Firmware update issue

[insch]

I am trying to update the firmware on my MIDI Express XT but keep getting the error message:

'The device is not detected. Confirm it is connected to the computer via USB'.

It is connected and it is detected within DP and Audio MIDI setup. Any thoughts/advice?

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Are you sure the firmware update is the correct one for the device?

[insch]

Are you sure the firmware update is the correct one for the device?

It is for 'MOTU MIDI Express XT' which I have.

[ahimmel]

Exactly the same issue here.

[mikehalloran]

It is for 'MOTU MIDI Express XT' which I have.

But is it new enough that the firmware can be updated? If it predates 2011, then no, it can't. MOTU has been making the MIDI Express XT off and on since 1996 or so.

I think the current version is the third. Prior to that was the MIDI Express XT USB with the firmware burned into a user replaceable chip— Firmware 2.0.1 is still compatible with new Macs and PCs (unfortunately, no one has been able to purchase the 2.0.1 chip since 2012). The first was the series/parallel version—it cannot be updated either.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technot ... echangelog

NOTE: These firmware updates are only applicable to MIDI Express XT units that have a serial number starting with ‘MXT’. Units that have a serial number starting with ‘MEXT’ or ‘MXXTU’ cannot be updated.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

See I repeat my question.

[insch]

It is for 'MOTU MIDI Express XT' which I have.

But is it new enough that the firmware can be updated? If it predates 2011, then no, it can't. MOTU has been making the MIDI Express XT off and on since 1996 or so.

I think the current version is the third. Prior to that was the MIDI Express XT USB with the firmware burned into a user replaceable chip— Firmware 2.0.1 is still compatible with new Macs and PCs (unfortunately, no one has been able to purchase the 2.0.1 chip since 2012). The first was the series/parallel version—it cannot be updated either.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technot ... echangelog

NOTE: These firmware updates are only applicable to MIDI Express XT units that have a serial number starting with ‘MXT’. Units that have a serial number starting with ‘MEXT’ or ‘MXXTU’ cannot be updated.

Thanks - I think that was the issue

[mikehalloran]

Sure.

BTW, this may not have been clear. If you own the older version of the MIDI Express XT USB, the current firmware is 2.0.1 and it is compatible with Mac and Windows. Firmware 2.0.0 works in most cases but not all — despite what eBay sellers say.

Unfortunately, the only way to get the current 2.0.1 firmware is to find a MOTU MIDI USB device that has it on Craigslist or eBay and pull the chip—it doesn't matter which one as long as it says so on the chip sticker or display screen. A friend of mine found a Micro Express USB with a dead screen and the right firmware chip to update his MIDI Express XT USB.

[insch]

Thanks Mike. I guess since my unit works I shouldn't meddle!

[musicman691]

It is for 'MOTU MIDI Express XT' which I have.

But is it new enough that the firmware can be updated? If it predates 2011, then no, it can't. MOTU has been making the MIDI Express XT off and on since 1996 or so.

I think the current version is the third. Prior to that was the MIDI Express XT USB with the firmware burned into a user replaceable chip— Firmware 2.0.1 is still compatible with new Macs and PCs (unfortunately, no one has been able to purchase the 2.0.1 chip since 2012). The first was the series/parallel version—it cannot be updated either.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technot ... echangelog

NOTE: These firmware updates are only applicable to MIDI Express XT units that have a serial number starting with ‘MXT’. Units that have a serial number starting with ‘MEXT’ or ‘MXXTU’ cannot be updated.

If the firmware is on a standard prom/eprom with a chip reader/programmer it should be able to be duplicated. Barring copyright of course.

[mikehalloran]

If the firmware is on a standard prom/eprom with a chip reader/programmer it should be able to be duplicated. Barring copyright of course.

Big "if". Although that has been suggested many times over the years, I can't recall anyone posting success in doing that.

Having bought one of the last 2.0.1 chip sets in 2012, I'm not going there. I do have a Micro Express Serial/Parallel with v.1.x and my MTP/AV USB if anyone wants to try.

[EaglePerson]

Looks like no one as been a real help here.

I'm getting the same issue when I try to run the firmware update. I'm using a new model Express XT and I'm getting the same error message when I run even older updates from 2012.

The XT is recognized by the Mac and Clockworks but not by the updater.

Similarly I'm trying to run a firmware update because for whatever reason bout %20 of the notes I play are latching. That is to say they are playing with infinite sustain. The problem is fixed when I go MIDI out from my audio interface.

These things are either buggy as hell or a bitch to program... haven't figured out which it is yet.

[Gravity Jim]

Your conclusion is a false dichotomy. The fact is, the MOTU MIDI interfaces aren't "buggy" (I grow weary of that word) or a "bitch to program."

This thread may not be especially helpful because, like most threads on this forum, it was posted randomly in the completely wrong subform. It's about MOTU Hardware, not DP.

Have you talked to MOTU about this problem?