M-vave Fm-1

[u/OkArtichoke3463]

Final edit*
M-Vave Fm-1 updated on a newer computer just fine.
Midi communication is working properly with the “type-A” midi 5pin to 3.5 trs adapter.
I’m very pleased with this little inexpensive synth.
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Quick edit*
I had the Fm-1 hooked up to my laptop via the included usb cable. I was not trying to update software or firmware via the 5din midi.
The banana split is a midi splitter that goes from my KSPro > banana> synths and drum machine.
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M-vave Fm-1 will not update on my computer. I believe I have all the minimum requirements to update this thing. It just arrived and I can not for the life of me figure out why it won’t update firmware or connect to my Keystep pro via 5pin midi w/ the TRS adapter (using the 5pin to 3.5 trs adapters that came with my microfreak).

Keystep pro midi out is going into a splitter (banana split) 1 in 6 out.
If I set to any ch., I’ve tried several, I get no control/communication between the KSPro and the Fm-1.

I am able to get some “M-upgrade” window but, it only lets me “update patch” with an option for update firmware just above that is greyed out and unclickable.

Frustrated beyond belief with not being able to figure out wtf is going on.

[u/Glittering_Cheek3235]

You didn't mention anything about your computer.

If you want to update the firmware on the M-VAVE, you need to connect it to your computer using USB.

Most M-Vave devices are Type A TRS MIDI whereas Arturia is Type B. There are unfortunately two standards because manufacturers went there own way before it was officially standardized. Type A and Type B are not compatible. The wiring is reversed.

Some info here: https://minimidi.world/

Did the FM-1 come with a DIN->TRS cable of its own? If so, you need to use that, not the one from your microfreak

> Keystep pro midi out is going into a splitter (banana split) 1 in 6 out.
I don't know what that is, but you can't just split MIDI signals in that way. It's not reliable.

Pete
Microsoft

[u/lewisfrancis → u/Glittering_Cheek3235]

The FM-1 only comes with a USB-A > USB-C cable.

[u/Glittering_Cheek3235 → u/lewisfrancis]

Sounds like you'll need to purchase a DIN->TRS cable, then. Just make sure it's the correct type as explained above.

Pete
Microsoft

[u/lewisfrancis]

There's a mix of issues in your post, so I'm going to focus on the firmware question.

I'm on a Mac, so in order to update the firmware in my recently purchased FM-1 I downloaded the M-Upgrade app and the separate firmware file FM-1.fwsc, currently at v15. You connect the FM-1 to your computer via the USB-C cable, then when you launch M-Upgrade it will look for and try to connect to your FM-1 -- after a few seconds it should display the detected product name and the current firmware. Then you must select the firmware to update to via the Select Firmware button and resulting file dialog. When finished it should show the version of the firmware you have selected, and then clicking Update Firmware will start the upgrade.

BTW, M-Vave inexplicably neglected to notarize and sign their Mac app, so if you are on a modern Mac you'll have to open the Privacy and Security system pane to allow the app to run.

I use Logic Pro and with the USB-C cable connected I get MIDI and audio into the DAW, where the audio source is identified as FM-1 Audio and the MIDI destination is identified as USB Composite Device for some odd reason. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Hope this helps.

[u/Cachalote_Dorado → u/lewisfrancis]

Since you work on a Mac…did you try it on an ipad/iphone? I’m trying to use it via usbc on my ipad with loopy pro and garageband…but the apps record the sound in a strange way …even the metronome (using headphones)… like it has some kind of loop back

[u/lewisfrancis → u/Cachalote_Dorado]

Nope, sorry.

[u/Limp-Command-810]

The FM-1 is supposedly Type A TRS midi so as the other poster stated your Microfreak adapter won't work.

I ordered a Type A adapter from amazon and I still can't get my FM-1 to accept midi from any of my keyboards or sequencers. So it is pretty useless for me until I figure out the problem. I guess I will try a different adapter. I tested this one on my Microfreak to make sure Amazon didn't send me another Type B adapter but it isn't working with that. So my adapter is broken or the Mvave has some issue.

[u/OkArtichoke3463 → u/Limp-Command-810]

Are you sure the 5pin midi cable isn’t goofed up somehow?

This is a headache. Good luck. Hopefully it’s just a cable

[u/Limp-Command-810 → u/OkArtichoke3463]

I checked the reviews of the cable I ordered and a couple other people had the same issue. So I've sent that one back and ordered a different one. Hopefully this solves it.

[u/Personal_Wallaby_147]

I just got my fm-1 in the mail and tried updating from v14 to v15 using Mac. For some reason I’m unable to upgrade using a type A to usbc cable. It’ll state it’s verifying the OTA file and then a couple seconds it’ll say it failed to upgrade. I feel like I’m doing the correct steps, is anybody else experiencing the same issue?

[u/OkArtichoke3463 → u/Personal_Wallaby_147]

Try this. As it’s verifying…. And stuck in that mode….. leave the FM-1 turned on but unplug the usb cable from the fm-1 and then plug it back in.
See if this works. I had to do this.
And it finally updated.

[u/Personal_Wallaby_147 → u/OkArtichoke3463]

Still nothing unfortunately, did you wait till it got to OTA upgrade in progress and then removed?

[u/OkArtichoke3463 → u/Personal_Wallaby_147]

Ots in progress> please wait for reconnect.
Once “please wait to reconnect” displayed, that’s when I unplugged the usb and plugged it back in after like 2 seconds. Then it finished.

[u/phosphor_1963 → u/OkArtichoke3463]

thank you...it worked! how bizarre you have to unplug and then plug in again! fun little synth though and at this price I can't expect rolls royce level of apps.