I have been playing around with the idea of using the Alesis SR18 and Trigger I/O together as a drum module. You can read my original post entitled “Make A Modular Module?“. While working with this set-up today, I thought I might check Alesis for software updates for the SR18. When I got to Alesis downloads section of the SR18 web page, I was surprised to find a firmware update and another one called “SR18 – Presets for use with the USB Pro Drum Kit”. Well, I guess I am not the only one who has been using the SR18 in this manner. Installing the presets for use with the Trigger I/O was easy because Alesis supplied documentation with the file. The problem came when I went to update the firmware. I made the assumption that it worked just like the presets update did. It does not! For the record, the US Alesis website (at the time of this writing) doesn’t tell you how to install a firmware update. I found the information in a Japanese text document. I can’t read Japanese so, I had Google translate the document. Here is the translation:
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Alesis SR18 Firmware version 1.02 Update
October 1, 2008
Changes:
MIDI SysEx between units of SR18 exchange of data and increased stability in the other.
You need to update:
MIDI interface to connect to a computer is required. In addition, SR18 and MIDI cables to connect.
SysEx software to send data is required. For example,
MIDIOX (http://www.midiox.com/) Windows for
SysEx Librarian (http://www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/) Mac for
Please use other.
The SR18 ARESHISU page (http://alesis.jp/products/sr18/) and alesis.com (http://www.alesis.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/203412) from the Firmware Update [v1 .02], Download, zip and unzip files. “Ld32-app-1.02.syx” the file will appear.
Update:
MIDI interface to connect to the computer, ready to work.
MIDI Out MIDI interface and pin MIDI In the SR18 MIDI cables to connect the terminal.
Press the REC button while the SR18 turn. “Download Ready” After appears and the “MIDI Baud” will be displayed.
SysEx software to send data, extracted “ld32-app-1.02.syx” transfer.
The SR18, “Download ? ? ? K” and the data transfer capacity will be displayed.
From the end of the transfer of software, SR18 to the “Download 447K” stopped the show and the update is complete. Please turn off SR18.
The SR18 “SYSTEM SETUP” Turn and press. “Alesis SR18” after “VERSION V1.02” When you see the update is completed successfully.
Pro Audio Japan (shares)
Customer Support
alesis@alesis.jp
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It is not a perfect translation, but it is good enough to get the firmware update into my SR18. I hope this helps anyone out there that is having problems updating his/her firmware. To check what version of the firmware you have just hold down the “System Setup” button while powering on the unit.
Thanks! I work in a music store, and the lack of ‘how to update’ info on Alesis’s website is frankly, astounding. Thanks for your post
Hey does anyone know if this is possible with the akai xr20 model?
I tried starting it up with the system setup button and record and the both work,
version 1.02
Thank you, Phil, for posting this. Although I just recently purchased the unit and it already has the v1.02 updated firmware from the manufacturer, your blog at least showed me how to check the firmware version on my unit. I agree with other commentors that this sort of information shouold be included in the owner’s manual as the end user has a right and a need to know. Would also be good to know if there is a discreet “factory reset” feature that doesn’t wipe out all of the user patterns that were originally included from Alesis. Most other drum units have this feature and it is listed in their manuals, too.
Note: To make 100% sure that you have updated your SR18, have the power off on the SR18, hold down the System setup button and then power the SR18 back on, while the SR18 powers up, continue holding System setup for about 5 seconds. If it says Version V1.02 then you are up to date. If it does not, then you would need to retry sending the update.
Have tried it twice through my Alesis I/o and through my midisport 2X, no soap-no dice-no update….any ideas?
Just curious, but does anyone know what bugs were supposedly ironed out in v.1.02?