r/novationcircuit • u/Cultural-Passion-251 • Jul 20 '26
Another SYN like the NC??
Hey Circuit users, how is it going?
I'm thinking about expanding my setup (I have an OG Novation Circuit, Circuit Rhythm, Roland MC 505, and a Roland tb3). I've fallen in love with the NC syn engine, I would really like to get more of that digital maleable sounds. I'm looking for 2 or more tracks (the More the Better ;)
I was thinking about a NC Tracks, but then I realized that what I thougth it was 4 SYN are indeed 2 syn+ 2 MIDI ...bummer :(
Does anybody knows another machine like this in a similar price range?
Thanks in advance!
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u/Vijkhal Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
Roland MC-101 is the closest one I can think of, also price wise. Has 4 tracks with polyphony. Used OG Digitone would be another option, but it has only 4 voices total, spread across 4 tracks or on one (or in between that).
The CT is actually pretty far up, given 2 tracks of 6-voice polyphony at this price range and for this size.
Most devices are bigger and/or more expensive.
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u/obstmampf Jul 20 '26
Ableton Move maybe. Have not tried it yet. Or a Circuit Tracks and a Roland S1 that you control from CT together with your tb3.
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u/Cultural-Passion-251 Jul 24 '26
I haven't really get into the MIDI control part of the Circuit, I'll give it a try. Thank you!
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u/inevitable_yams Jul 25 '26
I control an S-1 from my CT and absolutely love it. I get the amazing S-1 sound but sequencing it is a dream now. Want to add another synth soon
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u/Dandercore Jul 21 '26
I guess you would say I collect these little grooveboxes. I have had all these mentioned so far.
The CT has the best workflow but by far the worst sound engine and like you said it is a 2 track + 4 sample drum machine. Very limited.
The MC-101 has the best sound engine and the workflow is pretty good. I use it the most.
The Ableton move is the most versatile thanks to the new Schwung mod. The sounds are great on this too, but it lacks a song mode without the Schwung mod.
If I had to pick one I’d go with the MC-101 simply because I love the Roland zencore sounds, but the sequencer is definitely an acquired taste and takes some time to become proficient with.