Upload Firmware

Prerequisites

You’ll need a SysEx tool for your operating system:

macOS

Sysex Librarian - Free, reliable SysEx tool for macOS.

Windows

MIDI OX - Popular MIDI utility with SysEx support.

Linux

amidi - Command-line tool, usually included with ALSA:

# Install if needed (Debian/Ubuntu)
sudo apt install alsa-utils

Upload Process

1. Enter Bootloader Mode

   Hold down the Setup button (top-left corner) while powering up the device. The device will start in bootloader mode.

2. Send the Firmware

   macOS
   1. Open Sysex Librarian
   2. Select “Launchpad Pro” as the destination
   3. Add the polyboard.syx file
   4. Click “Play” to send

   Tip: Set the delay between messages to the minimum for faster upload.

   Windows
   1. Open MIDI OX
   2. Go to View > SysEx…
   3. In the SysEx window, go to File > Send SysEx File
   4. Select polyboard.syx and send
   Linux

   # List MIDI devices to find your Launchpad
   amidi -l
   
   # Send the firmware (replace hw:1,0,0 with your device)
   amidi -p hw:1,0,0 -s polyboard.syx

3. Wait for Completion

   The grid will briefly scroll “upgrading…” across the display. Wait for the device to reboot automatically.

4. Verify Installation

   After reboot, you should see the PolyBoard logo (a magenta and teal checkerboard pattern) displayed briefly on the grid.

Troubleshooting

Device not recognized in bootloader mode

• Ensure you’re holding Setup while powering up
• Try a different USB port or cable
• Make sure the device is connected directly to your computer, not through a hub

Upload fails or times out

• Reduce the delay between SysEx messages in your tool
• Try disconnecting other MIDI devices
• Restart your SysEx tool and try again

Device doesn’t boot after upload

• Re-enter bootloader mode and try the upload again
• Download a fresh copy of the firmware file
• If problems persist, you can restore the original Novation firmware from their website