Donner have announced that the first firmware update for their recently released Essential D1 Performance Beat Machine is now available. It brings with it support for much-anticipated features such as aftertouch support for the Drum Roll function, new Function Button Latch and All Sound Off options, and also tackles a range of bugs.
The headline feature of the update is the Drum Roll aftertouch support, which Donner say significantly improves the instrument’s dynamic performance capabilities. With the latest firmware installed, users are provided with more detailed control the intensity and detail of drum rolls, allowing for more advanced rhythmic variations during a live performance. The Drum Roll section also now supports the use of triplets, expanding the range of rhythms that can be created.
It’s now possible to ‘latch’ the Beat, Mute and Shift buttons with a double-press, making it easier to access settings and functions that rely on users pressing a combination of buttons, while a new All Sound Off function can be triggered by pressing Shift and Play/Stop simultaneously. The instrument will also now automatically save relevant Kit and Beat information when saving a song, and some improvements have been made to the Swing function to prevent misbehaving sub-steps from leading to missed triggers.
Donner have also implemented the following fixes:
- Fixed problems where function buttons did not respond, causing the device to reboot.
- Fixed issues with unwanted multiple triggers on the velocity-sensitive pads.
- Fixed issues with Parameter Lock functionality.
- Fixed issues with the Undo function.
- Fixed problems where pads would also trigger sounds in Seq mode.
- Fixed an issue where the metronome switch in the Beat Slot page was not functioning.
- Fixed other minor bugs to provide a more stable user experience.
Availability
The latest firmware for the Essential D1 Drum Machine is available now via the company’s Donner Control software.
https://us.donnermusic.com/products/donner-essential-d1-performance-beat-machine