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DXJ112
DX112
DX212
DX100H
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DX412R
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DX software FAQ Upadated Wednesday, May 24, 2000.
Current Questions in our FAQ about DX Software Upgrades:
1) Why would I download something into my DX amplifier?
- When new features are added, different amp models and / or interesting presets are created, etc, they may be made available so that older units can be updated. Downloading allows you to keep your DX unit updated to the latest new software or sounds available.
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2) What can I download?
- Both software and presets can be downloaded.
Software downloads change the way the amplifier operates. They may include new amplifier models, new effects, new features, etc. Software downloads do not affect stored presets, although the new software may cause some stored presets to sound slightly different.
- Preset downloads replace one or more of the stored presets in the amplifier with new ones. A preset download only changes preset sounds, it does not affect the way the amplifier operates, nor the amplifier models.
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3) What do I need in order to do a download into my DX amplifier?
- You need the following:
- A sequencer with standard MIDI output, either a disk-based type, or a computer with Cakewalk etc. loaded on it, and a MIDI output. A simple sequencer is available for IBM computers on the Crate website.
- The correct file for the download you want to do (program, user preset, factory preset, etc.) in a format your sequencer can accept (disk, etc.)
- A suitable standard Midi cable
- A DX amplifier with the "Millennium software" (or a later version) in it. Earlier versions cannot download without installing the upgrade kit. There is a simple test to determine whether or not your amplifier has the upgraded ROM chip.
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4) How do I know if my amplifier has "Millennium software" in it and can download?
Watch the keypad when you turn on the unit. If the keypad lights "run around" the keypad when the unit is turned on, your software can download new software and/or presets. To see the proper sequence, click here. If you do not have the upgrade kit, this is what happens when you turn the amp on.
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5) I found what looks like a MIDI jack on my computer, does that mean I have a MIDI output?
- MAYBE NOT, BE CAREFUL!
Some computers may use a jack that looks like a MIDI jack for the computer keyboard or other equipment. Unless is is an actual labeled MIDI output, it won't work on MIDI. Check your computer manual.
- NEVER TRY TO USE ANYTHING EXCEPT AN ACTUAL MIDI OUTPUT. THE COMPUTER OR THE MIDI EQUIPMENT (OR BOTH) MAY BE DAMAGED IF A WRONG TYPE OUTPUT IS USED, NO MATTER WHAT THE CONNECTOR LOOKS LIKE.
- Most sound cards have a midi output which can be used with an easily available adaptor. Check your computer manual to determine if you have a MIDI output. Then check with your local music or computer store for suitable adaptors etc to work with your computer.
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6) Where do I plug in the cables on the DX?
- A download is an INPUT to the DX, so:
- Plug in the MIDI cable to the DX MIDI input.
- Set the push-button switch on the rear of the DX to the "Standard MIDI" position.
- Unplug all other cables except for the MIDI cable and power cord.
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7) Everything is plugged in, how do I start the process?
- Get the sequencer ready to send the correct file.
- Press the KeyCombo for the download type you want to do. (see the DX manual or the "readme" file that came with the download file)
- The amplifier should light 4 lights in a "plus" sign ("2", "tap", "5", and "man")
- Start the sequencer sending the file.
- Do not disturb the MIDI cable or the amplifier until the download has completed.
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8) I decided I don't want to do a download, but I already pressed the KeyCombo for a download. What do I do?
Just turn the amp off and back on. This will clear the download command and return you to normal operation.
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9) What do the flashing lights mean?
- The first part of the download is to receive the file over MIDI. During this part of the download, the lights on the keypad light sequentially around the keypad.
- For a program download, the lights will light completely around the keypad before the next portion of the process starts
- For a preset download, the lights will light halfway around the keypad before the next portion of the process starts
- The second part of the download is to move the received file to the correct place in memory. During this part of the process, the "3" and "4" buttons will light alternately.
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10) How do I know if the download is done?
- If the download completes correctly, the DX will light up the lower half of the keypad ("2", "1", "man", "6", and "5") and wait. You then turn the amplifier off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. When you re-start the amplifier it will be using the new program or presets.
- Some types of download automatically re-start the DX amplifier after completion of the download process. If the amplifier automatically restarts, you do not need to do anything more.
- If the DX amplifier detects a problem, it will flash an "x" pattern on the keypad ("1", "3", "4", and "A/B"). This indicates that some portion of the process did not complete correctly. you will need to determine the problem and try again.
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11) I get an "x" displayed as soon as I start downloading, what's up with that?
- An immediate "x" shows that the DX amplifier has found that the received file is in the wrong format. Check to make sure that you are sending the correct file for what you want to download. The DX checks the file format to be sure that the correct type of file is being received.
- Check to make sure you selected the correct type of download. Some types of download have slightly different formats so if the wrong type download is set up on the DX, it may not recognize the "correct" file.
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12) Everything looks OK, but then I get an "x" after most of the download is done.
- If the "x" shows up after some of the download has been done, but before the lights have lit correctly around the keypad, the DX has received some bad MIDI data.
Check to be sure that the MIDI cable is fully plugged into the DX and the sequencer
Be sure your MIDI cable is not damaged
- If the "x" shows up after the DX has lit the lights around the keypad, the DX has received the file correctly, but it is the wrong type of file. This will happen if you download a program file for the wrong unit. Older DX units are slightly different, and require a different file from the newer ones. The DX will not let you load the wrong type program file. Be sure you are using the correct file. You can check the Crate website for the correct file for your unit.
- This also may happen if you try to download a preset file instead of a program file. Check to make sure you are downloading the correct type file.
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13) I downloaded new presets, but they are totally goofy, way different from what they should be. What went wrong?
- The DX does not perform as much checking on preset downloads as on program downloads.
- You may have downloaded the wrong type of file.
- Check to make sure you are downloading the right type of file, and try again.
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14) I notice that the DX will still let me play the guitar when I am doing a download. Is this a problem?
- The DX can still do DSP processing during some types of download. It is not recommended to try to play guitar during a download, since there is a slight chance of interference with the downloading process.
- Unplug all cables except for the MIDI cable and power cord during a download.
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15) I sometimes notice some background noises from the amplifier during a download. Is this a problem?
The DX is working hard to update itself during a download, and sometimes some small noises can be heard. It is not a problem.
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16) I have tried everything and I can't get the download to work. What do I do?
- First double-check to be sure you are using a MIDI output on the computer or sequencer. There may be similar connectors used for a different purpose.
- Make sure the MIDI output is working. Try it with other equipment if possible.
- Check your cables and connections to be sure you have good cables properly hooked up. Be sure your sequencer is working properly, and that you have the correct file type.
- If the sequencer is working, and the DX will not respond to a download, but it WILL receive MIDI footswitch program change commands, you may have an older program version. The first DX units did not have the download feature. They must be upgraded by replacing a program memory "chip" in the amplifier.
An easy way to determine if your software can download is to watch when you turn on the unit. If the keypad lights "run around" the keypad when the unit is turned on, you can download. If not, see your dealer or Crate service and ask about upgrading to a newer program version that will perform downloads.
- If you have "millennium" or later software in the your DX (the lights "run around" when turned on), your unit should download programs or user presets. If the unit will not respond correctly to downloads, see if it works with a MIDI footswitch. If a footswitch does work, double-check your cables, connections and file types, and check again to be sure your sequencer and its MIDI output are working properly.
- If neither downloads nor footswitches work, and the lights do "run around" when the unit is turned on, there may be a loose connection or other similar problem. Check with your dealer or with Crate service to determine if repairs are required.
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