This zipped archive includes version 1.90 of the KSP8 Operating System plus v1.90 of the Boot Block, saved as .MID files. Therefore you will need a software program or hardware sequencer, such as one built into a keyboard, or a stand alone sequencer or MIDI file player. The files contain system exclusive data, and therefore, your software or hardware must be able to properly send sysex messages.

We also have another zipped archive containing files that can be installed via a Smart Media card. To use those files, you will need a Smart Media drive connected to your computer, in order to copy those files to the card.

If you have a choice of installing via either Smart Media or MIDI, we recommend installing via Smart Media, because the installation time will be MUCH shorter.

Separate files for the version 1.50 Objects are available for download, in .KOS, .MID, and .KSP formats. Although, you do not have to install the new objects when installing the new operating system, we recommend you update the objects in addition to the OS. 

An additional file of mLAN studios, MLAN01.ZIP is also available for download. Details on these studios can be found in the mLAM option manual, available for download from our web site at www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/html/manuals.html

Details on how to update your KSP8 can be found in your Users Guide, starting on page E-1, however, for convenience sake, we have also detailed the upgrade procedure below.


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Version 1.90 Release Notes

This version provides support for the mLAN option.


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Version 1.81 Release Notes

This version provides support for the AES/EBU option.


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Version 1.50 Release Notes

The majority of changes for this version are in support of the RSP8, HUB7, and KADT8 options.  Several new pages of parameters have been added, which can be found by going to MASTER, UTIL, then REMOTE. These parameters are all documented in the RSP8/HUB7 manual, which can be downloaded from our web site at http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/html/manuals.html

There have also been a few bug fixes and feature changes:

 The speed of QUICKs being changed via MIDI has been improved
 Several minor FXSEND and MIXSEND bugs were cleared up
 The PANNER DSP functions have been tweaked for smoother panning. AS a result of this change, the Gain parameter on the FXSEND and MIXSEND pages now will not go above unity gain (0.0dB)
 Front Panel button scanning has been slightly improved, resulting in more accurate response to very quick button presses.
 Some audio glitches have been eliminated or minimized.
 The parameters on the INLVL page in the Studio Configuration have been changed to say Analog In1, etc. (previously they just said In1, etc.)

In addition, if you install the v1.50 objects, the following changes will also apply:

 FXMODS have been added to each chain to allow for default joystick control from the RSP8.
 A new Studio, #15 Wind and Waves has been added. This studio uses internal noise generators to create an effect without any input.


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We have tested the following software applications and know that they work correctly for sending sysex to the KSP8. We have also tested many software applications that do not handle sysex correctly, so for this reason we strongly recommend using one of the software programs that we have listed:



PC PLATFORM:


Shareware/Freeware: 

 Windows Media Player. You need to have version 5 or later of Media Player - older versions will not work correctly. Windows Media Player can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/Download/default.asp

If you have not used Media Player before to control an external MIDI device, you may need to configure it. Go to the Control Panel (Start - Settings - Control Panel). From Control Panel, select Multimedia, then Midi.  Now you can choose your MIDI output instrument. 


Please note that Alesis Freeloader, which we recommend for the Mac, is buggy in the PC version and will NOT work correctly.


Commercial software: 

 Logic (from EMAGIC)



MACINTOSH PLATFORM:


Shareware/Freeware: 

 MIDIGraphy 1.4.3 (older versions tend to crash w/OS 8 and 9), can be downloaded at http://member.nifty.ne.jp/mmaeda/e/macos.html

 Alesis Freeloader can be downloaded at http://www.alesis.com/downloads/software/freeloader

As of this writing, Freeloader appears to work only with older Macs with a serial port - it does not support USB MIDI interfaces. If you have a USB MIDI interface, you should use MIDIGraphy. If you are using Freeloader, you need to select "Any File Type" in the Edit Menu, instead of "MIDI Files" (For some reason, Freeloader does not recognize our .MID files when the "MIDI Files" option is selected.)

MIDIGraphy also normally supports only serial ports. But if you use OMS and have it configured for a USB interface, you can select OMS as the control with MIDI Port parameter in the MIDI menu of MIDIGraphy and it will use the USB interface.


Please note that Windows Media Player, which we recommend for the PC, is buggy in the Mac version and does NOT work.


Commercial software: 

 Performer (from Mark of the Unicorn)
 Logic (from EMAGIC)



TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR UPDATING PROBLEMS

Because a number of people have reported having problems when trying to update their unit, we've done quite a bit of testing, and studying KSP8 upgrading process. Because of the wide variety of MIDI interfaces, MIDI software, and computer configurations, it is impossible for us to test all possibilities. However, in virtually all cases where we have found problems, they were tied to software problems, interface/driver issues, or configuration (within the computer) problems.

KSP8 ISSUES

 The KSP8 itself is very tolerant of timing. You can throw almost anything at it, and it will come through. It's got enough processing power to receive MIDI and use it to control a 64-voice synth in real time while managing the user interface at the same time. When the boot block is receiving data, all this processing power is available to handle the data being received. Needless to say, there is horsepower to spare.

 The KSP8 does need several seconds between segments, which it uses to program the Flash ROM. The KSP8 boot block will ignore any MIDI it receives during that period. If you send a file without sufficient space between segments, some segments will be missed. After the entire file has been transmitted, the KSP8 display will still say "Segment M of N;" it will never read "done." This might occur, for example, if you crank up the playback tempo too high. It could also happen if the MIDI interface is sending the data too slowly. However, if you send the file repeatedly, after two or three attempts all segments will get programmed, and the display will read "done."

INTERFACE AND SOFTWARE ISSUES

 A variety of interfaces, including the newer USB interfaces work without problems. However, many of the early drivers for USB interfaces did not handle sysex messages correctly. You should make sure you have the most current driver/extension for your interface, especially in the case of USB interfaces.

 A variety of interfaces and software don't work. In each case we've examined, the data was getting corrupted before it even got to the KSP8. Certain interfaces work with some software but not with other software. Sometimes the interface or software needs to be configured a certain way before it will work. 

RESOLVING VARIOUS INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

 Firstly, using the recommended sequencer software (listed above) can solve many installation problems. Unfortunately, we have observed that many popular sequencers corrupt certain sysex events in Standard MIDI Files.

 If the file begins transmitting, but the display still reads "Waiting for MIDI," none of the MIDI data is making it to the KSP8. Check your cables and connectors. Also check any configuration software you might have which controls whether or not MIDI data is being sent out the MIDI Out port.

 If the display shows an error in transmission, data is being dropped or corrupted. In either of these cases:

* Use one of the recommended sequencers. Be sure to read the specific notes above that apply to the different shareware programs.

* Bypass any MIDI mergers in the data path. MIDI mergers can corrupt sysex data.

* Bypass any other MIDI gear in the data path that might be corrupting the data.

* Some MIDI interfaces can merge the MIDI outputs of multiple applications. Disable any such features on the MIDI interface.

* Some MIDI interfaces allow you to patch MIDI input channels directly to output channels. Disable any such patches.

* Under Windows, make sure the latest drivers are installed. On the Mac, make sure the latest extensions are installed for your MIDI hardware and software.

* Use a different MIDI interface. We have seen reports that some USB interfaces still do not handle sysex messages correctly, even with their current drivers.

 If the entire file transmits, but the display on KSP8 still displays "segment M of N," some segments are being received but others are being dropped. Most likely, the sequencer is sending the segments without pausing long enough between each one. In this case:

* Do everything noted above.

* If using a sequencer that allows you to adjust the tempo, reduce the tempo. 120 BPM is nominal.

* Resend the file from the beginning. After several attempts, the KSP8 will eventually get all the segments, and the display will read "done."

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Installing Files into your KSP8 via MIDI.


Setting Up For a Software Upgrade 

1. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out of the computer's MIDI port or interface to the MIDI In of the PC2. 

2. Launch the sequencer application. 


Entering the Boot Block

There are two ways to enter the boot block:

Start with the power off on the KSP8 and turn the power switch On. KSP8 will display a "Please wait..." message for approximately 2 seconds. Press and release the exit key (front panel of the KSP8) while the "Please wait..." message is displayed. The Boot Block Main Menu will appear, and the boot block tests the KSP8's files to make sure they are valid.

Or...

While displaying one of the KSP8's studio-level pages, press the MASTER soft button. Press the Reset soft button on the Master page. Press the Loader soft button. The Boot Block Main Menu will appear


Installing the new Boot Block

1. On the KSP8, press Install, then MIDI. The KSP8 will display "Waiting for MIDI."

2. Open the file KSPSB190.MID using the sequencer program.

3. Start playing the MIDI file from the sequencer. While loading, The KSP8's display will show a message "Segment 1 of 1" If the display continues to show "Waiting for MIDI" after starting the sequencer, stop and restart the sequence. 

4. After about a minute, the KSP8 will reset and start running normally. You then need to power off and boot up to enter the Boot Block again, in order to install version 3.


Updating the OS

1. On the KSP8, press Install, then MIDI. The KSP8 will display "Waiting for MIDI."

2. Open the file KSP8V190.MID using the sequencer program.

3. Start playing the MIDI file from the sequencer. The percentage of load for each segment will display during the upgrade process. When the load is complete, press the Done soft button.

4 If you are also updating the Objects file, repeat steps 2 and 3, selecting the file KSPOB150.MID.

5. Once you are finished press RUN to run the new system.

