Novation · Updated September 2026
Novation Circuit Rhythm: price, specs & release date
Novation Circuit Rhythm, released 2021-07. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: novationmusic.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Price history
$489.99Is the Novation Circuit Rhythm a good buy?
At $490, the Novation Circuit Rhythm is #9 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399. On the spec sheet, its pad count of 32 is the highest of the 12. By release date, it is among the newer of the 13 we date.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $489.99 — current on record (was $399.99) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Novation |
| Released | 2021-07 |
| Sound engine | Sample-based standalone sampler and drum machine |
| Voice count | 8 |
| Sequencer steps | Up to 64 bars, 1/32-note to whole-note resolution, 24 PPQN (variable pattern length, not a fixed step grid) |
| Sample playback | Yes |
| Onboard effects | Grid FX (Vinyl Sim, Beat Repeat, Reverse, Filter, Gater, Phaser, Digitiser), plus Delay, Reverb, Side Chain and Master Compression |
| Output count | 3 |
| Midi support | Yes |
| Battery powered | Yes |
| Pad count | 32 |
Source: novationmusic.com (read 2026-09-21) · corroborated by engadget.com (read 2026-08-01). Novation's own product page confirms 8 sample tracks with 8-voice max polyphony, Slice/Chromatic/One-Shot/Gated/Looped/Reverse sample modes (WAV/MP3 import), the Grid FX + send FX list, 3 outputs (L/R pair + headphone), 3x MIDI DIN + USB-C MIDI, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery (~4 hours). Novation's own page lists only a EUR price (419.99€); Engadget's June 2021 launch coverage corroborates the $400 US price (shipped mid-July 2021, official announcement) and 32 RGB velocity-sensitive pads.
Is the Novation Circuit Rhythm worth it vs cheaper drum machines?
Novation Circuit Rhythm against its closest cheaper and pricier drum machines on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 13 ranked
| Product | Price | Sound engine | Voice count | Sequencer steps | Sample playback | Onboard effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novation Circuit Rhythm this | $489.99 | Sample-based standalone sampler and drum machine | 8 | Up to 64 bars, 1/32-note to whole-note resolution, 24 PPQN (variable pattern length, not a fixed step grid) | Yes | Grid FX (Vinyl Sim, Beat Repeat, Reverse, Filter, Gater, Phaser, Digitiser), plus Delay, Reverb, Side Chain and Master Compression |
| Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer | $399.99 | Circuit modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback | 6 | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern | Yes | Compressor, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation and filter chains per track, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
| Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer | $699 | Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback | 11 | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | Yes | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Novation Circuit Rhythm cost?
The Novation Circuit Rhythm has a US price of $489.99, as of 2026-09-03.
How does the Novation Circuit Rhythm compare on price?
At $490, the Novation Circuit Rhythm is #9 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399.
Has the Novation Circuit Rhythm's price dropped?
No — since 2026-08-31 the Novation Circuit Rhythm has risen 22.8%, from $399 to $489.99; the lowest we have recorded is $399 (2026-08-31).
What is the lowest price the Novation Circuit Rhythm has been?
The lowest we have recorded for the Novation Circuit Rhythm is $399 on 2026-08-31.
Is now a good time to buy the Novation Circuit Rhythm?
The Novation Circuit Rhythm is currently $489.99; the lowest we have recorded is $399 (2026-08-31). Every price is dated, so you can judge it against its own history.
When was the Novation Circuit Rhythm released?
The Novation Circuit Rhythm was released 2021-07.
What are the Novation Circuit Rhythm's key specs?
Novation Circuit Rhythm (Novation): sound engine Sample-based standalone sampler and drum machine, voice count 8, sequencer steps Up to 64 bars, 1/32-note to whole-note resolution, 24 PPQN (variable pattern length, not a fixed step grid), sample playback Yes, onboard effects Grid FX (Vinyl Sim, Beat Repeat, Reverse, Filter, Gater, Phaser, Digitiser), plus Delay, Reverb, Side Chain and Master Compression. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-09-21.
Price of record: $489.99 at novationmusic.com, 2026-09-03. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
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