S-1: How to Update the System Program (Firmware)

This explains how to update the system program (firmware) on the Roland S-1. See "S-1 System Program" on the Roland support site for the update history.

Check your current version first

1. Turn off the power.
2. While pressing the [STEP] button, turn on the power.
   The display shows the installed version.
3. Turn off the power. 
   If the S-1 is already up to date, the update is not needed.

What you need

• S-1 unit
• USB cable (included)
• A computer with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port (Windows or Mac)

Download and unzip the update file

1. Go to S-1 UPDATES & DRIVERS and select S-1 System Program.
2. Read the software license agreement and check "I AGREE."
3. Click the "Download File" button to download the system program (s1_sys_vXXX*.zip).
   *XXX=Version number
4. Unzip the file.
   This creates a folder named "s1_sys_vXXX."
   Do not double-click any files inside this folder, and do not rename them.
   • Windows: Right-click the file and select "Extract All," then "Extract."
   • macOS: Double-click the file to unzip it.

Install the update

1. Turn off the S-1 and connect it to the computer with the USB cable.
2. While pressing the [SHIFT] button, turn on the power.
   The S-1 is now recognized as an external drive on the computer.
   Note: On a Mac, if the S-1 drive does not appear, check the Finder sidebar and desktop display settings. See "See the devices connected to your Mac" (Apple Support) for how to show external disks.
3. Open the "s1_sys_vXXX" folder and drag "S1_UPD.BIN" onto the S-1 drive.
   Do not copy the whole folder.
4. Once copying is complete, eject the S-1 drive, then disconnect the USB cable.
   • Windows: Use Safely Remove Hardware to eject the S-1 drive.
   • Mac: Drag the S-1 icon to Trash.
5. Press the [SHIFT] button.
   The update starts.
   Important: Do not power off the S-1 while the update is in progress. If a power failure or similar accident occurs during the update, the S-1 will not start up in normal operating mode and will require servicing at a Roland service center.
6. When "OK" appears on the display, turn the power back on.
   Nothing may appear on the display for about 10 seconds at this first startup. Wait until the S-1 starts up successfully.