31:00 Reminds me of Räar - I Hear Sirens And these chords at 25:00...

[@GraemeMarkNI]

I’m thinking if there were twelve microsteps, you’d be able to play 16th notes in the quarter-note pattern setting 🤷🏻‍♂️Think there’s a possibility they’ll add microsteps?

[@mattgolsen5895]

Review ratings should be how many times the reviewer smiles and impromptu jams, I’m absolutely upgrading from Circuit original. 😬

[@roryjineffect]

I have two Circuits to have different sounds, but thinking of selling them, grabbing one to replace both

[@empinchen]

Wondering what you think the digitakt has that makes it a more expansive piece of gear?

[@briannhinton]

I’d imagine it’s the “hands-on” control directly on the device with all the LFO, filters, full sampling, etc.

[@fluim0102]

The build quality is definitely a few steps above (solid chunky metal) Other than that it can do a lot of things this can not... But there are also some things the circuit does, that the digitakt does not

[@josephlandman1402]

Stimming, what are the other 2 gears beside the novation that you are using?

[@HalfGodHalfBeast]

quick question: did you say that when using it to sequence external synths via midi you lose the use of the two internal synths?

[@hiddestoker]

You dont

[@ac1tz]

I have one Circuit Tracks but after see the review I want to buy another, haha

[@TechTronix01]

hold clear and turn to right to set default pitch

[@antonkhotian3724]

guys, hope you will not eat me for the question - for syncing the volca kick it is just 3.5-3.5 audio cable used? I am not familiar with CV sync and it seems to be so obvious for all except me that I could not find answer anywhere in manuals, reviews, whatever. Please, share a bit knowledge with me ))))

[@joneswebs]

Excellent review but what's the synth from under the table!

[@musictalk-tech]

MFB Synth Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSWi5mJgc6fnKs

[@glxymusic616]

Is there a colour-blind mode on this for the pads? Really struggled to see properly in this demo haha

[@musictalk-tech]

No worries 😉

[@JeremyForTheWin]

you can set the pad brightness

[@Eklipsemedia]

22:49 YES!!

[@gadd1111]

Please review the Hologram Microcosm effects unit.

[@GraemeMarkNI]

To get to zero on the sample pitch, try pressing clear and then turning the nob...???

[@soupeauxchoux714]

Hello 👋🏼 what is this sound module at the right ? Thanks!

[@soupeauxchoux714]

Mfb... Ok

[@musictalk-tech]

in the picture right is a Volca Kick, left MFB Synth Pro - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSWi5mJgc6fnKs

[@RedRain1968]

There is not monophonic track :"The factory default Projects load with monophonic sounds for Synth 1 and polyphonic sounds for Synth 2. This means you can easily use Synth 1 for a bass line, and Synth 2 for keyboard sounds. But you can, of course, change this at will."

[@musictalk-tech]

Thanks! We added this to the description and Martin replied to someone here already with the same note.

[@RedRain1968]

@@musictalk-tech thank you, strangely you can't do a search among the comments...

[@jaimepadilla5614]

Stimming doing a Behringer review would be interesting lol

[@musictalk-tech]

It's coming one day if it's not just a clone 😉

[@MartinStimming]

Mr Director, are you sure? :D

[@GraemeMarkNI]

Is there no one else who kinda likes the Circuit synth engines?

[@Ratskank]

Love em

[@MathHammer]

Both synth tracks are 6 voice polyphonic like the original circuit.

[@JH-lo9ut]

Yes, both synth tracks are the same engine but patches/presets can be either mono or poly. I believe the factory presets are organized in such a way that the pink ones are mono and the green ones are poly.

[@RababaInc]

what is the analogue synth called he connected to the circuit?

[@dingdong7562]

Its called "Korg Volca Kick" a bullshit Bassdrumsynth, Not worth the Money 😉

[@baptisteroyer8773]

Stiming a god of machine...😉

[@Krushtaar]

I want a Elektron Analog Rytm Mk2 review from @Martin Stimming

[@Krushtaar]

He‘s very able to transport feelings, not only in his tracks but also in his reviews. Love.

[@dimitrifrolov2548]

Which poly synth was that?

[@musictalk-tech]

MFB Synth Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSWi5mJgc6fnKs

[@Zaubrer488]

well how did you get stimming from telekom? anyways, where ever stimming is, I will watch him

[@musictalk-tech]

As we do the Telekom videos as well and handle both channels it was pretty easy 😉 You will find most of the tech content here from now on and the more artist based and entertaining stuff at EB.TV

[@fernandomercado5519]

I think the sound criticism is on point but it also reminds me of my problems with analog synthesizers. Which is that they break through the mix too much lol. I feel like novations are really good workhorses because theywork really well with other synthesizers and what take a lack in “personality“ they make up for in playing well with others and reliability (and customer service).

[@musictalk-tech]

Like with every synth it’s totally based on your own taste. Guess the Circuits have a big fanbase in general.

[@musictalk-tech]

I wouldn’t call it critisism, it’s just not his personal taste.

[@MartinStimming]

Hey Fernando - I agree! The moog voyager that I had for a couple of years was useless in the studio for me because it always took too much space! Novation has this Team-Player approach in their sound which is a good thing first. Still, somewhere in between those two is where I'm looking in synthesis. Think nordlead2...

[@fernandomercado5519]

@@musictalk-tech I think it's a fair criticism. I also think it doesn't have personality, and it's not to my personal tastes, but ... man do they sit well in a mix lol. I, probably like him, rather have to EQ a synth with character, and work a little bit more, instead of using stuff without character that sits well in the mix.

[@fernandomercado5519]

@@MartinStimming Yeah I hear you. I'm basically sticking to elektrons and novation atm, but I definitely want a synth with some wild character as soon as possible.

[@HenningSprang]

Synth 1 is monophonic? Doesnt that depend on the patch, as with circuit 1?

[@HenningSprang]

Another thing: I believe and hope you can download all patches and stuff to the computer, and even without logging in to the novation account ;) That was at least possible with circuit 1 until the components editor has been reworked for the tracks. Would be a pity if not possible anymore, but I cant believe that they removed that feature.

[@HenningSprang]

And: Zeroing stuff is "clear" + moving the encoder on circuit 1 , likely the same on tracks. I would try

[@HenningSprang]

ha ok, i should have read the description where all my comments are already listed i see now ;)

[@HenningSprang]

another one: the bass station is analog ;)

[@musictalk-tech]

👍🏻

[@WaveRiderMusic]

for a liveset it is pretty useful... too limited but makes a liveset very small and powerful enough.... also good for adding some samples to an analog rig. But yeah it is not a great workstation

[@morten1]

"not cutting through"? Then it's good for chillout, mellow etc.

[@cokecl]

clear and pitch should restore it to the original pitch I think

[@musictalk-tech]

👍🏻

[@user-qf4zs6qj4c]

I think there's 8 patterns per instrument, like the OG. You page down for the next 4.

[@MartinStimming]

ah, there's two pages, makes sense! thanks for telling me

[@slinhciriew8266]

Stimmig ich mag Dich

[@RosssRoyce]

Nice atmospheric chords in your music, but you have to move away from Hamburg, it’s too COLD there!

[@moog5260]

Everything sounded very Matthew Herbert weirdly

[@musictalk-tech]

Is that good or bad?

[@moog5260]

@@musictalk-tech Great. Love him

[@romana.4224]

21:30 proper way to handle entangled cables

[@Claidheambmor]

Brutally efficient!

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

The professor is in the house.....

[@captinweestain526]

Can i hook up my 303 to it?

[@psychosonicmusic]

Ich hab die Mark1 und war mir eigentlich sicher die neue zusätzlich zu kaufen, aber wenn die erste Spur wirklich nur monophon ist war es das. 😕

[@musictalk-tech]

Ist nicht so. Beide polyphon. Nur auf Synth1 sind verstärkt monophone presets

[@devondetroit2529]

Can you do the circuit rhythm