I’m excited to announce the release of Firmware Version 8! This update brings a variety of new features and improvements, giving you more flexibility and customization options.

If you're happy with the current firmware on your device, updating is not required. However, if you need any of the new features listed below, you may want to consider upgrading. Please note that firmware updates come with a small risk — if the update process is interrupted, the device could become bricked. In such cases, you would need to open the case and follow specific recovery steps to restore functionality.

Please remember you need to configure again with web configuration tool once you updae your device.

 

Features in Version 8

• Support for bank changes
• New operation modes, including:
  • MIDI Normal Mode
  • MIDI Pitchbend Mode
  • MIDI Program Change Mode
  • MIDI Custom Mode
  • Keyboard Mode
  • Consumer Control (e.g., volume control)
  • Mouse Mode
  • Bank Change Support

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MODES DETAILS

1. MIDI Normal Mode

Encoders and Potentiometers

• Encoders and potentiometers can send CC (Control Change) or Note On messages based on the knob’s position.
• You can configure the MIDI channel, and set specific CC numbers or Note numbers.
• The CC value or Note velocity will be sent based on the knob’s position.
• You can also define minimum and maximum values in the Global Variables section.

Keys

• Keys can send CC 127 or Note velocity 127 when pressed.
• Both MIDI channel and CC number are configurable.
• You can also define custom CC values or velocities.
• Toggle mode is available.

Toggle Mode for Keys

• In toggle mode, the button switches between a predefined value and 0 each time you press it.
• Toggle mode works not only in MIDI modes but also in other modes, such as Keyboard Mode.

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2. MIDI Pitchbend Mode

• Works with Encoders and Potentiometers.
• Rotating the encoder or potentiometer sends pitchbend data.

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3. MIDI Program Change Mode

Encoders and Potentiometers

• Encoders and potentiometers send Program Change messages based on position.

Keys

• Keys can send Program Change messages with configurable numbers.
• Configuration is available through the Web Configuration Tool.

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4. MIDI Custom Mode

This is the biggest new feature in this release.

Encoders and Potentiometers

• Encoders and potentiometers can send custom messages.
• You can set different values for left turn and right turn independently.
• This effectively allows for relative control with custom messages.

Keys

• Each key can have separate behaviors for:
  • Press action
  • Release action
• Toggle mode is also available

Supported midi messages: Note off, Note on, Program change, Control Change (CC), Pitchbend

 

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5. Keyboard, Consumer Control, and Mouse Features

• These are general-purpose modes, allowing the device to act as a standard keyboard, volume controller, or mouse.

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6. Bank Change Support

• Encoders and Keys can change banks.
• The number of available banks depends on the number of elements (keys and potentiometers) your device has.
  • For example, a device with 24 potentiometers can have 3 banks.
  • A device with 8 potentiometers + 2 keys can support up to 8 banks.
• By default, devices start with 2 banks.
• You can change the bank count in the Global Variables tab in the Web Configuration Tool.

How to Change Banks

• You can assign dedicated keys for Bank+ and Bank- functions.
• Alternatively, if you have an encoder, you can use it to change banks. Detented encoders are recommended for this, as the physical bumps make it easier to track changes.
• If your device only has one key, you can enable Bank Looping in the Global Variables tab.
  • With Bank Looping enabled, pressing the key when you're at the last bank will cycle back to Bank 0.
  • This is especially useful for setups with a single encoder with an integrated push button.

Bank Configuration

• Each bank requires configuration before use.

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Global Variables

Encoder Acceleration Level

• Default: 8
• The faster you turn the encoder, the more values are sent.
• Set to 0 to disable acceleration.
• Adjustable via the Global Variables tab.

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Potentiometer/Fader Smooth Filter Level

• Default: 4
• Defines how many sensor values are averaged to produce the final reading.
• Higher values produce smoother movements but reduce responsiveness.
• Adjustable via the Global Variables tab.

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Minimum and Maximum CC Values for Knobs

• Applies to potentiometers, faders, and encoders.
• Set minimum and maximum values to constrain the range of messages.
  • For example, if your potentiometer should range from 10 to 100, set the min to 10 and max to 100.

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LED colors (only for 1ES2K for now - FEB 2025)

• If your device has LEDs, you can configure them to reflect the current position when using Normal Mode. 
• This color setup is only applied on the first bank index.
• Other banks have pre-defined color. it cannot be changed.
• Also can be turned off by checking disabled led checkbox. this turns off all the color led compeletely for all time.

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Anti-Jumping for Banks

• Default: Unchecked
• Applies to potentiometers and faders.
• When enabled, each bank remembers the last position of each control.
• No MIDI message is sent until the knob or fader matches the remembered position, avoiding sudden value jumps when switching banks.
• Encoders don't need this feature because encoders can starts where it was. on the other hands, potentiometers and faders cannot start where it was.