Evolver Desktop Operating Systems

The Evolver has two processors, Main (AKA "PIC") and DSP, and each has its own operating system.

To check the installed versions in your Evolver:

Hold the Row 1 button and press Row 2. The Main version is displayed.

Hold the Row 1 button and press Row 3. The DSP version is displayed.

This is the only accurate method of determining the installed version. The paper labels on the chips are not to be relied upon and the editor software may not display the correct version.

Version 3

Version 3 is installed in all Evolvers serial numbers 1859 and above. Many of the earlier instruments have been updated, so you should always check the installed version before ordering an update.

Updating to version 3 from an earlier version requires that the Main PIC processor be replaced. You can order the update from our online store or return your Evolver to us to be updated. If you want to order the update online, you'll also need to download and read the Evolver version 3 update package below. If you prefer to return your Evolver, please contact first. Either way, the cost is $25 US.

Changes in version 3 include the addition of MIDI Continuous Controller mapping to many of the Evolver's parameters and changes to make the desktop Evolver compatible with the other Evolver models.

There are two different files for updating to the current DSP version (compatible with Main/PIC version 3.0). One is for serial numbers up to 1607; the other is for serial numbers 1608 and above.

Extremely Important Note About Version 3: We know you're smart and you will read the instructions in the .zip file before attempting to upgrade to version 3, but you wouldn't believe how many people don't read the instructions and end up with a little black and blue box that doesn't do anything except sit there and look lonely and forelorn. Dopey, huh?

So, just for the benefit of those people who are not as smart as you:

1. Version 3 is not a simple software update from version 1 or 2; it is an upgrade and requires a piece of hardware to complete. You can buy that piece of hardware—a chip—from us for a meager $25. Or we can install it for the same price if you want to send us your Evolver.
2. Please follow the instructions carefully and in the order listed. If you do not update the DSP OS before installing the Main PIC chip, your Evolver may be seriously hosed! And then you'll have to send it to us and pay another $25, plus shipping, to get it fixed. (To our non-native American-English-speaking friends: Being "seriously hosed" is not a good thing.)
3. And last, DSP OS 3.x is—as stated plainly below—compatible only with Main OS version 3. So only install it if you're already running Main OS 3 or if you're about to install the upgrade chip. Please. You...uh, that is, those other people...have been warned.

Version 2

Version 2 was originally installed in all Evolvers from serial number 1095 to 1858. A pair of SysEx files (Main and DSP) are used to update from version 1 to version 2.

Added features include:

• The addition of Bank 4, for a total of 512 Programs.
• New modulation destinations, including individual Left and Right Filter Cutoff and Resonance, Envelope Decay and Release, and Distortion.
• Synchronous Program changing while the Sequencer is running.
• New Sequence modulation destinations, including Clock speed, MIDI note transmission, and MIDI controller transmission.
• A new Sequencer clock mode that allows each MIDI note to advance the Sequencer one step.
• A Split signal mode that allows one mono audio input to be controlled by a second mono control signal.
• Tap Tempo.
• MIDI input indicator (decimal point).
• Six new Delay syncs.
• Longer Envelope rates.
• New Glide mode that only glides when more than one key is held.
• New Trigger mode that plays a sequence a single time on each MIDI note.