Great video thanks for that! For anyone using the Roland UM-One USB to MIDI interface, i had to select the UM-One in the "Port Mapper Section" after adding it as an output. Until I realized that I kept getting error messages.
thanks to your tutorial the update works so fine. under win10 i installed bome send sx v.140 i selected for my "midi out" the m audio usb/midi interface, also loaded LIVEN_8SYSTEM_3_0_76.syx latest firmware {23 july 2024} and pushed the "send" buttonthe update works so fine and easy
just a quick tip, it took me a while to get this to work. as soon as i selected a device i got an error message. I had to manaully change a setting. If i recall, i had to manually lower the bit rate to something really low. i found it in a midi ox forum. I know that's not terribly helpful, but i did this over a month ago. Hopefully it's better than nothing.
Thank you, glad to help. I'm guessing you must mean for the Liven 8 Bit Warps (drums were also released for the Lofi-12). It works very similar to this video accept you boot up like normal, load a sound memory you'd like to overwrite with the MEM button, page buttons and step buttons like normal. Then send over a single *.syx sound from the zip file below, this will overwrite the current sound, then save the sound memory with Func+MEM to save the sound. Continue until you've added as many drum sounds as you want. I started at MEM 128 and worked backwards as they're blank at that end by default. www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/LIVEN_8bitwarps/8bitwarps_v3_Preset_Drum_sounds.zip
although my midi setup works (midi inputs from my pc arrive at the liven) when updating it doesn't get through. The midi device settings in midi-ox are correct too, if I test whether midi commands from the programs built in keyboard arive at my liven, they do. But when sending the syx file it just sends it into the void. The liven screen, stays on "update" and no update actually arrives at the liven. What a bummer.
It sounds like your midi device might not be compatible with midi sysex, not all midi interfaces are unfortunately. Can you try connecting it a using a different interface? Or as an alternative try slowing down the midi transfer from midi-ox
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thank you for the quick reply/help. I think that might just be it. I am currently using a cheap direct usb midi device to connect my pc to the liven, because my go-to audio interface has no midi port. But I have an old audio interface from M-audio with midi, and if that fails I can try it with interfaces from a friend. I'll do that tomorrow, feeling optimistic. Thank you. :)
@tormint5294 Okay that sounds like a plan. It's best to avoid the really cheap non branded usb to midi cables that you find on Amazon and eBay though as they're likely to have the same problem. I bought one once and it wasn't up to the task. Both M-Audio and Roland make the same thing but they're much better quality, those will work.
Hi, when I hold Shift+Power I get ER.11 instead of UPDT, I’ve contacted sonicware support to see what can be done.. (this is with the xFM, & the the m-audio midi to usb interface u show)
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thanks for the reply Chris, & yes I tried disconnecting the midi cables, & then going to update mode. I also tried factory resetting, but I’m not sure if it worked properly because the error still happens. Still, I’ve been makings sounds with the xFM & am really enjoying it! Hopefully Sonicware get back to me with a solution, otherwise I’ll send it back for a replacement - I really do want to have a fully functional xFM! 💗🎸🎛🚀
Strange that. I'm sure they'll be able to help you. If you're not already on it the Liven Facebook group is a good place to get help and support. Evan who is the English speaking tech and marketing staff member will often arrange video calls with people to work out what's happening
@@ChrisLodyMusic thanks for the info Chris. I don’t use Facebook, so can’t get support that way. I still haven’t had a reply from my support request from sonicware, but I’ll leave it till Monday, at which point I’ll contact the shop I bought it from, & request a replacement. I really do love the xFM, it’s a wonderful little synth, just need to get it working properly.. Thank again, & keep up the great work! 👍🎛🚀
I have only LINUX as my OS and I do have a Midi sport 1x1 which is natively supported by Linux. What software can I use to send sysex files via LINUX OS?
Using Linux for Sysex is not something I've tested, but this tool would appear to do what you need. github.com/Erriez/midi-sysex-io Some DAW software is also capable of sending and recieving midi Sysex, though again it's not something I have experience in
Doing everything correctly but my lofi-12 does not show it receiving any of the data. Update: It was indeed my cheap MIDI to usb cable, even though it’s worked on other synths. Thanks! They really need to add usb next it’s 2023 ffs.
@@ChrisLodyMusic thanks, i got it installed. I’m still struggling learning this device. Usually i can be adequate with samplers with in a few days to a week but this one is like doing math for some reason. I’ll keep trying though.
I've been trying to update a Liven XFM with the version 1.0 firmware, and getting ER.20 every single time, at the end of the transfer, which the pdf says means data reception error. I started by following the instructions in the update pdf, which are like this video but it gives configuration settings for midi-ox. Then I tried Bome's Send SX, at various different speeds... At the end of the pdf it suggests trying midi-ox again with different settings, which begs the question why they gave ones to start with that they thought could be improved on. Any updated advice? I'm beginning to despair, at this point.
I've heard of a few people that have had trouble with this but I've updated them lots in the past during the development stage and I think I've only had one error. One thing to bear in mind is that not all midi interfaces are equal. I've tried sysex transfers with non brand usb to midi cables and they are not up to the task. One thing that is worth trying though is to slow down the transfer even slower than the recommended settings. Also close all other programs and don't touch your computer while transferring as browsers, your daw etc might send a midi message and that would be enough to mess things up. Hope that helps, good luck.
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thanks. I've managed to get it working with a plastic Midisport Uno 1x1, using Bome's Send SX at it's default 0.97 kbyte/s. I was using my Midisport 4x4 before, which I've had for years and updated quite a few synths with it (Roland and Dave Smith... maybe others). I consider that the better one, and it's the one I mostly use - always with the same USB cable too.
Hi Chris, thanks to your video I just managed to play the update on my XFM. Worked absolutely flawlessly. I would not have been able to do that so quickly without these instructions .. I still have a question or an idea. Is it actually possible to play new presets on the device in the same way? Admittedly, I've already tried it without success. There are countless patches in Sysex format to download from the Internet. I once owned a Volca FM, with which it was possible to load new presets. If so, what should I watch out for ... if not, that would be a suggestion for a subsequent update. I know presets are only for lazy people :)) I've also created a few sounds of my own. It's really fun. So thank you again for your successful tutorials!
Hi. No problem, glad you found it useful Yes you can save and load patterns and FM sounds via sysex midi too. I'll be making a tutorial on this at some point. The XFM isn't compatible with any legacy products though so you won't be able to load dx7 sounds like you can on the Volca FM, but there is a site where sounds can be downloaded from though I forget it's name at the moment
Most things I own are at least this complicated to be honest. I updated my Behringer Neutron recently which required me to install software to install a new driver so the update software would recognise the synth so the editing software would work. Took a couple of hours of digging through different PDF files to work out what was going on! But yeah, I hope in the future Sonicware products come with usb as standard which would swerve the need for a din midi interface
You can use a usb to midi cable but avoid the really cheap non branded ones that you find on Amazon, eBay etc as they're not good enough to transmit sysex midi accurately. I've used the usb to midi cable I show in the section that starts at 1:17 It's an M-audio one, also the ones by Roland will work too
I'm sure you could do it like that yeah. But also the Cycles looks like it has midi on mini jacks so you'd just need the correct adapter and you could connect them directly together
im trying to do this with model cycles and this does not seem to work. UPDT on the screen does not change to RCV when i click send. all the cables and midi ports are fine, checked them w other gear
I'm not sure what to suggest, but if you have any problems not covered here you can post a question on the Facebook group or send a support request through the Sonicware website.
I am so glad you did this video as I have a short memory. I had to refer to it again to update my Liven Lofi 12 to the newest update. I am using a MAC. So I used sysEx librarian. I will put the link to the one minute short video I did . but I am sure UA-cam will delete it. But here goes ua-cam.com/users/shorts31fr0eHUkxg?feature=share
I guess it's too late to put in requests for a XFM firmware update. Nevertheless here's one I hope you can pass on to Sonicware. When one enters edit mode with an existing patch then presses shift+func to see that patch's algorithm, the display defaults to "AlG-01." Would it be possible to change this so that pressing shift+func brings up that patch's actual algorithm? If the patch in question does not conform to any of the 16 factory algorithms, add a "Alg-00."
Evan and I have been adding requests that come through on the Facebook page onto a user requests list so I'll add that there for consideration. The only problem I can see with that idea is that any adjustments to a preset algorithm even by a tiny bit would put the patch into the Alg-00 category so I'm not sure it would be possible, but I'll see what the engineers think. Hope you're finding it fun to use in general
@@ChrisLodyMusic Yes I'm loving my XFM and have even (almost) figured out a couple different patches by myself (progress!). As for my suggestion: even though one can vary the amount by which one operator modulates another/themselves, they're still ostensibly either modulators or carriers. Therefore customising an existing patch without changing the M/C relationships shouldn't change its algorithm assignation (imo).
Great video thanks for that! For anyone using the Roland UM-One USB to MIDI interface, i had to select the UM-One in the "Port Mapper Section" after adding it as an output. Until I realized that I kept getting error messages.
Thanks, I'll pin that comment
Just got a used 8bit Warps with original firmware 1.1, updated to 3.0, following your video, worked great. Thanks. Incredible machine for the $$.
thanks to your tutorial the update works so fine. under win10 i installed bome send sx v.140 i selected for my "midi out" the m audio usb/midi interface, also loaded LIVEN_8SYSTEM_3_0_76.syx latest firmware {23 july 2024} and pushed the "send" buttonthe update works so fine and easy
Glad to here it 😁👍
without this guide i would be completely lost updating my new lofi 12, thanks
Glad to help, hope you're enjoying the Lofi-12
just a quick tip, it took me a while to get this to work. as soon as i selected a device i got an error message. I had to manaully change a setting. If i recall, i had to manually lower the bit rate to something really low. i found it in a midi ox forum. I know that's not terribly helpful, but i did this over a month ago. Hopefully it's better than nothing.
Great Tutorial, Suscribed!!! , just a Question, how do you import new drum presets?? Thank Bro
Thank you, glad to help. I'm guessing you must mean for the Liven 8 Bit Warps (drums were also released for the Lofi-12). It works very similar to this video accept you boot up like normal, load a sound memory you'd like to overwrite with the MEM button, page buttons and step buttons like normal. Then send over a single *.syx sound from the zip file below, this will overwrite the current sound, then save the sound memory with Func+MEM to save the sound. Continue until you've added as many drum sounds as you want. I started at MEM 128 and worked backwards as they're blank at that end by default.
www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/LIVEN_8bitwarps/8bitwarps_v3_Preset_Drum_sounds.zip
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thanks so much Chris , i did it with this :3, now i have my 8bit updated and with drum sounds, Awesome Channel dude!!
Doing both tomorrow, finally. 😄
I would say have fun, but that's a tough ask. Maybe make a coffee or something while you wait ☕😁
@@ChrisLodyMusic 🤣 right?
Did a new FW just come out? Nice tutorial!
Thanks. Not yet but I've been beta testing some so shouldn't be long I think
although my midi setup works (midi inputs from my pc arrive at the liven) when updating it doesn't get through. The midi device settings in midi-ox are correct too, if I test whether midi commands from the programs built in keyboard arive at my liven, they do. But when sending the syx file it just sends it into the void. The liven screen, stays on "update" and no update actually arrives at the liven. What a bummer.
It sounds like your midi device might not be compatible with midi sysex, not all midi interfaces are unfortunately. Can you try connecting it a using a different interface? Or as an alternative try slowing down the midi transfer from midi-ox
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thank you for the quick reply/help.
I think that might just be it. I am currently using a cheap direct usb midi device to connect my pc to the liven, because my go-to audio interface has no midi port.
But I have an old audio interface from M-audio with midi, and if that fails I can try it with interfaces from a friend. I'll do that tomorrow, feeling optimistic. Thank you. :)
@tormint5294 Okay that sounds like a plan. It's best to avoid the really cheap non branded usb to midi cables that you find on Amazon and eBay though as they're likely to have the same problem. I bought one once and it wasn't up to the task. Both M-Audio and Roland make the same thing but they're much better quality, those will work.
Hi, when I hold Shift+Power I get ER.11 instead of UPDT, I’ve contacted sonicware support to see what can be done.. (this is with the xFM, & the the m-audio midi to usb interface u show)
Oh that's strange, I'm not sure what the different error codes mean. Have you tried entering update mode with nothing connected to the midi sockets?
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thanks for the reply Chris, & yes I tried disconnecting the midi cables, & then going to update mode. I also tried factory resetting, but I’m not sure if it worked properly because the error still happens. Still, I’ve been makings sounds with the xFM & am really enjoying it! Hopefully Sonicware get back to me with a solution, otherwise I’ll send it back for a replacement - I really do want to have a fully functional xFM! 💗🎸🎛🚀
Strange that. I'm sure they'll be able to help you. If you're not already on it the Liven Facebook group is a good place to get help and support. Evan who is the English speaking tech and marketing staff member will often arrange video calls with people to work out what's happening
@@ChrisLodyMusic thanks for the info Chris. I don’t use Facebook, so can’t get support that way. I still haven’t had a reply from my support request from sonicware, but I’ll leave it till Monday, at which point I’ll contact the shop I bought it from, & request a replacement. I really do love the xFM, it’s a wonderful little synth, just need to get it working properly..
Thank again, & keep up the great work! 👍🎛🚀
@@Moh-Tor I have had the same issue. Haven't got it resolved either.
I have only LINUX as my OS and I do have a Midi sport 1x1 which is natively supported by Linux. What software can I use to send sysex files via LINUX OS?
Using Linux for Sysex is not something I've tested, but this tool would appear to do what you need. github.com/Erriez/midi-sysex-io
Some DAW software is also capable of sending and recieving midi Sysex, though again it's not something I have experience in
Doing everything correctly but my lofi-12 does not show it receiving any of the data.
Update: It was indeed my cheap MIDI to usb cable, even though it’s worked on other synths. Thanks!
They really need to add usb next it’s 2023 ffs.
If you're struggling you might want to try the email support here sonicware.jp/pages/support
@@ChrisLodyMusic thanks, i got it installed. I’m still struggling learning this device. Usually i can be adequate with samplers with in a few days to a week but this one is like doing math for some reason. I’ll keep trying though.
I've been trying to update a Liven XFM with the version 1.0 firmware, and getting ER.20 every single time, at the end of the transfer, which the pdf says means data reception error.
I started by following the instructions in the update pdf, which are like this video but it gives configuration settings for midi-ox. Then I tried Bome's Send SX, at various different speeds...
At the end of the pdf it suggests trying midi-ox again with different settings, which begs the question why they gave ones to start with that they thought could be improved on.
Any updated advice? I'm beginning to despair, at this point.
I've heard of a few people that have had trouble with this but I've updated them lots in the past during the development stage and I think I've only had one error. One thing to bear in mind is that not all midi interfaces are equal. I've tried sysex transfers with non brand usb to midi cables and they are not up to the task. One thing that is worth trying though is to slow down the transfer even slower than the recommended settings. Also close all other programs and don't touch your computer while transferring as browsers, your daw etc might send a midi message and that would be enough to mess things up. Hope that helps, good luck.
@@ChrisLodyMusic Thanks. I've managed to get it working with a plastic Midisport Uno 1x1, using Bome's Send SX at it's default 0.97 kbyte/s.
I was using my Midisport 4x4 before, which I've had for years and updated quite a few synths with it (Roland and Dave Smith... maybe others). I consider that the better one, and it's the one I mostly use - always with the same USB cable too.
Oh that's strange. I'm not sure why that would be the case but I'm glad you got it working
My god, no usb there for midi & fwupdates?
Hi Chris, thanks to your video I just managed to play the update on my XFM. Worked absolutely flawlessly. I would not have been able to do that so quickly without these instructions ..
I still have a question or an idea. Is it actually possible to play new presets on the device in the same way? Admittedly, I've already tried it without success. There are countless patches in Sysex format to download from the Internet. I once owned a Volca FM, with which it was possible to load new presets. If so, what should I watch out for ... if not, that would be a suggestion for a subsequent update. I know presets are only for lazy people :)) I've also created a few sounds of my own. It's really fun. So thank you again for your successful tutorials!
Hi. No problem, glad you found it useful
Yes you can save and load patterns and FM sounds via sysex midi too. I'll be making a tutorial on this at some point. The XFM isn't compatible with any legacy products though so you won't be able to load dx7 sounds like you can on the Volca FM, but there is a site where sounds can be downloaded from though I forget it's name at the moment
Why on earth did they make it this complicated to update firmware? I have a number of synths and none of them are this complex.
Most things I own are at least this complicated to be honest. I updated my Behringer Neutron recently which required me to install software to install a new driver so the update software would recognise the synth so the editing software would work. Took a couple of hours of digging through different PDF files to work out what was going on! But yeah, I hope in the future Sonicware products come with usb as standard which would swerve the need for a din midi interface
Medi to usb cable direkt in the computer or nead this interface converter box ?
You can use a usb to midi cable but avoid the really cheap non branded ones that you find on Amazon, eBay etc as they're not good enough to transmit sysex midi accurately. I've used the usb to midi cable I show in the section that starts at 1:17 It's an M-audio one, also the ones by Roland will work too
@@ChrisLodyMusicah ok . Thanks
Thanks
You're welcome 😁
I wonder if i can McGyver smth with Model Samples connected with usb to pc and then thru it thru midi din to XFM ?
I'm sure you could do it like that yeah. But also the Cycles looks like it has midi on mini jacks so you'd just need the correct adapter and you could connect them directly together
im trying to do this with model cycles and this does not seem to work. UPDT on the screen does not change to RCV when i click send. all the cables and midi ports are fine, checked them w other gear
I'm not sure what to suggest, but if you have any problems not covered here you can post a question on the Facebook group or send a support request through the Sonicware website.
@@ChrisLodyMusic cheers man i surely will. just posted here in case somebody had similar issue
I am so glad you did this video as I have a short memory. I had to refer to it again to update my Liven Lofi 12 to the newest update. I am using a MAC. So I used sysEx librarian. I will put the link to the one minute short video I did . but I am sure UA-cam will delete it. But here goes ua-cam.com/users/shorts31fr0eHUkxg?feature=share
Thank you. Good work on the short too, I'm sure many people will find that helpful 😁
@@ChrisLodyMusic oh thanks glad you felt it could be useful!!
I guess it's too late to put in requests for a XFM firmware update. Nevertheless here's one I hope you can pass on to Sonicware. When one enters edit mode with an existing patch then presses shift+func to see that patch's algorithm, the display defaults to "AlG-01." Would it be possible to change this so that pressing shift+func brings up that patch's actual algorithm? If the patch in question does not conform to any of the 16 factory algorithms, add a "Alg-00."
Evan and I have been adding requests that come through on the Facebook page onto a user requests list so I'll add that there for consideration. The only problem I can see with that idea is that any adjustments to a preset algorithm even by a tiny bit would put the patch into the Alg-00 category so I'm not sure it would be possible, but I'll see what the engineers think. Hope you're finding it fun to use in general
@@ChrisLodyMusic Yes I'm loving my XFM and have even (almost) figured out a couple different patches by myself (progress!). As for my suggestion: even though one can vary the amount by which one operator modulates another/themselves, they're still ostensibly either modulators or carriers. Therefore customising an existing patch without changing the M/C relationships shouldn't change its algorithm assignation (imo).