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 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 and VCF for 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.