Novation Circuit Tracks roundup
Novation Circuit Tracks: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A practical buyer's guide to the Novation Circuit Tracks — whether it matches your workflow, how it compares to alternatives, and what the true cost of a complete setup is.
Buying the Novation Circuit Tracks is a decision that depends primarily on how you intend to make music — whether in a fixed studio setup, for portable use, or in live performance. The device is strong in each context but has specific limitations that matter for some workflows and not others.
Who It Is For
The Circuit Tracks suits players who want hands-on, immediate music making without a computer or DAW in the session. Its pad-based interface, built-in scale modes, and macro knob controls mean you can build and perform an arrangement without touching a mouse or reading a screen. It is particularly well suited to:
- Electronic music producers who want a portable sketchpad separate from their main studio setup
- Live performers who want a self-contained instrument that sequences hardware synthesisers via MIDI out
- Beginners who want an all-in-one electronic instrument with a low floor for getting started
- Producers who work with Ableton Live and want a tight hardware/software integration for performance
New vs Used
The Circuit Tracks was released in 2021 and remains in production as of 2024. New units from UK retailers typically retail between £280 and £350. Used units in good condition are available on Reverb.com and eBay for £180–£240. The device is robust and the main points of wear are the rubber pads and knob caps — check both on used units before buying. The device does not have firmware issues that affect used units specifically; later firmware is available via Components and updates apply regardless of production date.
Comparing to Alternatives
The most common comparisons are:
- Elektron Model:Cycles (£350 new): FM-based synthesis, more detailed per-note parameter locking, but no sample drums and a steeper learning curve. Better for complex melodic sequences; Circuit Tracks is more immediately accessible.
- Roland TR-06 Boutique (£200): Drum-only machine based on TR-606 samples. No synthesis tracks. The Circuit Tracks is a more complete instrument for the price.
- Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator series (£60–£100 each): Extremely portable and affordable but limited to one function per unit. The Circuit Tracks covers drums and synthesis in one device.
- Arturia Beatstep Pro (£200): A sequencer only, no sound generation. Complementary rather than competing.
What to Budget Beyond the Device
The Circuit Tracks includes USB-C cable, a patch set, and the Components licence. You also need:
- AA batteries (6) or a USB-C power bank for portable use
- A pair of headphones or a small portable speaker for monitoring
- A 3.5mm stereo cable for connecting to a mixer or interface if you want line-level output
- A laptop with a browser for Components (patch management, sample loading, firmware updates)
Where to Buy in the UK
The Circuit Tracks is stocked by Andertons, Gear4music, Scan, Sweetwater UK, and Thomann. All carry new units with standard UK warranty. Reverb.com and eBay cover the used market. Avoid listings without original packaging or firmware verification, as older firmware units may have stability issues that a Components update resolves.
For a full product explanation, see the Novation Circuit Tracks overview. If you are just starting with electronic music production, the beginner's guide covers the first session.
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