Before we begin, a word of caution: firmware updates can fail. However, all our devices come with persistent bootloaders and are always recoverable — you’ll never end up with a bricked device. That said, please do not attempt a firmware update when you’re in a hurry or need the device shortly afterward. Once the update process begins, the old firmware is erased, and the device will only function again after a successful update.
Firmware updates can be performed either via the WebMIDI interface (available only on devices sold after April 15, 2025) or with software capable of sending MIDI SysEx messages, such as MIDI-OX. In both cases, you’ll also need a MIDI interface for your computer with a MIDI output.
What about saved presets and settings?
The update process only replaces the firmware. All user presets and settings will remain intact.
WebMIDI
How will updates via WebMIDI work?
If your device was purchased after April 15, 2025, you can perform firmware updates via WebMIDI. As soon as firmware updates are available, a Firmware Update tab will appear. Connect the device you want to update and power it up. Select your device, click Proceed and follow the instructions. The WebMIDI interface works with all MIDI interfaces.
Currently, no firmware updates via WebMIDI are available.
Non WebMIDI
Unfortunately, for devices sold before April 15, 2025, things are a bit more complicated.
MIDI Interfaces
The update process involves sending a large SysEx file. Unfortunately, not all MIDI interfaces support this reliably. For example, Morningstar MIDI controllers and WIDI Uhost/Jack are NOT capable of sending large SysEx files. Please ensure your MIDI interface supports this functionality before starting the update. Otherwise, the update might fail midway, leaving your device erased and without a suitable MIDI interface to complete the update.
I’m not sure, how can I test my MIDI interface:
You can check whether your interface can handle large SysEx files by sending a firmware file with no device connected and observing the interface’s status LEDs. These usually blink when messages are being sent. When you send the firmware file, the LED should blink or stay lit for about one to two minutes. If that happens, your interface should be ready.
These devcies are tested and will work:
- RME Fireface
- ESX MIDIMATE ex
- SSL 12
These devices are tested and will NOT work:
- Morningstar MC6 MkII (probably all Morningstar controllers)
- CME WIDI uHOST (probably all CME WIDI devices)
Sending the Update
You now need a software that is capable of sending MIDI SysEx messages. For Windows MIDI-OX is recommended (find a guide on how to download, install, and configure it here), for macOS SysEX Librarian works well.
Sending the Update File with MIDI-OX
Once MIDI-OX is installed and configured to send messages to your MIDI interface’s output, you’re ready to proceed.
- Open MIDI-OX, then go to View → SysEx.
- Connect your device directly to the MIDI interface (without any other devices in between) and turn it on.
- In MIDI-OX, select File → Send SysEx File, then choose the firmware file (with the
.syxextension). The transfer will start immediately.
To ensure the update completes without issues, do not use your PC or the device during the process. The update takes approximately 2 minutes. MIDI-OX will display the outgoing SysEx messages in the background.
Note: MIDI-OX may progress through the file quickly, but it actually takes one to two minutes until everything is sent. Check the following section to determine the update status using the LEDs.
Available Non-WebMIDI Updates
| Device | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| HYDRA4X | 1.1.1 (16th May 2025) | Hydra4X-1.1.1.syx |
| Siren | 2.1.1 (26th March 2025) | Siren-2.1.1.syx |
| Trash Panda Quad | 1.2.0 (27th June 2025) | Coming Soon |
During the Update
All devices communicate their state during the update via two of their LEDs (or two colors of a dual-color LED).
When the update starts, the device resets and only one LED stays on. We refer to this LED as LED1.
LED Status Overview:
- LED1 on, LED2 off: The device is ready to receive the update
- LED1 on, LED2 blinks: Update in progress; LED2 toggles with each memory page written
- LED1 off and LED2 on or off: Update failed — try again
Devices and LED mapping
| Device | LED1 | LED2 |
|---|---|---|
| HYDRA4X | Master Red | Master Green |
| Siren | Phase | CH B Red |
| Trash Panda Quad* | Preset 1 | Preset 2 |
When the update finishes successfully, the device restarts and functions normally.
Failed Updates
If the update fails — whether due to a computer error or a power outage — you can simply try again at any time. However, please note that the device will not function normally until a firmware update completes successfully. A device with a failed update may appear unresponsive or “dead,” but it will still accept a new update attempt.
If the update fails repeatedly, try to download the file again— it might be corrupted.