Firmware updates serve to enhance the reliability and performance of your synth. You will find a list of improvements and new features included in the firmware download for your reference. It is recommended to review this information when updating to ensure you fully grasp what the firmware introduces, allowing you to maximize its benefits.


Download the most current firmware from Moog's download page HERE.


You Will Need

  • A computer with internet access. 
  • A SysEx handler such as Bome SendSX for Windows or SysEX Librarian for macOS. 
  • A USB-MIDI Cable or Interface with 5-Pin MIDI Output capable of sending SysEx files. 
  • The DIN MIDI-to-3.5mm adapter dongle included with your Subharmonicon. 
    • NOTE: SysEx, or 'MIDI System Exclusive Messages,' are a type of MIDI message designed to transmit information about specific functions inside a piece of MIDI hardware. You will most commonly see SysEx files with the .syx file extension. 
    • NOTE: Every SysEx program has slightly different terminology for loading, sending, and receiving SysEx files. We have tried to show all options for the programs listed above, but please familiarize yourself with your program before starting the update to avoid any confusion. 


Update Procedure

  1. Connect Subharmonicon to your computer using a USB-to-MIDI cable or via your MIDI-enabled interface. 

    • NOTE: Avoid connecting through a USB hub, if possible, as many USB hubs do not work reliably and can cause the update to fail. Drag the following files from the Subharmonicon_Firmware_vX_X_X folder into your SysEx application's main window: 
      • subharmonicon_FIRMWARE_INVALIDATE.syx 
      • subharmonicon_FIRMWARE_ERASE.syx 
      • Subharmonicon_Firmware_vX_X_X.syx 
  2. Select your MIDI interface as your MIDI output device in the SysEx application. 
    • NOTE: In SysEx Librarian, this is found in a drop-down menu at the top of the application window; in Bome SendSX, there is a MIDI OUT menu on the menu bar. 
  3. Send or Play subharmonicon_FIRMWARE_INVALIDATE.syx from your SysEx application to your Subharmonicon. You should see the Step 1 LED of Sequencer 1 blinking on/off; this means the unit is now in Boot-Loader Mode. The old firmware still needs to be erased. 
  4. Send or Play subharmonicon_FIRMWARE_ERASE.syx from your SysEx application to your Subharmonicon. You should see the Step 2 LED of Sequencer 1 blinking on/off; this means the old firmware has been successfully erased and the instrument is ready for new firmware. 
  5. Send or Play the new firmware file, Subharmonicon_Firmware_vX_X_X.syx. The Sequencer 2 LEDs will "fill up," lighting progressively from left to right to indicate that the firmware file is received. When the firmware upload is complete, the Step 3 LED of Sequencer 1 will blink a few times to indicate successful firmware installation. 
  6. Congratulations! Subharmonicon will reboot with its customary light show and is ready to use.  


Troubleshooting

  • Verify that you have as direct a connection as possible to your computer; avoid USB hubs, MIDI Thru boxes, or other MIDI devices/instruments before connecting Subharmonicon. 
  • Check the preferences section of your SysEx program and look for transmit speed. If your SysEx program allows, adjust this down to 50%. 
  • Begin each attempt from the beginning by sending the Invalidate file. Only load and send one file at a time. 
  • Lastly, you may find it helpful to re-establish the connection to your SysEx handler before sending each file in the process. For example, load and send Invalidate, close and reopen your SysEx handler, load and send Erase, close and reopen your SysEx handler, then load and send the firmware file.