Firmware Update

How to update the NGEN firmware

To update the firmware on your NGEN, you'll need to download the latest firmware version from the links below and follow the instructions for your hardware version.

If you have any questions or need help updating your NGEN, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via the Contact page on our website.

NGEN HW v1.0 (Batch #1 / Micro USB / Serial #0001 - 0020)

1 - Download the latest version of the NGEN firmware for HW v1.0

2 - Download and install TyTools: https://github.com/Koromix/tytools/releases/

3 - Connect the NGEN to your computer via USB

4 - Open the TyUploader application

5 - Select the NGEN from the drop-down menu and click on the Upload button

6 - Select the firmware file (.hex extension)

TyUploader will then upload then new firmware to your NGEN units and restart it after it's finished.

We highly recommend that you perform a Factory Reset (available in Settings) after updating.

Attention

If TyUploader is not recognizing NGEN, try a different USB cable. Some USB cables are power-only and will not transmit data between your computer and NGEN.  
If you have any problems updating your unit, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via the Contact page on our website.

NGEN HW V1.1 and newer (Batch #2 and newer / USB-C)

1 - Download the latest version of the NGEN firmware for HW v1.1.

2 - Connect NGEN to your computer via USB.

3- Navigate to the Settings page and select the "FW Update" option.

4 - NGEN should now appear as a USB flash drive on your computer.

5 - Drag the latest version of the firmware (.uf2) to the NGEN's USB flash drive.

6 - NGEN should automatically apply the update and restart after it's finished.

7 - After rebooting, apply a Factory Reset (files will not be deleted).

Alternative method

NGEN HW v1.1 also features a backup method for updating the firmware that can be used in case of issues with the primary method or failed updates.

This method does require some minor disassembling so we only recommend using it as a backup.

1 - Remove the 4 screws on the side of the unit and the microSD card if present.

2 - Detach the bottom panel of the case. It should come off without removing any knobs or screws from the top panel.

3 - Locate the BOOT button on the back side of the PCB (visible). It should be located on the center of the PCB.

4 - Connect the unit via USB while holding down the BOOT button.

5 - NGEN should mount as a USB drive on your computer. Once mounted, release the BOOT button.

6 - Follow steps 5-7 of the primary method to update the firmware.

7 - Disconnect the USB and re-assemble the case.

Change-Log

Version 1.2

Added

New internal framework for better threading / multicore processing (HW 1.1).
New internal framework for generating and manipulating chords.
New internal framework for managing available chords based on the active Key / Scale (for polyphonic Generators).
MENU SYSTEM: Added fast scrolling for List Selector (Function + Menu Encoder).
MENU SYSTEM: The list selector now sorts items alphabetically.
PROJECTS: Added "New" option under Projects.
PROJECTS: Project changes are now quantized to 1 bar (while NGEN is playing).
SETTINGS: Added viewable QR code for User Manual.
SETTINGS: Added new MIDI Thru setting.

Improvements

Improved display response.
Improved Param 1-4 response on all hardware versions.
DRUMGEN: Improved Random.
MENU SYSTEM: Track number indicator now displays active status of the selected track.
MENU SYSTEM: Improved rendering of OS notifications.
MENU SYSTEM: Improved display refresh rate when showing parameter values during animations.
MENU SYSTEM: The confirmation dialog now shows the active project name when saving projects.
PERFORM: Macro mapping will now only get cancelled from the Main Menu (Return button).
POP: Integrated support for the new chord frameworks.
POP: Improved state randomization.
PROJECTS: Updated project file format to include support for upcoming features.
PROJECTS: Reduced glitches and stutters when processing projects (saving / loading / deleting) during playback (using the new threading framework).
PROJECTS: Improve support for loading projects saved with previous firmware versions (projects are now automatically updated to the new format).
TRACK: Disabled tracks are now properly restored when loading patterns / projects.
TRACK: Tracks will now send MIDI note-offs for all active notes when disabled.
Update display transmission for HW v1.1.
General performance improvements and optimizations.

Fixes

DRUMGEN: Templates are now properly reloaded when loading projects / patterns.
GENERATORS: Param 1-4 are now properly mapped when selecting a new Generator from the Track sub-menu.
GLITCH: Fixed bug that caused the Glitch MFX to output MIDI notes to incorrect MIDI channels.
MENU SYSTEM: Fixed a bug that caused the hardware controls to stop working when entering Track or Pattern selection immediately after a notification.
MENU SYSTEM: The Param List Idle Mode now renders correctly when entering Idle Mode.
FREE CLOCK: Fixed bug that caused Free Clock to drop MIDI notes.
PERFORM: Macro 5-8 control via Function + Param 1-4 now work correctly.
SCALE: Key and Scale can now be properly controlled via Param 1 and 2 while in the Scale sub-menu.
PROJECTS: Project > Save now properly overwrites the currently active project.

Version 1.1.2

Added

Updated internal framework for apps / tools that require custom UI / controls.
New list selector based on the updated framework.
PERFORM: Added option for removing a mapping.
MENU SYSTEM: Added new confirmation modal for important actions.
SCALE: Added new Scale Editor (beta).

Improvements

Improved potentiometer readings for better accuracy and smoother operation.
Improved list scrolling / selection.
Upgraded the Name Editor to new framework.
Upgraded the Info view to new framework.
SETTINGS: Renamed "Restart" to "Reboot".
MENU SYSTEM: Improved navigation during Idle Mode.
PROJECTS: Improved project management for forward and backwards compatibility.

Fixes

NGEN can now output to MIDI Channel #16 correctly
The MIDI channel of incoming MIDI notes via 3.5mm MIDI IN is now properly detected.
SETTINGS: MIDI CC RX now properly saves and loads.
MENU SYSTEM: When receiving MIDI CC values, the UI now updates to display the correct values.
PATTERNS: NGEN no longer re-loads the previous pattern when saving a new one.
POP: Balance parameter now works correctly.
THRU: Delay now works after loading a pattern / project.

Version 1.1.1

Added

CV OUT: Added new 4xTrig mode and Trigger 1-4 parameters.
The MENU SYSTEM now retains the position of each menu during navigation.
AutoVari8 and CV Out settings are now stored as global settings on the device EEPROM (requires manual save via the Settings sub-menu).

Improvements

SCALE: Updated scale engine to improve support for scales of different sizes.
SETTINGS: Improved menu order.
TRACK: Improved Aux Output support.
Moved AutoVari8 and CV Out sub-menus to Settings.
POP: Improved algorithm.

Fixes

NGEN can now properly boot when powered via external power supplies (rev1 only).
Incoming MIDI notes are now properly routed to tracks.
SETTINGS: The Firmware Update screen now displays correctly.
TRACK: Track 1 Aux Out is now disabled by default.
DRUMGEN: Opening the template selector no longer causes system delays.

Version 1.1

Added

New NGEN Framework: The entire NGEN's internal framework has been re-factored to improve performance and make it easier to add new features.
Pattern Generation: algorithmically generate or variate an entire pattern.
TEMPLATES: Use templates to quickly set up multiple tracks in your current pattern.
Pattern & Track reloading: Quickly reload a pattern or track from their last saved state in a project (TRACK|CLK or PATTERN + RETURN).
ACDGEN: Added new Base Velocity and Accent parameter new Lead and Legato algorithms.
POLYFORM: Added new Inversion, Inversion Range, Chord Quality and Trigger parameters.
THRU: Added new Delay parameter.
CHORDS: Added 1 more interval (4 in total now) and a new Probability parameter.
SHAPER: new Mode parameter (Clip / Scale / Drop).
STRUM: Added a new Probability parameter.
SCALE: 2 new scales (Phrygian and Chromatic) and new global Octave parameter.
TRACK: New Clock-rate options: 4, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/24, 1/32.
TRACK: New modal menu for managing tracks (save / copy / paste / delete).
PATTERN: New modal menu for managing patterns (save / copy / paste / delete).
PATTERN: Quickly queue a Pattern by holding down the PATTERN button and turning the the MENU ENCODER .
PERFORM: Use the 4 NGEN buttons (TRACK|CLK, PATTERN, FUNCTION, and GENERATE) to mute / unmute the first 4 tracks while in the Perform sub-menu.
SETTINGS: New Global Variation Amount (Var Amount) parameter.
SETTINGS: New settings for Screensaver time (Screensaver), Idle Mode time (Idle Time), and Factory Reset.

Improvements

Updated user interface design: The entire NGEN UI has been update with new designs for pages(Pattern Selector), notifications, modals (Pattern / Track edit), animations, list view, and more.
Parameter course control: Parameters can now be adjusted in larger increments by holding down the MENU ENCODER or FUNCTION while turning it (coarse step determined by the parameter type).
Re-designed settings page: NGEN's settings are now organized into separate pages for easier navigation.
MIDIPLAYER: Updated MIDI SMF file parsing and parameters.
PATTERN: The Pattern Selector view now shows the active Generator and MIDI FX for the first 3 active tracks of the selected pattern.
MIDI CLOCK: Swing now works with both 1/16 and 1/8 clock-rates.
FREE CLOCK now outputs MIDI Clock.
Active project in memory: The active project now remains entirely in memory to improve performance and to allow users to modify the project's settings while playing without affecting the save file.
Multi-core Project management: NGEN now saves and loads projects using it's second-core to improve performance and avoid glitches while playing (pcb v1.1 and newer).
When saving projects, NGEN will now check if there's enough space available.
When loading projects, NGEN will now check if the project version is compatible with the current firmware version.
New Project file format with support for dynamic file size.
Updated MIDI CC assignments for Free Clock, Bounce Clock, Arper, MIDI Player, Chord
Improved potentiometer readings (better accuracy and less jitter).
Updated screensaver design.

Fixes

Major improvements to Project's saving and loading.
Various minor bug fixes across the entire firmware.
MIDI Player's Direction parameter now displays the correct values.

Version 1.01

Added

POLYFORM: Polyform now adjusts the length of generated notes based on the length of incoming MIDI notes.
SAMBA: New Note Length parameter.
SHUFFLER: New Offset parameter.
New "MIDI CC Rx" setting for enabling / disabling MIDI CC input.

Improvements

The MENU ENCODER should now be more responsive and less prone to skips.
Beta features will now show a "BETA" warning in the bottom-right corner.
The MIDI Monitor will now promptly display the monitor view when selected.
Improvements to the SAMBA generator.
Improvements to the menu system.
Minor UI design improvements.

Fixes

Selecting the currently active Generator / MIDI FX in Track's settings will no longer reset the active Generator / MIDI FX.
The display's header now gets properly re-drawn when exiting the selected Idle Mode and screensaver.
Screensaver now properly activates after 5 minutes of no hardware interaction.
Idle Mode (Animation / Param List) now activates after 5 seconds of no hardware interaction while in the Generator and Clock sub-menus.

Version 1.0

Initial Version