Legacy ToneDexter
Firmware (Software)

Download & Installation

Legacy ToneDexter Firmware Versions

These firmware updates are designed for the original ToneDexter discontinued in 2022.

ToneDexter SD Card

Latest Version: 2.06
V2.0 was a major release with significant improvements

ToneDexter comes with (GEN) firmware (software that runs and resides in ToneDexter) optimized for Guitar, Dobro, Viola, Cello, Bazouki, Mandola, Mandocello, Baritone Guitar. Separate versions of software are available for (HGH) higher pitched instruments like Violin, Mandolin, Banjo and Ukulele, and (BAS), a version optimized for Upright Bass.

When you power up ToneDexter it first shows the firmware version: 2.06, and then the type: GEN, in the LED display.

You can update to the latest version and change firmware versions to match your type of instrument using FAT32 formatted SD cards (not included but available for less than $10 and usually formatted FAT32) that can be inserted into the card slot on the left side of ToneDexter.

Firmware Downloads

ToneDexter comes with (GEN) firmware (software that runs and resides in ToneDexter) optimized for Guitar, Dobro, Viola, Cello, Bazouki, Mandola, Mandocello, Baritone Guitar. Separate versions of software are available for (HGH) higher pitched instruments like Violin, Mandolin, Banjo and Ukulele, and (BAS), a version optimized for Upright Bass.

LATEST VERSIONS:

Version 2.06 release date January 8, 2021

Feature Enhancements

  • None

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed erratic occurrence of audio chatter or static.
  • Fixed erratic behavior with legacy (before V2.x) WaveMaps.

Known Issues:

  • none

James May explains the ramifications of the new V2 version in this blog post including a video interview clip with Aaron Short.

Version 2.01 release date December 4, 2020

Version 2.01 release date December 4, 2020

Feature Enhancements

  • None

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed Notch display sometimes showing Hertz not percentage and vice versa, with respect to old and new WaveMap behavior.
  • Fixed chatter problem in BYPASS.

Known Issues:

  • Some erratic occurrence of audio chatter or static.
  • Some erratic behavior with legacy (before V2.x) WaveMaps
Version 2.0 released November 26, 2020

Version 2.0 released November 26, 2020

Feature Enhancements

Feedback immunity corrections are no longer made to WaveMaps during creation.

  • Instead, every new WaveMap will contain the full mic’d studio sound with no
    reduction in bass response.
  • The Notch control can now be used to dynamically dial in just the right amount of feedback mitigation for each live situation and sound preference. Goes from 0% fully CCW to 100% fully CW.
  • The Notch control still functions as a traditional notch on empty slots or bypass, as well as for legacy WaveMaps made before V2.0 which retain their previous behavior.
  • Slot 22 no longer has special meaning, as every WaveMap is created equal and fully adjustable for feedback mitigation.

Improved training algorithm results in significantly better sound which is smoother and even more mic-like.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed some erratic behavior of the temporary display of EQ or Notch positions

Known Issues:

  • Empty slots or WaveMaps created with pre V2.0 firmware will occasionally display 0-100 percent instead of Hertz on the Notch temp display. It always corrects itself after scrolling away and then back.
  • Entering BYPASS while Notch control not at zero from non-empty slot will introduce audio chatter. Moving notch control to zero will stop the chatter.
  • Occasionally, a newly stored WaveMap will have a chattering sound if stored while the Notch control is not at zero. Selecting another WaveMap and then returning will clear the chatter. The newly created WaveMap is not adversely affected, it is only a temporary playback issue.
Version 1.66 released April 21, 2020

Version 1.66 released August 21, 2020

Feature Enhancements:

  • None

Bug Fixes:

  • Reverse foot scroll with long press was broken in V1.64

Known Issues:

  • None
Version 1.64 released April 14, 2020

Version 1.64 released April 14, 2020

Feature Enhancements:

  • Better level matching between WaveMap and bypass

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed fizzy attack sound in bass training corner cases. This fix was carried into GEN and HGH as well, as a safety measure.

Known Issues:

  • Reverse foot scroll with long press not working
Version 1.62 released December 16, 2019

Version 1.62 released December 16, 2019

Feature Enhancements:

  • Foot scroll mode now supports scrolling down as well as up. A short tap scrolls up, a long press scrolls down.

Bug Fixes:

  • None.

Known Issues:

  • None
Version 1.61 released December 10, 2019

Version 1.61 released December 10, 2019

Feature Enhancements:

  • None

Bug Fixes:

  • Character knob temporary display now corresponds with actual setting.

Known Issues:

  • None
Version 1.60 released November 18, 2019

Version 1.60 released November 18, 2019

Feature Enhancements:

  • Foot scroll. Program changes (WaveMap select) may now be done with ToneDexter footswitch presses, in addition to manually with the WaveMap select knob. No external footswitches are required. (Operational instructions for this new feature can be found in the latest user guide page 12)
  • Training algorithm significantly improved. Newly created WaveMaps have more high frequency content which more closely matches the mic sound during training. Existing WaveMaps are not altered.
  • Training algorithm is much faster, with typical training time around 45 seconds.

Bug Fixes:

  • None

Known Issues:

  • Character knob temporary display is finicky and will sometimes not match the actual setting. This depends on how fast the knob is turned. The knob position is correct, the temp display may not be.
Version 1.54 released May 1, 2019

Version 1.54 released May 1, 2019

Feature Enhancements:

  • None

Bug Fixes:

  • With V1.53 only, using TraVersion 1.54 released May 1, 20193 could cause digital clipping when the signal level is not quite hitting the red LED. This is fixed with V1.54.

Known Issues:

  • No new ones.
Version 1.53 released March 7, 2019

Version 1.53 released March 7, 2019

Feature Enhancements:

  • Training algorithm improvements resulting in a subtly smoother high end response, and a more natural sounding bass response.

Bug Fixes:

  • None

Known Issues:

  • Using Transfer utility and then reloading V1.53 can cause digital clipping when the signal level is not quite hitting the red LED. Reducing input gain lower than is usually required will get around this issue.
Version 1.50 released Sept 14, 2018

Version 1.50 released Sept 14, 2018

Feature Enhancements:

  • Training algorithm improvements. It’s 33% faster, and results in a slightly brighter sounding WaveMap.

Bug Fixes:

  • None

Known Issues:

  • Not new: When auditioning WaveMaps in Freeze mode and selecting S to hear what’s currently stored in the slot, scrolling to another slot won’t play S (stored) audio in the new slot until you first scroll through T, M, P, and S in the new slot location.
Version 1.40 released Aug 8, 2018

Version 1.40 released Aug 8, 2018

Feature Enhancements:

  • Support for getting WaveMaps into and out of the unit. Requires a separate procedure using the Transfer Utility which copies all WaveMaps onto an SD card, and optionally writes externally saved WaveMaps back into the unit. WaveMaps may be archived in libraries, sorted and/or renumbered to create new sets for reloading. WaveMaps are stored in a proprietary file format that only works in a ToneDexter. WaveMap Transfer Instructions.
  • Bass EQ control is now a variable highpass filter when cutting. When boosting, the response is a low shelf, the same as it has been. Appropriate ranges are selected for all versions: BAS, GEN, and HGH.
  • Improved tuner sensitivity and stability.

Bug Fixes:

  • When training, sometimes the dot on the display showed up in random places.
  • With HGH firmware, switching banks caused temporary display of notch frequency.
  • When sweeping the Boost knob, temporary display skipped some numbers and was hard to set.
  • During Mute/Tune, the audio was unintentionally muted to the FX Send, as well as intentionally muted to the outputs. With this fix, outputs are muted but FX Send stays on so that an external tuner placed in the FX loop will still receive a signal.

Known Issues:

  • When auditioning WaveMaps in Freeze mode and selecting S to hear what’s currently stored in the slot, scrolling to another slot won’t play S (stored) audio in the new slot until you first scroll through T, M, P, and S in the new slot location.
Version 1.33 released Mar 29, 2018

Version 1.33 released Mar 29, 2018

Bug Fixes:

  • Bass (BAS) version: under some conditions, blending caused the sound to get thinner.
  • When selecting a legacy (pre V1.30) WaveMap after selecting a new WaveMap that has blend operational, you would hear only raw pickup rather than the legacy WaveMap.

Known Issues:

  • When training, sometimes the dot on the display shows up in random places.
  • With HGH or BAS firmware, switching banks causes temporary display of notch frequency.
  • When sweeping the Boost knob, temporary display skips some numbers.
Version 1.32 released Feb 14, 2018

Bug Fixes:

  • Bass (BAS) version: under some conditions, a fizzy/fuzzy sound appeared on top of low notes. This was caused by the EQ, even when in the off position. Therefore, even WaveMaps created with earlier versions of firmware will be fixed by this release.
  • Turning the CHARACTER knob too fast caused the temp display to show a value that didn’t reflect the actual setting. It had no impact on sound. With the fix, all but extreme turning speeds show accurate values.
  • Under some conditions turning the CHARACTER caused an unintended very brief temporary display of Bxx.
  • Turning the CHARACTER knob while in MUTE/TUNE mode caused an unintended temporary display of “CH2” or other upon returning to RUN mode.

Known Issues:

  • Bass (BAS) version: under some conditions, blending caused the sound to get thinner.
  • When training, sometimes the dot on the display shows up in random places.
  • When sweeping the Boost knob, temporary display skips some numbers.
  • When selecting a legacy (pre V1.30) WaveMap after selecting a new WaveMap that has blend operational, you will hear only raw pickup rather than the legacy WaveMap.
Version 1.30 released Jan 12, 2018

Feature Enhancements:

  • Blend control. For newly created WaveMaps, character adjustments CH2, CH1, and CH0 are accessible in the right half of CHARACTER knob rotation. When operating in the left half of its rotation, the control allows blending 0% to 70% of the raw pickup signal with 100% to 30% of the WaveMap. The raw pickup signal is polarity and time aligned with the WaveMap so that no comb filtering or weirdness occurs. For existing (legacy) WaveMaps, the blend control works as before with CH0, CH1, CH2 spanning the full rotation range.
  • High (HGH) version code now designed for multi-instrumentalists. High bank slots 12-22 use EQ and notch params tailored for mandolin, violin, banjo, etc: low shelf starts at 250Hz, high shelf at 2KHz, notch range is 124 (B2) to 466 (A#4). Low bank slots 1-11 function the same a general (GEN) code: low shelf starts at 125Hz, high shelf at 2KHz, notch range is 73 (D2) to 392 (G4).
  • Bass (BAS) version tuner sensitivity greatly improved.
  • Level matching algorithm improved for better loudness match between WaveMaps and bypass.
  • Paste and Delete function completions now return the user to RUN mode, rather than MUTE/TUNE/EDIT mode. This seems more user friendly and is easier to explain.

Bug Fixes:

  • When boost knob adjusted, boost gain did not change until next BOOST activation
  • When training with slot 22 (which skips feedback corrections), there was an unintended 3dB drop in level at FREEZE transition.
  • Under rare conditions, WaveMap select control could be out of sync (off by one) with knob detent position.
  • Under rare conditions, when using feedback notch, it was possible to get into an in-between condition that caused the temporary display to continually retrigger.
  • When entering FREEZE mode during training, if CH0 or CH1 selected, extra clicking noise occurred.

Known Issues:

  • Turning the CHARACTER knob too fast causes the temp display to show a value that doesn’t reflect the actual setting. It has no impact on sound.
  • Under some conditions turning the CHARACTER causes an unintended very brief temporary display of Bxx. It has no impact on sound.
  • Turning the CHARACTER knob while in MUTE/TUNE mode causes an unintended temporary display of “CH2” upon returning to RUN mode, no matter what the actual CHARACTER mode is. It has no impact on sound.
Version 1.20 released Aug 7, 2017

Feature Enhancements

  • WaveMaps created in slot 22 are special in that the corrections to improve feedback immunity are skipped. This results in the most realistic miked sound which may be more useful for recording purposes. These WaveMaps can be pasted into any storage location.

Bug Fixes

  • none
Version 1.10 released May 23, 2017

Feature Enhancements

  • 22 WaveMaps – option A/B switch now functions as bank select for WaveMaps 1-11 or 12-22
  • Anti-feedback adjustment of WaveMaps improved to have less midrange boost and better level matching.
  • The mic path can now be auditioned right after the level setting phase of training, rather than having to wait for the complete training session.
  • Temporary display of boost level when adjusting Boost volume control.
  • Temporary display of character mode when adjusting Character control.
  • Separate HGH (high) code release for banjo, violin, uke, etc. with higher notch frequency range, otherwise the same as GEN (general) code.
  • Separate BAS (bass) code release for upright bass. EQ and notch ranges adjusted accordingly. Longer WaveMap length to accommodate lower frequencies.
  • Bass WaveMaps exists in separate memory locations and do not interfere with general WaveMaps, so they can coexist in the same box.
  • New feedback notch adjustment ranges:
    • HGH (high)     124 (B2) to 466 (A#4)
    • GEN (general) 73 (D2) to 392 (G4)
    • BAS (bass) 37 (D1) to 165 (E3)

Bug Fixes

  • Low level 10KHz noise occurs just when bypassing a slot containing a WaveMap.
  • When training from a slot with an existing WaveMap, the first time audition plays S, it plays new WaveMap rather than stored WaveMap. Next and subsequent times through it is correct.
  • In audition modes P and M which have EQ disabled, EQ lights were not turned off.
  • Intermittent temporary display of notch frequency when knob not fully CCW on some units.
  • Temporary display of EQ not working properly in TRAIN mode after training complete but before storing WaveMap.
  • Tapping BOOST switch occasionally gives double tap instead of single tap.
  • Adjusting Notch control before temporary EQ display times out causes decimal point from EQ to show in Notch display.

Firmware Upgrade Instructions

Upgrading the Firmware will not delete WaveMaps in your ToneDexter. 

  1. Download the zip file corresponding to the firmware version you want to install, and put it someplace convenient on your computer, such as the desktop.
  2. Click open the zip file to view its contents. The folder should include these three files:
    1. app.bin
    2. dsp.bin
    3. “name”.txt (where “name” indicates the firmware version)
  3. Copy these three files to the root of an SD memory card. The root is simply the top level of your SD card so just drag and drop the three files (not the entire folder) over the SD card icon on your desktop. The card must be formatted as FAT32 (New cards are formatted as FAT32, on a Mac you can check using the Disk Utility application). It doesn’t matter if there are other files or directories on the card.
  4. Click open the SD card to verify the files are present at the root (not in a folder).
  5. Power down your ToneDexter by unplugging the power supply from the line (rather than by unplugging the power jack on the back of ToneDexter).
  6. Push the SD card into the slot on the side of ToneDexter, with the card contacts facing down.
  7. Make sure at least 15 seconds have elapsed (so that the internal voltage has time to decay), then plug the power supply back into the line. When ToneDexter powers up, it looks for the presence of an SD card and reads the files.
  8. The display will read UPD, and soon after there will be moving dots to indicate the upgrade is in process. The process will finish automatically after about 2 mins and display the new code version, followed by either:
    1. GEN (general release)
    2. HGH (higher pitched instruments like violin, banjo, ukulele, etc.)
    3. BAS (upright bass)
  9. Remove the SD card from the slot.
Additional Notes
  • If you forget to remove the SD card before the next power up, it will unnecessarily go through the upgrade process again at the next power up, but there will be no harm done.
  • If you accidentally lose power during the upgrade process, just start the process over and all will be well.
Advanced Usage Notes
  1. The app.bin file controls the user interface software, and tells ToneDexter which persona to be: GEN, HGH, or BAS. It loads first and only takes a few seconds.
  2. The dsp.bin file does all the signal processing. It loads after the app.bin file and takes about 2 minutes.
  3. Both versions need to match or else you will see ERR during the update process.
  4. For a given version of firmware, it is possible to change personas quickly by simply loading only the app.bin file, without the dsp.bin. To do this, simply put just the desired app.bin file (and optionally the identifying text file that comes with it) on the SD card, and follow the process above. You should see the change within 10 seconds.
ToneDexter SD Card