TD-50: How do I update the firmware on my TD-50?

The procedure for updating the TD-50 depends on the current version. Follow the steps below to check the current version.

NOTE: The TD-50 and TD-50X use different software. If you are using the TD-50X, please follow the steps on the download page to apply the TD-50X System Program. https://www.roland.com/global/products/td-50x/downloads/

1. Press the [SETUP] button.
   The SETUP MENU screen appears.
   
2. Use the PAGE [UP] [DOWN] buttons and the function buttons to select "SETUP MENU 2."
3. Press the [F3] (INFO) button.
   *If you do not see the following screen, press the [F1] (PROGRAM) button to switch tabs.
   The information screen appears.
   
4. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

How to update

• If the current version is Ver. 1.04 or earlier:
  Before updating to the latest version, you must update to Ver. 1.05. Then update to the latest.
  * The zip file of the latest version you downloaded contains the update file for Ver. 1.05.

• If the current version is Ver. 1.05 or later
  Use the updater of the latest version contained in the zip file to update.

* "x" represents the number of the latest version.
* An SD card pre-formatted in the TD-50 is required for backup and update.
* For further information, see "TD-50 System Program".

Follow the steps below:

Creating an SD Card for the Update

1. Back up data to the SD card.
   See "TD-50: Performing a Backup (Save) to an SD Card" for the detailed procedure.
2. Download "td50_sys10x.zip" from the TD-50 System Program page, which contains the updater of Ver.1.05 as well as the latest version.
3. Unarchive/uncompress the downloaded file.
   
   • Windows: Right-click the file and select "Extract All," then click "Extract."
   • macOS: Double-click the file to unzip it.
4. Copy the files within the td50_sys_v1xx folder to the top level on the SD card (the SD card's root directory). Make sure the files do not get copied into any of the folders on the SD card. After the files have been copied, you should see the Roland folder and the update file(s) within the same v view. For example:  
   • Ver. 1.04 or earlier: Open the td50_sys_v105 folder and copy all folder and files in it to the top level on the SD card (the SD card's root directory).
   • Ver. 1.05 or later: Open the td50_sys_v10x (latest version) folder and copy all folder and files in it to the top level on the SD card (the SD card's root directory).
5. Eject the SD card according to the operating system you use.
   • Windows: See Safely remove hardware in Window (Microsoft)
   • macOS: See Use the SD and SDXC card slot on your Mac > Eject an SD card (Apple)

Update Procedure

1. Turn off the TD-50 and insert the SD card.
2. While pressing the [REC] button, turn on the power. The update process begins.
3. When the update is complete and “Update finished” is shown in the display, turn the power off.
4. Remove the SD card from the card slot and insert it into your computer.
5. (Ver. 1.04 or earlier only) Delete the following folder and files.
   • wave folder
   • _TD50_UPA.BIN
   • -td50_ext_exec.bin
6. (Ver. 1.04 or earlier only) Perform step 4 of Creating an SD Card for the Update for Ver. 1.05 or later and update to the latest version.

Perform Factory Reset and Load Backup Data from the SD Card

1. After updating to the latest version, restore factory settings.
   See "TD-50/TD-50X: Factory Reset".
2. Load the backup data from the SD card.
   See "TD-50: Loading a Backup from an SD Card".