Why I'm Returning the Circuit Tracks
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- Опубликовано: 1 авг 2021
- Why I'm Returning the Circuit Tracks
Today I'm finally talking about why I'm returning the Circuit Tracks. As I state in the video (and have many times before), I think it's an excellent device, just not for me. Due to my approach to writing and playing drum parts, the "multiple patterns per track" workflow doesn't work for me at all, and that's okay! Enjoy the video :)
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Interesting feedback. You point out that Sample Flip can be used to assign a different sample to each step in the sequence so, you can indeed use one or two Patterns to create complex drum sequences. You don't have to adhere to a Kick, Snare, Hat, Aux, format which is why they aren't labelled. Did you also experiment with Scenes? Multiple drum Patterns can be assigned to a single pad, effectively summing parts together for easier management.
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to check out my channel, I'm honored!
To be completely honest, I tried just about everything I could to help me come to terms with the workflow, but I just don't think it was meant to be for me. And I take 100% responsibility for that, I knew beforehand that I prefer linear style workflows rather than the more open-ended workflow that the Circuit presents. I'm still glad I tried it out, as I certainly gained an understanding of how it works and why it's such a crowd favorite. If money wasn't so tight I definitely would have kept it as something to come back to from time to time just to switch up how I work. Thanks again!
I think update will be appreciated soon.
I feel the same thing 😕 and the soundpacks are suck, forcing us to buy as soon as we buy the tracks.
I’m a drummer of 23 years. Compared to the other drum machines and grove boxes out there I actually find the circuit’s 4 part drum track thing super intuitive and honestly more than enough. You only need one track for hi hats because open verses closed hi hat only requires one track vs two limbs… Also, depending on the beat, kick and snare on the same track works most of the time. That gives me two tracks I can voice fills, cymbal hits, and percussion on. One wish is per micro step sample flipping and probability so I can just cut time in pattern settings and get longer passages and mimic a human feel better (drum fills of many times sounds and round robin snare samples & missed hits with slightly less than 100% probability.) I already do this to some degree but often double time on the fill track for resolution and end up burning a pattern for rests.
@Mike OBrien Thanks for the reply! While the drums can all be recorded at the same time (via the kit view), they are all recorded into their own individual patterns.
@Free Beat Try roland mv1 for linear composition(song mode ).
I am not a drummer, and I understand your reason for moving on. There are tons of options out there. As for me, I think this device is incredible. All of these groove box things are alien to me, but this one is so immediate that it seems like it leads to endless creativity even with limited experience. It has saved me money by delaying the OP-1 purchase for now as well.
This was probably posted already, but you can input all 4 drum tracks simultaneously by entering Expanded Drum View, which you enter by pressing note twice when on a drum track.
This may have been introduced in an updated made after your video but it is in the manual and I enjoy it more than playing one drum track at a time.
He doesn’t care, he just wanted to make videos about it then get a full refund
Scenes are your friend. I like the separate drum tacks, being able to set different pattern lengths to each drum track, creating polyrhythms and using probability to add randomness into the mix.
I think he wants to finger drum vs sequence. Strange nitpick but whatever
Definitely a quirky complaint. My biggest issue is how they handicap both units and keep certain features exclusive to Tracks or Rhythm. IE polyphony, grid FX, scales, etc
A quirky complaint is a great way of putting it haha. Thanks for watching!
Well that's marketing for you
They could have put them into one machine, but it would be $700+
@@treyhudson73 I think more like $500. Especially at the current build quality and form factor. He'll they could even throw in a small LCD for that price. Look at the 404mk2 and it's far more powerful for the same price.
@@vznquest I agree, that's why I prefer the launchpad pro mk3 over circuit even though they have essential differences like having knobs and sounds on memory but I feel the launchpad is better value with bigger grid for notes and sequencing. Other than that it has most of the features that the Circuit is has. I don't have problem being tethered to pc and I use external mixer for the knobs and Faders or make custom page with Faders on the launchpad but it's not convenient as real one. There will always be something missing or annoying with all in one solutions that's why I prefer multiple dedicated hardware.
It's such a click-bait title for a video...I chose to watch this video because I wanted to see if there was a legit reason for returning CT before I purchased it. I think the video title should be something related to how drum sequencing works in CT. Then, in the video, you demonstrate how you like to sequence drums vs. the workflow in CT. Less click-bait, more informative, & more quality, especially since this is one of your most-viewed videos.
That totally makes sense. I really appreciate your in depth description of why you don’t dig it, I’m still a little mystified by all of these fun toys because I just started making electronic music and it’s hard for me to tell what I’m going to have a good time with and whatnot.
Your live show the other day was rad! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m jazzed I caught the morning show because I was too busy later for the second one.
Thanks so much!!
That's a very fair critique. I have one arriving tomorrow. As a beatmaker from way back, I kind of relate to a pattern being a whole kit playing for a bar or two. But as my style of music (hip-hop) has evolved, the thought process has somewhat disaggregated due to the increased complexity of the rhythms and tonality of each sound. So for example, modern hip-hop is heavy on tuning the 808 kick drum very melodically, and also inserting "ratchet" (1/32nd notes) high-hats. Each of these in isolation, and definitely the overall combination of the two, is unnatural for a drummer, but makes sense for the genre, and that could be why Novation was comfortable going this way. Just as guess. Anyway, very interesting take. I'm still excited about my impending purchase. Thanks for the info!
You're not playing drums. It's a sequencer, and you're complaining about added flexibility - splitting things out on to multiple tracks allows performative mutes, different effects, the sidechain, sample manipulation etc. A feature fundamental to the structure of electronic music is what made you return a piece of electronic music production gear. Learn to fit your new environment. I didn't return my Circuit because it didn't feel like my piano. Bizarre.
I think he wants to finger drum like the cool kids on the sp404. All he has to do is tap his desk with one hand while recording each instrument with the other.
Gotta say, I love it when RUclipsrs give negative feedback on gear. I feel so much of the platform (inside and outside music gear) is "Hey look at this new thing, it is awesome!", but truth is, not everything is awesome, or for everyone at least. I treat gear reviews and commentary like I treat video game reviews, find the people who tend to look for what I look for, and weight their opinions a bit more. Anyway, really cool that you were able to return it after 45 days.
Thanks, I appreciate that. It definitely seems that there are only videos ever absolutely gushing over gear or completely slamming it haha. While I certainly don't like the circuit tracks, I definitely understand and appreciate it for what it is!
Yeh exactly like the pocket operator is hyped up but quality is trash
I just bought a tracks a week ago and my2 biggest issues are: 1-the fact that you HAVE to be connected a pc to do any sound design. At least give us an ipad app so we can have access to the synth engine on the go! I find that really annoying and 2- I don't know what it is but the drum tracks annoy me too. I kinda wish there were at least 6 tracks for drums. I find myself using my volca sample for drums and just using the circuit drum tracks for sound effects.
Actually there are 3 things: I have a keysteo pro and for some reason you can only use the first 2 tracks of the keystep to control synth 1 and 2. You CANT cotrol any midi devices connected to the circuit even if you assign the correct midi channels! Like, wtf novation?? What's up with that??
The circuit tracks is a great piece of gear especially for the price, but some of it's limitations are super annoying. Now I'm wondering if I should've just saved a bit more and went for an mc 707 instead.
You have to merge the MIDI-OUT from the CT and KeyStep since the MIDI-OUT won't have the KeyStep messages for MIDI 1/2 tracks in them. That didn't make sense to me at the beginning either. I use a CME U6MIDI Pro that's a 3 IN/3 OUT MIDI interface that can to filtering/splitting/merging (and do that even with just USB power and no computer).
I'm not a drummer, so I'm keeping my Tracks. Love that it's so portable! I carry it in a small briefcase along with two USB powered synths.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Circuit Tracks. I think you point out something often overlooked, that we all view the world through a different lens, and what works well for one person doesn't mean it will work well for another. It is all a result of our perception, which is based on our experience. As a drummer, I'm sure you have a vision of what things should look like, and what makes sense for you, that I may not even be cognizant of what you see simply because I play a horn, and only "hear" drums, I don't create sounds with them like you do. But I know there are things I find bothersome to me in electronics which only bother me as a result of my playing the trombone. When it comes to drums, you notice the finer points that I simply am not capable of seeing. Sorry for rambling a bit, I found your video on this quite fascinating and insightful. Thanks as always! 🙏🙏🙏
I enjoyed the ramble, you completely nailed what I was trying to get at in this video :)
Hey @Free Beat! I've been looking and no one seems to address this. Where do you purchase these from that allow a 45 day return window? 🤔
I got rid of my OG circuit , I was not interested in any novation products after owning a mini nova and a circuit , the Roland MC101 is the next to go , I just can not get on with 128 steps , I like to play a really long piece of music warts and all and then mute and unmute tracks , the MPC one and the Maschine are perfect for that and that’s why I’m using them
I was so close to returning mine, for some strange reason I doubled down and kept it. I've also learned a lot since my 45 - 90 days of return time. If anything it's the best drum machine I have. the best thing about tracks is making something start to finish is faster with tracks than any daw or my other hardware. I don't blame you, I'm just disappointed, lol.
I was just the opposite haha, for me it's the slowest thing ever to try and finish a track on it. Just goes to the show that everyone's different!
@@FreeBeat yeah, if you remember, I've been goin back and forth on this since you first got it. if anything, it's an expensive drum machine, but also the most versatile.
I think you're not thinking this though about the 4 drum parts. It's nice that you wanna seperate away each sound on different parts like sheet music, but I do believe that you're overlooking something HUGE.
I've played drums when I was a kid for about 5 years and learned very quickly: I only got 2 hands and 2 feet. Simply use each part as a limb. That'll solve over-crowding tracks along the way too, instead of just spamming instruments, making tracks sound overly artificial. 😉🤘
You are not alone. Wish I could return mine. It may end up on Reverb. It just feels like I have to fight it to do anything. The Roland MC707 and 101 comes easy. The Elektron boxes are harder, but still usable and fun. But when I start to use my Circuit Tracks I feel a bit of dread. A music instrument should be inviting, not an obstacle. For some people I am sure it feels natural, but not me.
It's funny how everybody's workflow is so different, I hope you find something that works for you!
It’s also $350. All of the devices you listed are way more expensive.
I like my circuit rhythm. But the sound of the reverb sounds a bit cheap for me , too cheap for enhancing smooth drum sounds. But… I use to work in a studio for 15 years with quality gear, so…. I can say that.
I prefer looking on what it does in stead of what it doesn’t.
what is your alternative?
Is there a drum sequencer that does program the way you think about drums?
Yeah lots of them haha. OP-Z, Elektron, pocket operators, mpc, and many more.
I commented and explained on your last tracks video on how to extend the length of each pad by going into program settings. The tracks has micro stepping and you can utilize that to great effect. Sorry that the tracks didn't work out for you. It does take time to learn all its little hidden tricks.
Unfortunately that doesn't solve the pattern issue when it comes to programming drums. Thanks for watching!
what are you replacing it with?
Can we expect a new Circuit Tracks next year or at least new firmware?
this still in rotation two years later?
The original circuit has a feature where you can hold shift and press note while in a drum track and you can play all four parts of your kit live simultaneously. Did that feature not make it to the circuit tracks?
The tracks does the same thing.
you cant play two notes in same istant on single track.
Hello
the MC 101 plays the drum instruments on a single track if it helps!!!
It's definitely on my list to look at :)
I am sort of a drummer and I understand your drum parts complaint. You are partially right, but also it is a great feature to me.
Hi Freebeat
Do you still use the LaunchControl with the Op-Z?
I do!
Have you noticed any problems when using user templates.
Not used mine for a while, but I seem to remember that, wherever you leave the knobs when you power it down...then becomes the new starting position when you power it back on.
Think of the L-R control being powered down, turned at maximum R position, when powered back on, it uses that position as L-R centred...meaning that you could only pan to the Left.
I wish I hadn’t bought one or thought about returning it. It’s not worth selling it on. I’m just going to use it as a sequencer and drum machine. Will be weary of buying anything from Novation. I’m also a drummer and agree with you. It’s really difficult to get the beat you want. It’s much better than the Volca I own. I’m thinking of getting a proper drum machine. But going to a shop to try them.
Makes sense. I can imagine a few ways they might have “linked” the drum tracks so you could treat them as a single unified track. Always a battle between intuitive and flexible - and you made the right decision to return if it’s not clicking for ya. This is actually a really good lesson: choose gear that fits your workflow and move on if you find the relationship doesn’t gel. 👍👍👍👍👍
Appreciate the critique, thanks. Sometimes no matter how many ways a piece of gear fits the bill there is that one thing that drags it into the mud for us. Pros, cons and tradeoffs. At least you made the decision. Most times more is lost by indecision than wrong decision.
I could be wrong but the patterns give you the ability to build variations per instrument. From there you can pick and choose and build "scenes" which would be a unified pattern. Kind of like Ableton. If your gripe is that you can't finger drum I understand, but it isn't clear in the video.
Makes sense. As I non-drummer, I still think of a drummer like you do -- two feet, two hands. And each appendage can only do one thing at any given instant. So, the concept of 4 tracks makes good sense to me, especially if the "hand" tracks can employ "sound" locking to swap out sounds so the hands play what they would play during a given pattern. BUT, I totally agree that the patterns are per track as opposed to per "kit" is, at the least, wasteful.
From a programming and organizational standpoint, I'm of two minds. I see the ability to re-use bits and pieces of a pattern repeatedly, while altering others is useful. You only need swap in the altered bits as needed. It could make alternate patterns a little more flexible, maybe. But, I also get where it's simpler to just redo the pattern for all the tracks as one. The problem, at least in my mind, with that approach is that you also need to reprogram the other 4 tracks, when they may not be changing, or may be going it a completely different directions when that drum pattern is reused.
In other words, the way the Circuit works is more similar in my mind to a software sequencer, where I can pick up chunks of an individual instrument track and move them around as needed. Now, I believe that the MPC can also work that way, if I'm what I'm observing is right.
Anyway, my two cents worth.
Of course, I guess "my way" is kind of wasteful as well -- I'd use one track for little more than open hi-hats.
Another big problem for me is it can get very hectic trying to remember which pattern for which track goes where. I might have a 32-step pattern playing at quarter speed on a snare drum track that has two identical versions except for one hit later in the track, so it is a total pain to remember where everything is exactly in order to play the song properly. Especially without the ability to chain patterns in any order haha. Thanks for watching!
@@FreeBeat Yeah, I get that. I tend to keep a lot of notes. Except for stuff I did a /long/ time ago with an Ensonic workstation, I've worked largely in DAWs, and so keeping track of which block is which is pretty easy -- like working in a spreadsheet. And, if I follow my one limb per track rule, it's harder to screw up. But I see how trying to mentally juggle the bits and pieces could get quickly overwhelming.
I'd figure this would happen. Glad you can still return in! That's awesome. Any ideas what you might want to replace it with?
No clue yet haha.
Mpc500 ;). if u can find a good one used for a reasonable price it's a great portable box with grooves in it!
Hello again. I returned mine because when in midi thru mode, you can't record to the tracks!!! how dumb is that?
Interesting. I don't quite get what you're not clicking with, but I do appreciate the assertion that it's 'you".
I've had my Tracks (used from ebay) for about the same amount of time, and am also switching to something else, but for entirely different reasons.
I find the Tracks to be opaque. I would go to listen to something, go into a pack , which is just "Pack 3", open a project, which is just "Project 7", listen to a pattern, then wonder if I chained patterns, or did a sequence, or anything else. You can't tell by looking at it, and you can't tell with the pc app. I'd have to keep a notebook to keep track of it all. And I totally click with the length limitation, when I tried slowing down the pattern and then record I'd find it dropping beats. And while Scenes are useful, you can't not use a pattern in a scene, so you have to have a blank pattern if you don't want to use that lane, or use automation...
So I just bought a used MPC One. MUCH better organization, a world of difference, for admittedly twice the price. But I think it's more than twice the device.
But, I'm not going to sell the Tracks. It has two nice synths, its much more portable, I can use it as an effects buss, it just does so much.
I had intended to do a Tracks>Ableton workflow, now I might occasionally do a Tracks>MPC>Ableton workflow. And I can certainly imagine taking the Tracks for a weekend visit to a friends place, while the MPC is just too big and delicate. So Tracks still has a place, just not the main brain. If Novation comes out with a Tracks II with a little screen (even the Microfreaks would work) then that would be gravy.
Thanks for the vid, I do think you made it clear it was a good device for some (maybe most) people. To paraphrase Benn, you didn't hurt _my_ peepee...
i think that every circuit would benefit from a count in metronome feature before recording. Like, i'm a drummer too, and i like to finger drum my sequences, but that first beat is annoying af.
Hey! Thanks for your review man, I'm considering returning my Circuit Tracks as well, but I want to get something in the same range... it's tough... the Tracks does a lot for its price. Have you thought about the MC-101? How it handles drum kits is much closer to actual drumming.
I have considered it, however I'm not the biggest fan of cliplaunching style workflows
@@FreeBeat Thanks for replying!! I value your point of view and experience, as soon as you find a device that could serve as a "replacement", let us know! I would be really interested in checking it out.
That makes no sense to me because you can use it exactly the way you say you want to use it. If sample flip isn't gonna work for you due to the monophonic aspect you can ignore the different patterns and treat the four drum tracks as a a single polyphonic track. The sequencer on any other device will also need to show you what steps each instrument is hitting on different pages. Am I missing something?
he chooses not to reply to the decent reasoning. the lols!
edit* just picked mine up to have a looksee. i don't get it either. go to the view where you can play all 4 drum parts @ the same time. hit play. hit record. do the thing. u wanna swap shit out; it actually makes it easier cause u can drop the hat for one part of the scene, etc. you have 5 fingers yea? there are 4 tracks. pretty easy to click 4 buttons at once. and also like. don't you record drums into different mics?
If it's not for you, it's not for you.
I understand your desire for views, Mr. FBeats, but I wouldn't be surprised if you still have the CCT TX in your closet.
I think he wants to be able to switch drum "pattern" with all its content from one button instead of four individual buttons. Not sure how I would feel as I dont own this device. The Elektron sequencer suffers from the opposite. You have all track content within one sequence and have to duplicate stuff to new pattern if you want variation (if probability isnt enough) to only one sound in the pattern.
he doesn't answer anyone that tells him this. I'm guessing he missed that it does this and is a little embarrassed
This may defeat the purpose of having it for you, but have you tried using a midi track for drum sequencing on a Volca or virtual drums? I found the 4 track finger drumming layout a bit limiting, so I toyed around with some iPad virtual drums (Slammer makes me happy!). The Drum tracks still work for textures and accents, albeit not very flexible when the sample needs to align to tempo.
Regardless, you've got to go with what fits!
I have actually tried that, and it wasn't bad. But the whole point of me getting the tracks was to have something portable and stand alone so that doesn't quite work for me.
This is my plan, but mostly because the Circuit makes the samples sound kind of dull somehow, and sometimes you just want a drum machine. That said, the distortion is awesome as we all know :)
Mono, no-overlapping drum tracks, is very limiting, so made me not even give it a try.
I knew I could not manage this. Because you can't even dedicate one drum truck to hi-hats, I like designing lift/right placement for percs. Having let hat and right hat on another track is mind-breaking.
Too bad, as the thing looks good! ... I landed on Vercelab MV-1
There are overlapping drum tracks if you're not using sample flip, what are you talking about? Not mono! You can also "dedicate one drum track to high hats, and design right-left placement for percs" on a single track using automation either recorded live or step-locked. The ignorance and blind hegemony on this thread is astounding.
@@TROGULAR10000 on a single drum track, can I have a pad with hihat sample panned to left and a pad panned to right? No, because sample is mono, right?
On a same track if I have pads playing on the same beat does the one choke the other if overlap?
I understand it can automate panning, but all I need is a stereo sample for spacious hihat (snare, clap), or if left/right sample on the same track can play together. Basic. Otherwise it’s very limiting for drum and percussion design. Any decent track jammin. At least for me. I like the looks and overall Circuit features, but this is a showstopper unfortunately. And no “hating”, I don’t know any other cheap or expensive, small or large having this shortcoming, Roland, Akai, NI, TE. I wish to add Circuit to my park of groove boxes one day.
You mention on the OP-Z you do the drums on the same pattern but I thought the OP-Z also has separate patterns for Kick, snare etc. too?
All of the instrument parts on the OP-Z are stored in one pattern. On Tracks, each instrument has a pattern. On the OP-Z, you can copy a pattern to a new pattern and then modify the sequencing of one instrument. On Tracks, you can't and that makes it very limited.
It has separate tracks for the kick, snare, hat, etc., But they all go on to the same pattern.
This is why all the brands using the same terminology but for different things is confusing :-) because OP-Z tracks match up more with CT patterns and OP-Z patterns are more like CT projects. So as I far as I can tell you can copy one CT project to the next and edit patterns for one track to vary it which is the same as how you can copy an OP-Z pattern and edit one track to vary it. I guess (unless I’ve completely misunderstood something, which is entirely possible) the bigger difference lies in the chaining behaviour, in that in the OP-Z you can chain the equivalent of CT projects, whereas on the CT you chain at the level of CT patterns (and scenes) which adds variation more at the level that step components do rather than being similar to OP-Z pattern chaining. I would love the CT to be able to chain projects for full song making but don’t know if it will happen.
The big question is, what will you replace it with? 😀
He already has an MPC One. It's what I replaced my Circuit Tracks with too.
Honestly I have no clue. The MPC one is the cornerstone of my studio setup, but I still need to find something to replace the OP-Z for on-the-go music creation!
If it has to be battery powered and small, and not a circuit or OP-Z, the only ones I can think of are
MC-101
Op1
The last one being very expensive.
The option of powering something with a power back seems tricky to mee, since the machine doesn’t know when the power will be cut off, which could corrupt your data.
This is exactly the main issue I have with the Circuit Tracks as well. I watched this video before I bought the Circuit Tracks, but didn't really understand why it would be so weird. Then I got it, and over the last week or so, I totally agree with your sentiments here. It really does put me into a weird mental space that I can't really wrap my head around in needing to separate my drum patterns out into multiple tracks. I think what really kills me is that the kick and snare have to be on different patterns.
When making "four to the floor" dance tracks, the kick and snare are almost always layered on top of one another, so there's two of your drum tracks used up right away. But then you think, "wait, i can just put some other instruments on those tracks to save space". Great, so I put the hats on Drum 1 with the Kick, but then if, later on, I want to have the hats overlap with the kick, I then have to separate them out again, but might conflict with another pattern in another drum track.
And, if making more experimental beats, I like to be able to just record new patterns live without worrying about switching to new tracks. Even worse is accidentally erasing steps by overdubbing them with different instruments.
Anyways, it's something I didn't think would bother me but really ended up not working out in the end. And I'm not even a drummer! Just someone that's been using drum machines for the last 20+ years! LOL It's too bad, because I love what they've done with the device otherwise (except for some minor gripes with the sound of the synth engine itself).
I had the same issue as a drummer. It just didn't jive with the way i deal with drums normally. It just irked me the whole time haha
Why I don't have a Circuit: Because the Akai Force exists. It has the workflow I've been wanting for decades, and it lets me produce full songs start to finish entirely without a computer, and it runs Linux so it's really convenient to, like, mount it as a drive over wifi and sync the contents. Also, I'm a drummer, and the Force does drums way better.
Interesting! Your major gripe totally makes coming from someone who's a drummer first. When I'm sequencing an 'acoustic' drum part I want the same thing that you do: All hits on the same midi track as a single drum part. But when I'm working with electronic music I often want to model the workflow I see people using in Ableton, where people seem to use one sample per track (or a few samples on a percussion track). For people who work primarily in that mode drum sequencing in the Circuit Tracks seems ideal.
I don't understand this gripe. If you want to sequence different drum patterns you basically have 8 pattern slots for 8 different drum patterns. You then use scenes to pick and choose the patterns that you want to combine. A bit like ableton
Interesting pov. I'm not a drummer. But when I think about the drum parts my impressions are informed by drummers playing, rather than a drum machine. So I tend to think of it like one pattern also, with, perhaps, more complications throughout. I haven't heard anyone else share your pov, and I don't think I'd like the tracks either, for reasons stated.
I don't think your issues with it will be a problem for me. See, I'd just gotten a BeatStep Pro, hours earlier. I soon realise I really wanted physical control knobs, for filters.
Order Circuit Tracks because it's on limited time Amazon UK offer, a third off of UK retail. So, when I notice your video (watched lots of yours, about other equipment), I'm feeling "oh crap."
I'd already decided that I could afford to keep the BSP, I like the software licenses that came with it. I had already planned to do my drum track and other bits on the BSP, and use the Circuit Tracks both as an expressive lead instrument and an Ableton Live controller. I'd just use the drum section of the Circuit Tracks to fire off accent sounds, or free style some percussion, on top of what the BSP's doing.
I'm new to the world of making/ creating music this way, and been away from thinking about music for many years. I had to stop playing sax/ MIDI wind controller and learning drums through health issues. My hands can't even handle finger drumming. Hopefully I now have equipment where by I can express myself without physical issues.
I had the epiphany that just because I can't physically play drums, it doesn't mean that I can't think about drums the way a drummer would. So, I'm going to be watching lessons for acoustic drumming, and transfer what I learn into my beats, you know paradiddles and other riddles.
Um..... so I returned the Tracks for refund. Nothing against it, I've just discovered the Akai APC64. Got an issue with the BSP, so exchanging it for the APC64.
I guess if you want a more performative drum box could be drumbrute impact
I agree, it makes no sense to divide the drum in 4 track. At least the original Circuit has 8 patterns for each group of two tracks.
I wonder that you as a drummer type your patterns manually in. I tend to set quantize off and just use the selection view to record one track. I leave it playing and continue with the next track and so on. copy a pattern, delete some parts, modify... All while playing. And it feels absolutely natural for me. The individual patterns is a pro for me. If I want a complete change, then there is the concept of sessions to instant hop with shift. I'm an og user btw. Nevertheless everyone has different styles of making music. Hope you find a better gear that suits you👋
I've tried that, but the pattern management still tends to pull me down. Thanks for watching!
As a drummer myself, I’m confused as to why separate tracks is an issue… we practice for years to get all four limbs to work together, the circuit does that for you.
yeah if it was polyphony driven it would be a beast
but they dropped the ball on making beats naturally
Yeah three note polyphony on each drum track would really help to alleviate the pattern problem for me.
Mine should be here Wednesday:)
i think this video just convinced me to buy it... somehow.
You should check out the Synthstrom Deluge ;)
It's on my list of gear to get :)
@@FreeBeat (***replying with my music channel in case you want to see a few of my deluge vids***) Would love to hear your thoughts on it! I've only had it about a month but learning more every day. I've only just come across your channel and I'm absolutely loving your content mate. Keep up the good work :)
@@RSKT_music Yeah I've been wanting to check it out for almost a year now haha. I JUST picked up an OP-1 though, which has been at the top of my list for a long time. Maybe the Deluge is next haha. Thanks for the kind words!
@@FreeBeat Ah true! Just finished watched your OP-1 video before. Honestly, I was in the same boat as you. Spent ages saving up for it, but over the years got a little put off by some of it's quirks. Discovered the Deluge and jumped onto that instead. I think it suits my needs a little better, but I would still love to jam on an OP-1 some day.
Now some poor sap will unknowingly pay full price for what is essentially a second hand piece of gear.
So basically ignoring patterns and just using scenes with consecutive programmed patterns per drum would emulate how for example the op z functions
It would, but it would also mean setting that up on each new project, which just doesn't sound like the best time to be honestly haha. Thanks for watching!
@@FreeBeat or setting up once and copying the project template multiple times
Oof. That totally makes sense. I'm so used to eurorack that I'm used to each drum being a different module and sequenced separately so Circuit logic seems like cheating.
Oh man that would throw me off even more hahaha
You get used to it just like anything else but I'm sure it's much harder coming from both real drums and MPC style finger drumming. It literally just becomes all about programming instead of getting a feel for a rhythm. Great job the other day too, it was a lot of fun. Caught the tale end of the 1st show and the whole second show. I love all these little synth communities that have popped up the past couple years. Everyone is really friendly and helpful and there's never any drama or negativity. Knock on wood. Can't wait till the next one. Hopefully within the next decade i can get 1000 subs so i can stream live lol. I wish youtube would at least lower that to 500 but i get it. I really liked what you did a few months ago helping us out and getting your fans to subscribe to eachother that was really cool of you, i got half of my 40 something subs just from that so thank you.
Yeah, I agree with what you're saying. I also have some Eurorack drum modules and pattern sequencers. I think the difference for me, though, is that I really use the Eurorack to make samples and loops. I'm never trying to make full tracks with it. Maybe this is why I never do, at least for drums. It's just not as intuitive as a drum machine for me. At least with Eurorack, you can layer as many sounds as you have mixer channels. :)
Whew!! Not an issue for me.
Is it me after watching tons of videos, it’s not DAW-friendly? I feel like it could have been an upgraded Launchpad.
I did not get warm with the original circuit. And I know it was just me and how I roll, I can't blame the circuit, really ;-)
Oh yeah definitely not the circuit's fault, it's still a great device! Just not for everyone.
I may return my Circuit Rhythm and reunite with the 1010music Blackbox #Dawless
bb and tracks pair nice
@@SonicVibe I bet, but Im gonna have to choose just one. The wife has noticed the Amazon and Sweetwater boxes 😂.
@@AppAxis id go bb all day over circuit id go blackbox its more mpc or polyend tracker if ya want dawless all in one stuidio
@@SonicVibe Im sooo tempted. I will sleep on it. One last time. You make valid recommendations. Thanks!
The black box does look awesome!
No surprise #dawless
The 32 step sequencer is a bigger problem
I dislike the fact you cant use slice chop samples... and no 808 samples
Consider the Gotharman’s SpazeDrum with analog outs. It is an analog drum machine that works the way you expect…
It costs more than $400 btw… just a little more 😄
Hahaha that price is up there for sure. Also I'm looking for a portable groove box, not just a drum machine 😛
@@FreeBeat I’ve been surprised how much groove box functionality the SpazeDrum has. However, I can’t guarantee it will do everything you need. At least you know it exists.
Honestly, having watched you play drums I don't think you will ever find a sequenced device that will give you real improvisational flexibility that you have with a kit.
I sort of feel like a midi triggered drum set and a really good midi or audio looper setup is what you need for rythyms and then use the rest for bass melody harmony.
But then again, I never play live at all, so what do I know.?
sounds about right to me, and I am a drummer, too.
I'm not really looking for a device to improv with, as almost all of the drum parts I write are fully composed and set in stone. That's actually the problem I had with the circuit, it was a lot harder to write deliberate parts on than it was to just set some probability and let it go.
Edit: The OP-Z, model: cycles, and other similar sequencers are the style I like to work with I'm finding.
I returned mine. I found it far too limited with only two synth sounds. I also didn't like how patterns worked. My OP-Z is by far a better device for making music.
The ability to switch the two MIDI tracks to a pair of additional synth tracks would be killer, and if they ever update that that would almost be enough to make me get one again honestly haha.
Too many of these music gear vjdeos feature the gear doing nothing and the moderator teliing us things we could read on the box.
I'm not quite sure if you could find my personal opinions printed on the box 😅
you are like circuit tracks. imposible
Noooooooooooo...jk it's ok. I like mine but i was an OG tracks user
When you said about your lovely Op-z, I just stopped watching it
That's a very nitpicky reason. You could always just copy all drum patterns at the same time, it's only 6 extra pad taps.
Or 'why some internet nobody returned something and made a video about it'.
I knew there was a reason I don't watch your stuff anymore . This is borderline clickbait.
This video is from last summer and it's literally me explaining why I was returning it.
Returning something after 5 weeks because it's just not your thing?..
That's really not cool.
I agree. And some poor dolt will have to buy this unit, thinking it is new - only to purchase a second hand well used piece of gear. I wouldn't buy anything from a store that has this kind of return policy - it's ridiculous and unfair .
This thing is not for me fucking busy box!!!!!!
Gonna be honest, most reviews this channel makes are in huge part negligent. Flavour and preference are one thing, but not being open long enough to learn and develop a flow is unquestionably a repeat offence on this channel. I have been watching since you had less than 1000 subscribers, and could tell you were "new to the scene". Impacting sales and opinion with negligence is not acceptable if you're not willing to put the time in. waving hands is another huge turn off. You have your tastes and that's fine, but commenting on things you don't know about is the dark side of youtube. Manuals are free, but they take time as does getting to know your instrument. There are multiple comments explaining the answer to your gripe, you just don't want to hear it... same as you original Circuit video... you did not like the sequencer, which is by far it's best attribute. Curb your bias a bit allowing yourself to learn and you could have more subscribers.
Yes, I had that Idea when he was going to return the Model D!! Then he decides it's great. A little less drama on this channel would make it more authentic. My opinion only.
Terrible mistake
Everyone is different, it just wasn't for me.
He’s made his 12 RUclips videos about it, now he’s gunna dump it back at the brick and mortar store now he’s made the content with it..
Lame behavior
Maybe read the manual next time before complaining.
A bad worker blaming their tool. Unsubscribed.
A little disappointed you chose to judge the quality of my work based on one out of over 600 videos, especially one where I still praise a device despite acknowledging the fact that I don't see eye to eye with its workflow, but you do you. Hope I was able to provide you some enjoyable content throughout the duration of your subscription.
Based comment.. he basically just wanted to make tons of videos about the circuit then dump it back at the store for a full refund after he’s made his content from it
RUclipsrs are evil