Novation Circuit Mono Station

Imagine blending the raw analog heart of a Bass Station II with the intuitive sequencing magic of a Circuit, and you've got a compact powerhouse that redefined monophonic synths back in 2017.

This paraphonic analog synth packs two oscillators—each with sync, tuning, sine, triangle, saw, and variable pulse waves—plus a sub oscillator, noise generator, and ring mod for thick, evolving tones. A multi-mode filter offers high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass options at 12dB or 24dB slopes, paired with three distortion modes including classic Bass Station overdrive, and a 4x8 modulation matrix routes LFO (four shapes), envelope, sequencer, or velocity to nearly any parameter. The star is its three-track sequencer over 32 velocity-sensitive RGB pads: one for overall pitch and gating, a second for independent Osc 2 control, and a mod sequencer for per-step automation, with Patch Flip for blending presets into drum-like complexity. At 240 x 250 x 54mm and just over 3lbs, it's USB-powered (or 12V DC), with CV/gate/mod outs, MIDI I/O, audio in for processing externals, stereo main out, and headphone jack—perfect as a sequencer hub or modular brain. Store up to 64 patches onboard, chain patterns at 40-240 BPM with swing and 16 scales.

Players love its hands-on grid for live tweaks and deep sequencing that sparks ideas fast, though some note the no-screen editing takes practice. It's earned a loyal spot for basslines, leads, and experimental grooves in studios and rigs worldwide.