Japanese synthesizer manufacturer Sonicware has updated the firmware for the Liven Ambient 0. The new software version for the synthesizer specializing in ambient soundscapes, which was released in the middle of last year and met with such great interest that the first batches were quickly sold out, corrects some annoying errors.

When visiting the website for the Ambient 0 on the Sonicware website, the firmware 1.1.26 is offered directly for download. The 1.1 version corrects the problem that rapid changes to the low-pass filter (LPF) can produce shrill sounds. It also irons out unspecified problems with legato and unison in voice mode.

Firmware update via MIDI SysEx

As with many older synthesizers, the approximately 1.25 MB .syx file can be transferred to the hardware using the MIDI SysEx extension.

Under Windows, Sonicware recommends Midi-Ox for transferring the update; the latest version is Midi-Ox 7.0.2 from June 2010 – which also runs under Windows 11. Under macOS, on the other hand, the manufacturer recommends the more recent SysExLibrarian, which was last updated in 2023.

After the Ambient 0 has been connected to the computer via MIDI In, the “Shift” button on the device must be pressed together with “Power” to switch on and start flash mode. The display then shows “UPDT” to indicate that it is ready to receive. An error message “ER.11”, on the other hand, indicates a low battery level. Ideally, the synthesizer should be connected to a power supply unit to ensure a reliable power supply during the update process.

While the software on the computer shows a progress bar for the transfer, the Ambient 0 shows “RCV” on the display and the progress is indicated by the sequencer steps’ LEDs lighting up. After the transfer, which takes several minutes, the instrument installs the new firmware by confirming with the green “OK” button. If the process was successful, the display shows “OK” and the Ambient 0 must be restarted.

The active firmware version can be checked by pressing the oval button “2” and Power at the same time and pressing the button “1/3”. This should show “S 11” in the display. A second press shows the build, which should be “26”.

(dmk)