Applies to Novation Circuit

This article describes the various functions of the synth editor for the Circuit.

Components is a tool used to manage the firmware and templates on many of our products. You can download a standalone version when you register your Circuit, or access our web-based version in browsers that support WebMIDI such as Chrome, Opera and Microsoft Edge from this link: https://components.novationmusic.com 

If using a browser, you may need to allow the page access to your MIDI devices, as prompted when first loading the page: 


The synth editor for the circuit can be accessed via the editor menu in components.


Once in the editor menu, you will have deep access to all the synth parameters for each of the circuit's built-in synths.

The tabs along the top give you access to each of the synth's main sections.


For a further explanation of what each section does a '?' button will appear in the top right corner when you hover over each tab.

You have the option to initialise a new patch or select a pre-existing patch from the circuit to edit it how you like.

Synth Editor Functions

Macros
The Macro editor allows you to control the 8 knobs on your Circuit.
You can change what each of these knobs is controlling and by how much in the edit area.

Oscillators

Circuit has 2 oscillators that produce a wide selection of waveforms. This is the starting point of your sound.
Most of the waveforms can be tweaked using the ‘Index’ and ‘Interpolation’ controls to create a huge range of sounds.

Each Oscillator can also have its pitch affected by a variety of controls as well as parameters such as Vsync, Density and Detune to thicken the sound.

Filter
The filter shapes your sounds and is the next step after the Oscillators. By using the ‘Frequency’ and ‘Resonance’ controls you can alter the tone of your sound from soft to sharp.

The Envelopes are used to shape the sound over time, Changing the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release (ADSR) shapes the sound. From fast and short sounds e.g bass notes to smooth and long sounds e.g. Synth Pads.

LFO
The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) is used to control parameters in the synth engine over time, much like the envelope. Unlike the envelope however, the LFO repeatedly cycles from beginning to end (envelopes only play once with each note played).


FX
The Circuit Synthesizer contains 3 FX to add depth to your sound. The ‘Chorus’ can be used to add thickness to your sound, whilst the distortion can add warmth or destroy your sound.

The EQ (Equaliser) lets you tweak the tone of your sound, by boosting or cutting low, middle and high frequencies.


Once you've edited your patch you can name, tag and save the patch using the menu on the bottom of the screen.