Metadata-Version: 2.4
Name: circuit-tracks-tools
Version: 0.1.1
Summary: Python library and MCP server for controlling Novation Circuit Tracks via MIDI
Project-URL: Homepage, https://github.com/namirsab/circuit-tracks-tools
Project-URL: Repository, https://github.com/namirsab/circuit-tracks-tools
Project-URL: PyPI, https://pypi.org/project/circuit-tracks-tools/
Project-URL: Changelog, https://github.com/namirsab/circuit-tracks-tools/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md
Author: Namir Sayed-Ahmad Baraza
License-Expression: MIT
License-File: LICENSE
Keywords: circuit-tracks,mcp,midi,music,novation,synthesizer
Classifier: Development Status :: 3 - Alpha
Classifier: License :: OSI Approved :: MIT License
Classifier: Programming Language :: Python :: 3
Classifier: Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11
Classifier: Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12
Classifier: Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13
Classifier: Topic :: Multimedia :: Sound/Audio :: MIDI
Requires-Python: >=3.11
Requires-Dist: mido[ports-rtmidi]>=1.3.3
Requires-Dist: pydantic>=2.0
Provides-Extra: dev
Requires-Dist: pre-commit>=4.0; extra == 'dev'
Requires-Dist: pytest; extra == 'dev'
Requires-Dist: ruff>=0.15; extra == 'dev'
Provides-Extra: mcp
Requires-Dist: mcp[cli]>=1.9.0; extra == 'mcp'
Description-Content-Type: text/markdown

# circuit-tracks-tools

[![PyPI](https://img.shields.io/pypi/v/circuit-tracks-tools)](https://pypi.org/project/circuit-tracks-tools/)
[![Python](https://img.shields.io/pypi/pyversions/circuit-tracks-tools)](https://pypi.org/project/circuit-tracks-tools/)
[![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-MIT-blue.svg)](LICENSE)
[![Built with Claude Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/Built%20with-Claude%20Code-blue?logo=claude)](https://claude.ai/claude-code)

A Python library and MCP server for controlling a [Novation Circuit Tracks](https://novationmusic.com/products/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

```bash
pip install circuit-tracks-tools
```

### With MCP server (for AI agents)

```bash
pip install circuit-tracks-tools[mcp]
```

## Quick Start: Python Library

```python
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](src/circuit_tracks/API.md) 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](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/guides/tools/) (requires [uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/)):

### Claude Code

Add to your `.mcp.json`:

```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`:

```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`:

```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:

```json
{
  "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](https://www.python.org/downloads/) and then:

```bash
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

```bash
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](LICENSE)
