@ghostly606 I don't have Live or any DAW at all, there is a standalone version of the editor which runs fin on my old win7 netbook.
I also have the electribe2, very different flow and function from circuit, the circuit now has a much more comprehensive synth than the electribe it is a bit like the Analog4 but with the limitation of only 8 (fully customisable) macros per patch, however these each can control upto 4 parameters per macro, with ranges. Each synth section of the circuit has 2 oscillators, noise and ringmod all available together, 3 envelopes, 2 LFOs, chorus, overdrive, parametric eq, multimode filter, 20 mod matrix each with 2 sources per destination, mono/poly, portamento - so basically a very well specified and flexible synth.
Basically you can create 64 of your own sounds and set the macros how you want, if they add the ability to replace the drum samples with user samples I will seriously consider buying a second one.
I have a work PC that I can’t install stuff on, my family laptop has Ubuntu on and an ancient Powerbook as well as mobile devices.I just wish editors could function in a browser rather than an app for a cerain OS.
I had an E2 and promptly sold it, unimpressed. The Circuit looks great, I’m a big Novation fan.
i just saw that they released the midi mapping for all the params too.
might try to make an editor in Lemur if i can figure out how to do NRPN msgs. (so many NRPNs)
Yes, this little pdf file instantly put Novation Circuit from “meh” category to wishlist. Full customizable (by software/external controller, but i can live with it) 2 multitimbral Nova engine with 8 assigned macros 4 parameters each, automation recording, cool polyrhythmic sequencer and drum machine… Actually, this maybe can be more suitable music sketchpad for many people than OP-1. Like myself personally, as i love full featured subtractive synths, live sequencing and don’t click well with OP-1’s 4track. And the price too…
Edit: i wonder if Circuit can transmit MIDI notes when playing on pads, so it could be used as drumpad controller for ipad or PC. As said on their site it can be used as controller, but there is no details. If it can be used for fingerdrumming in other apps, that’s another reason to want it.
Question: I have a number of small/oddball synths (Op-1 being most expensive, DSI Evolver desktop probably being the deepest) and a few small drum machines (Volca Beats and Sample, Bastl Trinity Drum, PO-12, and OP-1 itself). I’ve been burnt in the past by ‘grooveboxes’ that were fun but a bit limiting to some of my style preferences, going more towards the Autechre side of the spectrum over ‘four on the floor’ (but I do love me some good house beats and seem to make breakbeats in my sleep).
I’m looking at possibly getting a “proper” drum machine and/or sequencer. I want to keep costs down (around $1000 max) but have enough small/cheap/fun machines. I’ve been seriously interested in a Machinedrum. But then I started paying attention to the Circuit recently.
I hear it described with some Elektron-ish features. Can the Circuit be as deep as a Machinedrum? Or is it really better as a fun and new groovebox and sketchpad (better as being a part of a lineup instead of the possible heart and brain of one)?
Question: I have a number of small/oddball synths (Op-1 being most expensive, DSI Evolver desktop probably being the deepest) and a few small drum machines (Volca Beats and Sample, Bastl Trinity Drum, PO-12, and OP-1 itself). I've been burnt in the past by 'grooveboxes' that were fun but a bit limiting to some of my style preferences, going more towards the Autechre side of the spectrum over 'four on the floor' (but I do love me some good house beats and seem to make breakbeats in my sleep).
I'm looking at possibly getting a "proper" drum machine and/or sequencer. I want to keep costs down (around $1000 max) but have enough small/cheap/fun machines. I've been seriously interested in a Machinedrum. But then I started paying attention to the Circuit recently.
I hear it described with some Elektron-ish features. Can the Circuit be as deep as a Machinedrum? Or is it really better as a fun and new groovebox and sketchpad (better as being a part of a lineup instead of the possible heart and brain of one)?
I think the machinedrum and Circuit are very different. Circuits main feature is it includes essentially two Digital synths (mininova) this with the sequencer can be very powerful. I think the drum machine is more of an add on. The Machinedrum is the finest digital drum machine out there IMO and also has sampling if you get a UW. So the Circuit is best at synths, the MD better at Drums and can sample. They kind of actually compliment each other. Having not played the Circuit I can recommend the Machinedrum and would probably re-buy an MD before trying the Circuit, although, I do want to try the circuit for fun. It looks like a lot of fun and I like the way the Mini Nova sounds.
Would you recommend the Machinedrum without the sampler?
I do really like the small machines I can toss in the backpack and take on a train, or take out on the patio. The OP-1 and Volca Sample have been awesome for this. Looks like the Circuit would fit in well with those guys but I can probably wait on looking at it.
In my opinion (I have all the things I’m about to mention), the Circuit is a lot of fun, but not anywhere near as deep as the OP-1 or say, and Elektron box - I have an Analog Keys and an Octatrack.
If I had to part with any of those devices, it would be the Circuit, although I’m hoping they add some custom sample playback capability soon which will help it stay with me longer.
I’m not saying the Circuit isn’t good, its just not as amazing as the OP-1 or Elektron stuff.
From looking at it (but don’t own),I’d class the circuit as a fun ,cheap groovebox -that works well.Not a centre piece.
Mobile ,would be great with a Volca and OP-1.