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
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.
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
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 :)
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.
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 :)
Awesome video! As usual your videos enlighten me to features on my music boxes I didn't understand inspire me to go make music. Clear and concise explanation and some talented hands. Thanks for your quick reply about Ableton drum rack translation for midi patterns. I'll use that for the circuit and maschinedrum. Cheers!!! Subscribing to your patreon later!
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.
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.
Another excellent review. I'm sure the good folks at Novation are noticing your hints for improvements, and are probably already planning some user stories for their sprint backlog ;) ... I will probably stick with the old Circuit for now, but hopefully a couple of these improvements that are possible on the older Circuit will get ported over.
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.
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.
Thanks for this! Would you know if you can you change scenes with Program Change midi messages? I used a nifty little pedal for changing sessions on my OG circuit... (Midi Mouse). But scenes look way more flexible!
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.
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.
@@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?
Thanks so much for your great videos, loopop! Do you (or anyone else here) know if there is a way to page up and down through chained patterns while in editing mode (note, velocity, gate, pattern settings), similar to the arrow-buttons on the SL MKiii for instance? I don’t find it very useful to have the page buttons on the circuit tracks doing the same thing in all four modes (which is scrolling through octaves), especially when you’re in any of those modes other than „note“.
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.
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.
@@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 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.
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 🙏
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?
Thank you for the nice and comprehensive review Loopop. I want to ask you about the pitch adjustment per sample, because as I can see at 7: 50 you change the pitch of the sample sound. So, per sample you can adjust the pitch, am I right. So, let’s say that you add the same bass sound in eight different Circuit pads, and then you record a bass line in real time, and afterwards you adjust on each pad the pitch creating some sort of bass melody. Or alternative maybe the user can add 8 different notes with the same bass sound and to record them in real time. Definitely I will get the Circuit Tracks, and given the fact that it doesn’t have pitch quantization I’m trying try to discover some tricks in order to create melodies in the drum tracks, to have free space for the pads and melodic parts in the synth tracks. So, at 7: 50 you’re saying that ‘’you can’t create melodies without a template of course’’, so I guess you mean the tricks that I describe above or something else? Loopop, thank you very much anyway, because you offer so much valuable information to all of us.
Thanks Alex - yes, if you watch the video towards the end you'll see my template which contains pre-tuned steps across two and a half octaves for any drum sample. You can get that on my patreon or just create a template like that yourself
Great video as always. I'd really love to see a review of the Tracks' Ableton device control capabilities (it seems no reviewer has covered this yet). Novation always goes deep with Ableton integration and I'm really curious to see what this thing can do (file browsing in particular, as the MK series does).
@@loopop I am not sure that it exists lol. That would explain why no reviewers mentioned it. I guess I assumed Novation would continue the level of control of the MK series and LaunchPad. If the Tracks does control Ableton well (or at all, I guess) I would be interested to see what it can do!
Hi, very useful video. I'm trying to get to grips with the patterns. I was under the impression that the patterns were independent of each other? This seems to not be the case. When I create a second pattern, using different sounds etc, the first pattern changes. Same goes for drums. I guess that the Scenes are the truly independent tracks? So I could make a pattern, save it as a scene, then make a different pattern, save it to scenes, and it could be completely different sounds and drums? A pity, though. I thought I'd have 8 truly independent tracks in Patterns view, to create a total song in.
@loopop Myselfsays, yeah that would be fun for DAWless jamming, cool little box for experimenting and ideas, I like Novation a lot, I had a x-station which was basically a midi keyboard, synth and audio interface in one, that thing lasted for years in and out of planes and off and on stages then back into the studio, loved it. Great onboard sounds/engine...kinda late 90's/2000's sounds, I am gonna watch this a few times, I enjoy your channel a lot, your great at what you do, thanks for all the hard work and great videos. I'll flick some patron cash money love. I will watch this a few times and see what creative processes come from the tech capabilities...It must run on batteries, be cool down at the beach or wondering around...thanks again! Jeramiah
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
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.
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? 🤷♂️🤔
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...
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?
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
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
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
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).
the Sample Melody thing is great btw (got it from your Patreon)... the thing you didn't mention though (in detail) is you can't record into any pattern this way. You can only play the sample chromatically live, or set the steps. Would be dope to be able to record it into a pattern in real-time! But of course, that's a strength of Circuit Rhythm.
Thanks! Indeed you can't record them when playing live - like I mention in the video it's either play them live or copy-paste the notes (unfortunately!) Thanks for your support BTW!
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.
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.
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 😂
I love the original but I've never enjoyed connecting a computer or ipad to it. Many times, I just want to slightly tweak a sound outside of the 8 macros and I can't. Also, for me, It some times takes 5 minutes to get the connection to chrome going but this may be my situation. Seems like a really small OLED would have been a fantastic addition for on the spot editing. Perhaps even like Korg VOLCA FM where its cryptic but allows you to get in change a setting if you really need to. Love the look!
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!
When you add an external instrument like the Microfreak and hit save, does that save the sound coming from the microfreak, so I can keep it or do I have to go to Components, save that as a sound then import it onto the SD card?
No, this isn't a sampler - you can sequence a microfreak and apply effects to it, but not sample it. If you sample a microfreak using another sampler you could then bring those sounds in as wave files
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 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.
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.
this wasn't covered in the video, even though Components was mentioned: Can old circuit projects be transferred to the new circuit seamlessly? Just wanted to double check.
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?
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
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.
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
As always, killer review. I never messed with circuit 1, but it's cool to see the workarounds they implemented to get around having no screen. Off topic, but have you considered making a video for bitwig similar to your ableton one??
Thanks! I have considered it, but honestly that type of video takes so long to make it doesn't make sense for me cause I still haven't "converted" to bitwig. Bitwig cool and all and does some things Live doesn't, but too many things I don't want to lose are keeping me with Ableton Live.
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.
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 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.....?
@@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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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
From now on I'll only ever refer to low and high pass filters as outside the club and car radio.
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
OK then - what about bandpass?? On the phone?
@Harry Imster ELO mode?
@@loopop Brilliant!
Attack = "Waaaah or booow"
Hmm, official Novation video... Nah, I’ll just go straight to Loopop.
True I did the same.
Same!
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.
Same thing.
@Gordon Rayan exactly. I’ve watched some of them several times both before and after buying stuff.
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!
Super helpful vid as always, Loopop! Just picked one up myself and am loving it!
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
Perfect timing Loopop, I couldn't breathe for lack of info!
Great review! And great product! So glad that Novation made a follow up 👍
To answer the question: Yes, original Circuit got the same editor update on Components. Novation, keepin' its customers happy!
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 :)
Novation have been excellent in support of the original Circuits. Big Kudos 2 them; other manufacturers should take note.
The fact that the inputs pass through the FX section is huge.
I think I actually might be sold on this now...
Agree
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.
as always a brilliant review which makes all other reviews obsolete. Thank you.
LOOOOOVE your performance at the end, loopop!!! 🙏🏼
Thanks!
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 :)
oooof love it. pretty much inproved everything that weve all wanted
kudos to your hard work in reviewing these new products.
Awesome video! As usual your videos enlighten me to features on my music boxes I didn't understand inspire me to go make music. Clear and concise explanation and some talented hands. Thanks for your quick reply about Ableton drum rack translation for midi patterns. I'll use that for the circuit and maschinedrum. Cheers!!! Subscribing to your patreon later!
awesome - thanks!
Wow, this and the Typhon would be a great mini setup!
I have no idea why you don't have a quarter million subs by now. Great video as usual.
Just a great video, as always...thank you loopop 😊👌
Really cool update in every way especially those MIDI tracks. Arpeggiator would have been nice!
Thanks Loopop, best Circuit Tracks video I’ve come across :)
kick and bass fighting over the same frequency! These types of metaphors help me understand stuff :) Thanks again!
Amazing review, I just got a Circuit OG and was blown away and it seems like Tracks is a clear upgrade.
Thanks once again! I see the section on Components is very similar to how its used for Circuit Rhythm.
I love that Carl Sagan has come back and is now into electronic music.
Billions of synths to review
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.
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.
thanks for another great review! I do think this is a decent upgrade that's worthwhile
Another excellent review. I'm sure the good folks at Novation are noticing your hints for improvements, and are probably already planning some user stories for their sprint backlog ;) ... I will probably stick with the old Circuit for now, but hopefully a couple of these improvements that are possible on the older Circuit will get ported over.
Thanks and I hope so too!
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.
How much ??
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.
Thanks for this! Would you know if you can you change scenes with Program Change midi messages? I used a nifty little pedal for changing sessions on my OG circuit... (Midi Mouse). But scenes look way more flexible!
this litterally fixed every problem i had with circuit, which like i was fine with but now i need the upgrade
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.
Great outro as usual
Great video as always. Thank you.
Looks amazing!
Can the midi tracks select patches on external synths eg on a boutique? (And save them per pattern?)
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.
Same here.
I second that.
Its a nice effort from novation .
The deal breaker was the USB power only , not a fan .
@@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?
I feel this is what the Circuit should have been to begin with.
And there goes I who want circuit for 4 years and new model is coming out :)
Thanks so much for your great videos, loopop! Do you (or anyone else here) know if there is a way to page up and down through chained patterns while in editing mode (note, velocity, gate, pattern settings), similar to the arrow-buttons on the SL MKiii for instance?
I don’t find it very useful to have the page buttons on the circuit tracks doing the same thing in all four modes (which is scrolling through octaves), especially when you’re in any of those modes other than „note“.
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.
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.
@@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........
do you have a 101 to compare it to? Wondering if it's worth swapping out my Circuit for one.
@@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.
@@andyhcape thanks for the heads up. Good to hear you're enjoying LP.
Waited a long time for this ...
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.
Good review. Reminds me my Mono Station has been neglected lately.
Mine is still in the box. Probably should sort that out.
best gear reviews on the internet hands down
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 🙏
awesome review
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?
It’s my birthday today so I decided to get myself a little gift, so of course I bought one of these little wonders!
Thank you for the nice and comprehensive review Loopop. I want to ask you about the pitch adjustment per sample, because as I can see at 7: 50 you change the pitch of the sample sound.
So, per sample you can adjust the pitch, am I right. So, let’s say that you add the same bass sound in eight different Circuit pads, and then you record a bass line in real time, and afterwards you adjust on each pad the pitch creating some sort of bass melody. Or alternative maybe the user can add 8 different notes with the same bass sound and to record them in real time.
Definitely I will get the Circuit Tracks, and given the fact that it doesn’t have pitch quantization I’m trying try to discover some tricks in order to create melodies in the drum tracks, to have free space for the pads and melodic parts in the synth tracks.
So, at 7: 50 you’re saying that ‘’you can’t create melodies without a template of course’’, so I guess you mean the tricks that I describe above or something else?
Loopop, thank you very much anyway, because you offer so much valuable information to all of us.
Thanks Alex - yes, if you watch the video towards the end you'll see my template which contains pre-tuned steps across two and a half octaves for any drum sample. You can get that on my patreon or just create a template like that yourself
Great video as always. I'd really love to see a review of the Tracks' Ableton device control capabilities (it seems no reviewer has covered this yet). Novation always goes deep with Ableton integration and I'm really curious to see what this thing can do (file browsing in particular, as the MK series does).
Thanks. Are you sure this integration exists?
@@loopop I am not sure that it exists lol. That would explain why no reviewers mentioned it. I guess I assumed Novation would continue the level of control of the MK series and LaunchPad. If the Tracks does control Ableton well (or at all, I guess) I would be interested to see what it can do!
I m waiting your review
Hi, very useful video. I'm trying to get to grips with the patterns. I was under the impression that the patterns were independent of each other? This seems to not be the case. When I create a second pattern, using different sounds etc, the first pattern changes. Same goes for drums. I guess that the Scenes are the truly independent tracks? So I could make a pattern, save it as a scene, then make a different pattern, save it to scenes, and it could be completely different sounds and drums? A pity, though. I thought I'd have 8 truly independent tracks in Patterns view, to create a total song in.
@loopop Myselfsays, yeah that would be fun for DAWless jamming, cool little box for experimenting and ideas, I like Novation a lot, I had a x-station which was basically a midi keyboard, synth and audio interface in one, that thing lasted for years in and out of planes and off and on stages then back into the studio, loved it. Great onboard sounds/engine...kinda late 90's/2000's sounds, I am gonna watch this a few times, I enjoy your channel a lot, your great at what you do, thanks for all the hard work and great videos. I'll flick some patron cash money love. I will watch this a few times and see what creative processes come from the tech capabilities...It must run on batteries, be cool down at the beach or wondering around...thanks again! Jeramiah
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
Great review as always.
Looks cool, but I'd miss the screen and encoders of my Digitakt 🤔
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.
Thanks! Not likely unfortunately
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? 🤷♂️🤔
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...
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?
Can this send program changes? Per pattern so it can have your connected synths automatically change patches?
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
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
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.
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
Agreed, we all have "portable displays" around in the form of smartphones or tablets.
I got the Loopop in my feed before any other (including “official”).... 😆.
Do the internal synths support Pitch bend now?
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).
the Sample Melody thing is great btw (got it from your Patreon)... the thing you didn't mention though (in detail) is you can't record into any pattern this way. You can only play the sample chromatically live, or set the steps. Would be dope to be able to record it into a pattern in real-time! But of course, that's a strength of Circuit Rhythm.
Thanks! Indeed you can't record them when playing live - like I mention in the video it's either play them live or copy-paste the notes (unfortunately!) Thanks for your support BTW!
@@loopop You deserve it my man!! And I am a broke dude haha. Thx so much.
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.
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 ?
Hi, is it possible to add a sustain pedal to the synth engine via an external midi controller? Thanks!
Anyone knows if there is a way o programming a pattern to repeat for a edpecific number of timer before changing to the next?
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.
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 😂
What format file you need stuff to be, I'm using audacity to chop samples for my samplepad4 needs mono
I'm 15 min in and I think with good knowledge of all the functions you can do anything,
Sample start and sample attack would be excellent. The sample engine is so basic, I'd rather just use a volca.
@@bikegarrett 16 bit Mono 48khz in wav or mp3
@@bikegarrett yes almost anything 😁but the sample features are really basic
Love this little box 🎶🎧🎵👾🤖
I love the original but I've never enjoyed connecting a computer or ipad to it. Many times, I just want to slightly tweak a sound outside of the 8 macros and I can't. Also, for me, It some times takes 5 minutes to get the connection to chrome going but this may be my situation. Seems like a really small OLED would have been a fantastic addition for on the spot editing. Perhaps even like Korg VOLCA FM where its cryptic but allows you to get in change a setting if you really need to. Love the look!
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!
thanks! no other way that I know other than panning left and right
Great!
Would love to hear more about the master compressor, did I miss it somewhere in there?
Thanks! It's something you can either turn on or off in a boot up menu - no parameters to edit
When you add an external instrument like the Microfreak and hit save, does that save the sound coming from the microfreak, so I can keep it or do I have to go to Components, save that as a sound then import it onto the SD card?
No, this isn't a sampler - you can sequence a microfreak and apply effects to it, but not sample it. If you sample a microfreak using another sampler you could then bring those sounds in as wave files
From outside the club to the old car radio :-D
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.
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?
@@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.
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.
excellent. thanks again.
Can you PGM CHANGE a synth in the automation ? Yes I hope Sample Start/End is in an update
thanks, this was some helpful tips..
this wasn't covered in the video, even though Components was mentioned: Can old circuit projects be transferred to the new circuit seamlessly? Just wanted to double check.
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?
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?
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
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.
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
Wow awesome lil all rounder😮❤
it's been over a year now since the last firmware update on this box. Any news from anyone about possible forthcoming updates?
As always, killer review. I never messed with circuit 1, but it's cool to see the workarounds they implemented to get around having no screen. Off topic, but have you considered making a video for bitwig similar to your ableton one??
Thanks! I have considered it, but honestly that type of video takes so long to make it doesn't make sense for me cause I still haven't "converted" to bitwig. Bitwig cool and all and does some things Live doesn't, but too many things I don't want to lose are keeping me with Ableton Live.
@@loopop For sure, that makes sense.
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.
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.
@@andyhcape I think this device is more meant to be for fun tbh :)
@@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.....?
@@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.
Can you record midi with pitch bend with external midi keyboard? I don't think you can do it with the first Circuit.
Can I connect two units together? if a use the filter on the unit with master clock, will affect all the 4 inputs?
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.
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.
You ought to still have the opportunity to use the two synth tracks as midi outs.
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.
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!
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
Does the new circuit tracks respond to pitch bend, mod, or aftertouch?
1.25 minutes in, you saved me the time, same synth engine.
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