Novation’s Circuit Synergy: Packs, Projects, and Seamless DAWless Workflows

Circuit Twins: Seamless Integration in Action

The video opens with Dylan, Novation’s demonstrator, working simultaneously with Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm—two grooveboxes designed to complement each other in a modern production setup. He highlights how combining both units unlocks creative potential that goes beyond what each can do alone. The initial beat he crafts is a testament to the synergy possible when these devices are connected and thoughtfully organized.

A key architectural detail is the MIDI and audio routing: Circuit Rhythm sends MIDI clock to Circuit Tracks, ensuring tight synchronization, while audio from Tracks is routed back into Rhythm for unified mixing and further processing. This setup not only streamlines performance but also enables advanced tricks like filtering the Tracks’ audio separately or switching projects in tandem. The result is a workflow where both devices act as a single, cohesive instrument—an approach that feels purpose-built for DAWless rigs and live improvisation.

Packs, Projects, Scenes, Patterns: The Organizational Backbone

Novation’s approach to content management is layered and logical. Packs are the top-level containers, stored on SD cards, and include all samples, synth presets, projects, and patterns. Dylan explains that he prefers to dedicate a pack to each piece of music, keeping things mentally streamlined, but notes that packs can also serve as live performance sets or broader sound collections. Duplication is straightforward, making it easy to reuse favorite sounds across projects.

Within packs, projects serve as either entire songs (for live sets) or as sections within a composition (for studio work). Each project encapsulates its own patterns, scenes, and sound selections, enabling instant recall of complex arrangements. This hierarchical structure allows for dramatic changes at the press of a button, supporting both improvisational performance and detailed song construction. The ability to switch projects on one device and have the other follow suit is a particularly elegant touch, reinforcing the sense of the two Circuits as a unified system.

"When you switch projects on one unit, it also switches projects on the other. And that's really cool. That unlocks a lot actually."

© Screenshot/Quote: Novationtv (YouTube)

Creative Workflows: On-the-Fly Modification and Automation

"If I was to launch a different scene in the mixer, that varies the thing. And if I want to jump back to the way that I saved the project, I just relaunch it."

© Screenshot/Quote: Novationtv (YouTube)

The video moves from theory to practice as Dylan demonstrates how to manipulate projects in real time. He shows that within each project, tracks can be laid out consistently—using synth engines for bass and chords, with drum tracks providing percussive flourishes and breakbeats. The flexibility to slice, reverse, distort, or filter samples across tracks is highlighted, with examples of breakbeats being processed differently for expressive variation.

Scenes and patterns become dynamic performance tools: launching a new scene in the mixer instantly varies the musical texture, while returning to the saved project state is just a button press away. Dylan emphasizes the power of automation—parameters can be tweaked and recorded live, then reset by relaunching the project. This workflow supports both improvisation and structure, letting users experiment freely without losing their original ideas. The demonstration makes clear that Novation’s design philosophy is about enabling musical risk-taking while maintaining control.

DAWless Operation: Live Potential Unleashed

Dylan spotlights the DAWless capabilities of the Circuit pair, showing how their architecture supports spontaneous creativity and performance. By treating a pack as a self-contained song—complete with all sounds, projects, and patterns—users can easily save, recall, and manipulate entire sets without touching a computer. The ability to jump between significantly different arrangements, combine scenes and patterns, and use the mixer and automation tools in real time makes the Circuits ideal for live jams and evolving sets.

This segment underscores Novation’s commitment to hands-on, computer-free music making. The workflow is simple on the surface but deep in practice, offering enough flexibility for complex arrangements while remaining accessible to those who prefer tactile control. For performers and producers seeking a portable, integrated solution, the Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm deliver a compelling DAWless experience.

Harnessing the Circuit Ecosystem: A Practical Guide

In closing, the video functions as a comprehensive guide for maximizing the Circuit series’ potential. Whether working with one device or both, the strategies demonstrated—project switching, pack organization, scene and pattern manipulation—equip users to create, perform, and iterate with confidence. Novation’s focus on workflow and integration shines through, making this an essential resource for anyone looking to master these grooveboxes in the studio or on stage.