How to Update ProAudio Firmware

Modified on Wed, 29 Apr at 4:20 PM

ProAudio firmware is updated via RS232 — not through the cloud monitoring portal. The firmware file is downloaded from the Pulse-Eight website and applied to the unit using a terminal application over an RS232 to USB cable connected directly to the ProAudio's RS232 port.

This article covers ProAudio firmware only. Neo Matrix and ProAmp8 firmware is updated via the cloud monitoring portal — see How to Update Neo Matrix and ProAmp8 Firmware.

What You Will Need

A Windows PC with a USB port
An RS232 to USB adapter cable (DB9 male to USB)
The latest ProAudio firmware file — download from pulse-eight.com/Support

The RS232 cable is essential. There is no network-based firmware update method for ProAudio. If you do not have an RS232 to USB cable, you will need to obtain one before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Update Process

Download the firmware fileGo to pulse-eight.com/Support and locate the latest firmware for your ProAudio model. Download the firmware file to your PC.

Connect the RS232 cableConnect the cable to the RS232 port on the rear of the ProAudio unit. Connect the USB end to your PC. Note which COM port the adapter appears as in Windows Device Manager.

Initiate the firmware updateFollow the firmware update instructions included with the firmware download package from the website. The process typically involves sending the firmware file to the unit through the terminal connection. The exact commands are version-specific and are included in the firmware release notes.

Wait for the update to completeDo not close the terminal or disconnect the RS232 cable during the update. The unit will indicate when the update is complete — refer to the firmware release notes for what to expect. Once complete, power cycle the ProAudio unit.

Verify the new firmware versionAfter the unit has restarted, reconnect with PuTTY and confirm the firmware version matches the update you applied.

Do not power off or disconnect the RS232 cable during the update. Interrupting the update process can leave the unit in an unrecoverable state. If this happens, contact Pulse-Eight support immediately.

Troubleshooting

Command Prompt shows no response from the unit

Confirm the COM port number in Device Manager is showing as having a unit attached
Confirm the cable is working correctly. To do this you can open a PuTTY window and prompt the unit: see ProAudio: How to set up PuTTY to communicate with the ProAudio switches
Try a different USB port on your PC — some RS232 to USB adapters are port-sensitive
Confirm the connector is fully seated in the ProAudio's RS232 port and the screws are hand-tightened
Check that the RS232 cable driver has installed correctly in Device Manager — look for any yellow warning icons on the COM port

The firmware update fails partway through

The process will be aborted, and you will be instructed on what happened. Either repeat the process or reach out to Pulse-Eight Tech Support for assistance

The unit is not responding after the update

Power cycle the unit and allow 60 seconds for it to fully restart. If it does not come back online, contact Pulse-Eight support with the serial number.

Need help with a ProAudio firmware update?
Contact Pulse-Eight support with your unit model, serial number, and current firmware version.

UK: 01202 413 610 | US: (858) 748-8250 | support@pulse-eight.com