Questions Regarding Minimoog Voyager OS Update

[Stingrayman]

Dear [Moog Support/Community],

I am currently using a Minimoog Voyager running OS version 2.5, and I would greatly appreciate your guidance on a few questions:
1. Is it correct that the Voyager does not allow bank switching directly from the unit? I have been unable to find this function.
2. I am considering updating to either version 3.5 or 3.6. In your opinion, which version would be the most reliable and stable choice?
3. From what I have read on user forums, the results of updating appear to be mixed—some users report success while others mention malfunctions. How significant is the risk of damaging the unit during the update process?
4. Based on your experience, would you recommend proceeding with the update?

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
Stingrayman

[till]

1. Is it correct that the Voyager does not allow bank switching directly from the unit? I have been unable to find this function.

Of cause, this is possible. from the manual from 2013:
"To change banks, press and hold the CURSOR button and use the -1/+1 buttons to step through the banks. Banks can also be selected through a MIDI Bank Select message."

But if you use an older hardware version of the Voyager, it might just got the hardware for a single bank. There was a hardware update kit available in 2005-06 for older Voyagers built before firmware 3.x to change these older ones from 1 to 7 banks of 128 sounds each. Firmware 3.0 that supported 7 banks was released 2005. You can use the new software on older units without this upgrade, but still just one single bank will be available. This is hardware limitation.

2. I am considering updating to either version 3.5 or 3.6. In your opinion, which version would be the most reliable and stable choice?

I am on 3.6 with no problem. I am playing live. No DAW used. Other setups might prefer other version, but I have no information of real show stopping bugs.

3. From what I have read on user forums, the results of updating appear to be mixed—some users report success while others mention malfunctions. How significant is the risk of damaging the unit during the update process?

Did you ever update a synth via MIDI before? Do you know your software and MIDI interface do work perfect? Some interfaces and some software cause troubles. I would no recommend to do it, if you haven't done firmware updates like this before. Find someone experienced with the right tools. I helped other users updating in the past.

If you go exactly by the installing manual, it will work. Do a full backup of your sounds first.

4. Based on your experience, would you recommend proceeding with the update?

The update were not just bug fixes. They were also adding new features.

[Stingrayman]

Hi, and thanks in advance for your help.

On my Voyager, when I press and hold the Cursor button, it enters Compare Sound mode and only plays a single assigned sound. However, I’m unable to switch to a different bank—no matter what I try, it just stays on that one sound.

Does this mean my unit is a single-bank Voyager, possibly with limited hardware?

Appreciate any insights from those who might know more about this behavior. Thanks!

[edmang]

I am on 3.6 with no problem. I am playing live. No DAW used. Other setups might prefer other version, but I have no information of real show stopping bugs.

The update were not just bug fixes. They were also adding new features.

Can you provide information on the new features of 3.6?

Thanks

[till]

Sorry, I havn't found some 3.6 read-me files with a list of the new features. Not even one for the 3.0 to higher versions. And there were so many features added, like disabling local control for keys, pots, wheels and not all in just one setting.

But you can be sure, that Rudi only improved things with a higher OS version. And I remember on bug in the velocity under certain conditions in version 3.5 that were fixed in 3.6. Not everyone uses velocity on their Voyager, so this was not a major problem for most users.