From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Mon Dec 23 08:20:47 2002
Subject:Korg CX-3 FAQ
Hi All,
There has been a lot of recent discussion about the Korg CX-3 and the upgrade to V2.0. As someone who was at least partially involved with the project -- I made several suggestions of features that were included in V2.0, and I did some last-minute beta testing of the upgrade program -- let me try to set the record straight.
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Old CX-3 vs. CX-3 V1 vs. CX-3 V2
The original (circa 1982) CX-3 was a predominantly analog instrument. There was no provision for MIDI, or for upgrading the sounds. There are (were?) MIDI retrofit kits available, but their use was limited to key information only.
The CX-3 V1 came out in late 2000. It is a digital instrument, with the capability of upgrading the programming code that runs the instrument. It has a short, fat lip on each the ends of the white keys; that is the easiest way to tell if the CX-3 is V1 hardware.
The CX-3 V2 came out this summer, and has "waterfall" keys like a B-3. It also has a number of software (actually, firmware) enhancements; many are relatively minor in scope, but I for one think the mellow drawbars and ability to select "shallow" or "deep" triggering are not minor things. Most of them are clear wins for the user, with the only exception being the new vibrato chorus -- some like the new balance, others do not. (My personal opinion is that it is more authentic than the V1 vibrato, and I like it.)
The easiest way to tell if the CX-3 is V1 or V2 is to look for the drawbar animation on the screen during startup, which was added at V2. If you're still not sure, turn the organ off, then hold down the Display key during the entire power on sequence. If you have V1 firmware, you will see something like --
M01070501 S00111500
on the display. If you have V2 firmware, you will see something like --
Main 2.01 Sub 1.00
On some revisions, this message will go away after a few seconds, so you have to look for it.
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Upgrading the V1 CX-3 to V2
The new CX-3 has built-in capabilities of using the MIDI ports and System Exclusive (SysEx) data to upgrade the firmware in the unit, without having to physically open the case. The new CX-3 was always made to be upgraded, but wasn't really made to be USER UPGRADEABLE. The original intention seems to have been to allow the factory floor or a service center to correct a software problem in an older unit. There was an earlier "updater" program that appeared on the Korg Canada site for a while, but was eventually pulled. It was very hard to use, even for a technical person like myself.
This year, Korg -- actually, Korg USA -- put together an upgrade software program to allow V1 owners to receive the benefits of the V2 firmware. This program was released in September, but one of the early users (a CWSG list member) accidentally uncovered a flaw in the upgrade program (NOT the V2 firmware) which rendered his CX-3 useless. Korg immediately pulled the program from their website, and it has remained so ever since. Hopefully, it will resurface soon, with corrections.
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Downgrading the V2 CX-3 to V1
A couple of V2 or V1-upgraded owners have mentioned that they do not like some of the changes in the V2 firmware, and would like to downgrade to V1. There is no easy way to do this. The only software I know of that can program V1 is the old, unfriendly loader that used to be on the Korg Canada site. This code is NOT suitable for use by 90-99% of all owners. Authorized Korg service centers, however, have access to the program, and can re-install V1 for a not-quite-nominal fee. Somewhere down the line, maybe Korg will provide a version to reverse the process, if there is enough demand for it. Remember, it's a FREE program, so it's harder to justify additions to the project.
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How do I get a copy of the code?
The best answer is: you wait for the release of the new upgrade program from Korg.
A few of the list members have a copy of the old code, and if you're technical enough to understand the issues of the bug, you might get one of them to give you a copy. Remember, though: you are on your own. Korg WILL NOT fix your CX-3 for free if you use this "broken" upgrade software and run into problems.
Every so often, I receive an offline request from a member asking me to give them I copy of the upgrade. I would like to publicly state that I will NOT honor these requests. When the upgrade came out, I asked if I could post it on my website, and Korg requested that I not post the program itself; rather, I should provide a pointer to the Korg site. I intend to honor this request. I have used the current code myself, and I believe that it is reliable when used with my personal hardware and software combination, but I can't speak for other setups. Once I give the program to others, I can't prevent further distribution, and I'm not about to get involved in releasing a program with known bugs.
Regards,
-BW
--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com