We've come a long way since we first launched Orchid loaded with firmware version v3.04. And firmware v4.0.1 is our largest and most comprehensive release yet!
Before you get started with it, there's a few things you should know about how to control certain features of your Orchid:
Which controls have changed in v4.0.1?
- New gesture for adjusting volume levels: by pressing the Volume dial, you can cycle through controls for the master volume, treble volume, bass volume, beat/metronome volume, and USB out volume. Once you land on the one you'd like to control, turn the Volume dial to change the level. You can also long-press the Volume dial to open a menu in which you can choose which volume level to control.
- New gesture for checking the battery level: by long-pressing the Options dial, you can see the battery level of your Orchid.
What new features are in v4.0.1?
- Drum mode with dedicated user interface
- Record audio over USB-C
- New user interface with Chunky Roll typeface
- External MIDI clock support via USB-C
- Tempo of free-length Loops automatically determined
- Additional MIDI out channel in Options menu for sending Drum notes
What has been improved and fixed in v4.0.1?
- Pops and crackles from dial turns and chord button presses eliminated
- Performance fixes for Advanced and Free playstyles when key pressed before chord button
- FX parameter sweeps are smoother and don’t have step or zipper noise
- More robust behavior when large number of voices are triggered rapidly (i.e., in Harp mode)
- More robust MIDI note on/off messaging for complex performances
- Improved integrity of quantization and note recording in Loop mode
- No faint audio from speakers when Audio Output is “Headphones”
- Visual artefacts reduced
- Faster firmware updates for post-4.0 releases
- Failed firmware updates recoverable for post-4.0 releases, no longer stuck on QR code screen
What else is in v4.0.1?
- More variation between different Slop values
- Single transport shared by looper, metronome, drums, and external MIDI clock
- Persistent Loop screen during loop playback, persistent lit LED when loop is active
- Save Loop shortcut removed from menu when every slot is full to prevent accidental overwrite
- MIDI clock source configurable in Options menu
- Metronome sub-menu when long-pressing BPM dial
- EXT label displayed on-screen for beats and metronome when external MIDI clock source is active
- Long Sound names horizontally scroll in menu
- Sound name displays underneath large number when turning Sound dial
- Auto power-off disabled when beat or metronome playing
- Transpose resets upon boot-up
- Improved enharmonic spelling in chords
- New animations for boot-up, pinning FX, and pinning Performance
To view the changelog for all Orchid firmware releases, including the new features, improvements, and bug fixes they entail, visit our official firmware page and click on the release version you want to learn about.