The Novation Circuit Tracks represents a significant evolution of the original Circuit groovebox, transforming from a chunky box into a sleek, lightweight wedge design while dramatically expanding its capabilities. This portable musical playground maintains the immediate, pick-up-and-play accessibility that made the original Circuit beloved, while addressing many of its limitations.

At its core, the Circuit Tracks features two onboard Nova-engine synthesizers and four sample-based drum voices, all controlled through an intuitive 4x8 velocity-sensitive pad matrix with larger, all-square pads matching Novation's current Launchpad design aesthetic. The device operates without a display, relying instead on an elegant LED-based interface that encourages hands-on exploration and performance.

The groovebox includes a built-in mixer with comprehensive effects processing, including reverb, delay, and sidechain compression, plus a master filter perfect for live transitions. Eight encoders provide immediate access to preset sound macros, levels, and various parameters depending on the current view mode.

Enhanced Connectivity and Independence

One of the most significant improvements is the device's enhanced portability and connectivity. The Circuit Tracks abandons the AA battery compartment and AC adapter requirement of its predecessor, instead featuring an internal rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C. This single port handles both power delivery and data connectivity, making the device truly portable.

The connectivity suite has been thoughtfully redesigned, reverting to traditional full-size DIN MIDI ports (In, Out, and Thru) from the original's TRS jacks, with the Thru port capable of acting as a duplicate output. A variable-rate analog sync output ensures compatibility with vintage gear like TB-303 clones. The rear panel also houses a microSD card slot, quarter-inch audio outputs, a relocated headphone jack, and a pair of quarter-inch audio inputs for external sources.

Expanded Sequencing Capabilities

The Circuit Tracks introduces dedicated MIDI sequencing tracks for external synthesizers, complete with customizable CC control mapping via the hardware knobs. The audio inputs allow these external sources to be integrated into the internal mixer, complete with level, pan control, and access to the onboard effects.

The drum section has been significantly reorganized, with each of the four sample players now having discrete sequencer tracks instead of the paired pattern groups of the original. This reorganization frees up pad real estate to display a palette of 16 sounds, making sample flipping - triggering different samples on each step - much more intuitive and accessible.

Advanced Sequencer Features

The sequencer has inherited features from Novation's second-generation Launchpad Pro, including the ability to extend patterns from 16 to 32 steps, addressing the limitation of only viewing four patterns at a time. The addition of a built-in metronome click eliminates the need to program a basic pattern before real-time recording.

New creative features include Probability sequencing, where each note or gate can be assigned a percentage chance of playing on each loop, and Mutate functionality that destructively alters patterns in subtle ways for generating variations. The sequencer supports both chromatic keyboard layouts and various scale displays across two rows of pads.

Project and Scene Management

The device can hold 64 active projects simultaneously (double the original's capacity), with the microSD slot enabling storage of up to 32 complete Packs on the hardware itself. Each Pack contains everything needed for operation: 64 projects, 64 samples (approximately 3 minutes total), and 128 synth patches.

A dedicated Scene system allows users to store snapshots of currently playing pattern combinations, with 16 scene pads integrated into the mixer page for live performance coordination. Scenes can be chained into longer sections or complete songs, with project changes being instantaneous and effects morphing smoothly between settings.

Sound Design and Management

The built-in synthesizers are surprisingly deep dual-oscillator wavetable/virtual analog polysynths with comprehensive effects and modulation capabilities. While they may lack some character compared to dedicated hardware, they offer versatility and power. Full sound design control is available through Novation's Components software, which provides real-time editing capabilities and runs as both a standalone application and web-based interface.

Components also handles backup, patch, and sample management, with the web version offering cloud-based access to files from any location. Users can customize macro assignments for hardware control, with complete freedom over which parameters each knob controls, including individual range and depth settings.

Technical Specifications

Physical Design

• Form Factor: Sleek wedge design with larger, all-square velocity-sensitive pads
• Pad Matrix: 4x8 velocity-sensitive pad grid
• Controls: 8 rotary encoders for macro control, levels, and parameters
• Display: LED-based interface with no screen
• Power: Internal rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
• Dimensions: Same surface area as original Circuit but transformed to lightweight wedge profile

Audio Specifications

• Synthesizers: 2x Nova engine polysynths (dual-oscillator wavetable/virtual analog)
• Drum Voices: 4 sample-based drum players with discrete sequencer tracks
• Effects: Built-in reverb, delay, sidechain compression, master filter
• Audio Inputs: 2x quarter-inch inputs with mixer integration
• Audio Outputs: Quarter-inch stereo outputs
• Headphone Output: 3.5mm jack (rear-mounted)

Connectivity

• USB: USB-C port for power, charging, and data
• MIDI: Full-size DIN In, Out, and Thru ports
• Sync: 3.5mm analog sync output (variable rate)
• Storage: MicroSD card slot
• Audio I/O: Stereo quarter-inch outputs, stereo quarter-inch inputs, 3.5mm headphone output

Sequencer Features

• Pattern Length: 16 or 32 steps per pattern
• Pattern Storage: 8 patterns per track
• Tracks: 8 total (2 synth, 4 drum, 2 external MIDI)
• Velocity Sensitivity: 16-level resolution
• Micro-steps: 6 subdivisions per step (triplet and straight ratchets)
• Probability Sequencing: Percentage-based note triggering
• Mutate Function: Pattern variation generation
• Built-in Metronome: Click track for recording
• Recording Modes: Real-time and step recording
• Chain Patterns: Contiguous pattern chaining support

Memory and Storage

• Active Projects: 64 projects in memory
• Pack Storage: Up to 32 Packs on microSD card
• Samples per Pack: 64 samples (~3 minutes total duration)
• Synth Patches: 128 per Pack
• Sample Flipping: 16-sound palette display per drum track

Performance Features

• Scene System: 16 scene snapshots with mixer integration
• Live Performance: Track mutes, levels, and scene launching
• Project Switching: Instantaneous with tempo/beat matching
• External MIDI Sequencing: 2 dedicated tracks with customizable CC control
• Scale Modes: Multiple scale displays and chromatic keyboard layout
• Real-time Control: Live recording with velocity sensitivity

Software Integration

• Components Software: Real-time synth editing, backup, and sample management
• Platform Support: Standalone app and web-based interface
• Device Compatibility: USB-connected computers and Android tablets (Chrome browser)
• Cloud Storage: Web-based file access and management
• Parameter Control: Customizable macro assignments with range and depth settings