Yamaha Genos update v1.4 - Sand, software and sound

Yamaha have posted Genos™ update v1.4 to their support sites. I’m in the process of downloading and installing the update. [More later.]

Yamaha have also updated the Genos manuals and the AudioPhraser program. AudioPhraser definitely needed some touch-ups. Hopefully, there is a new version of Yamaha Expansion Manager (YEM) and ChordTracker just around the corner.

Looking through the list of changes, v1.4 is not the major update many punters are looking for. However, Yamaha’s strategic decision to issue updates for its flagship products is very welcome. This move brings Yamaha into parity with its major competitors (Korg, especially).

Here’s the list of changes from the Version History:

Some information displays have been added to the Home display.
Many additional functions have been included for assignment to individual controllers on the Live Control display and the Assignable display
You can now see the result of operations of the ASSIGNABLE buttons via the pop-up window.
It is now possible to output to an external display by connecting a commercially USB-display adapter. For details on the supported device list, download from the “Downloads” tab on the product site.
You can now select the content displayed on the external display, from the Utility display.
Changes: The maximum capacity per file of MIDI Song has been expanded to about 3 MB.
Changes: Disabled switching between Dual Player mode and Song List mode during Song playback.
Changes: Changed the buttons for display/operation on the Song List mode to the SONG B buttons instead of the SONG A buttons.
Changes: The font settings on the Lyrics display and the Text display are backed up and retained even after the power is turned off.
Changes: The “Song” item which can be selected on the Registration Memory window is divided into “MIDI Song” and “Audio Song.”
Changes: When operating the on-screen knobs and vertical sliders, the first touch will not change the value immediately, but only select (focus) it.
Changes: The Voice Guide function supports display changes of this version. Please download the latest Voice Guide file from the product site for the additional sounds to work properly.
Fixed a problem in which, under a certain situation, the Audio Section of Audio Style would not play back.
Fixed a problem in which, under a certain situation, an Audio Song longer than 80 minutes would not play correctly.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument would become unresponsive to operations when playing back a specific MIDI Song.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument response would slow down when certain Preset Wallpaper settings were selected.
Fixed a problem in which Initial Touch On/Off settings would not function properly when calling up a specific Registration Memory.
Fixed a problem in which, under a certain situation, the Registration Freeze function would not work properly.
Fixed a problem in which certain Music Finder Record files of Tyros series could not be imported.
Fixed a problem in which the Panel Sustain parameter seems to have an effect on the Left part because the Panel Sustain can be edited on the Voice Edit display for the Left part.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument would occasionally become unresponsive to operations when executing Search.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument would occasionally become unresponsive to operations when changing the mode of Wireless LAN.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument would become unresponsive to operations when the pop-up window is closed in certain situations.
Fixed a problem in which the instrument would become unresponsive to operations when saving a file in certain situations.
Fixed a problem in which characters would occasionally not be displayed correctly.

The previous firmware version cannot be restored after updating the firmware to this version (v1.4).

Well, I can confirm that the v1.4 update did not kill my Genos. 🙂 The Home page definitely displays more useful information. (Check out the link to the video to see what I mean.) I like the visual feedback as to where “the one” (downbeat) is. Some styles do not have a firm downbeat in MAIN A and I easily get lost.

I love having more assignable functions although nothing blows me away initially. The assignable functions are listed in the updated (e0) Genos Reference Manual starting on page 126. I’m glad to see the MIDI file size limit kicked up to 3MB. Controller intensive MIDI files can get pretty big.

Overall, I’m looking forward to improved stability. Yamaha gave us a few functional improvements, but nothing stunning. The list of bug fixes, however, shows attention to detail and quality. I will certainly miss the Genos while it’s in storage during the move!