Novation

Novation Circuit Tracks Groove Box Synth Drums Bundle

Standalone groove box with two synth tracks, four drum tracks, and a hands-on 256-step sequencer.

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Overview

The Novation Circuit Tracks is a standalone groove box that combines two polyphonic digital synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks, and two MIDI tracks into a compact, battery-capable instrument. At its core is a 32-step sequencer with velocity-sensitive RGB pads arranged in a 4x8 grid, allowing patterns to be programmed and performed in real time. Patterns can be chained up to 256 steps per track, and creative tools like microtiming, probability, and pattern mutate add controlled unpredictability that keeps sequences from sounding static. Built-in effects — reverb, delay, sidechain compression, and a master compressor — apply across synths, drums, and the two audio inputs, giving the Circuit Tracks a polished sound without external processing.

Connectivity is a strong point for a device in this category. Full-size five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru ports enable integration with external synthesizers, drum machines, and other hardware, while analogue sync out supports clock-synced setups with modular gear. Two audio inputs allow external sound sources to be mixed and effected alongside the internal tracks. The unit is USB class compliant for connection to computers and tablets, and Novation's free Components software provides deeper synth engine editing, sample loading, and project backup. Registration also grants access to Novation Sound Collective, which offers free plugins and content packs to extend the creative toolkit beyond the hardware itself.

Key Features

Acclaimed, hands-on sequencer: Create 32-step patterns, chainable for up to 256 steps sequences per track. Go off-grid with microtiming, and keep your music evolving with probability and pattern mutate.

FX on everything: Douse synths, drums, and incoming audio in lush reverb and delay, make your mix pump with sidechain, and punch with the master compressor.

Comprehensive connectivity: Connect to your studio with full-size five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru, and analogue sync out. Mix and apply effects to two audio inputs and listen through stereo out or with headphones.

Go further with Components: Novation Components is the online companion that lets you delve into the synth engine, load samples and backup projects.

Sound Collective: Register your Circuit Tracks today to get access to free plugins and content with Novation Sound Collective.

Specifications

Brand
Novation
Model
Circuit Tracks
Synth Tracks
2 (polyphonic digital)
Drum Tracks
4 (sample-based)
MIDI Tracks
2
Sequencer
32-step, chainable to 256 steps
Pads
4x8 velocity-sensitive RGB
MIDI
5-pin In, Out, Thru
Sync
Analogue sync out
Audio Inputs
2
Audio Outputs
Stereo out, headphone out
USB
Class compliant

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Fully standalone operation with synths, drums, and sequencing means no computer is needed to make music.
  • Comprehensive MIDI connectivity with five-pin in, out, and thru makes it a capable hub for external hardware.
  • Probability and pattern mutate features keep sequences evolving without manual intervention.
  • Built-in effects including reverb, delay, sidechain, and master compressor apply to all tracks and audio inputs.
  • Velocity-sensitive RGB pads provide visual and tactile feedback during performance and programming.

👎 Cons

  • Two synth tracks and four drum tracks may feel limiting for complex arrangements without chaining external gear.
  • Sample loading and deep synth editing require the separate Components software rather than being accessible on the hardware itself.
  • No built-in speaker means headphones or an external audio system are always required for monitoring.
  • The 4x8 grid format has a learning curve for users accustomed to traditional keyboard or pad-based workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. It is a standalone instrument with built-in synths, drum samples, and a sequencer, so you can create complete tracks without any computer connection.
Each track supports 32-step patterns that can be chained together for sequences up to 256 steps long.
Yes. It includes full-size five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru ports, plus two dedicated MIDI tracks for sequencing external instruments.
Yes. Using Novation's free Components software, you can load custom samples, edit synth patches, and back up your projects.
Yes. It has two audio inputs that can be mixed and processed with the built-in reverb, delay, sidechain, and master compressor effects.