Awesome Music Gear Firmware
A curated list of custom firmware for music gear, plus software mods, tools and research. For physical mods and add-ons, see Awesome Music Gear Mods.
Contents
- Ableton
- Akai
- Arturia
- Behringer
- Casio
- Critter & Guitari
- Dirtywave
- Elektron
- Korg
- M-VAVE
- Mutable Instruments
- Novation
- Polyend
- Roland
- Rossum Electro-Music
- Sequential
- Synthstrom
- Teenage Engineering
- Torso
- Yamaha
- Zoom
- 1010music
- Communities
- Related lists
Ableton
Move
- Schwung - Framework that runs custom synths, effects and tools next to the stock Move software.
- Schwung installer - Installer for Schwung.
- Schwung catalog - Browsable catalog of Schwung modules.
- Move Anything - The original framework for running your own code on the Move.
- extending-move - On-device web server for set restore, preset editing and kit generation.
- schwung-rnbo - Run Max RNBO exports on the Move.
- Movy - Elektron-style knob UI and 16-track step sequencer.
- dAVEBOx - 8-track MIDI sequencer with a browser editor.
- Taktile - 16-track groovebox module.
- Moveforge - Build Schwung modules in C or Faust, with browser preview.
- schwung-jv880 - JV-880 emulation module. Bring your own ROMs.
- schwung-monomodule - Monomachine emulation module.
- ableton-move-lab - Run the Move software in Docker or on a Raspberry Pi 4.
- ableton-move-hacks - Notes on SSH access and the hardware buses.
- move-set-manager - Set manager.
- schwung-303 - TB-303 emulation with Devilfish mods and neural overdrive.
- 9W9 - 909 drum module.
- schwung-organelle - Run Organelle Pure Data patches on the Move.
- M8 LPP Emulator - Use the Move as an M8 controller.
- Schwung-Eloquence - Eloquence voice for the Schwung screen reader.
- schwung-spi - Library that intercepts the Move's link to its hardware.
Push 3 Standalone
- Push Hack - Extensible hack framework, inspired by Schwung.
- push-hack-installer - Installer for Push Hack.
- push-dev-tools - SSH setup, reverse engineering notes and kernel modules.
- push3-standalone-app-example - Example and dev container for AbletonOS apps.
- Tiny-Push-Utility - Manage third-party apps.
- puxenia - Waldorf XT and Monomachine emulations, through Push Hack.
- push-hack-braids - Standalone Braids synth.
- push-hack-audio-loopback - Send audio from other processes into Live.
Akai
MPC Live, One, X, Key and Force
- MPC-LiveXplore - SSH and bootstrap images, hacks and a wiki for MPC and Force units.
- MockbaMod - Force mod that runs on the factory firmware, with add-ons and apps from the SD card.
- MPC-Force-SSH-Firmwares - Official MPC and Force firmware with SSH and mouse control enabled.
- MPCLiveXplore-libs - Libraries for modded units, including a MIDI and button remapper.
- MPC-LiveXplore-bootstrap - Boot-time customisation scripts from SD card.
- akai_standalone_remap - Remap buttons with double taps, long presses and Shift layers.
- mpc-vst-plugins - Catalog and tooling for native VST2 plugins on MPC OS.
- mpc-vst-machinedrum - Machinedrum engine as a native plugin.
- Granola OpenMPC - Boot an MPC One straight into a granular synth.
- Forcemodding - How to cross-compile your own apps for the Force.
- MPC-One-Control-Mode-MIDI-Protocol - Control mode MIDI protocol notes.
- MPCProjectManager - Project file manager.
- Plugin Manager - Install, update and remove plugins from the MPC screen.
- mpc-vst-monomodule - Monomachine emulation as a native plugin.
- mpc-vst-jv880 - JV-880 emulation as a native plugin. Bring your own ROMs.
- LXRXXL - Sonic Potions LXR drum engine as a native plugin.
- Tributary - Play Elektron Overbridge audio on an MPC track over USB.
- Force Link Audio - Stream Force audio over the network as a Link Audio channel.
MPC500
- Open500 - Loader and add-ons: auto chop, grid sequencer, master effects.
MPC1000 and MPC2500
MPC2000 and MPC2000XL
- mpc2000_2000xl_mod_pack - Eight firmware mods: tune range, transpose, mute groups, folders and more.
- vmpc-juce - MPC2000XL emulator as standalone and plugin.
- mpc2000xl-emulator - MAME-based emulator that boots your own OS file.
- akaifat - Library for Akai FAT disks.
- pyMPC2000xl - Read and write .PGM and .SND files.
- mpc-2000-floppy-extractor - Extract files from floppies.
MPC3000
- MPC3K-VST - MPC3000 emulator plugin that boots your own firmware.
Arturia
BeatStep and BeatStep Pro
- beatstep-analysis - Early work toward custom BeatStep firmware.
- beatstep-cli - Control the BeatStep over SysEx.
- beatstep-pro-handler - Read and write every BeatStep Pro setting over SysEx.
KeyStep and KeyStep Pro
- keystep37-research - Firmware research and patch tools, with an extra generator mode.
- keystep37-mod-1-public - Firmware reverse engineering notes.
- KeyStepProPlus - Convert KeyStep Pro projects to and from MIDI.
MicroBrute and MiniBrute
- MicroDude - Linux editor for settings and sequences.
- midi2mbseq - Convert MIDI files to MicroBrute sequences.
MicroFreak and MiniFreak
- FreakSwap - Swap a MicroFreak engine for a Plaits-derived one.
- freakout - Preset, wavetable and sample tools over USB.
- microfreak-reverse - SysEx reverse engineering notes.
- managefreak - Preset manager.
- minifreak_sample_conv - Load your own samples on the MiniFreak.
- SuperFreaker (external) - Patcher that adds effects, controls and shortcuts to your own firmware.
- freakpatch - Patch your own MicroFreak update file, with firmware notes.
Behringer
- Neutron alternate firmware - Replacement firmware with poly LFO, hard sync and waveshaping. Abandoned.
- ConfiguratorModelD - Change the Model D's hidden settings.
- RD-6 Scatter - RD-6 firmware with live Roll, Ratchet, Slice and Cut effects, playback directions and a mute and roll mode, installed from a browser updater. Experimental.
Casio
- MoSKito - SK-1 reimplementation.
Critter & Guitari
- stereopsis - Faster engine and new modes for the EYESY.
Dirtywave
- m8c - Display client for the M8 and the headless build.
- rm8 - Display client in Rust.
- m8c-rpi4 - Raspberry Pi 4 headless build.
- TrackerKB - Self-contained headless build with keyboard.
- m8-js - Library and CLI for M8 files.
- m8emu - Run the M8 Headless firmware on Linux and ARM64 handhelds.
Elektron
- elekloader - Mod loader that builds a custom OS from your stock OS. Digitakt, Digitone, Octatrack.
- elektron-firmware-tool - Inspect, verify and rebuild OS .syx containers.
- Elektroid - Sample and SysEx manager for most Elektron devices.
- Overwitch - Multitrack Overbridge audio on Linux.
- Modwerk - Module SDK and web builder for firmware mods, starting with the Octatrack.
- ghidra-dsp56300 - Ghidra module for the DSP56300 used in several Elektron devices.
Analog Rytm
- rytm1_mods - Per-track low and high cut, euclid accents, velocity humanise. MK1.
- rytm-builder - Build projects from pattern and kit sysex dumps.
- libanalogrytm - Read and write Analog Rytm sysex.
- Chopshop - Browser firmware builder for Rytm and Analog Keys mods, including a chop mode.
- rytm-mods-src - Source for MrScruff's firmware mods. MKII.
- rytm-fw-re - OS container, boot and display notes, plus a from-source firmware. MKII.
- analog-rytm-mkii-research - Reverse engineering workspace with a QEMU machine. MKII.
Digitakt
- digisophie - Four-mode percussive synth machine. Mk1.
- digistring - Karplus-Strong plucked string machine. Mk1.
- DigiFilter - Extra filter modes: BP, BP2, COMB, TRASH. Mk1.
- DigiSplash - Custom boot animations. Also Digitone.
- digiemu - Emulator that runs your own OS behind a clickable panel. Also Digitone.
- digikit - Emulator and analysis tools for Digitakt II and Digitone II.
- digitakt-ii-firmware-research - Architecture notes for Digitakt II.
- digi-roll - Browser piano roll over SysEx. Digitakt II, Digitone II.
- screendump - Capture the screen over MIDI.
- digi1_mods - Synth machines, LFO matrix, scope, tuner, EQ and polyphony. Mk1.
- digislicer - Slice machine with auto-slicing. Mk1.
- DT-FM - Four-operator FM machine. Mk1.
- Digidrum - Machinedrum machines, starting with TRX. Mk1.
- digigrain - Granular playback machine. Mk1.
- digineighbor - Neighbor machine that plays another track's audio. Mk1.
- digihealth - Lower DSP load and a system info readout. Mk1, also Digitone.
- digirta - Octave-band analyzer. Mk1.
- DigiCandy - Full-screen image overlay on a key combo. Mk1.
- digitakt2-perform - Faster perform kit toggle and kept track levels. Digitakt II.
- dt2-machine-lab - Build custom machines, including a Plaits port. Digitakt II.
- DigiSplash-II - Custom boot animations. Digitakt II.
Digitone
- digitables - M8-style pitch tables with an editor. Mk1.
- Tone+FX - Master effects: ring mod, EQ, lo-fi, wavefolder. Mk1.
- DigiCosm - Microcosm-style effects for the inputs. Mk1.
- DigiChroma - Chroma Console-style effects for the inputs. Mk1.
- dn2_firmware_explore - OS mods such as a fourth LFO, new arp modes and LFO waves, applied in the browser, plus rebuild tools. Digitone II.
- dn2-cfw - Research and tools, with a flanger on the DSP. Digitone II.
Machinedrum
- ems-machinedrum-firmware - Per-track lengths, speeds and trig conditions.
- MCL - Firmware for the MegaCommand, a sequencer add-on built around the Machinedrum.
- Kitbasher - Add new machines to the OS in the browser.
- Machinedrum Kit - Firmware format and DSP voice docs for building machines.
- MDS - Load custom machines into MDX 2.0 over SysEx.
- murdenihcam USR machines - Custom machines for MDX.
- gearmulator-md-mm - Machinedrum and Monomachine emulation plugins. Bring your own OS.
Model:Cycles
- Modded-Cycles - Browser mod picker: 6-channel USB audio, Syntakt engines, sampler.
- Supermodel Edition - Modded-Cycles fork with a 909-style kit, wavetable machine, scale sequence generator, chord keys and a second LFO.
- Model-TG - Sampler machine, resampling and beat repeat.
- model-tweaks - Firmware mods with a web flasher. Also Model:Samples.
- ms-multi-output - Six channels of USB audio. Also Model:Samples.
- plaits-on-models - Plaits engines as a new machine.
Monomachine
- ems-monomachine-firmware - Per-track lengths, speeds and trig conditions.
- Monomodule - Emulation plugin that runs the Monomachine's own DSP code.
Octatrack
- octabam - DSP effects, sequencer and MIDI mods in one build.
- octa-panel - Paraphonic FM machine and scale quantizer, built on octabam.
- ems-octakit - 256 kits per project instead of 4 parts per bank.
- octatrack-kyoti-fw - Sidechain compressor, direct jump and repitch modes.
- midisc - MIDI scene locks.
- OCTAMAX - Reverse engineering toolkit with optional patches.
- octemu - Emulator for developing firmware mods.
- octatrack-manager - Desktop app for projects and samples.
- OctaChainer - Chain samples into one file with slices.
- Octatrick - FM machine, scale quantizer, tuner, USB MIDI and USB audio.
- PassOS - Scale system and a STOP guard. MK1.
- Octaplay - Reverse, pingpong, random and shuffle playhead modes.
- midisc-patcher - Browser patcher for midisc.
- octamachine - Research toward running the Machinedrum OS on the Octatrack.
Syntakt
- SyntHack OS - Modular Syntakt firmware patches adding a master compressor, beat repeat, extra send effects and readable parameter values.
- syntakt-firmware-workbench - Put your own waveforms into SY CHORD.
- sympakt - Browser sample manager.
Korg
logue SDK devices
- logue-sdk - Official SDK for custom oscillators and effects. prologue, minilogue xd, NTS-1, NTS-3, drumlogue.
- eurorack-prologue - Mutable Instruments oscillators for logue devices.
- logue-osc - Oscillator collection, including FM that loads DX7 banks.
- logue-hub - Oscillators for the NTS-1.
- key4 - Polyphonic NTS-1 oscillator modelled on the Volca Keys.
- nts3-rs - Build NTS-3 effects in Rust.
Volca
- hj Firmware - Trig conditions, ghost notes, longer swing and bug fixes for the Volca Drum. Modified Korg 1.14.
- Pajen Volca FM firmware (external) - MIDI velocity, SysEx patch transfer, program changes and LFO fixes. Modified Korg firmware, 1.09.
- Pajen Volca Sample firmware (external) - Polyphony, probability, chromatic play and extra reverbs. Modified Korg firmware, Beta 7.
- BEATROOTS - Turns the Volca Beats PCM parts into four synth voices.
- volcasample - Official SDK for sending samples to the Volca Sample.
- volcafmpatchdecoder - Convert Volca FM patch audio to SysEx.
- volca-keys-editor - Web MIDI patch editor for the Volca Keys.
Prophecy
- Profligacy - Prophecy emulator. Bring your own ROMs.
SQ-64
- Korg-SQ-64-Emulator - Browser-based WebAssembly emulator for custom firmware. Bring your own firmware image.
M-VAVE
- FM-1 firmware catalog (external) - Catalog of custom FM-1 firmwares, with installers and emulators.
- FM1 Manager (external) - Browser installer for over 100 open source FM-1 firmwares, pulled from GitHub, over USB MIDI.
FM-1
- FM1 Open - Official open source firmware and SDK from M-VAVE: eight tracks, six sound engines, GPLv3 with an SDK linking exception. The sound engine ships as a binary.
- FM1 Workbench (external) - Official browser editor and flasher over USB MIDI, with a simulator and a way back to the stock firmware.
- Felucca - Multi-engine synth firmware, and the base for many others.
- JIANT FM - Felucca fork for live play and whole songs, with a browser emulator and installer.
- SLOOP - Four-track live groovebox.
- Baud Girl FM-1+VA (external) - Virtual analog engine with four knobs on every screen.
- Groove OS (external) - Eight-track groovebox with effects on every track. Paid.
- X0X - 909, 808 and two 303s with a breakbeat generator and song mode.
- FoMni - Omnichord-style chord harp.
- AMB-1 - Generative ambient machine.
- ORBIT - Groovebox with sample tools and OP-1-style screens, based on SLOOP.
- Jangada - Superwave synth with a modulation matrix, drones and ratchets.
- Fart Machine One - Eleven farts, reverb, delay and a 16-step sequencer.
- MAKU - Always-on ambience machine.
- Rainbow mode - Felucca fork: a music toy for kids with colour-coded notes.
- GHOULBOX - Dungeon synth with drones and a hurdy-gurdy crank.
- ChoralRoot - Chord instrument with strum, arpeggio and pattern modes.
- Polly - QY70-style arranger: a General MIDI band follows the chords you play.
- winampFM - Synth groovebox in the look of Winamp 2.x, based on SLOOP.
- fm1-firmware-patcher - Patch the stock firmware.
- fm1-custom-fw - SysEx docs and a flasher.
SMK-37
- Baud Girl SMK-37+VA (external) - Virtual analog engine for the SMK-37 Pro, Elite and clones.
- SMK-37 firmwares (external) - Browser installer for the SMK-37 firmwares below, and the way back to the stock firmware.
- Makkuro37 - Microtonal drone synth.
- Snoop37 - SLOOP port: four-track live groovebox.
- X0X for the SMK-37 - X0X port: 909, 808 and two 303s.
- FoMni for the SMK-37 - FoMni port: chords on the keys, the pads as the strum plate.
- MAKU37 - MAKU port: always-on ambience machine.
- RAINBOW37 - Rainbow mode port: the music toy for kids, notes lit on the pads.
- GHOULBOX for the SMK-37 - GHOULBOX port: dungeon synth with fader banks.
- ChoralRoot for the SMK-37 - ChoralRoot port: the chord functions on the pads, all 37 keys play.
- ORBIT for the SMK-37 - ORBIT port: groovebox with an event tape.
- AMB-1 for the SMK-37 - AMB-1 port: generative ambient, bells on the pads.
- Polly for the SMK-37 - Polly port: sections and progressions on the pads.
- winampFM for the SMK-37 - winampFM port: the loop on the pads in each track's colour.
- fm1-to-smk37 - Guide and tools to port FM-1 firmwares to the SMK-37, and back.
Mutable Instruments
- pichenettes/eurorack - Official open source firmware and hardware, the base for every alt firmware.
- Parasites - Alternative firmware for Clouds, Tides, Warps and Elements.
- Mutated-Mutables - Bees-in-the-Trees for Braids and Dead Man's Catch for Peaks.
- lylepmills alt firmwares - Mini-Elements for Rings and a Plaits firmware builder.
- qiemem/eurorack - Extra modes for Stages.
Novation
Circuit
- Circuit Extended - Custom firmware with Scale Follow, sample start, distortion type and a filter LFO.
Circuit Tracks
- CIRCUITS-HACKS-RC - Firmware patches, tools and emulator.
- CircuitTracksReverseEngineering - Teardown, debug header and firmware analysis.
- ctpatch - Read and write patches in Python.
Launchpad
- launchpad-pro - Official open firmware API for the original Launchpad Pro.
- lpp-performance-cfw - Performance custom firmware for the Launchpad Pro.
- LP-Firmware-Utility - Web tool to update and patch Launchpad firmware, with custom palettes.
- issho-launchpad-firmware - Sequencer firmware for the Launchpad Pro.
Polyend
- RETracker - Reverse engineering framework that patches the Tracker firmware.
- tracker-lib - Official library for Tracker project and instrument files.
- pti-tools - Build sliced Tracker instruments from samples.
- play-files - Parse Polyend Play projects in Rust.
Roland
- AIRA Switcher - Switch an AIRA Modular unit between Bitrazer, Demora, Torcido and Scooper.
- SYSTEM OSCILLATOR - Custom firmware that puts the SYSTEM-1m oscillator waves on the AIRA Modular Scooper and Demora.
- Roland-Structured-Storage - Read and write ZEN-Core project files.
- OpenMK - MKS-20 and MK-80 piano emulator in the browser. Bring your own ROMs.
SP-404MKII
- DOOM OS - Custom OS with a graphical sequencer, piano roll, mixer, effect automation and undo.
- DOOM OS MIDI Conductor - Send pads, knobs and steps out over MIDI.
- Tallfree - Screen reader firmware that speaks menus, settings and sample names.
- dm-404 - Emulator that runs your own firmware, with a VST3 bridge.
- OpenSP (external) - Firmware modding project and notes.
- open404 - Toolkit and CLI for files and protocols.
- sp404mk2-tools - File format tools.
- SparkyMK2 - Replacement for the official app.
- doom-os-etc. - DOOM OS fork with a four-voice Sound Generator and an arpeggiator.
SP-404, SP-404SX and SP-404A
- Super Pads - Sample and pad manager.
- spEdit404 - Create and edit pattern files.
- ptn2midi - Export patterns to MIDI.
AIRA Compact
- j6reader - Read sequence data off the J-6.
- S1Utility - Editor and patch inspector for the S-1.
- aira_pattern_editor - Edit T-8 pattern backups.
Boutique
- boutique-control - Translate Boutique SysEx into CCs.
MC-101 and MC-707
- mc101-firmware-re - Firmware analysis and SysEx probe tools.
- mc-programmer - Full SysEx control of sequencer, sounds and projects.
- mctools_sidechain - Experimental sidechain over SysEx.
TR-8S
- TR-8S-SysEx - SysEx reverse engineering notes.
- tr8s-studio - Live studio built on that SysEx.
Rossum Electro-Music
SP-1200
- mod_pr4x1s (external) - Two-line segment screen, count-in, pad output readout and undo. Builds from your own 1.04 firmware and runs from memory.
Sequential
- PX-RE - Patcher for the official OS with bug fixes and sample window changes, plus a larger SSD guide. Prophet X.
Synthstrom
- DelugeFirmware - Open source community firmware for the Deluge.
- Deluge Community (external) - Downloads, docs and developer guides.
- downrush - File manager and editors for Deluge content.
- delugemu - Deluge emulator that boots the community firmware.
Teenage Engineering
- DigiChain - Build sample chains for OP-1 Field, OP-XY, OP-Z, M8 and others.
EP-133 K.O. II
- ep-series-sysex - SysEx protocol and project format docs. Also EP-40.
- ep_133_sysex_thingy - Manage samples without the official tool.
- ep133-export-to-daw - Export projects to DAW formats and MIDI.
- ko2-io - Sample I/O and a FUSE filesystem.
- ep-unity - Cross-flash K.O. II and EP-40 firmware. Can brick the device.
OP-1 and OP-1 Field
- op1r - Browser patcher for the original OP-1: new synths, effects, a quad LFO, Euclidean sequencer, MIDI CC and scale mode.
- op1repacker - Unpack, mod and repack firmware, with ready-made mods.
- op1REpackerGUI - GUI for op1repacker.
- op1-glitter - Custom colour themes.
- op1hacks docs - Firmware and hardware research notes.
- te-op1 - OP-1 Field patch format notes and tool.
- teoperator - Make OP-1 and OP-Z patches from any audio.
- op1.fun (external) - Patch sharing site with a drum kit builder.
- op1emu - Emulator for the original OP-1 that runs your own firmware.
OP-XY
- xy-format - Project format reverse engineering and tools.
- op-xy-vibing - JSON loop editor that drives the OP-XY over MIDI.
- opxy-multisampler-preset-builder - Build multisampler presets in the browser.
OP-Z
- op-z-sysex - SysEx, state sync and file transfer docs.
- libopz - Parse projects and talk to the OP-Z.
- underbridge - Export patterns as per-track audio.
- OP_Manager - Raspberry Pi backup tool. Also OP-1.
Pocket Operators
- libpo32 - PO-32 data transfer and drum voice in C.
- po-33 - Load sample banks from the browser.
- po-backup-decode - Decode PO-33 backups into samples and patterns.
SP-1 Stem Player
- marisko - Community custom firmware.
- rome - Flash firmware and manage stems over USB.
- SP-1 Tape Looper - Four-track tape-style looper.
- Wakes - Synth firmware built from Plaits and Marbles.
- SP-1 Remote - Four-fader MIDI controller firmware.
Torso
- t1-backup-file-format - T-1 backup format, with MIDI export and import.
Yamaha
- Tenori-on firmware (external) - Over 40 new features: per-layer effects, splits, pitch bend, a grid mode for norns and more. Tenori-on.
- KnobKraft Orm - SysEx librarian for many synths, including the reface DX.
- RDX-Reface-DX-emu - reface DX engine on an ESP32.
Zoom
MultiStomp
- stomphacks - Toolchain to build your own effects in C, with routing effects. MS Plus series.
- ZoomMultistompZDL - Custom effects, NAM and IR loaders and a browser patch editor. Original MS series.
- MIDISTOMP - Custom firmware that adds MIDI CC, program change, MIDI clock and a tempo screen. MS-50G and MS-60B.
1010music
- blackbox-mod - Solo, slicer controls, a ducker and chords for the Blackbox.
- bitboxctl - Build Bitbox Micro presets.
- PocketRave Blackbox mod - New sequencer features for the original Blackbox.
- BlueLex - CPU meter and a room reverb for the bluebox eurorack edition.
Communities
- Hacktronauts - Forum for hacking, modding and building music hardware.
- Elektronmods - Forum and catalog of Elektron mods.
- ElektronMods subreddit - Subreddit for Elektron mods.
- lines - Forum for music, art and open source tools.
- M-VAVE forum (external) - Official forum.
Related lists
- Awesome Music Gear Mods - Physical mods, add-ons and circuit bending.
- awesome-te - Teenage Engineering hacks and tools.
- awesome-m8 - M8 headless clients, builds and tools.
- eurorack-awesome - Eurorack resources.
- awesome-fm-1 - M-VAVE FM-1 firmware, tools and resources.
Contributing
Links only. See CONTRIBUTING.md.
Not affiliated with any manufacturer. Modding can void your warranty or brick your device.