MP-X10/Versadeck/Synchron/DMC2000/DJinn/S20 firmware update - programmers please help

[escapemcp]

Note: Started new thread as the Voxoa S60 thread (current thread) will not be found when people search for MP-X10/Syncron etc, or people won't realise that the Voxoa S60 is actually a clone of their deck. This is why I tried to include all variations of this deck in the title.
DJTT Mods: If this is wrong, then delete my account and bar me for life - or just move my post into the S60 one, but it really needs to be retitled with ALL the names of this oft-cloned controller!

Quick Info: Need help flashing/modifing the Citronic MP-X10's firmware with the firmware from another (identical) unit:

Details: I have the Citronic MP-X10 MP3/MIDI unit.

It's also known as:

American Audio Versadeck


Synq DMC2000

Audiophony DJinn

Akiyama Synchron




Voxoa S60 (sounds more like a car!)

... there may be (and most probably are) more aliases for this unit. Actual unit made by HANPIN (Taiwan).

They are all the same hardware spec (as far as I can tell). HOWEVER the firmware is different:
The DMC2000/Synchron units have beat-synched FX, whereas on the Citronic the fx are timed in ms... annoying having to calculate 60/bpm all the time to get the ms value of a beat - also impossible to go from 2/1 to 1/1 quickly. Also the Synchron has autoloop (like Traktor's), so no need to be highly (frame) accurate on loops.

So... I tried to flash my unit with the Synchron unit's firmware, but without success. I am unsure on this, but have looked through the DSP firmware files (all in gobbledegook) and it seems that the header of the Synchron's fw file is at the footer of the Citronic's. The main firmwares though look almost identical (some extra stuff in there on the synchron's, and a different name of the unit in the f/w (obviously - but is this what is stopping the f/w from taking?)).

NOW, is there any way to decompile the firmwares in order that I can hack it and get the Synchron's Firmware loaded on to my MP-X10?

I include Citronic's and the Synchron's firmware files, for info. Of the files enclosed, the ones starting U are the Citronic ones that are currently on my unit. The ones starting C are the Synchron ones that I want to use. Also, the larger file (UDJ202C1100_AL.BIN and C0202FC1400.BIN) is for the unit, and the smaller 448k file (udj20206_avsl.bin & c202f_05.bin) is for the DSP on the unit.

UPDATE: Couldn't get DJTT upload working, so files are available hyar:[ame="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TS6FFERL"]MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service[/ame]

If anyone knows of a way how to do this, or can point me in the directon of how to (I have worked in IT fixing PCs for 15+ years, so I have a reasonable idea of what I am doing... it's just that I cannot program!). Dunno if decompiling the FW is possible, but if I could, it would help a lot.

Many thanks in advance for any advice or info. I really want to work this out, as Citronic have never updated their firmware since I got my unit, and since then Sync have introduced better track search (by letter) and BPM-linked FX, THEN Akiyama have introduced the autoloop funtion.. I want to be able to flash my unit with the newest (usually best) firmware available to get all these functions! Not just for now either, but in the future as well (e.g. if new features get added on to the DeeJing Q7 unit (yet to be released!)).

I am sure that there must be other DJTT readers out there with incarnations of this unit - it's a good bit of kit already, let's try to make it kickass!

Thanks again,

escapemcp

Citronic MP-X10, Behringer BCD3000, Echo Layla 3G, Numark EM-460 with built in Kaoss Pad, Win7/MacOS dual boot

[escapemcp]

OK, renamed files to the "ud" format consistent with my previous updates that I know worked... getting "Update Failed" on the controllers LCD. (When I didn't rename them, it refused to even try to update). See screenshot below of result.

[rowleys]

I also have this controller ..

Do you use the with VDJ at all.. Im having so many problems with the midi just not connecting then making vdj freeze out .. the midi bottons flashing but not working switching the usb mode and there working there

I bet the ADJ software will work better if u could ge tit to work on the controller

[escapemcp]

I also have this controller ..

Do you use the with VDJ at all.. Im having so many problems with the midi just not connecting then making vdj freeze out .. the midi bottons flashing but not working switching the usb mode and there working there

I bet the ADJ software will work better if u could ge tit to work on the controller

Agreed. the Citronic was the first released, but as such it has an early firmware. Will try with VDJ tonight (hopefully) and see what results I can get.

BTW: Have you updated the firmware to v3 from citronic's site. If not, then that may fix some of the problems you are seeing?

For what I do, it's a pretty good controller, but seeing that I often use it in native USB stick mode, not having the beat synced fx etc is damned annoying.

Will let you know in due course if I am getting similar problems in VDJ - U are using the one included with the unit, yes?.

Thanks for the reply (& bump!). This controller could be pretty good if they just get these minor issues sorted (well major issue in your case!).

escapemcp

[escapemcp]

Reply from Citronic: there is no BPM SYNC function stand alone. Can be done when using software - download mapping files here http://bit.ly/tzfqPV - grrrrr

[Reticuli]

ADJ claimed theirs either cannot be updated with other company's firmware or it would void someone's warranty. Their wording seemed kind of confused, though.

This is supposedly designed by the Belgium company Synq (according to them, though they may be owned by the other one) and manufactured by a Chinese OEM. It's not cloned but licensed from Synq and all are made by that same OEM. DJ-Tech is also coming out with a branding of their own (they design a lot of stuff for companies, including some expensive units) called the U3. Again, it should still by Synq's design with varying firmware based on the branding company's requests.

Synq and their allies need to make the firmware open source, like Numark is using for their iDJ2.

Do all of your units lack FLAC and AAC support?

And when in internal USB mode, does the jog wheel ramp up. That's a problem and ADJ has promised to get the OEM to change the firmware. They said they're in the process of doing an engineering agreement to get that changed and do some other improvements, but there's no way to find out what the specific timeline is on it.

So do your jog wheels ramp up to 100% up or 0% (if you slow it down) if you keep rotating in USB internal mode?

That, the lack of taggable lossless support in USB mode, the lack of master monitoring in the headphones when you hit the master button for the meter (split cue would also be nice... not button for it, though), the lack of fast search by jog (again, no button for it), and the strange behavior of the buffer when in vinyl mode and backcueing are all really holding the implementation back.

I also don't understand why in Vinyl mode hitting Cue without hitting Save first doesn't work like CDJ mode. Versadeck requires you to hit Save first for Cue to create a new point. Otherwise you need to be in CDJ mode. At least they have a stutter button, though.

Almost forgot...

headphone hiss. Anyone else have that on their front jack?

[escapemcp]

ADJ claimed theirs either cannot be updated with other company's firmware or it would void someone's warranty.

Tried updating mine with other f/w anyway (don't usually care about warranties.. I'll rip open a brand new A&H DB4 just to see what's inside and if I can replace anything to trick it out!). Didn't work. I got "Update Failed" on the screen (see my previous posts)

Synq and their allies need to make the firmware open source, like Numark is using for their iDJ2.

Now you're talking! This is kinda why I started the thread - this would be ideal scenario #1.

Do all of your units lack FLAC and AAC support?

Mine does.

And when in internal USB mode, does the jog wheel ramp up. That's a problem and ADJ has promised to get the OEM to change the firmware. They said they're in the process of doing an engineering agreement to get that changed and do some other improvements, but there's no way to find out what the specific timeline is on it.
So do your jog wheels ramp up to 100% up or 0% (if you slow it down) if you keep rotating in USB internal mode?

Yes, everyone with these are moaning about this! :eek: Totally odd behaviour if you are used to decks.

That, the lack of taggable lossless support in USB mode, the lack of master monitoring in the headphones when you hit the master button for the meter

Yeah, the Chan1/Chan2 headphone xfader has far to severe a slope (it's like a scracthing on/off slope!) to make accurate monitoring level adjustments simple. Master/monitor on the hp would be nice, but I fear that it would be too much re-routing of signals and the hardware may not support it.

and the strange behavior of the buffer when in vinyl mode and backcueing are all really holding the implementation back.

Do you mean searching with vinyl mode on, where the time keeps jumping around?

I also don't understand why in Vinyl mode hitting Cue without hitting Save first doesn't work like CDJ mode. Versadeck requires you to hit Save first for Cue to create a new point. Otherwise you need to be in CDJ mode. At least they have a stutter button, though.

The cues I still haven't quite figured out... if I set a cuepoint, and then move onto the next track, the cuepoint is still active. If I press it, I get the previous track again! - thoughts?

Almost forgot...
headphone hiss. Anyone else have that on their front jack?

Yeah, I get headphone hiss. It's due to the headphone amp. It's a fixed gain amp, and the volume control only controls the level going into the amp, rather than the gain of the amp itself. As such, it's always at full volume, hence the hiss (and hence the digital noise when you alter the level). As it's headphones, I don't ever find this a problem. What with the noise coming from the speakers, it's inaudible when playing in situ.

This unit is so nearly there, all of these issues are pretty easily fixed, and if they were, I think I'd probably end up marrying my unit (they allow that sort of shit in the US don't they? )

Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh hhhhhh!!!!!!!!.....
Just been to AVSL/Citronic's website here, and my MP-X10 is now DISCONTINUED - Bastards!!!. I was an early adopter on this unit, buying it when it was still at the £500 price mark. This was only 6 months ago. Citronic have obviously decided to throw their towel into the ring as so many other brands are buying up the OEM box and putting better firmware on it. This is a fkn joke! - apologies for that, but it is! Worried that they will abandon this and I will never get the newer firmwares. Citronic used to be based down the road from me in the UK, and as such I used to be able to rely on them... now that they have been taken over by AVSL (also own QTX & Skytec(!)), I am worried. Luckily my local sound & light shop is run by an ex-Citronic employee. Will phone him tomorrow and moan about the unit I bought from him and see what he's got to say - hopefully he may know someone who still works for Citronic.

Just love the portability of the unit. I help with free parties... my mates PA takes about an hour to set up... I can be up and running in less than 5... put unit on table, wheel in/set up my sub/sat PA (5 leads in total), run lead from genny, a few lights... GO! I am the first & last room running

The fact that I can re-purpose the unit with midi (or even vinyl) just makes it a great unit, only held back by 1 day's worth of some geek reprogramming the firmware. I am so close to nirvana, it's annoying!

[ryansupak]

Career programmer here (FWIW).

So, as far as you know, the different units are identical hardware-wise or extremely close to it. Yet, whenever you put the firmware of one on the other, the unit won't start up at all (I think, not exactly sure from the original post?)

1) Have you tried the DSP code from one and the Main code from the other?

2) Are there any jumpers or DIP switches to set, or perhaps a Boot ROM somewhere on the unit?

3) You could edit the Firmware "block style" maybe in a Hex Editor, but you almost certainly can't decompile it.

rs

[Reticuli]

DISCONTINUED is a bad sign. It means no more support. Wow. Isn't Citronix the Euro branding of ADJ, or am I thinking of another brand?

The abrupt curve on the headphone/cueing mini crossfader doesn't bother me. In fact, I would be fine with a 3-way switch like the old Numark DM900.

On a related note, if you are doing MIDI and use the unit's soundcard with pgrm/cue channel assignments, the mini crossfader becomes a problem due to the cue signal being doubled on both sides and very loud in the middle. When in MIDI mode, I either use a different USB ASIO soundcard with it, change the cue blender to a different control and leave the mini crossfader on one side of the other, or I use it with ch1/ch2 routing instead.

I would assume the master could be sent to the headphone when in internal USB mode. It's not a huge deal (earbuds under over-ear headphones works fine for practice), but I assume it's just software telling the audio signal where to route. Maybe the soundcard channels are hardwired into specific spots, but I kind of doubt it. I'll cross my fingers for that one.

Yeah I kind of guessed that was the case with the headphone hiss. You can hear the internal software and the digital volume control changing the input to the fixed gain headphone jack when towards the bottom. Actually a smart method (even if the headphone amp design is noisy), as it also allows in MIDI mode for the headphone knob to control the DVS instead. I just usually run a Fiio headphone amp from the jack and it works fine as a line out.

I mean it getting stuck when in vinyl internal USB mode and you rewind back. You can see the buffer empty. It gets stuck. This wouldn't be so bad if there was also a faster search method with the wheel. A button or something you could press and the jog moves you around fast, but without a nice vinyl scratch sound.

The internal USB jog bend definitely needs fixing to get rid of the ramp up. Good (or I guess unfortunate for you) to see this is not just ADJ's version. I hate using pitch bend buttons. I'd be fine with those being removed and replaced with pitch range up & pitch range down. Oh, on that point... a USB internal mode soft takeover for the pitch fader might be nice, but I suppose is unnecessary with the current 0.05 pitch resolution. You might as well keep the range at 16%, since lower ranges do not allow finer increments. If they improved the internal mode res even further (which is possible with the 10bit faders), soft takeover would be useful. Numark always had a great implementation of that.

My top concern at this point, besides ADJ's firmware update promise and unknown timeline, is wav file playback glitches when in internal USB mode. I keep having skipping on wavs towards the end of the folder structure. I'm pretty sure I have less than 999 folders and less than 10,000 tracks on the formatted 250GB maxtor drive I set up in fat 32. I thought limiting all that and doing the database thing had stopped all those glitches, but the last time I used internal USB mode they crept back in. So it was a nightmare of pitch bending wankyness and playback glitches.

If I just want a MIDI controller, there are comparable options out there for even lower cost that do 10bit or even 14bit pitch fading. Granted, few of them have dedicated stutter buttons, are as durable, or have sound this punchy, but this isn't the only game in town. And if you have a separate external USB soundcard of superior quality already, the thing putting this OEM design over the top is really its internal USB mode. With all those issues disqualifying the internal mode from live use, it becomes a very well-built controller with an odd internal soundcard arrangement and only 10-bit pitch faders.

So if ADJ or the OEM doesn’t just come out and tell us when we can expect a firmware update, this unit will be going back. I don't want to bug that ADJ head product guy (Leo Valladolid, leov add americandj dooot com), but I can't hold onto this indefinitely while hoping they come through. Thank goodness for Amazon’s lengthy return policy on b-stock units. I think I have until the beginning of January.

Tried updating mine with other f/w anyway (don't usually care about warranties.. I'll rip open a brand new A&H DB4 just to see what's inside and if I can replace anything to trick it out!). Didn't work. I got "Update Failed" on the screen (see my previous posts)Now you're talking! This is kinda why I started the thread - this would be ideal scenario #1.Mine does.Yes, everyone with these are moaning about this! :eek: Totally odd behaviour if you are used to decks.
Yeah, the Chan1/Chan2 headphone xfader has far to severe a slope (it's like a scracthing on/off slope!) to make accurate monitoring level adjustments simple. Master/monitor on the hp would be nice, but I fear that it would be too much re-routing of signals and the hardware may not support it.Do you mean searching with vinyl mode on, where the time keeps jumping around?The cues I still haven't quite figured out... if I set a cuepoint, and then move onto the next track, the cuepoint is still active. If I press it, I get the previous track again! - thoughts? Yeah, I get headphone hiss. It's due to the headphone amp. It's a fixed gain amp, and the volume control only controls the level going into the amp, rather than the gain of the amp itself. As such, it's always at full volume, hence the hiss (and hence the digital noise when you alter the level). As it's headphones, I don't ever find this a problem. What with the noise coming from the speakers, it's inaudible when playing in situ.

This unit is so nearly there, all of these issues are pretty easily fixed, and if they were, I think I'd probably end up marrying my unit (they allow that sort of shit in the US don't they? )

Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh hhhhhh!!!!!!!!.....
Just been to AVSL/Citronic's website here, and my MP-X10 is now DISCONTINUED - Bastards!!!. I was an early adopter on this unit, buying it when it was still at the £500 price mark. This was only 6 months ago. Citronic have obviously decided to throw their towel into the ring as so many other brands are buying up the OEM box and putting better firmware on it. This is a fkn joke! - apologies for that, but it is! Worried that they will abandon this and I will never get the newer firmwares. Citronic used to be based down the road from me in the UK, and as such I used to be able to rely on them... now that they have been taken over by AVSL (also own QTX & Skytec(!)), I am worried. Luckily my local sound & light shop is run by an ex-Citronic employee. Will phone him tomorrow and moan about the unit I bought from him and see what he's got to say - hopefully he may know someone who still works for Citronic.

Just love the portability of the unit. I help with free parties... my mates PA takes about an hour to set up... I can be up and running in less than 5... put unit on table, wheel in/set up my sub/sat PA (5 leads in total), run lead from genny, a few lights... GO! I am the first & last room running

The fact that I can re-purpose the unit with midi (or even vinyl) just makes it a great unit, only held back by 1 day's worth of some geek reprogramming the firmware. I am so close to nirvana, it's annoying!

[escapemcp]

Career programmer here (FWIW).

So, as far as you know, the different units are identical hardware-wise or extremely close to it. Yet, whenever you put the firmware of one on the other, the unit won't start up at all (I think, not exactly sure from the original post?)

Yeah, the firmware doesn't take. It just comes up with "Update Failed" and you have to switch the unit on/off to get it back to life.

1) Have you tried the DSP code from one and the Main code from the other?

Yes, doesn't work (I think just updating the DSP is what I am after.. it's just the effects update that I want).

2) Are there any jumpers or DIP switches to set, or perhaps a Boot ROM somewhere on the unit?

Haven't seen one.. think I may need to take it apart.

3) You could edit the Firmware "block style" maybe in a Hex Editor, but you almost certainly can't decompile it.

Yeah, looking through the firmware files in a text editor, they seem pretty similar... except that there there is some 'code' that is at the top of the file on one firmware, whereas on the other, it's at the bottom. The files are posted on my first post (the megaupload link) if you wanna take a look.

Thanks for the info. I just want to turn my unit into another brand, and then I'll be able to get these updates (& I'll be happy).

escapeMCP