Alesis DM10 - Updating the Firmware on the Module
Alesis periodically releases updates for their drum products that contain added features and sounds. For those drummers out there who have purchased an Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit, the following article walks you through how to easily update the module to the latest firmware.
The first video covers the steps to install the latest firmware updates for the Boot, App, and Trigger settings in your DM10. It also walks through how to install (or reinstall) the latest Factory Sound Set.
You can find the latest update for your module on the DM10 product page at www.alesis.com/dm10.
Do you have the latest firmware?
To find out what operating system and sound ROM you have on your DM10 module, choose the Utility button, press F4 (SYS), and then choose F3 (O/S). The screen will then show the version numbers of the current firmware on the module.
- Trig OS - This is the current version of the Trigger firmware.
- Sound ROM - This is the current version number of the Sound ROM, which is the library of sounds read by the module.
- Sound OS - This is the current version of the module's own firmware.
Compare the Sound ROM version number to what is located under the Downloads and Documents section of the DM10 product page. If you do not have the latest Sound ROM then follow the steps below and in the accompanying video (Windows 7) to update your module.
Alesis DM10 Update Instructions
The Alesis DM10 Updater application allows you to easily update the OS and Sounds in your DM10. This application is available for both Mac OSX and Windows computers.
Prepare for the update
- Download the update files and the updater application from the DM10 page at Alesis.com. This includes the boot, app, triggers and may include sounds.
- Begin with the DM10 disconnected from your computer.
- Disconnect any 5-Pin MIDI cables connected to the DM10’s inputs or outputs.
- Disconnect any other USB MIDI, or USB Audio devices which are connected to your computer.
- Exit any applications on your computer which might be running.
- Now connect the DM10 to a rear USB port on your computer using a USB cable.
Perform the update
- Hold down the REC button while powering on the DM10.
Windows users may see a Found New Hardware Wizard at this point – hit cancel. It is OK to ignore any errors that you might encounter as they will not affect updating. - Open the DM10 Updater Application
- (Windows only) Select the DM10 USB MIDI Interface from the MIDI Interface menu.
On XP this will be called USB Audio Device. - Choose File and then Open and choose the .syx file in the 2 - DM10 Boot folder from the downloaded update.
- Press and hold the Record button on the DM10 module and choose Open. Release the Record button.
- The DM10 module will prompt to reboot. Power off the DM10.
- Repeat steps 1 - 6 for each subsequent file.
These files need to be installed in a particular order. The order is as follows:- DM10 Boot - 1dm0-boot-vx.xxx.syx
- DM10 App - 1dm0-app-vx.xxx.syx
- DM10 Triggers - DM10_triggers_Vx.xxx.syx
- DM10 Sound ROM - DM10_sound_rom-Vx.xx.syx
The installation is complete once all the files have been installed and the DM10 asks you to reboot a final time.
Note: If the update fails, DO NOT power down the DM10. Instead, repeat the procedure above from step 2 onward.
Technical Support and Warranty Service
Whether you are a customer or dealer, if you already own a Alesis product, or if you just have pre-sales questions, the Alesis technical support team is available to help!
Each product has a dedicated support page on the website where you can find manuals, specifications, software updates, drivers and troubleshooting guides: www.alesis.com
Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support options: online community support, phone support, email support.