If you like the patches I made and used in this video, you might want to check out my MicroFreak patch pack. It's super inexpensive, and it has those exact patches and more like them. gum.co/GabeMicroFreak
Every time I am confused as to what I should learn how to do next on the Circuit Tracks, you seem to upload a video in a timely fashion and my confusion instantly goes away 👌
I've been using this combo as well in my recent videos. Love the variety the Microfreak can achieve and using the Tracks to sequence is great. Nice video as always Gabe.
The first thing he did (in beat 1) was modulate the growl/future bass with an LFO. You can do similar things in a DAW with ShaperBox or similar plugins. I just bought shaperbox the other day and I'm am very pleased with the LFO tool. It's great and will give you a result just like this. I believe there are even sample and hold patterns. I just wanted to put that out there for anyone who wanted to do something similar, but works in a DAW (like me) and didn't know how. Anyway, great video, Gabe. It's always a good day when you upload!!
You can do just about everything on the microfreak in a DAW with some plugins (except the polyphonic aftertouch keypad), the difference is having it in front you accessible with the knobs/buttons and the mod matrix makes it more immediate and easier to experiment.
The Micro freak is an underrated midi note generator... with those random and spice slider. I tag it with my digitakt and create some weird trippy drums
You have such melodic instincts. Do you have a video addressing your musical background and what underpinnings one would need to follow your journey from a beginners perspective?
Thanks for this great video! My new microfreak will be here tomorrow! I cannot wait to team these two up. I've been watching your videos for a while, and they sent me down the mini-synth path and I love it. I started with the circuit and the minilogue, and a JDXI and I absolutely love the workflows for composing on these. I don't know if you've tried the JDXI but I cannot recommend it enough. Especially when teamed up with the circuit. It works perfectly for combined program/changes/song flows. The circuits FM synth is a great compliment to the JDXIs digital and analog sounds, and the circuits sequencer fills gaps in the JDXI for microstep and pattern modes. I often use the circuit to double up drums and to add the random variety to the drum percs and hats and using the circuit and the JDXI together has really become an unstoppable duo and a very complete solution for simplified composing, mixing and live recording. Anyway, thanks so much for making these great videos and letting people like me know how awesome this gear is.
I don't have either one of these pieces of gear, but I do have some grooveboxes and synths. It is interesting to watch another person's workflow and think about how it translates to my own production environment. There's probably some pseudo-profound thing to be said about "the universal language of creative expression" or something, but thats a bit cheesy for me :P
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah having only owned and used the Volca sample. I spent the first day and a half. Trying to understand manuals and UA-cam tutorials. Then thought what have I got to lose. Started fiddling and discovered what yourself and others mean by intuitive. Haven’t slept much since. It seems to read minds.
Great video! This is indeed a compelling combo. Are you able to record the expressiveness from the microfreak's keyboard into the circuit tracks? Or does it not output MIDI for that?
Hello,I am new to synths I am trying to decide between MicroFreak vs the MiniNova? I enjoy the different Mininova's Vocoder/ VocalTuning and other mic options which I believe is lacking on the Microfreak, Any opinions of sound quality and usability of these two synths would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Gabe amazing videos thank you. Just recently bought the novation circuit rhythm and your 5 dollar pack (brilliant) and getting a microfreak for christmas. Just wandering if you now if you can connect these both together like you did with the Circuit Tracks many thanks mate all the best Steve
I have original circuit and a micro freak. If only those side chain channels could be midi ;-). Actually I have 2 circuits, so this could be the answer. Chain them!
Thanks a lot for the inspiring video! I have a question: I feel like the volume of the microfreak is low when I connect it to the novatio circuit tracks. Any suggestion to get it higher?
HI @Gabe I wonder if there is a way to record patterna from MF longer than 16 steps. While creating a pattern with 32 steps the gate stops at the end of the first 16 steps, leaving the remaining 16 steps from the second half of the sequence blank :( - Is this a limitation of working with those 2 devices or is there a work round this issue? Thank you for content, Novation should give u an award for promoting this gear
I've been thinking about getting a Microfreak, seems really fun. Does the OG Circuit work with the Microfreak in the same way you have here, or do you need the new Tracks to have them play together like this?
Will all the parameters you set up on the mfreak stay in place for instant recall on the circuit tracks? This would really help my live performances as I dont want to have to worry about settings live
Great video but I wish these videos showed how to set the process up like which leads to plug in which as I'm new to all this and that's the area i get confused with.
I did a dedicated video on how to use the Circuit Tracks both by itself and with other gear. Hopefully it helps! ua-cam.com/video/hzhTca87xqU/v-deo.html
@@GabeMillerMusic same. Its been months now and I still cant get sounds out of midi 1 and midi 2 . Been trying today for hours pairing with jd-xi . I tried every jd-xi midi channel but nothing . Any suggestions of anyone that's done a complete beginner tutorial . Cables , what buttons you press on circuit tracks to set up midi . Would be very grateful
Hi Gabe! I have the Novation Circuit OG, and I am considering pairing it with the Microfreak, so I can get an extra synth line (2 from Circuit OG + 1 from MF). I am wondering though, can I sync them so that Microfreak starts playing when I hit play on Circuit? Or do I need some juggling skills there? In other words can the two sequencers be paired?
Hey bro. I got the OG circuit and was wondering the same thing. I know you can use midi to send clock or note on/off to add like a volca keys or microfreak as an extra synth voice to the mix. Did you find out anything more?
Hey Gabe. Great video! Super helpful. I just picked up a circuit tracks to pair with my micro freak. I also use a Boss RC505 looper. How do you recommend chaining these three devices to utilize clock and other functionality? What order midi in/out to what devices? Thank you!!!
I mainly put that there because it's an affiliate link that gives me a pretty solid commission. I also have a Reverb link if that works for you: reverb.grsm.io/novation-circuit-traks Otherwise, don't worry about it. :)
@@GabeMillerMusic Real question: should I get this to replace buying a normal mixer, or is that a bad idea? Circuit tracks seems like it would be a huge fit for me and the way I want to produce. Is it a dumb idea to get this instead of a more dedicated mixer?
@@zoned7609 take into account circuits only has two mono line inputs (not for mic) and doesn't has a dedicated volume knob, you have to switch to the mixer page.
If you like the patches I made and used in this video, you might want to check out my MicroFreak patch pack. It's super inexpensive, and it has those exact patches and more like them.
gum.co/GabeMicroFreak
What Synth would you advise someone to buy best for psych trance for 750dollers (im english my brother worked it out )
Every time I am confused as to what I should learn how to do next on the Circuit Tracks, you seem to upload a video in a timely fashion and my confusion instantly goes away 👌
I've been using this combo as well in my recent videos. Love the variety the Microfreak can achieve and using the Tracks to sequence is great. Nice video as always Gabe.
The first thing he did (in beat 1) was modulate the growl/future bass with an LFO. You can do similar things in a DAW with ShaperBox or similar plugins. I just bought shaperbox the other day and I'm am very pleased with the LFO tool. It's great and will give you a result just like this. I believe there are even sample and hold patterns.
I just wanted to put that out there for anyone who wanted to do something similar, but works in a DAW (like me) and didn't know how.
Anyway, great video, Gabe. It's always a good day when you upload!!
You can do just about everything on the microfreak in a DAW with some plugins (except the polyphonic aftertouch keypad), the difference is having it in front you accessible with the knobs/buttons and the mod matrix makes it more immediate and easier to experiment.
The Micro freak is an underrated midi note generator... with those random and spice slider. I tag it with my digitakt and create some weird trippy drums
Nice! It's got a lot of great generative stuff hidden in there
🎉🎉❤ I just bought both of these and your tracks are all bangin
You have such melodic instincts. Do you have a video addressing your musical background and what underpinnings one would need to follow your journey from a beginners perspective?
Thanks for this great video!
My new microfreak will be here tomorrow! I cannot wait to team these two up. I've been watching your videos for a while, and they sent me down the mini-synth path and I love it. I started with the circuit and the minilogue, and a JDXI and I absolutely love the workflows for composing on these. I don't know if you've tried the JDXI but I cannot recommend it enough. Especially when teamed up with the circuit. It works perfectly for combined program/changes/song flows.
The circuits FM synth is a great compliment to the JDXIs digital and analog sounds, and the circuits sequencer fills gaps in the JDXI for microstep and pattern modes. I often use the circuit to double up drums and to add the random variety to the drum percs and hats and using the circuit and the JDXI together has really become an unstoppable duo and a very complete solution for simplified composing, mixing and live recording.
Anyway, thanks so much for making these great videos and letting people like me know how awesome this gear is.
Wow! Fresh Circuit tracks jams AND a Microfreak patch tutorial on the side too? You're really spoiling us with this one.
Great Video!! Just bought a microfreak and you’re showing me some amazing possibilities !
I don't have either one of these pieces of gear, but I do have some grooveboxes and synths. It is interesting to watch another person's workflow and think about how it translates to my own production environment. There's probably some pseudo-profound thing to be said about "the universal language of creative expression" or something, but thats a bit cheesy for me :P
Finally got my hands on the Circuit Tracks and its great fun....
I need one of these. I'm so excited about the potential.
Thanks for this videos, you are teaching me a lot :)
this is super inspiring, thanks dude
Thanks for the video. I love watching these!!
Took your advice on the tracks and more than pleased. So I think a Micro freak will happen next months payday.
Nice, glad that worked out!
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah having only owned and used the Volca sample. I spent the first day and a half. Trying to understand manuals and UA-cam tutorials. Then thought what have I got to lose. Started fiddling and discovered what yourself and others mean by intuitive. Haven’t slept much since. It seems to read minds.
The microfreak is so much quieter than all my other synths... Why is that? Its so annoying i can't really use it in my dawless setup now...
Brilliant!
Great video! This is indeed a compelling combo. Are you able to record the expressiveness from the microfreak's keyboard into the circuit tracks? Or does it not output MIDI for that?
real neat, Gabe!
Beat 2 is super danceable
You can just manually add notes, so you won't have to re record if you missed it just place it right where you want.
Totally, I just often find re-recording is faster because I can just play the part I want rather than think about programming it.
Thanks so much mate, only found you recently and love your content. I've acquired a Circuit Tracks thanks to you and I'm loving it
Hello,I am new to synths I am trying to decide between MicroFreak vs the MiniNova? I enjoy the different Mininova's Vocoder/ VocalTuning and other mic options which I believe is lacking on the Microfreak, Any opinions of sound quality and usability of these two synths would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
the microfreak has a vocoder since firmware 3.0.
Hi Gabe amazing videos thank you. Just recently bought the novation circuit rhythm and your 5 dollar pack (brilliant) and getting a microfreak for christmas. Just wandering if you now if you can connect these both together like you did with the Circuit Tracks many thanks mate all the best Steve
Fire 🔥
I have original circuit and a micro freak. If only those side chain channels could be midi ;-). Actually I have 2 circuits, so this could be the answer. Chain them!
Thanks a lot for the inspiring video! I have a question: I feel like the volume of the microfreak is low when I connect it to the novatio circuit tracks. Any suggestion to get it higher?
Hi, thanks for the great information. In this setup could you use the microfreak as a controller to play melodies etc into the Circuit's sequencer?
HI @Gabe I wonder if there is a way to record patterna from MF longer than 16 steps. While creating a pattern with 32 steps the gate stops at the end of the first 16 steps, leaving the remaining 16 steps from the second half of the sequence blank :( - Is this a limitation of working with those 2 devices or is there a work round this issue?
Thank you for content, Novation should give u an award for promoting this gear
Are any macro knob templates for the Microfreak available on Components yet?
There are! They're in there as one of the presets. It's also pretty easy to map stuff or changing existing mapping.
I've been thinking about getting a Microfreak, seems really fun. Does the OG Circuit work with the Microfreak in the same way you have here, or do you need the new Tracks to have them play together like this?
You can sequence it pretty much the same way, but you can't feed the audio back in.
@@GabeMillerMusic got it, thanks! Being able to feed the audio back in seems pretty great, might be worth upgrading to the Tracks for it.
Will all the parameters you set up on the mfreak stay in place for instant recall on the circuit tracks? This would really help my live performances as I dont want to have to worry about settings live
Very nice video 👍😎👍 !
+1 subscriber 😁😎.
Great video but I wish these videos showed how to set the process up like which leads to plug in which as I'm new to all this and that's the area i get confused with.
I did a dedicated video on how to use the Circuit Tracks both by itself and with other gear. Hopefully it helps!
ua-cam.com/video/hzhTca87xqU/v-deo.html
@@GabeMillerMusic same. Its been months now and I still cant get sounds out of midi 1 and midi 2 . Been trying today for hours pairing with jd-xi . I tried every jd-xi midi channel but nothing . Any suggestions of anyone that's done a complete beginner tutorial . Cables , what buttons you press on circuit tracks to set up midi . Would be very grateful
Read the manual
Hi Gabe! I have the Novation Circuit OG, and I am considering pairing it with the Microfreak, so I can get an extra synth line (2 from Circuit OG + 1 from MF). I am wondering though, can I sync them so that Microfreak starts playing when I hit play on Circuit? Or do I need some juggling skills there? In other words can the two sequencers be paired?
Hey bro. I got the OG circuit and was wondering the same thing. I know you can use midi to send clock or note on/off to add like a volca keys or microfreak as an extra synth voice to the mix. Did you find out anything more?
A polyphonic micro freak would be the dream for me. I will stick to my iPad for now, the best portable Synth ever made😅
Yeah my dream synth is basically a PolyFreak that also adds an analog oscillator or two.
Hi Gabe, i have thIs combo but i can’t play the note directly by the Arturia Keyboard ? Is It normal ?
Another great video, sounds ace! Have you tried pairing the circuit with a mono station? 👍🏼
Thanks! Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to try a Mono Station yet
@NovationTV Please send this Circuit champion a Mono Station !! Thanks 🙂👍
Hey. Just bought the mono station. New to electronic music. Can I run the mono station same way as you? Thanks :)
Hey Gabe. Great video! Super helpful. I just picked up a circuit tracks to pair with my micro freak. I also use a Boss RC505 looper. How do you recommend chaining these three devices to utilize clock and other functionality? What order midi in/out to what devices? Thank you!!!
Hi Gabe ! Thank you so much for your videos,
Do you recommend any specific website to order from Australia ? I can't use your Zzounds links :(
I mainly put that there because it's an affiliate link that gives me a pretty solid commission. I also have a Reverb link if that works for you:
reverb.grsm.io/novation-circuit-traks
Otherwise, don't worry about it. :)
Alright thank you for your answer ! 🙂
👍🏾
clicked so fast
Can I do it with an old novation circuit?
You can control the MicroFreak, but you can't send the audio back into the original Circuit in the way that you can with the Circuit Tracks.
@@GabeMillerMusic Thank you! Your videos are vere helpful.. hugs form italy
What type of cable do you need to patch the synth into the Circuit?
Just a normal 1/4" audio cable
@@GabeMillerMusic thank you! These videos have been so great for me learning my new set up. You do excellent work, man.
Yep, you're spot on. You feed the synth audio back into the Circuit, and you can apply sidechain, reverb, delay, and volume/panning.
@@GabeMillerMusic Real question: should I get this to replace buying a normal mixer, or is that a bad idea? Circuit tracks seems like it would be a huge fit for me and the way I want to produce.
Is it a dumb idea to get this instead of a more dedicated mixer?
@@zoned7609 take into account circuits only has two mono line inputs (not for mic) and doesn't has a dedicated volume knob, you have to switch to the mixer page.
@@cokecl Hmm ok. So a useful groovebox but maybe not the final mixer if i have many instruments/synths going
@@zoned7609 for two external synths is unbeatable xD
They sounds good in a way, but just too super harsh and cold. I have both, but haven’t really dived in yet.
nah fam the perfect combo is definitely deluge hydrasynth
First!
Novation track is just tap tempo control? How many drumsounds and can you add hits? the drums kind of sound weakest in most tracks demos
The grown up version of this is a tr6s running into a digitone