It can function as a multi-octave playing grid based around defined scales, act as a polyphonic step sequencer, or be used in both ways simultaneously. The sequencing workflow for these two MIDI tracks is identical to that of the synth tracks and remains similar to that of the original Circuit aside from a few enhancements. With the original Circuit, the only way to access more Project slots or a different pool of samples was to swap out the current Pack from your computer. In fact, those two synth tracks – and the drum tracks – all output MIDI too, so you could happily drive multiple polyphonic instruments from Circuit Tracks in a live setup.

It is just off-black in colour, and the central feature is 32 velocity-sensitive RGB pads in an 8×4 arrangement. Even if we needed to do one recording per track manually, they would be perfectly aligned and it would be easy to import into a DAW. A feature added to the original Circuit after we reviewed it was micro‑steps, dividing each sequencer step into six sub steps.

Since then, Novation have listened closely to the Circuit community, and considered their feedback in the design of Circuit Tracks. The Circuit Tracks is what is termed as a “groove box”, in the sense that it has a sequencer, a (quite workable) synthesizer (two of them, in fact, with polyphony) and a drum machine, turning it into a self-contained music machine roughly the size of an iPad (but considerably thicker). The Circuit Track’s back panel is small — those full‑size MIDI ports give you an idea — but packed with connections. They come with a whole host of pre-programmed sounds, both mono-timbral and multi-timbral, and you can play up to six notes at once with the latter. There is even an in-built rechargeable battery which provides up to four hours of battery life, which means it can be unplugged, taken anywhere and used when inspiration strikes.

But there are many other “lap” machines that can do this, like the Polyend Play, the 1010Music Blackbox, the Electron Digital, or the Roland MC-101 or the costlier MC-707. Two refined polyphonic digital synth tracks let users expand their sonic capabilities, and they can load samples, then shape them to perfection across four drums tracks. You could also use both instrument patterns together to hack a 16 pattern song, but this means that most of the time only one instrument sings for the song.Overall these things are what I think it would have been easy for Novation to add, but still they didn’t.

As it currently stands the Circuit Tracks can create loops and moods very well, but a full song… that’s complicated.It offers up to 4 hours of battery life, and comes with a USB_C connection so you can recharge it with your typical battery bank. Circuit Tracks in an all-in-one studio with two synth tracks, two MIDI tracks and four drum tracks: everything you need to create and perform music.

The Novation Circuit Tracks is a standalone music-making device that combines two synths, a four-channel drum machine, the ability to control two additional Midi instruments, a sequencer, a mixer, on-board effects, RGB pads that double as a built-in keyboard, and SD card-based storage to let you carry around a huge number of sounds and projects.One of the frustrations of the CT was the lack of sound design beyond macros and blind browsing a limited subset of synth patches. While there are parameter names printed on the surface (Filter Envelope, Osc Mod, etc), which the factory patches tend to follow, you can in fact control any four parameters you like from each knob, with individual settings for range and depth. Now Novation has released Circuit Tracks, which despite the new name – which is intended to differentiate it from the underrated Circuit Mono Station and forthcoming Circuit Rhythm – is a straight sequel to that original groovebox. The engine can produce classic digital pads, morphing wavetable leads and dirty basses quite well – but can struggle with classic “analog-style” sounds due to its distinct digital coloration. For me the newer Circuit Tracks, with the option of controling two additonal outboard synths is a great new feature.