Novation introduces the latest firmware update for Circuit, adding four new features that users had been asking for and that will surely benefit every producer's creative workflow. Not too long ago we put a Novation Circuit unit through its paces on our test bench. We were pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and easy to use it is for building grooves, along with its many rhythmic and melodic options. Just a few days ago we updated the capabilities of this "great little one" with version 1.8 of its firmware. So what does it offer?
Non-quantised recording. The ability to record "off the grid" has long been one of the features most requested by Circuit users, and now, with firmware v1.8, you can capture synth and drum parts directly to microsteps, letting you express your most complex rhythmic ideas.
Synth micro-step editing. In addition to recording unquantized synth grooves, you can also edit them at the microstep level. With six microsteps in each full step, you have plenty of resolution to reposition notes off the grid, making it possible to program timing nudges, triplets and more.
Per-note velocity tracking. Before firmware v1.8, all Synth notes that fell on the same step were always set to the same velocity. Now, not only will notes recorded over other notes on the same step keep their velocities independently, but you can also edit them manually after playing them. Together with Non-quantised recording, Per-note velocity tracking makes Circuit more expressive and versatile than ever.
Assignable MIDI channels. Have you ever wished you could change Circuit's MIDI channel assignments from their default values? Now you can! Firmware v1.8 lets you set Synth 1, Synth 2 and Drums to any MIDI channel you like, from 1 to 15, for greater flexibility when integrating Circuit into your studio setup.
