Elektron has released OS 1.40, bringing a range of workflow improvements, new sound design tools, and expanded sequencing functionality. If you’re ready to update your device, the process is straightforward using Elektron Transfer, the company’s free file management and update utility.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your Elektron device, along with a breakdown of the key improvements included in the update.
Before You Start
To install the update, you’ll need:
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The OS SYX file for your device
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Elektron Transfer software (available from the Elektron website)
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A USB connection or MIDI interface, depending on your upgrade method
Elektron Transfer handles the process of sending the firmware file to your device and initiating the upgrade.
Method 1: Upgrading from Within the OS (USB)
This is the easiest method if your current firmware supports Transfer.
Steps
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Connect your Elektron device to your computer via USB.
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Power on the device.
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Open the Elektron Transfer application.
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On the CONNECTION page, select your Elektron device for both MIDI IN and MIDI OUT.
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Navigate to the DROP page.
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Drag and drop the OS SYX file into the window.
Transfer will automatically send the update to your device.
Once the file begins transferring, a progress bar will appear on your device screen.
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Press [YES] on the device to confirm the OS update.
If your current firmware does not fully support Transfer, the software will automatically redirect you to the Legacy OS Upgrade page where you can continue the update process.
When the installation finishes, the device will restart automatically.
Method 2: Upgrading from the STARTUP Menu (Legacy Method)
If USB updating is unavailable, you can perform the upgrade through the device’s MIDI port.
Steps
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Connect the device to your computer using a MIDI interface (USB cannot be used for this method).
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Hold the [FUNC] button while powering on the device.
This opens the STARTUP menu.
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Press [TRIG 4] to enter OS UPGRADE mode.
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Open Elektron Transfer on your computer.
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On the CONNECTION page, select “LEGACY OS UPGRADE mode.”
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Go to the LEGACY OS UPGRADE page.
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Browse and select the downloaded OS SYX file.
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Select your MIDI interface.
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Click UPGRADE.
As with the USB method, a progress bar will appear on the device screen while the update is transferred.
When the process is complete, the unit will restart automatically.
Important Notes During the Update
After some firmware updates, the bootstrap loader may also update. This occurs immediately after the device restarts.
⚠️ Do not turn off the device during this process.
Also note:
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Downgrading the OS is not supported and may result in data loss.
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Always proceed carefully when installing firmware updates.
If you encounter issues or discover bugs, you can report them to Elektron Support via their official support page.
What’s New in OS 1.40
The latest update adds new sound engines, sequencing tools, and workflow improvements.
New Machines and Sound Design Features
SP TWINSHOT
A new dual sample player machine that expands sample playback capabilities and opens new layering possibilities.
Key Tracking Modulation
You can now use key tracking to modulate up to four assignable parameters, allowing sounds to evolve dynamically across the keyboard.
This feature is available in:
SOUND → SETUP
FX Track Filter Enhancement
A new FILTER PAN parameter has been added to the FX track’s multi-mode filter.
Advanced Sequencing Tools
Track Relations
You can now link tracks together to create layered sounds or choking behavior, where one track cuts off another.
Access this feature via:
PATTERN Menu → Track Relations
New Trig Conditions
Three new trig conditions have been added:
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LST
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Not LST
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Not A:B
These expand conditional sequencing possibilities for more complex pattern variation.
Prepared Mutes
You can now prepare tracks to be muted or unmuted, making live performance control smoother.
Personalization and Workflow Improvements
A new PERSONALIZE menu centralizes several settings, including:
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LED intensity
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LED backlight
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Remember subpage
Additional new options include:
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Apply parameter locks to all steps or only steps with trigs
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Automatically copy trigs when extending sequencer pages
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Choose how the DATA ENTRY knob behaves when editing notes
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Add notes and parameter locks to existing trigs during live recording
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Customize how track switching behaves
Sequencer Enhancements
Several new editing tools improve pattern programming:
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Apply parameter locks to all active trigs on a page or track
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Improved pattern selection interface
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A dedicated screen for creating pattern chains
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Support for snap values when parameter locking
Navigation improvements also allow [UP] and [DOWN] to move between parameter pages when not in keyboard mode.
Interface Improvements
Elektron has also refined the user interface:
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Cleaner modulation destination list
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Better envelope handle indicators
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Improved sound pool browsing during sound locks
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Page indicators when parameters span multiple pages
The system also now remembers the selected MUTE mode between power cycles.
Bug Fixes
This update resolves several issues including:
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Menu checkboxes not toggling with [LEFT]/[RIGHT]
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Track sound copying between different machines failing
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Double [STOP] not silencing sounds with certain envelope settings
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Incorrect CC and NRPN mappings for machines added in OS 1.30
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Parameter page reload issues when switching machines
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MIDI track parameter display errors after pattern pasting
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LIVE RECORDING affecting trigs on other pages when looping
Final Thoughts
OS 1.40 is a substantial update that enhances both creative flexibility and workflow efficiency. With new machines, improved sequencing tools, and expanded personalization options, Elektron users gain more control over both performance and sound design.
If you haven’t updated your device yet, installing the latest OS is highly recommended to take full advantage of these new capabilities.
For support or troubleshooting, visit Elektron Support.
Enjoy exploring the new features — and happy sequencing! 🎛️
More information and download here.
