Check the currently installed firmware version before downloading the archive file:
- Turn off the power.
- Turn the power back on and check the version displayed on the screen.
If the latest version is already installed, you don't need to perform the update.
Items to prepare for the update
The following items are required to perform the update:
- FR-8x / FR-8xb itself
- USB flash drive (Roland M-UF2G is recommended)
*The USB flash drive needs to be formatted on a PC. - A computer with a USB connector ( Windows, Mac )
Cautions with the update
- Never apply this update data to any product other than the FR-8x / FR-8xb. This update data may destroy the data or system program of other products.
- Never power-off your FR-8x / FR-8xb while the update is in progress. If a power failure or similar accident occurs during the update process, the FR-8x / FR- 8xb won’t be able to start up in normal operating mode. This will require servicing, so you will need to contact Roland service center near you if this occurs.
How to update
First, download the updating files found at this link: FR-8x / FR-8xb System Program
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Expand the downloaded file "fr8x_sys_v200.zip" on your computer to get the following content (7 files ).
- PICUPD819.MID
- PROGRAM.BIN
- release.txt
- rom.bin
- romsum.txt
- startup
- update -
First delete all existing files from the USB memory then copy the above content (7 files) to the USB memory's root folder.
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After verifying that the FR-8X / FR-8Xb power is off, plug the USB memory into the FR-8x / FR-8xb USB MEMORY port.
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Turn the power on while keeping and holding the [MENU/WRITE] buttons pressed until the message "Update Mode:" will appear on the display.
When updating is successfully completed, the "SUCCESS" message will appear on the display.
Turn the FR-8X power off and unplug the USB memory.
Note: The update procedure takes about 5 minutes.
When you turn the power on, the system software version is shown in the display.
- If your FR-8x is version 1.07, follow steps 9 to 10.
- If your FR-8x is lower than version 1.07, follow steps 5 to 10.
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Unzip the file fr8x_subcpu_v105.zip.
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Copy the content of the unzipped file to the root of an empty USB memory.
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Plug the mentioned USB memory in a switched off FR-8x / FR-8xb.
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Turn the power on while keeping and holding the [MENU/WRITE] button pressed until the following message will appear on the display:
Boot program v 1.00
Update Mode
Loading .....The software upload starts and the blue LEDs of the panel will light. Note: The update procedure takes about 5 minutes.
Attention:
During the update procedure you must not:
a. switch off the FR-8X / FR-8xb
b. disconnect the USB Memory -
When updating is successfully completed, all the blue LEDs switch on steadily.
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Turn the FR-8x / FR-8xb power off and unplug the USB memory.
FR-8x Version 2.0 Added Functions:
- New Drum Edit parameters added.
- The ability to save WAV/MP3 volume in a user program has been added.
- The ability to link a WAV/MP3 file to a user program has been added.
- WAV/MP3 volume level is now displayed on the main page.
- A new shortcut has been added from the main page to control WAV/MP3 level.
- The ability to save Scale Tuning in a user program has been added.
- Scale Tune On status is now displayed on the main page.
- Transpose On status is now displayed on the main page.
- New Sordina Switch parameter added.
- Sordina On status is displayed on the main page
- Zone, High, and Low switch parameters added.
- New Lowest Note values added in 8.2 Tone Control parameters.
- Transmission of MIDI sustain data can now be turned on or off.
- Poly/Mono and Portamento Time parameters added for Orchestra sounds.
- Minimum Bellows parameter added in Dynamic Bellows Behavior.
- A Copy Register feature has been added.
- Transpose Status is now saved with a user program.
- Voicing parameter added in Orchestra Chord sections.
- Recorded loops can now be saved for later use.
- Loop Level parameter added to control volume of loop playback.
- A saved loop can be linked to a user program.
- Added a parameter to assign the Effect knob to control cutoff and resonance.