Novation Circuit Tracks roundup
The Best Novation Circuit Tracks for the Money
From best starting patches to ideal companion hardware and live performance settings, this guide covers how to get the most from the Novation Circuit Tracks.
The best use of a Novation Circuit Tracks depends on how it fits into a production workflow. This guide covers the most effective configurations, best preset sounds to start with, best companion hardware, and best practices for getting the most from the device.
Best Starting Patches
The Circuit Tracks ships with 64 synthesiser patches and 48 drum patches. For getting started quickly, the following categories produce the most musically immediate results:
- Lead patches (CL series in the default set): single oscillator leads with moderate filter modulation. Easy to sequence melodically and immediately musical with simple patterns.
- Pad patches (PD series): long attack and release, slow filter sweep. Suitable for textural layers beneath a drum beat; less suited to rhythmic sequences.
- Bass patches (BS series): filtered, punchy bass tones. Work well on Track 2 beneath a lead on Track 1.
- Standard drum kits (Kit 1–8 in the default set): balanced kick, snare, hi-hat, and percussion combinations. The most versatile starting point for rhythm programming.
Best Pattern Building Approach
The most effective way to build a Novation Circuit Tracks session is to start with the drums. Programme a four-on-the-floor or minimal kick pattern first, then add hi-hats, snare, and percussion around it. Once the rhythm is established, add a bass line on Track 1 using step mode, followed by a chord pad or lead melody on Track 2. This layering approach produces a complete arrangement quickly and keeps each element's role distinct.
Best Companion Hardware
The Circuit Tracks sequences external hardware via MIDI out, making it a natural companion to external synthesisers. Strong pairings include:
- Korg Volca series (Bass, Keys, FM): battery-powered like the Circuit Tracks, affordable, and MIDI-receivable. A complete portable setup for under £400 total.
- Novation Bass Station II: monophonic analogue bass synthesiser. Receives MIDI from Circuit Tracks to produce bass tones the Circuit Tracks cannot replicate internally.
- Arturia MicroFreak: paraphonic digital synthesiser with a wide range of synthesis types. Circuit Tracks sequences its melodies while the MicroFreak provides additional timbral variety.
Best Settings for Live Performance
For live use, enable Scales mode before performance to prevent out-of-tune note input under pressure. Set up all patterns before going on stage — the Circuit Tracks does not allow pattern creation during session mode without stopping the clock. Assign the macro knobs to filter cutoff on both synth tracks for immediate timbral control during performance. Keep drum patterns shorter than synth patterns (e.g., 16-step drums vs 32-step synth lines) to create rhythmic variation without manual intervention.
Best Way to Use Custom Samples
Custom sample loading via Components allows the four drum tracks to use personal sample libraries. The most effective approach is to create drum kits that combine samples from different sources — for instance, a kick from an acoustic sample library, hi-hats from a vintage machine, and tonal percussion from a field recording. This hybrid approach produces a more distinctive sound than using the presets alone and takes full advantage of the sample slot architecture.
For a full explanation of the device, see the Novation Circuit Tracks overview. For purchasing guidance, the buyer's guide covers the key decisions.
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