Novation Circuit firmware update and patch editor released

Novation Circuit users can now edit their sounds in software.

Novation has released a host of updates for its Circuit groovebox, including a beta version of new firmware and a patch editor, as well as a list of MIDI CC specifications.

Circuit was launched in October as Novation’s answer to the growing trend for compact, affordable production hardware, and features a drum machine and two polysynths with its own built-in sequencer.

The beta firmware adds a number of requested features from Circuit users, including the ability to record external MIDI, improvements in automation, and a function that enables users to change synth presets via MIDI.

The software patch editor was one of the most notable omissions when Circuit was released in September, and comes via a partnership with Isotonik Studios. It’s available in three versions: a Max For Live device that requires Live 9.5 Suite to use, and as a standalone version for Mac and PC. The standalone versions can be used even if you don’t have Max MSP or Live, but aren’t plug-ins so won’t function in your DAW.

For those who like to get stuck into MIDI, Novation has also released a document with the Circuit’s MIDI messages for controlling synths, drums, mixer and FX with your own MIDI controller.

You can download the beta firmware at the Novation website and the patch editor from Isotonik. The MIDI messages can be found here.