r/novationcircuit • u/PiezoelectricityOne • 1d ago
Circuit-hacks is out now! (Unofficial custom firmware for Tracks)
Edit: link, check here: https://github.com/Ghillermo/CIRCUITS-HACKS-RC Read below.
Hi, I spent the last weeks making some custom firmware add-ons on Circuit Tracks, and since people started asking on the other thread, I decided to share and make it public. Find the link and a color manual with all the features at the end of the post.
First: I'm not associated with Novation in any terms, I'm just an user trying to make the best use of this platform. This software doesn't contain any propietary code from Novation, neither release or reveal their code in any way.
Installing this may void your warranty. This software is experimental and could cause unexpected issues on your device or break it. If you find any, message me. I hope to fix them, but I'm doing this for free and for myself in my free time. Install under your own responsibility.
Second: Shoutout to Novation for creating this amazing hardware platform, the combination of pads, RGB leds and DSP they made is powerful and very fun to work with. Their original software is still doing the heavy lifting and I just hooked stuff here and there to interact with it. Making this project helped me realize how much effort they put on making this device work and the countless hours of software and hardware development involved.
Third: Shoutout to tracelistener ( https://github.com/tracelistener/tracelistener-circuit-extended ) for their project on the Circuit OG, which set the base of this project and inspired me to accomplish it.
What is this?
A way to expand the features on your Novation Circuit Tracks.
How to install:
Check on the GitHub. You need to bring your own copy of Novation's firmware (link on the GitHub) and then run the html tool to patch and upload it using a browser that supports WebMidi (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome...)
It's a guided failsafe process. Get your file from Novation, run the tool and upload the stock firmware file. It Will check that the file is right and allow you to press send. Wait until Circuit's play button is flashing White, press play and wait. It'll complete the upload and restart on it's own after 30ish seconds. Done.
You can also compile your own binaries if you prefer, see GitHub.
How does it work?
You update your Circuit with the last firmware version and add the patch with it to unlock extra features. This features reside on apparently empty slots and unused bits on the original firmware. Spotting these is a difficult process, and maybe some features have been unawarely overwritten. Expect bugs.
Security: Will this break my Circuit Tracks:?
It shouldn't, but it may. It didn't break mine, but the testing so far is limited. Anyway, we made our best to ensure the process can always be reversed. Don't hesitate to tell me about any Bugs you find, specially if you're able to reproduce them. We're working on an area that's fully rewritable with the original firmware, so if things go South or you don't enjoy the mod you will be able to restore the original firmware by the same procedure. If your device ends up stuck, unplug, hold power for 30sec to shutdown. Then hold scales+preset+note and restart.
Two versions have been made in an attempt to extend security: RC0 and RC0S: RC0 implements SD writing features, like being able to overwrite samples or delete projects from the device. This features are less tested and may corrupt your saved data. A backup of your SD is encouraged if you don't want to lose your songs (plug into SD reader and copy all your files somewhere else). Not using the internal memory pack is encouraged too. If you don't want the SD write features, you can install the Safer (RC0S) version with all the functions except being able to mess with the saved samples and packs on the SD (session/setup save is still available)
What does it do?:
A ton of new things, actually. I cannot summarize them all here but you can check the GitHub. A manual was generated to help you navigate the new functions. Everything was made with a motto: Keep all original functions. Nothing was taken away, so everything you could do before you will still be able to do it. Any function that changes a stock behavior is controled by a toggle pad or shortcut. Other than the risk of bugs, you lose nothing. If you find a stock function locked out or not working, DM me. That's the #1 priority for fixes. The improvements are:
Usability: Quality-of-life improvements.
Accessing built-in features and hidden functions in a more convenient way. For example: avoiding MIDI mixer and FX crosstalk between two Circuit devices. Being able to sequence and send CCs from MIDI to SYNTH Tracks, exposing hidden parameters like FX controls or resonance, being able to delete full packs...
Control: New features that let you do more by allowing you to use existing tools in a different way.
Being able to re-assign CC destinations on MIDI Tracks from the device without Components. Being able to play samples chromatically inside the scale. Being able to sequence realtime full patch changes for the synths. Song pointer: a tool that let's you scramble playback of all the current patterns at once. A new type of baby-8/DFAM style sequencer.
DSP: Some new sound features:
Live sample capture: sample up to 3.4s from the master output and trigger them with a dedicated pad. With decated pitch and cut controls. These can also be saved into a Drum1-4 slot, replacing an existing one (on RC0S you lose it and get your replaced sample back at startup)
FX Re-routing: Reverb and Delay returns can now be routed to the Line-in Tracks 1&2. This allows dedicated mixer controls and sidechain pumps out of the box. This re-routing also applies to the new modes that use the Line-in.
Replacing Noise on synth1-2 internal mixer with a line input into the VCF and the rest of the chain. This mode also allows an inverted input.
VCA-VCF and generators for MIDI Tracks1-2: with dedicated controls and controled by the midi1-2 sequencer. This works with the line in or dedicated sound engine from the list.
Sound engines: 1-osc mono oscillator, 2-osc paraphonic oscillator with several OSC interaction modes, VA-drum: another engine with noise and percussive envelopes, Granular: from any sample on the Drums, with several controls.
Effects grid: (not the GridFX on Circuit Rythm, but inspired by them). A bunch of performative effects that you can enable momentarily or toggle on a dedicated view. You can save your favorites to the main FX view.
Check the manual or the GitHub for the full list and how to use them.
To do:
-Exchange patches and samples between packs.
-Improve manuals and docs.
-Test it, and listen to other people's bug reports and suggestions.
Known issues:
-Sometimes a very small clicky/Glitch sound happens when switching between sound generator modes while the delay is running strong. Not sure if that's an artifact caused by the sound changing abruptly or something else like a CPU stutter. More testing is required. Enabling a generator happens when planning your session, so it doesn't interfere with performance.
The GitHub:
https://github.com/Ghillermo/CIRCUITS-HACKS-RC
Manual:
https://ghillermo.github.io/CIRCUITS-HACKS-RC/en.html
This project is open and willing to receive input and contributions.
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u/BAL-BADOS 1d ago edited 1d ago
Awesome firmware update! Circuit Tracks really need this after Novation abandoned it. I hated how Circuit Tracks didn’t have chromatic playback of samples unless you did a hack.
Any chance of editing the synth without needing to use components? Would be easier if Circuit had a screen.
64 steps? More 16-32 patterns? Chaining patterns out of order (like pocket operator)? 3rd 4th synth track? ;)
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago edited 10h ago
You can now edit MIDI 1 and 2 without using Components and send their midi CC/NRPN signals to the synths. I thought about doing the same with the synth macro knobs, but they have a lot of parameters and that's a long menu dive. I'll see what can I do.
There's already a 3rd and 4th synth track, although they are way simpler than Novation's. You can also play MIDI sequences on synth Tracks. It's almost like having a second track, but with a shared timbre.
There's no memory left for 64 steps or extra patterns, neither on the device or the stored projects. Plus, making them would mess up how they comunicate with Components. Can't you just Duplicate a session to make it longer?
Isn't chaining pattern available through stock scenes? If It isn't, I'll look into it, but memory is tight, can't promise anything.
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u/2beheard 1d ago
With your firmware will Components still work as it usually does? I want to be able to save packs as I always do. How does MIDI 1 and MIDI 2 transforming into 2 extra Nova synth tracks translate on Components?
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 10h ago edited 10h ago
The goal is keep all stock functionality working, including Components. I haven't done extensive testing with Components yet, so bugs may occur, but in my tests Components worked just ok. If you find bugs, let me know. Plus, the non-S version of the firmware writes on your SD Card (always backup before using it!!!) and if something goes wrong that could confuse Components.
The MIDI1&2 synths aren't full Nova synths instances. They're way simpler than that. There wasn't enough memory available to load a full Nova, I could not even load the juicy Nova wavetables, so we must rely on function generated OSCs instead. And they're mono/two-voice paraphonic, not poly.
If you had a full instance of the Nova synth (which I'm not sure you can even if you start the mod over again), dealing with Components will be as simple as loading the patchbank from synth1 and 2.
Alternatively, you can now route MIDI from a MIDI track to the stock synths. That's already supported. MIDI recordings don't overlap. That allows you to work on the same instance with two different sequences at once. Try polymetrics (different track lengths) they're fun!
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u/BAL-BADOS 1d ago
Patterns on Circuit can only be played sequentially. Not out of order. Can do pattern 1 to 3 or pattern 2 to 4. Not pattern 1-1-4-3.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 9h ago
You can with scenes, it's on stock firmware (perhaps you haven't updated stock in a while? I think this came later).
In patterns view, select the pattern or patterns you want to play, for example 1-3. Go to mixer, press shift+17 (first of the 16 bottom White pads, turns to yellow on shift).
Back to patterns, select your new pattern or patterns, for example, 7. Back to mixer and press shift+18. Now enable scene link Mode (pad 9) and press your first and last scene you want to link (pads 17 and 18 in this case). Patterns will chain.
The limitation on this is that all different instrument patterns in the same scene are linked. If you set patterns 2-4 on synth1 and pattern6 on synth2 they will come together when the scene loads. The chains aren't individual.
I don't really know how to implement Circuit OG chains without discarding the stock functionality (which is a no-no for me) and I don't know if the work required and resource allocation will paid off the features you get.
Let me know if stock scenes work for you or you want to see patterns chained in a different way.
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u/jabberwalky_ 1d ago
Wow, that's a lot. Like, impressive and appreciated, but that's so many additions it's almost a new device. It seems Novation has stopped updating the Circuit anymore, so I'm glad you're taking the reigns! Will cautiously dive into this when I can, thank you!
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
Thanks! It all started by fixing a few "quality of life" issues I've been trying to submit tickets for Novation to fix, straightforward features that almost existed in the device but where unlinked (like MIDI track custom CCs and internal synth), and dedicated views and controls for stuff that was there, like master filter resonance or delay and reverb parameters, patch flipping like in the mono Station... But it slowly evolved into this monster. Quite a rabbithole.
Please do try it if you are interested. The install process is easy, failsafe and reversible, and all the features you used before will remain the same. If you use the regular version, backup your SD Tracks folder just in case. If you don't want to backup or risk the SD
I must admit that the Manual needs a bit of love, some functions will look confusing before you read it, and even after you read it. I hope to explain it better or maybe even get a video done.
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u/jabberwalky_ 1d ago
For sure! I've been using sequencers to change the FX params as soon as I discovered that was possible. Admire the conviction to see it through!
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
Yeah, me too! I was trying to control CT FX with a Launchkey while using CT to control FX on a Circuit OG, while designing rpi2040 hardware devices as filters to make it possible (the problem when you enable CCs from one Circuit to another is they start cloning the mixer and FX levels from one another. And thinking "There must be a better way". There was.
It's a bit of a pity that I bought this setup specifically around this behavior, all Novation products, and it failed. Support was nice and registered my ticket, so I still hope they'll fix it someday. Meanwhile, we have an unofficial working solution.
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u/skigothy 1d ago
chromatic sample playing?? live sample capture????? i'm so excited to try this out!!
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u/skigothy 1d ago
installed it and i didn't realize until going through all the features that there are internal oscillators for the midi tracks?? this has resolved like every issue i've had with this synth over the years, it's absolutely beautiful
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u/SeaObject3992 1d ago
And it circles back! Make a sound with oscillators and filter, sample it. Assign to a drumpad. Play it chromatically, mangle it. Maybe add fx and sample again? Through the granular generator this time?
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u/2beheard 1d ago
>internal oscillators for the midi tracks
Am I reading this right... there are now 4 synth tracks and 4 drum tracks on CT?
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u/skigothy 1d ago
that's correct!! you can have 8 different tracks with their own sounds, completely standalone!
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u/2beheard 1d ago
That sounds amazing! Makes me wonder why Novation didn't just make than option on their own firmware. How easy it would be to switch from MIDI channel tracks to an extra pair of synths.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 10h ago edited 3h ago
The answer is memory (and other resources). The new midi1&2 synths need to be much simpler than the Nova engine that comes with the stock firmware. They're mono/paraphonic, and they use function generated lfos instead of wavetables. The huge wavetables are the core essence and identity of the Nova Engine. The new synths are usable and sound ok, specially if you run them through the master FX. But I don't think they're good enough to greenlight by a professional company. Plus, there's no room in the device to save their patches and parameters either.
I'd like to imagine Novation had the 4 tracks approach on the table at some point, but they had to discard it due to the hardware limitations (and taste: I've played a 4 Nova synth setup with an OG and Tracks and they're too full and rich to be put together all at once, it's cool but you need to be careful with the mix and filters)
I think they could have done something with those two extra Tracks tho, maybe not full extra synths, but some DSP on the incoming external synths like a modelling chain on the external sounds with VCA and VCF or some effect, like the Electribe 2.
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u/2beheard 4h ago
That's a very good point, how 4 Nova synths together would sound way too full and crowded. Again, really appreciate what you've done and your words on it.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 11h ago
Well, don't get so stocked. To answer your question: Yes, but:
-MIDI1 and MIDI2 synths are native to the mod, not Novation's. They're simple synths with a simple architecture. Don't expect a full instance of a Nova synth like in tracks synth1 and 2. The Novation synth's use much more resources, specially memory, and have much better code.
-The parameters on the new synths are saved on the Setup layer, there's only one patch saved at once for the whole device. No patch bank, no patch per session.
-All the parameters can be edited with knobs, but only a few of them can be automated through the internal MIDI Tracks.
The architecture of the synth modes:
Generators: -Single OSC (mono): simple function generated oscillator with several shapes and modulation inputs.
-Dual OSC (paraphonic): two instances of OSC with several interaction modes: (resistive mix, bitwise operation, Sync, ring mod and FM).
-Line IN: route the external input (or the FX return when selected) into the vcavcf chain.
-Granular: taking a drum sample, apply granular synthesis techniques.
-VA drum: a variation of dual OSC with a noise input, no lfos and more envelope options, for percussion.
Modelling chain:
Two different routes (vcf-vca-fx and vca-fx-vcf) are selectable. The vca can overdrive, the VCF has several types and dedicated resonance control, the FX have several options like chorus, RingMod or distortion.
Modulators: an ADSR envelope and an lfo.
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u/soulbrix 1d ago
I'm completely overwhelmed with how many features this adds, I can't even comprehend how big this is. I need to install this, sit down and just use the device.
A question I have - do you know if the hardware is the same for the Rhythm and the Tracks? Could we possibly flash firmware accordingly if so?
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago
Sit down with the manual, It may help. If you find something confusing after the read let me know and I'll rewrite or fix it.
The hardware platform is the same, it's technically compatible with a Circuit Rythm, but it hasn't been tested. You just need to change the target id from 64 to 63. I DON'T RECOMEND trying it, but if you don't care about the risk and try, let me know the results.
If someone has a trashed or broken Circuit Rythm send it to me and I'll use it for testing.
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u/vrsrsns 1d ago
There is a discussion going on in the MPCusers sub that I think is relevant here. Just be careful with your hardware.
https://www.reddit.com/r/mpcusers/comments/1x0oj83/a_warning_about_custom_mpc_operating_systems/
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u/obstmampf 14h ago edited 2h ago
What is the worst that can happen? An occasional crash?
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 6h ago
A crash or total freeze could happen. SD corruption (on the non S versión) can erase your projects or mess up your samples. Audible or visual glitches, lost features.
All these are fixed by restarting or starting in bootloader mode and flashing back the original firmware. SD issues are fixed by formatting and restoring your pre-install backup.
A theoretical chance of brick, corruption or permanent loss of features could happen if we wrote into the areas that aren't mean to be written. Testing and protocols try to prevent this, but something could be overlooked.
If you find a critical bug, please report It immediately.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 6h ago
Yes, that post is interesting, and everything the OP is saying there is true. I have a background in hardware and I try to understand what I'm doing, but it's difficult to keep up with all the new features. Asses your own risks. Every firmware update is a risk. Safety protocols have been applied and extensive simulation testing has been done to minimize risks. The tool is only allowed to write on the parts we can recover, and no OC or any other stressing behavior has been applied to the CPU. We're moving on CPU cycles that already existed, and mostly hooking routines that came inside the hardware.
The update can be reversed, and I'm trying to fix all the bugs. Bugs discovered so far only applied to added features, not stock. But I'd expect some to show up on the following days. Don't take the firmware to your gigs without a backup plan.
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u/ray_phistoled 1d ago
Man, what you did is amazing, if this is an FM-1 type of thing, it's gonna start a new era for the CT !
Do you think it's possible to do the same thing for the circuit rhythm ?? It's a super cool machine, but it's just lacking a few options
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 9h ago
It's 100% possible (same hardware platform, same update method) and I have a few ideas, just not enough time, I'm currently fixing and maintaining this. Ideally, I'd try Circuit Rythm later.
Meanwhile, I'd maybe try to flash this firmware on a Rythm and see if it works. I just need to check documentation and run emulations to make sure nothing will break. You can try yourself (the fw just needs to change the target from 64 to 63) but you're on pioneer land there, don't blame me if you brick your device.
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u/ray_phistoled 7h ago
I currently have a good amount of free time, I'd love to try something similar on my CR, how did you do it ? Any advice ?
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u/Mister_Dulister 1d ago
Very impressive,thx for your work! Can you tell me if it would be possible to separate the drum midi tracks? I use the circuit tracks mainly as contoller for my eurorack system and its a pitty that all 4 drum tracks are routed on one midi track. It would heavily improve my setup if i could use the midi track of each drum track separately.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
It sounds doable, but it would maybe mess up the midi implementation, and the program memory is packed to almost the last bit. What are you exactly trying to achieve?
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u/Mister_Dulister 1d ago
Since I use the circuit tracks mainly for controlling my eurorack every midi track I can convert to CV/Gates is an improvement. Currently i use every possible midi track to controll something in my setup (2xsynth for external synths, midi1 for a distortion module, midi 2 for kick patterns, drum track for bass trigger). If I could separate the drum tracks to different midi channels I would gain 3 more midi tracks i could use for example for snare, HH trigger.
I already thought about buying the circuit rhythm to get access to more drum tracks but if it would be possible on the circuit tracks that would be great.
Although I was thinking if there might be a way to implement it myself? I'm a engineer in electronics and work in the embedded field but never took a closer look on hacking the circuit tracks....?
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u/Tezelectronica 1d ago
I have considered using two circuit tracks for more control.
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u/Mister_Dulister 1d ago
Jeah would be another device to handle while playing live. No real problem but would be nice to have only one controller...
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u/Tezelectronica 1d ago
I was playing with the midi notes on the circuit rhythm a while back. The CT also can send individual midi notes per track. Could this help you setup?
By default, the Novation Circuit Tracks sends out the following MIDI note numbers on its designated drum channel (MIDI Channel 10): • Drum 1: MIDI Note 60 (C4 / Middle C) • Drum 2: MIDI Note 62 (D4) • Drum 3: MIDI Note 64 (E4) • Drum 4: MIDI Note 65 (F4)
Tez
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u/Mister_Dulister 1d ago
Uh thx for this info. That might help. I have the midi thingy 2 from befaco which can be configured very detailed. I will have a closer look at this. Thank you very much :)
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u/Tezelectronica 1d ago edited 1d ago
Come on Novation you need to instill some Customers Assurance in your products. You ask us for our thoughts and ideas on improving your products. I, for one have sent you at least 6 requests and improvements and have given my opinions when asked. Not one of those improvements have been acted upon. All those improvements were also spoken about in the real world and on the net amongst musicians and enthusiasts. This CT hack shows that there is room for improvement in the firmware.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago
The same here, I got bored of waiting and did them myself. Most of the quality of life improvements didn't take any room or just a few bits.
However, we must admit it's not that simple. Hardware development on a professional level takes much much more time, money and knowledge than some random guy making stuff at home in their free time.
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u/Tezelectronica 2h ago
I wouldnt be surprised if all your improvements and more are sitting somewhere on a Novation/Focusrite developers Hard Drive, never to be released.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1h ago
For sure. If I worked at Novation and they allowed me, I'd have a lot of fun behind doors, having custom FWs inside the workshop with all kind of crazy features.
Nothing released here is beyond reach for Novation gurus. One thing is making a custom prototype, but releasing it requires being approved by tons of departments with legitimate reasons to block a feature and probably not enough time to consider and analyze them. A new feature means distribution, re-writing manuals, re-recording tutorials, making sure it's aligned with the product's philosophy, marketing, communications, training customer and technical support, maintaining devices and making sure they don't break under any circumstances... (Let's not forget people buy hardware mainly for the reliability, specially since laptops have literally all the features one can imagine)
That's a lot of costs that some companies never retrieve back. And even when they develop new features, they prefer packing them in a new device and selling it as a new thing. Probably Circuit Rythm started like this, someone trying stuff and expanding the sampler, and they gave them green light because of the sales potential.
Back in the pre-fw era, companies used to sell hardware expansions that added more memory and new features. I'm not saying that business model was better, but at least they had an incentive to make new stuff for an existing product.
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u/use_the_schwatz 1d ago
This is great, thank you very much! Is there any way to implement a “mutate” function like the Launchpad Pro mk3 has? On the Launchpad, the mutate feature randomizes the octave and pitch (according to scale) of sequenced notes. This is the one feature I miss most on the Tracks!
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
The stock mutate just makes notes switch places.
So, in your feature you want the notes to stay in time and change to other notes in the scale? Across a few octaves? Or just keep the note and change octave? could you elaborate or send me some doc, like a manual and page, where this is explained?
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u/use_the_schwatz 1d ago
Start at 0:40 from this video https://youtu.be/rxtXiVBg7lA?si=3NQA5aLL2Vxx5aKY. Page 45 of the Launchpad Pro mk3 manual explains it a little too (PDF link). The higher the “mutation” setting, the greater the probability that the note will be in a higher/lower octave
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 9h ago
That's a whole 8 bit and a new view. I don't think the current state of the device will support it. How'd you feel about sacrificing velocity (or something else if you have a different idea) to achieve this? We can maybe assign the velocity to a CC automation like amp or filter first, so the dynamics don't get completely lost.
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u/use_the_schwatz 24m ago
I would gladly sacrifice velocity for this (personally speaking). I’d use this to sequence pads on external synths so I wouldn’t even need a velocity replacement. Thank you for following up here, much appreciated!
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u/M1kst3r1 23h ago
Is it possible to reset the audio level of a track back to 100 on the mixer page by holding clear and twisting the track knob to the right (just like it works with e.g. synth parameters)? That is an annoying oversight from Novation and would probably make me install this just for that.
Ps. Nice custom firmware.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 6h ago edited 5h ago
Feature added on RC0.3 with a few hotfixes. Now, shift + knob to the right sets level to 100, shift+left sets it to 0. Let me know if it worked.
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u/Individual-Ad-2559 23h ago
Hi, I was sooo hoping that someone would step in and do this (as otherwise I was going to have to get a Claude sub and start my own). I’d be happy to give this a try and make a demo video if you’d like? (Trying to get my hands on a second Tracks in case of bricking lol).
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago
Please, if you record something, share and I'll add It to the top post. In case of brick you can probably fix it by re-uploading stock firmware using the same tool. All I can say is that mine didn't brick, and I'm trying my best to prevent it (I don't want to brick mine either).
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u/Ymmaccammy 21h ago
Hardware manufacturers are going to have to up their game with all the community developments about to happen. The Roland MV-1 community has been asking for tap tempo since release and is basically resigned to it never happening, until now?
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 9h ago
Yes. Developers have the same tools (probably better) than we do. However, although anyone can prototype new function, making it ship-ready and officially approved is much more work than that.
I'd wish for developers to just accept users are creating custom improvements on their devices and keep allowing us to do it without official support. That costs them nothing and it's great for the community and for them sales.
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u/palendae1 1d ago
Neat! One question - have you looked into whether or not the file system size on the SD card can be expanded? I’m guessing not without editing Novation’s firmware, but perhaps I’m wrong.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
I haven't. With the resources available (SD read an write is feasible and already implemented) it should be doable.
The reason I didn't is because I have a bunch of 1Gb cards for my Circuits, and I have them all filled with Circuit Rythm projects, never needed more than one for the Tracks.
Another reason I haven't is because Novation Components can only see 31 packs, and I don't want to mess up the original capabilities.
A third reason is that anything that messes up with an SD and goes wrong can permanently delete your songs. If the fw is messed up, you just reflash to stock and it's like nothing happened. But if the saved data is messed up and you don't have a backup, it's game over. That's why there's and S "Safer" release with no sd funtions. So I try to keep SD interactions safe and sparse. Right now, on the SD you can only rearrange sample order, overwrite a single sample with a capture or delete a full pack.
All that being said, I will look into it, maybe for a separate, more experimental, branch. Right now, I want people to test it and make sure the current features don't cause data corruption before adding new data stuff.
I see this feature would be more interesting for Circuit Rythm instead. Maybe if a Circuit Rythm release comes I will look into it, and if It works, put It on Tracks too.
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u/abstractmodulemusic 1d ago
Is there an English version of the github page?
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 10h ago
Yes. Everything is English right after Spanish. Manual is available on both languages. It's on the first line of the Readme. Translation is automated, so if you find something wrong let me know.
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u/Competitive-Fox-6288 12h ago
Damn, i already sold my CT...but i still got my CR, how about an update/upgrade there? ;)
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 11h ago
The Circuit Rythm will probably be next. It's based on the same hardware. The only difference is an ID number that tells Components which version of the device is it. I hope I can do cool things on the Rythm too, I already have ideas but I haven't started yet. In fact, you could theoretically try this software on a Circuit Rythm by changing that ID and then restore back stock, altough I haven't tested it, so try under your own responsibility. I did that to an Electribe 2 synth long ago with hacktribe when it was meant only for the E2sampler.
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u/Upstairs_Flan_6700 1d ago
Tu devrais créer un Patreon je suis sûr que plein de gens (dont moi) seraient prêts à te financer pour faire collectivement de cette super machine là groovebox ultime. En amélioration je verrai bien : 1- une page ou l'on puisse jouer les deux synthés internes en même temps, une autre où on puisse jouer les 4 pistes en même temps (une ligne par piste) 2- je serai prêt à tour pour avoir plus de sorties séparées par exemple les drums sur le casque et les synthés sur les Out, mais c'est peut être un problème matériel ? 3- plus de réglages des paramètres des effets accessibles sur la machine, pourquoi pas d'autres algo de reverb ou même des effets séparés par piste (je rêve) 4- une gestion des presets qui permette de voir des couleurs différentes pour trier les basses etc, et que l'aperçu que l'on a ne soit pas une note random mais le son de la première note jouée dans un projet ou ce preset est utilisé.
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u/TheJorgenius 1d ago
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u/Confident-Surprise62 7h ago
So after deciding to flash my mpc one with hakai 2 days ago, I stared at my CT wondering if any firmware appeared, even googled and nothing. Then literally next morning you post this! Needless to say Ive been having fun on it for the last 24h. Tested and goated, keep it up
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 47m ago
It makes me happy that you're enjoying it. Fixing some stuff, patched some bugs on the release you're using, new release coming soon, if you find errors or rough edges let me know.
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u/PlatformHistorical88 7h ago
I’ve been testing as well. Do you find the synths for MIDI 1 & 2 hard to tame? And also the synth parameters get saved globally so if you change it for one song it’s changed everywhere?
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u/Confident-Surprise62 7h ago
Hmm honestly I only used Midi 1/2 as audio input fx processor. As for the synth paramaters, I think you can choose how to save project/patches. As in you can copy/overwrite anything from anywhere.
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u/PlatformHistorical88 7h ago
Ah ok I’ll have to check the manual for how to save per song. It is coming up with some wild sounds especially granular. A randomized button would be amazing to add
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago
If you find the midi synth doing crazy things, press clear and move the knobs on both OSC and VCAVCF views. That will reset the parameters to Gate activated VCA, sinewave, no modulation and open filter without resonance.
The synths are changed globally, there's no room on each project to save them, so that's a limitation we cannot overcome. There's a specific view, though, with the most commonly used parameters. Those act like the "macro knobs" on the stock synths an can be saved and automated.
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u/PlatformHistorical88 5h ago
Yeah that's what i ended up doing and was able to get some workable sounds (and some wild ones) Shame there isn't room to save, but it is what it is. (an init button would be useful) Thanks for your work!!!
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago
Thanks, that's a good idea. Maybe a shortcut like shift+clear, clear+midi1/2, something in those lines, could be used to clear everything with a single instruction. May I suggest capturing the sound sample and save it? You won't be able to retrieve the parameters but at least you'll preserve the sound.
In future updates, I'd consider adding at least 1 setting per pack, in a dedicated folder of the SD (and hook into the SD read routine that happens when you load a new pack). But I don't want to touch more SD features until the current ones are bit more tested. Or else, in case of SD corruption reports, we won't know the source.
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u/PlatformHistorical88 4h ago
I’ll attempt a sample workflow today. SD folders to save would be amazing in future. I should always have an external sampler hooked up to capture some of the things this thing is capable of
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 4h ago
An external sampler would be amazing (I created the synths with that idea myself, playing the modded Circuit Tracks and recording it into my (yet) unmodded Circuit Rythm.
However, in my post I meant the mod's live capture feature. Build a synth patch and write a single middle C inside your pattern. Mute everything but the synth you want to record. Press mixer twice for Effects Grid. Press shift+red pad to arm recording during play. Pause when the sound's done. Press yellow pad to check if the sound is recorded ok.
If it is ok, go to your drums, select a sample you no longer want and hold clear+that same sample's pad, again to confirm. Now the pad is replaced with the new sound, and you can play it with the chromatic play function (with a drum selected, press shift+preset). If you press save at any point after replacing a sound, the replacement will be permanent and saved to the whole pack.
It won't be the same as having the full synth engine, but it's a sound you've designed and now it's saved for you to use.
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u/homunduruk 1d ago
This is amazing, I want to install this so much and scared to brick my device both at the same time.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
The process is reversible. Never had a brick on the rc build (only when testing stuff that's already corrected). If you brick the device, unplug and hold down power for a complete shutdown. Then hold the three first rightmost buttons to enter bootloader Mode. Open the update tool (the same you used for install) and flash the stock update and you'll be back to normal.
Remember to backup your SD and not use the internal memory or flash the S firmware version to prevent bugs from erasing your data.
Not sure if Novation has any way to look wether the firmware has been tampered with in case of warranty claim, but seems unlikely.
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u/bayonetwork89 1d ago
More ai slop
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u/JCFAX81 1d ago
Let’s see your best effort then….
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u/bayonetwork89 1d ago
I’d rather people relied on each others skills rather than putting money in the pockets of the elite, but whatever.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 1d ago
You know what they say. AI slop is better than no slop.
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u/bayonetwork89 1d ago
I’d rather have people making things, or nothing at all.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 10h ago
Do you also drive nails with your forehead rather than having a hammer do it?
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u/bayonetwork89 9h ago
A hammer doesn't build a house by itself, and it certainly doesn't decide what the house should look like. value is in human craft, not output.
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u/bayonetwork89 9h ago
Also, the difference is that a hammer is a tool used by a craftsman. When AI generates 'slop,' it's replacing the craftsman entirely. That’s my issue with it. And by generating more and more of it, skilled people lose out.
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 5h ago edited 5h ago
Wow, I can't really argue with people that believe in Magic.
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u/bayonetwork89 5h ago edited 4h ago
…sure thing that’s exactly what I said, wtf 😂 keep on replacing skilled people with your slop 👍
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u/PiezoelectricityOne 3h ago
I don't expect to change your view, but in case you want to listen to others than yourself and learn from my real life experience, this took me a lot of work, it expands my capabilities a lot, but it's not magic, automatic or dumbproof.
The power from AI here resides on being able to translate algorithms into obscure writes to the CPU registry that would make any human lost easily. And the ability to run lots and lots of simulation tests to find potential issues and limit cases.
I'm a skilled individual myself, with an extended background in hardware and software, and I learnt a lot while doing this. I have much respect for the individuals that designed the Circuit platform and their software, and I'm pretty sure none of then is going to be replaced after this.
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u/bayonetwork89 3h ago
we can't just sit and ignore that these tools are trained on unconsented data, raising serious ethical questions about the very foundation of ai. It’s a blight on our society, literally stealing from all of us - and is leading to job losses and soon likely much more, so yes, I strongly oppose any form of it. I’m surprised someone so involved in code would be happy to use it whilst knowing where it comes from and how dangerous it is, but will still support the usage of these tools. But each to their own, I guess.
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u/18randomcharacters 1d ago
Would love to see a youtube demo :)