Novation Circuit Rhythm Sampler and Sequencer

Novation Circuit Rhythm Sampler and Sequencer Overview

The Novation Circuit Rhythm is a fully-featured and flexible standalone sampler in a truly portable package. Within Novation’s Circuit Rhythm is everything you need to create and perform exciting beats, including direct sample recording, powerful sample editing, up to 8 sample tracks and onboard performance effects.

Powerful Sampling

A key part of what makes the Novation Circuit Rhythm special is its sampling and editing capabilities. When deciding which samples to use, you can seamlessly import them into the Circuit Rhythm and record samples directly into the device.

Once you’ve selected your samples, sculpting, slicing and resampling them is a breeze thanks to Circuit Rhythm’s onboard sample editing tools. You can select from a variety of classic playback modes such as reverse, loop and slice as well as map samples chromatically - perfect for when you want to sample an instrument or a voice.

Whether you’re sampling a drum break from an obscure vinyl record, mapping a singer’s voice, creating kits from unorthodox percussion, capturing a vintage synth - whatever you can dream of, the Circuit Rhythm is ready to transform it.

Effortless Beatmaking Workflow

When it’s time to start turning your samples into complete beats and grooves, the Circuit Rhythm provides you with a powerful hands-on sequencer. Layers of samples can be built up across 8 tracks and each individual track contains 8 32-step patterns, which can be chained for up to 256 steps per track.

Grooves that you play in can either be quantised or captured off-grid by the sequencer, which is essential for creating laidback Hip-Hop beats and Trap hi-hats. Probability (each step/note can be assigned a chance of 12.5% - 100% to be played) and Pattern Mutate (shuffles the pattern’s steps and their parameters) are on hand to add dynamic variation to your music.

Tactile Control

With its array of tactile controls, which includes 32 velocity-sensitive RGB backlit pads, 28 RGB backlit buttons, 8 robust endless encoders and a Master Filter knob, creating and performing with the Circuit Rhythm is fun and immediate.

Onboard FX

Invigorate your live set with performance FX: embrace imperfection with lo-fi tape, stutter your mix with beat repeat, and more.

Novation has equipped the Circuit Rhythm with a variety of onboard effects. In addition to spatial effects such as lush reverb, rhythmic delays, pumping sidechain and punchy master compression, the Circuit Rhythm also features exciting Grid FX.

The Grid FX, which includes an authentic-sounding lo-fi tape emulation, stutter & beat repeat, is a great way to invigorate your performances and add on-the-fly character shifts to your music.

Expand Your Creativity

When used alongside a microSD card, you can greatly expand Circuit Rhythm’s storage. Once your microSD card is connected, you can save & have access to thousands of projects & samples.

Organising, importing and backing up your projects & samples couldn’t be easier, thanks to Novation’s free Components software. Components can either be used online with a MIDI-enabled browser such as Opera or Chrome as well as Standalone on PC or Mac.

True Portability

The Circuit Rhythm, with its compact form factor and built-in rechargeable battery, is one of the best portable beat-making companions out there. With up to 4 hours of battery life, you can pick up the Circuit Rhythm and start creating as soon as inspiration strikes.

Complete Connectivity

Circuit Rhythm’s comprehensive connectivity includes full-size five-pin MIDI in, out, and thru, and analogue sync out, making it the perfect sampler partner to any studio rig. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to four hours of battery life, so you can make beats on the move, and Novation Components provides a platform to load samples and backup your work.

With its comprehensive selection of connectivity, the Circuit Rhythm is primed to become the nerve centre of your studio or performance setup.

There’s a USB-C socket for USB MIDI, full-size 5-pin MIDI In, Out & Thru, a 3.5mm analogue clock sync output, stereo outputs, a 3.5mm headphone output for quiet jamming and stereo input for recording in new samples.

We recommend checking out the Circuit Tracks, as it can work as both a top-notch companion to the Rhythm as well as an alternative if you prefer to work with onboard synth engines, drums and MIDI sequencing for external gear.

Novation is one of the best companies out there when it comes to updates and the Circuit Rhythm is bound to be given the same treatment of fresh features and new capabilities down the line.

The Circuit Rhythm is another triumph from Novation and is a must-try if samples are a crucial part of your production workflow or if you want an intuitive way to explore the universe of sampling. The flexibility, portability and inspiring features that the Circuit Rhythm delivers for the price make it one of our favourite Novation releases so far!