NUX NES-1 Firmware Update Guide (Version 3.0)
What's New in Firmware V3?
- Upgraded Sounds: Enhanced dynamic response and accuracy across multiple instrument sounds for a more expressive playing experience.
- Optimized Reverb Effects: Improved overall sound quality and spatial feel.
- New Fingering Option: Flute: Supports a wider range of playing styles.
- Improved DAW Compatibility: Resolved connection issues when using the NUX NES-1 with a DAW.
IMPORTANT
- Please read and follow this guide step by step.
- NUX NES-1 V3 firmware is only compatible with NUX NES-1 units running firmware version V2 or later.
- NUX NES-1 units with V1 firmware are not supported. Please contact NUX support for upgrade options.
- This guide and the accompanying screenshots were created using a macOS computer, but the steps are identical for Windows users.
Requirements
- A computer running Windows 7 or later, or macOS 10.10 or later.
- NUX NES-1 with a fully charged battery.
- A USB-C to USB-A data/sync cable (not included), or a USB-C to USB-C data/sync cable, depending on the available USB port on your computer.
- A little patience.
Steps Overview
- Update MCU Firmware
- Update DSP Firmware
- Update Soundbank
- Recalibrate the Pitch Roller
Step-by-Step Guide
Download the Firmware Update Kit & Get Ready
- Visit the NUX NES-1 webpage using your preferred web browser.
- Scroll down slightly and click the Gallery/Spec/Support tab to navigate to the Support section of the product page. Then, click the Support tab to access manuals, firmware updates, and firmware update guides.
- Download the appropriate firmware update kit for your operating system—either Windows or Mac.
- Unzip the downloaded file to reveal the following:
- BIN files: NES-1_DSP_V1.0.2.bin, NES-1_MCUFirmware-V3.0.1.bin, NES-1_Soundbank_250515_4K_AES.bin
- ZIP files: NUX_MIDI_DFU_Updater_MacOS_V1.0.1.zip, NUX_RPC-DFU_MacOS_V1.0.0.zip
- Unzip both ZIP files, open the resulting .dmg disk images (or .exe for Windows), and install the applications on your computer.
Connect NUX NES-1 to Computer & Activate DFU Mode
Connect the NUX NES-1 to your computer using either a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C data/sync cable (not included), depending on the USB port available on your computer.
Textual description of diagram: The NUX NES-1 device is shown connected via a USB-C cable to a laptop computer.
Launch the MIDI_DFU_Updater application. The application window displays fields for MIDI Device Out, MIDI Device In, Target Device, Address, a Refresh button, an Update Status bar, a File... button, and a Start Update button.
To enter DFU mode: Press and hold the “SELECT” button while switching the ON/OFF button to the ON position. Continue holding SELECT until “NES-1 Firmware Update” appears on the screen, then release the button.
Update the MCU Firmware
Textual description of image: The NUX NES-1 device with the SELECT and ON/OFF buttons highlighted.
In the MIDI_DFU_Updater application, click the "File..." button and select the firmware file: NES-1_MCUFirmware-V3.0.1.bin.
Click “Start Update” and wait until the status bar reaches 100%. DO NOT unplug the USB cable during the update process.
Close the MIDI_DFU_Updater once the MCU firmware update is complete.
Update the DSP Firmware
Launch the RPC_DFU application. The application window displays fields for Device, Programming Target, PageSize, a Refresh button, a File... button, and a Start Program button. The Device section will display “RPC DFU Device”, indicating that the NES-1 has been successfully connected.
From the “Programming Target” dropdown menu, select “NF Firmware”.
Click "File..." and choose the firmware file: NES-1_DSP_V1.0.2.bin.
Click “Start Programming” and wait until the status bar reaches 100%. DO NOT unplug the USB cable during the process.
Leave the RPC_DFU application open, as it is also used to upgrade the soundbank—this is the final step of the firmware update.
Update the Soundbank
Under the “Programming Target” menu, select “NF SBank4K".
Click "File..." and select the soundbank file: NES-1_Soundbank_250515_4K_AES.bin.
Click “Start Programming” and wait until the status bar reaches 100%. DO NOT unplug the USB cable during the process.
Now you can close the RPC_DFU application once the soundbank update is complete.
Finish Updating and Recalibrate the Pitch Roller
After updating to the latest firmware, you must calibrate the pitch bend to ensure accurate operation. Follow the steps below:
- Power on the NES-1 as usual.
- Press and hold the Octave Up button, then press the BT button to enter pitch bend calibration mode.
Calibration Steps:
- Push the pitch bend all the way up and hold. Wait until the screen displays a checkmark (✔).
- Push the pitch bend all the way down and hold. Wait until the screen displays a checkmark (✔).
- The pitch bend will automatically return to the center. Wait for a third checkmark (✔) to appear.
- When all three checkmarks (✔) are displayed, calibration is complete. You may now power off the device.
Firmware Update Completion
You can turn off the device by switching the power button, then switch the power button to turn it on again. The firmware has now been updated successfully.
Last edited: Jul 23rd, 2025
If you have any problems, please feel free to contact NUX support by email at info@cherubtechnology.com.
