Longer sequences can still be created using contiguous chains, simply by pressing the start and end patterns.

The closest workaround is to Save your Project before doing something you might want to Undo, so you can reload it.This view is now the ideal place to coordinate a live performance, combining song section launching, track mutes and levels. Lose yourself in a hands-on production workflow with Circuit Tracks – an all-in-one groovebox with two polyphonic synth tracks, two MIDI tracks and four sample-based drum tracks.

The Circuit Tracks is a worthy successor to the infamous Novation Circuit, providing better accommodation for the original device’s many firmware additions as well as adding full-fledged production hub capability. It has 10 knobs in two offset rows of five across the top of all that, the middle eight of which are endless encoders, the top left and bottom right knobs being a master volume and a DJ-style master filter. Several packs are made and sold by well-known Circuit Youtubers such as Red Means Recording, although there is an almost complete lack of free content for the Circuit for whatever reason. The pads’ RGB control is taken full advantage of by Novation, with different colors corresponding with different tracks, menus, and settings. As it happens, the Tracks has no way to edit presets or samples (the knobs allow only for tweaking a subset of parameters while performing), but you can edit synth presets and samples by using Components, a web-based tool that (annoyingly) requires you to log in and use a Web MIDI-enabled browser (I use Edge on the Mac).Maybe they could have a mode to switch one or two Drum tracks into “Instrument Sampler” mode, where only one sample can be chosen and by default opens a keyboard instead; but nope. Doing so involved repurposing one of the synth tracks though, so being able to do this while still having separate control over the internal synths is a great touch. The pads’ velocity response is spot-on, and they have just the right amount of squish and give for finger-drumming and playing. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. I certainly found that to be the case during my time with the unit, and was able to come up with ideas quickly as well as perform with the device in a DJ set.

Select the sidechain menu and set the trigger source (out of the 4 drum tracks) and amount (with a 1-16 pad range) of sidechain for each synth and audio track. Rechargable Battery: The standalone gear can also stand alone with its battery – it doesn’t need to be plugged in for general usage, as it comes with its own built-in rechargeable battery. Video demonstrating how to create quick unpredictable melodies using random playback direction on Circuit Tracks.

Since then, Novation have listened closely to the Circuit community, and considered their feedback in the design of Circuit Tracks. The device focuses on providing a simple and intuitive workflow – select a scale, choose a preset, dial in a synth sound with the eight macro knobs, sequence or record a pattern, lay down a drum beat, and add in delay and reverb. As it currently stands the Circuit Tracks can create loops and moods very well, but a full song… that’s complicated.

The original Circuit didn’t have one, so you always needed to step sequence something at the start of a Project before you could record in real‑time. Pair it with a Volca or two or some other similar accessible portable instruments, and you’ve got a really powerful and great sounding little studio that is… finite. A fun and very well thought-out box that can cover a wide sonic palette; takes the pain out of FM and replaces it with joy!Discover your sonic style or hone your distinct sound with two refined polyphonic digital synth tracks, four drum tracks, and creative FX. Its simple, instrument-like nature makes it a great option for learning or traditional musicians to begin producing electronic music without hassle in the way of complex software or music theory.