How to revert E2 Synth version to the original firmware

[AndrewSosna]

Hi. First of all thank you for this hack, I've successfully applied it to my e2synth using macOS, but just to be safe and to compare with original PCM samples I'd like to revert the hack temporary.
I understand that I should use the original 2.02 firmware for synth, but the questions are:

1. What folder path should I use? it's a blue synth version with already hacked firmware. I assume it should be /sampler
2. Should I do any modification of header of the original firmware? I guess it won't accept it without a modified header because, probably, now it thinks that it's a sampler so it would want a sampler firmware, right?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the stupid questions.

[bangcorrupt]

These are sensible questions and I'll try to document them in the wiki soon. You are correct on both counts. Hacktribe thinks it is a sampler, the header will need modifying to look like the sampler firmware update file. Run e2-header.py with the sampler option to set the header as a sampler file.

python scripts/e2-header.py SYSTEM.VSB sampler

Since 3d31b7c, Hacktribe will look for files under the hacktribe directory.

Update:

See wiki section Revert to Factory Firmware.

[bangcorrupt]

Don't patch the firmware if reverting, just edit the header of the factory firmware and put it at KORG/hacktribe/System/SYSTEM.VSB. The GUI doesn't support this yet, follow the comment above.

[frndob]

Thanks..but how to edit the header? the factory firmware for electribe 2 or electribe sampler? I read your answer, but I don't understand how to run the e2-header.py without the GUI

[bangcorrupt]

python scripts/e2-header.py SYSTEM.VSB sampler

[frndob]

Sorry..I don't understand..this line code in python?? I use mac, in python shell, says "sintax error". Be kind please, I'm totally noob.

[bangcorrupt]

Run it in the terminal, not the python interpreter.

[AndrewSosna]

Awesome, thank you, I've reverted my Synth back, no issues.

Would be nice to have some way to extract PCM samples from synth version somehow, as a starting point for Hacktribe, but that's a different story, whoever switches from synth to sampler is already bored with these default samples.

[ShoveD01]

Would I be right in saying, in order to update from the previous hacktribe version to the latest hacktribe version , no modification of the header is required. Because hacktribe thinks it's a sampler, and is being updated by a patched sampler firmware.

[bangcorrupt]

Correct. Modifying the header is only necessary if you currently have factory synth firmware installed, or are reverting from Hacktribe to synth firmware.

[AndrewSosna]

Just curious, I see that the first difference in headers is just a letter "s" instead of just white space, but what's the second one? Just some character for CRC validation?

[bangcorrupt]

Device ID numbers are 123 for synth and 124 for sampler. They're used in sysex messages and a couple of places in the firmware and file headers.

Thank you so much for your support! 😃

[AndrewSosna]

Thank you for doing what Korg should have done in the first place!

[histmaster]

I tried to turn my gray hacktribe back to the original firmware. Always get an invalid file error.
What I did:

1. downloaded the firmware from korg
2. patched the header with the es2-header script
3. copied the patched file to hacktribe/system/

any suggestions?

[luciferseamus]

What is the error you're getting? If executing a python script, doing it from a command prompt in windows shouldn't be different than doing it from a terminal. Guessing without wanting to make assumptions you may not have installed python on your system to be able to execute it from the command prompt?

This is likely correct. I do not have python on my system as I have no real need for it. . . Other than to edit this one file that is. That's kinda why I was hoping someone could make available the file needing to be edited. If I must do it myself is there a lite version I can use to accomplish this task? is it a single download or do I need to incorporate a few. . . repositories/resources/supplemental elements? sorry I really don't know much about this.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and help me. I really appreciate your time and wisdom.

[bangcorrupt]

A standard python installation is all you need, there are lots of beginner tutorials online. The commands in the wiki will work if the script and firmware file are in the same directory.

[luciferseamus]

@bangcorrupt @tokejuhoklee @herrmautsch @AndrewSosna @didak00

A standard python installation is all you need, there are lots of beginner tutorials online. The commands in the wiki will work if the script and firmware file are in the same directory.

Thank you for responding. As it turns out I keep running into road blocks when trying to install python. Missing Dll files, I am not running the most current version of windows so some packages do not have installers blah blah blah. . . .

I could try and chase down and correct all these issues but in the end I only need one file edited. It really doesn't make sebse to install a bunch of stuff on my system all so I can alter this one file. So, I ask again. Is there any one out there who could make available the altered OEM file so I can revert back?
I would really appreciate it!
Since it seems as though others in this thread have accomplished the editing of the file it would be awesome if someone could take one more step and upload it and help me and other fellow music makers out. Please and thank you.

@histmaster

Thank you worked!

is there anyway you can send me the file you got working so I can get my tribe back to factory?

[bangcorrupt]

I won't distribute copyrighted files from this repo. There needs to be a line somewhere and this seems a reasonable place to put it. I agree that it would be useful to have an archive of patched firmware files somewhere on the internet.

You can use a bash shell with python installed in github codespaces.

1. Select the 'Blank' template and wait for it to load. The lower half of the horizontal split is a bash shell.

2. Right click in the vertical pane on the left, select Upload and upload synth firmware SYSTEM.VSB from your local filesystem.

3. In the bash shell, clone the Hacktribe repo:

    git clone https://github.com/bangcorrupt/hacktribe.git
   

4. Run the script to edit the header, making synth firmware look like sampler firmware:

    python hacktribe/scripts/e2-header.py SYSTEM.VSB sampler
   

5. The script will overwrite the original file. Right click SYSTEM.VSB in the vertical pane on the left and select Download.

[luciferseamus]

I won't distribute copyrighted files from this repo. There needs to be a line somewhere and this seems a reasonable place to put it.

@bangcorrupt : I completely understand not wanting to host and thereby infringe on copyrighted material. that is reasonable and sensible.

With that, I have to say thanks for pointing out "github codespaces". . . . I was unaware that was even a thing as this sort of stuff is not my milieu. I was able to follow your instructions to the T and everything worked out perfectly!
Thank you very much.

[didak00]

Hi. Anybody can help me? Please..i m just two days fighting without result. More simple
I buy a electribe 2 synth grey.
Update to 2.02 korg firmware
Install the hacktribe firmware. The problems begin
I m watch in the boot the logo but dont load all the sounds and more fast to load..i think that not boot correctly, after i m only have the synth sounds. Not samples, no kicks...nothing.
I m try to return to old version following the manual.

1. Download the 2.0 electribe sampler oficial
2. Install git and i apllied the patch at firmware. It seems good. With the patched tool
3. After copy and rename de SYSTEM file in all the diectories combinations...Hacktribe/system...korg/system...sample/system...nothing to do. No file...invalid file...different errors...
   I m just only wish come back to the original firmware electribe2 grey synth...somebody can help me please? I m tried a lot of time
   Thanks

[didak00]

Now im try to format the card and create the folder structure as a sampler electribe..not as the synth...im turned crazy...i have a electribe synth sampler without sounds 😒

[bangcorrupt]

Hacktribe will look for files under the KORG/hacktribe/ directory, paths are case sensitive.

Don't patch the firmware if reverting to the factory firmware, just edit the header. To revert to the factory firmware put the factory firmware with edited header at KORG/hacktribe/System/SYSTEM.VSB.

I'm watch in the boot the logo but don't load all the sounds and more fast to load

Hacktribe will load e2sSample.all from KORG/hacktribe/Sample/ directory. You also need to edit the e2sSample.all so the samples start from slot 501.

[didak00]

Thank you...but i need the electribe synth right?

1. I take the original synth firmware
2. python e2-header.py SYSTEM.VSB sampler
3. Im put in the KORG/hacktribe/system/SYSTEM.VSB
   Yes?
   Thank youuu

[bangcorrupt]

/System/ should have a capital 'S', otherwise correct.

[didak00]

[didak00]

Error no file 🙄

[bangcorrupt]

Yes.

[didak00]

Error. No file
KORG/hacktribe/System/SYSTEM.VSB
😔

[bangcorrupt]

Can you email me the file you're trying to install?

[bangcorrupt]

That file is correct. If you have Hacktribe installed and have that file at the correct SD path it should work. Can you list the files on the SD and post a screenshot?

I also notice you're using an old version of the script, but in this case it shouldn't make a difference.

[didak00]

yes..i cant not understand anything [cid:ae50460c-d027-4c79-8578-ea0b78451b25]

…

________________________________ De: bangcorrupt ***@***.***> Enviado: miércoles, 25 de enero de 2023 21:55 Para: bangcorrupt/hacktribe ***@***.***> Cc: didak00 ***@***.***>; Comment ***@***.***> Asunto: Re: [bangcorrupt/hacktribe] How to revert E2 Synth version to the original firmware (Discussion #70) That file is correct. If you have Hacktribe installed and have that file at the correct SD path it should work. Can you list the files on the SD and post a screenshot? — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub<#70 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe<https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5OQ3GO67HL7PVPGFUUX5VTWUGHN7ANCNFSM5LZSFJNA>. You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[bangcorrupt]

If you posted an image it didn't work. Do you have any other files in the System directory? There should be only SYSTEM.VSB, (sub-directories are fine),

[didak00]

Hi¡¡Nope..maybe the sdcard its not fine...i will try with another one. Thankyou for your help and effort to try turn alive my brick xD. Could you be send me please a one file system.vsb modified for you and i try with this one? My electribe its grey....if not run..maybe its bricked. I m not another idea. Cheers

…

________________________________ De: bangcorrupt ***@***.***> Enviado: miércoles, 25 de enero de 2023 23:18 Para: bangcorrupt/hacktribe ***@***.***> Cc: didak00 ***@***.***>; Comment ***@***.***> Asunto: Re: [bangcorrupt/hacktribe] How to revert E2 Synth version to the original firmware (Discussion #70) If you posted an image it didn't work. Do you have any other files in the System directory? There should be only SYSTEM.VSB, (sub-directories are fine), — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub<#70 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe<https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5OQ3GIWEEPXXE4Y7ZOO4BTWUGRE3ANCNFSM5LZSFJNA>. You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[didak00]

Oh sorry im not upload the picture..here you go

[bangcorrupt]

Are you running an old version of Hacktribe? Before 3d31b7c, Hacktribe would look for files under the electribe sampler directory. Try putting SYSTEM.VSB under KORG/electribe sampler/System/.

I tried installing the file you sent me and it reverted to synth firmware correctly.

[MarcosDelfino]

Hi there, I cloned and installed Hacktribe on 01/23/23 I don't know how to check for the version. But had to place the firmware under KORG/electribe sampler/System/ for it to be loaded. Also, the drum samples and synth sounds are in different locations now. Just letting you now! thank you for all the work you did here!

[bangcorrupt]

If you installed for the first time from sampler firmware that is the correct path. If you upgrade or revert the file will need to be under the hacktribe/System directory.

[didak00]

oh yeah! yes men!! do it!

100000 milllion thanks

[herrmautsch]

How did you do it in the end?

[vandaltwist]

hello everyone, I am not the first noob to ask I am sorry I have read several times the creation or modification of script I do not understand anything :( do you have a ready-to-use script please? I would like to pass my hacktribe has electribe 2 blue

[bangcorrupt]

Follow the screenshots. After the codespace opens, wait a while and the script will run automatically. The files will appear in the file browser on the left.

[vandaltwist]

below read me I'm nothing :/

[vandaltwist]

[bangcorrupt]

If you wait a minute the script should run automatically. If it doesn't, run ./hacktribe-tutorial.sh in the terminal window at the bottom.

hacktribe-tutorial.mp4

[vandaltwist]

thank you very much I'm sorry I was so bad, unfortunately there are people like you thank you!!!

[lowyccc]

Hello,

i've followed everything that you mentionned but my header won't change ... i cannot make kicks anymore only synth.
i have the grey electribe.

could you help me out ?

[lowyccc]

[bangcorrupt]

If you use the Hacktribe Tutorial codespace on github you don't need to run any commands. Just wait a couple of minutes and the files will appear in the browser on the left. Use synth-revert-SYSTEM.VSB to go from Hacktribe to Synth. Put the file at KORG/hacktribe/System/SYSTEM.VSB and KORG/electribe sampler/System/SYSTEM.VSB. Delete any other *.VSB files.