Novation Circuit Tracks Standalone Groovebox with Synths and Drums

Novation Circuit Tracks: A Complete Groovebox in One Box

The Novation Circuit Tracks is a standalone groovebox that pairs two built-in synth engines with drum samplers and a MIDI sequencer to create full electronic tracks without a computer. Unlike a MIDI controller, this is an instrument with its own sound engine, so it plays synths and drums on its own the moment you power it on. A groovebox bundles sound sources, a sequencer and effects into one self-contained unit, giving you a portable studio that fits on a lap. For the producer who wants to write, arrange and perform complete songs by hand, the Circuit Tracks makes the whole process immediate and fun.

Two Polyphonic Synth Tracks and Four Drum Tracks

The Circuit Tracks provides two polyphonic digital synth tracks powered by Novation's synth engine, alongside four drum sampler tracks for beats. Polyphonic means each synth track can play chords rather than a single note, so you can layer pads, basslines and melodies within one box. The four drum tracks trigger samples for kicks, snares, hats and percussion, giving you a full rhythm section to sit under those synths. Together these six sound sources let a songwriter build a complete arrangement, from the low end to the top-line hook, entirely on the hardware.

Two Dedicated MIDI Sequencer Tracks

Two dedicated MIDI tracks let the Circuit Tracks sequence external hardware synths, drum machines and modules over standard 5-pin MIDI. A MIDI track sends note and control data to outside instruments rather than triggering internal sounds, which turns the Circuit Tracks into the sequencing brain of a larger rig. This is the feature that distinguishes it from the sampler-only Circuit Rhythm and makes it a genuine studio hub. A producer with a couple of outboard synths can now conduct the whole setup from one 32-pad surface.

The Novation Step Sequencer with Microtiming and Mutate

Every track flows through Novation's acclaimed step sequencer, complete with microtiming, probability, mutate and pattern chaining for grooves that feel alive. The step sequencer lays out notes and hits on a grid, microtiming shifts individual events slightly off the beat for human swing, and probability makes steps play only part of the time for ever-changing patterns. Mutate reshuffles a pattern to spark fresh ideas, while pattern chaining links sections into a full song structure. These tools help a producer escape stiff, repetitive loops and build arrangements that evolve.

32 RGB Velocity-Sensitive Pads

A 4-by-8 grid of 32 RGB velocity-sensitive pads gives the Circuit Tracks a generous, expressive surface for playing synths, programming drums and launching patterns. Velocity sensitivity means the pads react to how hard you play, so soft and firm hits produce different dynamics for more natural performances. RGB backlighting color-codes each track, step and mode so the entire state of your song is readable at a glance. This tactile grid is central to the hands-on, screen-free workflow that makes grooveboxes so engaging.

Audio Inputs and Built-In Effects

Two audio inputs let you route external instruments through the Circuit Tracks' onboard effects, which include reverb, delay, sidechain and a master compressor. Running outside gear through these effects means an external synth can share the same reverb and sidechain pumping as the internal sounds for a cohesive mix. Sidechain compression ducks one sound in time with another, a classic technique for that pumping electronic feel. This integration lets the Circuit Tracks act as a small mixer and effects hub, not just a sound source.

Portable Battery Power and microSD Storage

A built-in rechargeable battery powers the Circuit Tracks for true grab-and-go production away from any outlet, while a microSD card slot stores projects and content. Battery operation is a defining trait of the Circuit line, letting you sketch a track on a train, a rooftop or a hotel bed. When you return to the studio, USB-C recharges the unit and connects it to a computer for backups and transfers. This freedom to create anywhere is a major reason producers keep a Circuit within arm's reach.

Flexible Connectivity as a Studio Brain

The Circuit Tracks connects to a full hardware setup through USB-C, 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru, a 3.5mm sync jack, two audio inputs and stereo quarter-inch outputs plus a headphone out. MIDI and sync keep external synths and drum machines locked to the same tempo, and the stereo outputs feed a mixer or audio interface cleanly. With two internal synths, drums and two MIDI tracks, it is well equipped to be the central sequencer of a hybrid rig. Solo or in a setup, the Circuit Tracks slots in as both an instrument and a controller for other gear.