circuit-tracks-tools 0.1.1

Python library and MCP server for controlling Novation Circuit Tracks via MIDI

circuit-tracks-tools

A Python library and MCP server for controlling a Novation Circuit Tracks synthesizer via MIDI. Control your Circuit Tracks from Python scripts or let an AI agent create music through natural language — just like pair-programming, but for music.

Features

• Song format — create full songs (patterns, patches, macros, FX) in a single call and export to the device
• Synth & drum programming — select patches, play notes/chords, tweak parameters via CC/NRPN
• Patch builder — construct synth patches from scratch with oscillators, filters, envelopes, mod matrix, and macros
• Pattern sequencing — create and edit step-sequencer patterns across synth, drum, and MIDI tracks with p-lock automation
• Patch editing — read, modify, and save synth patches; load .syx patch files
• Project management — read and write .ncs project files; transfer projects to and from the device over SysEx
• Parameter morphing — smoothly interpolate synth, drum, and project parameters over time
• Macro control — configure and sweep macro knobs for expressive parameter control
• Sidechain automation — automate volume ducking across all 4 tracks with preset sidechain curves
• Scale quantization — quantize notes to any of the Circuit Tracks' built-in scales
• Live transport — start/stop sequencer, set BPM, mute tracks, queue patterns

Requirements

• Python 3.11+
• A Novation Circuit Tracks connected via USB
• Tested with firmware 1.2.1 (latest as of April 2026) — other versions may work but are untested

Installation

As a Python library

pip install circuit-tracks-tools

With MCP server (for AI agents)

pip install circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]

Quick Start: Python Library

from circuit_tracks import MidiConnection, PatchBuilder

# Connect to the Circuit Tracks
midi = MidiConnection()
midi.connect("Circuit Tracks MIDI")

# Play a C major chord on Synth 1
midi.note_on(channel=0, note=60, velocity=100)
midi.note_on(channel=0, note=64, velocity=100)
midi.note_on(channel=0, note=67, velocity=100)

# Build a pad patch from scratch
patch = PatchBuilder.preset_pad(cutoff=80, attack=40, release=90)

See the API Reference for full library documentation.

Quick Start: MCP Server

The MCP server runs as a subprocess launched by your AI agent. The easiest setup uses uvx (requires uv):

Claude Code

Add to your .mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "circuit-tracks": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]", "circuit-tracks-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Then talk to Claude:

"Let's create a dark techno loop"

The agent will program patterns on your Circuit Tracks as if a human were doing it — selecting sounds, writing sequences, adjusting parameters — and iterate with you on the result.

Claude Desktop (macOS)

Edit ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "circuit-tracks": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]", "circuit-tracks-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop (Windows)

Edit %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "circuit-tracks": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]", "circuit-tracks-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Without uvx

If you prefer a manual setup, install into a virtual environment and use the full path:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "circuit-tracks": {
      "command": "/path/to/venv/bin/circuit-tracks-mcp"
    }
  }
}

Windows Setup

The library and MCP server work on Windows. Install Python 3.11+ from python.org and then:

pip install circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]

The Circuit Tracks appears as a USB MIDI device automatically — no additional driver installation is needed. You can verify it shows up in Device Manager under "Sound, video and game controllers".

Build from Source

git clone https://github.com/namirsab/circuit-tracks-tools.git
cd circuit-tracks-tools
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # or venv\Scripts\activate on Windows
pip install -e ".[mcp,dev]"

# Set up pre-commit hooks
pre-commit install

# Run tests (no hardware required — MIDI is mocked)
pytest

# Build a distributable wheel
pip install build
python -m build

Project Structure

src/circuit_tracks/   # Standalone library for Circuit Tracks control
  midi.py             # MIDI connection handling
  sequencer.py        # Pattern/step sequencer engine
  patch.py            # Synth patch read/write
  patch_builder.py    # Patch construction helpers
  constants.py        # CC numbers, NRPN mappings, channel assignments
  macros.py           # Macro knob configuration
  ncs_parser.py       # .ncs project file parser
  ncs_transfer.py     # SysEx project/patch transfer
  song.py             # Song format and device export
  song_schema.py      # Pydantic models and JSON Schema for song format
  morph.py            # Parameter morphing engine
src/circuit_mcp/      # MCP server (thin wrapper over the library)
  server.py           # All MCP tool definitions
docs/
  ncs-format.md       # Reverse-engineered .ncs file format spec

License

MIT