Novation Circuit Rhythm 2.0 intros beat match, Grid FX hardware controls, and more

November 8, 2022 Synth Anatomy Grooveboxes, Hardware, News 0

Novation has released firmware 2.0 for the Circuit Rhythm, introducing beat match, hardware controls for the Grid FXs, and more.

Yesterday I reported on the big deal (41% OFF) on the Circuit Tracks, the successor to the popular Circuit groovebox. The deal is still available but has become 30€ more expensive. It remains a very good price for it.

Today, I have another good Circuit news. Novation has published a major update 2.0, for the Circuit Rhythm. As a reminder. the CR is the all-sample-based Circuit with a focus on beat production.

Novation Circuit Rhythm 2.0

Staying true to its update line, Novation is now giving its Circuit Rhythm a first major update. This one hasn’t got off the best start, considering how big the discounts were last Black Friday.

The new firmware 2.0 adds beat match that allows you to pitch your samples up or down to get drum breaks perfectly in time with your session and make your beats flow seamlessly. There are two new beat match pads available in the sample mode menu that let you speed up or slow down the selected sample. A neat new functionality that significantly improves the sample workflow.

Circuit Rhythm 2.0 also allows now fixed length recordings. This means you can record samples so they’ll be perfectly on time with your current project. A new toggle in the Sample Record View lets you choose between a fixed-length sample recording of 8, 16, 32, or 64 steps.

Grid FX With Macro Controls

Then, the internal Grid FX, exclusively for the Circuit Rhythm engine, also got a makeover, mainly in the operation. Every Grid FX parameter is now available to control directly with Rhythm’s macro knobs. There is a performance mode made for temporary changes and an edit mode for permanent changes. One of the weak points of the controllability of the CR has now been improved.

Another new function allows you to trigger newly recorded samples immediately in the sample record view. So you can quickly decide whether you want to keep the sample or throw it away.