Novation Circuit Tracks Groovebox

Novation Circuit Tracks — Standalone Groovebox for DAW-Free Production

The Novation Circuit Tracks is a standalone groovebox built for capturing musical ideas without a computer. Two polyphonic synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks, and two MIDI tracks for external gear sit inside a battery-powered, screen-free chassis. This model suits producers who want a tactile, portable sketchpad that drives a full tabletop performance.

What Makes This Groovebox Different

Two 1/4" audio inputs feed the onboard mixer, so any hardware synth sequenced by the dedicated MIDI tracks can be processed by the same side-chain, reverb, and delay as the internal engines. A microSD slot stores up to 32 sound Packs, each holding 64 Projects, 64 samples, and 128 patches — far beyond the original's single Pack.

Sequencer, Pads, and Connectivity — Built for Live Hands-On Use

The sequencer and pad layout are designed for fast, visual programming without menus. Patterns stretch to 32 steps, with Probability and Mutate adding controlled randomness per step.

• Synth Tracks: 2 × 6-voice polyphonic — Nova-engine wavetable/virtual-analogue polysynths with macro-mapped controls
• MIDI Tracks: 2 × 6-voice polyphonic — sequence external synths with customisable CC control from the encoders
• Drum Tracks: 4 sample-based — independent sequencer lanes with sample-flipping per step
• Pads: 32 RGB backlit, velocity-sensitive — act as keyboard, step sequencer, and clip launcher
• Storage & Power: microSD slot for up to 32 Packs, built-in rechargeable battery with 4 hours runtime, USB-C charging
• Dimensions: 240 × 210 × 45 mm, 0.78 kg

Who Should Pick Up This Groovebox

This groovebox is the right choice for beat makers and electronic producers who want a hands-on alternative to mouse-driven DAW work. Battery operation and a sub-1 kg chassis make it a natural fit for travel sketching, while the dual MIDI tracks and audio inputs let a small hardware rig grow into a full performance setup. Beginners get an intuitive pad-based workflow; experienced producers gain a compact sequencer with shared effects.

From the Original Circuit to the New Model

Novation's original Circuit, reviewed by Sound on Sound in January 2016, sparked a wave of interest in portable tabletop music making. The Circuit Tracks builds on that lineage with the same Nova synth engines but adds the connectivity and storage the original lacked.