A compact slab packed with knobs, buttons and multi-coloured backlit pads, the new Novation Circuit might look like yet another MIDI controller, but in fact it’s something much more interesting. Fusing the twin concepts of pad-based controller and self-contained groovebox, the Circuit is a highly portable, standalone music creation device that combines two Novation polysynths, a four-part drum machine and a grid-based sequencer. Battery powered and packing a built-in speaker, it’s a totally mobile device but will, of course, integrate fully with the rest of your gear and even act as — you guessed it — a MIDI controller.
Since its late-‘90s heyday, the groovebox had fallen out of fashion somewhat, eclipsed by the open-ended power of laptop-based composition and performance tools. But now it’s back in a big way, as music makers beginning to tire of complex software rediscover the immediacy and tactile joy of self-contained hardware. That sense of immediacy is a big part of Novation’s vision for this device. Circuit’s four-by-eight pad grid shows both steps and notes at the same time, so you can quickly programme beats and synth lines or simply play them yourself using the velocity-sensitive pads. Different modes are said to cater for both a quick, simplified approach, with everything automatically locked to the set tempo and key, and more advanced sequencing. The two-part analogue-modelled polysynth comes with a range of pre-programmed patches, tweakable using the eight macro knobs, with a selection of drum patterns also on board. Other features include built-in effects, kick drum sidechaining and the ability to record control automation. Up to 32 songs can be stored, each containing up to 128 steps of drum and synth patterns. Analogue line out, USB and MIDI ports let the Circuit connect to the outside world, and a main power adaptor is also included as an alternative to battery power. The Circuit will cost £249.99 and should be available very soon.
