This week, Novation announced three different items for Circuit owners: a beta update for the Circuit firmware, a software synth patch editor (via Isotonik Studios), and MIDI CC Specification for the instrument.

Here are the details:

Beta Firmware Update

Novation has been working on the first update for the firmware and would like existing Circuit owners to test it out and provide feedback. The firmware can be downloaded from the Novation beta website.

The firmware update includes:

Record External MIDI

Plug-in a controller keyboard using the included MIDI Din to Mini-Jack cable (additional MIDI cable required).

Use MIDI Channel 1, 2, and 10 to play and record Synth 1, 2, and Drums

All notes will be recorded into the sequencer

This all works via USB too. So you can have a MIDI file in your DAW and play it into the Circuit.

Plug-in a controller keyboard using the included MIDI Din to Mini-Jack cable (additional MIDI cable required). Use MIDI Channel 1, 2, and 10 to play and record Synth 1, 2, and Drums All notes will be recorded into the sequencer This all works via USB too. So you can have a MIDI file in your DAW and play it into the Circuit. Improved Automation

Hold and release on Record button for temporary record

Easily switch in and out of record mode for quick automation and note overdubbing

Clear Step

When stopped, press record button, then a step. Holding Clear and wiggling a macro will delete the automation for that step only.

Hold and release on Record button for temporary record Easily switch in and out of record mode for quick automation and note overdubbing Clear Step When stopped, press record button, then a step. Holding Clear and wiggling a macro will delete the automation for that step only. External MIDI program change

Change synth presets externally

Change synth presets externally Bug Fixes

Copying a step between tracks (synth -> synth, drum -> drum) now works correctly

Master filter is now always set to neutral (off) on startup irrespective of the knob position

Fixed stuck notes when switching sessions and after selecting patch 1

Fixed sporadic audio glitches with Synth

Software Synth Patch Editor. Novation has partnered with Isotonik Studios, who have made a Max4Live device which can be used to edit synth presets on Circuit. The software allows users to edit patches on the Circuit, save new patches to the unit, or to create one’s own bank of 64 patches. The patch editor can be downloaded from the Isotonik Studios website.

Novation adds the following caveat about the patch editor:

“It is a Max4Live device and currently for Mac OS only, and you’ll need Ableton Live 9.5 Suite. This will run inside Live so also allows you to integrate Circuit into your Live workflow. However, don’t worry if you don’t have Live Suite… Standalone versions are also available for Mac and PC. These are big files (because they operate in the Max Runtime environment), but are an identical in function to the Max4Live version. They run on your computer even if you don’t have Live, or Max4Live, or Max MSP installed. Note that they are NOT plug-ins, so cannot be used in a DAW.”



Finally, Novation has compiled a document containing every MIDI message that a user can send to the Circuit to control synths, drums, mixer and FX, allowing users to create mappings for MIDI controllers. The document is available for download via the Novation UK website.