How do I update the software on my A6?
1. Obtain the new operating system (OS) from the Alesis website (www.alesis.com).
The file will need to be decompressed via a utility such as Unzip before using. Make sure
your utility does not alter the files in any way, such as stripping line-feeds, or converting
files to text. The decompressed files will have the extensions “.mid” for MIDI files and
“.syx” for System Exclusive files.
2. Start your sequencer program or SysEx transfer software (like Alesis Freeloader),
decide which file format to use, and load the file(s) into your program.
You may decide to use either the SysEx files or MIDI files, whichever your software is
able to transmit. The multiple-file format (files prefixed by an “M”) is for programs that
can’t handle large single files. If you choose to use the multiple files, you may transmit
them to the A6 in any order and the A6 will sort them out. In some sequencers, you may
need to open a blank sequence before opening a SysEx file.
3. Make sure you disable any “Chase Events”, “Send MIDI Clock” and “Transmit
MMC/MTC” functions in your sequencing software. You may also need to
increase the buffer size or adjust the transmit speed of your sequencing software.
4. Connect the computer’s MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN of the Andromeda.
5. Turn on the Andromeda while holding down soft button 7. A screen will appear
showing the current software version number. It will also display, “IF RAM
CARD IS IN PLEASE REMOVE IT AND PRESS ANY SWITCH.” Do that.
6. The display will now say, “Press STORE to upgrade OS-any other switch to
exit.” Press STORE.
7. Now press PLAY on your sequencer. It is normal for many sequencers to “freeze”
the display while sending a SysEx message, so it may seem that nothing is
happening, but wait several minutes for the transmission to complete. You
should see the count of blocks increment on the A6’s screen, and the progress bar
will slowly fill in. This takes several minutes for a complete operating system.
8. Eventually, after all blocks have been received, the screen will display a message
“GOOD DOWNLOAD-PRESS STORE TO BURN FLASH”. Press STORE and the
messages “Erasing Block XX” and “Writing Block XX” will appear. Do not
interrupt this part of the process for any reason, or your flash memory could get
corrupted and your A6 might require factory service!
9. At the end of the process, the Andromeda will automatically restart, return the
unit to Program mode, and retune.
Note that updating the OS does not overwrite your User or Preset Programs or
Mixes. However, it is a good idea to save your work before updating your OS.
If your transmission was not successful, a “BAD CHECKSUM” message will appear
on the screen. DON’T PANIC. You can always repeat the procedure or leave your
current OS untouched. A new OS file is not stored permanently until the flash
memory is burned. Try adjusting the parameters in your computer software (some
of which are mentioned above) until you get a good download.
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