I’m attempting to update my Minifreak firmware from 3.x to new 4.01, on a Dell desktop (ECS1250) Win11. Followed all instructions, to use new installation of Mini V software to do the firmware update. Initially the Minifreak booted ok via firmware 3.x.
At the conclusion of the attempted 4.01 firmware update sequence, it simply responded with “Firmware Update Failed” and provided no further legit action to exit this from (yes, I left the Minifreak powered on, but with no advice on what to do next(??).
I attempted to reboot the Minifreak-- initially all LEDs lit up EXCEPT nothing in the Menu area, which stayed Dark/Black.
Eventually I closed down the Mini V software on PC, then turned off the Minifreak since there was nothing more I could do.
Without Mini V running and no USB connection to PC, I then attempted to use the Boot reloader sequence; holding down Shift down Octave, then power button on. --no response and now the only light lit up at all is the lone “Assign 1” button, every thing else is pitch black.
Any more idea from users on what to try next? (Yeah, I’ll try a support engagement… but for now this minifreak h/w looks likes it bricked. I sure hope I can bring it back to life as I need it operational right now :))
Is there any other low-level way to do a factory reset?
Ideas? Advice beyond trying the Boot Loader start up sequence again? Thanks in advance
Here is the Arturia article on update failures:
https://support.arturia.com/hc/en-us/articles/7751065855900-MiniFreak-V-Firmware-Update
It sounds as if you may have done the right things and need to contact support.
Its a long shot but could I suggest retrying the update ensuring you are not using a USB hub (if you use one) and connect directly to your PC.
Good luck!
Hi @jmglassy
Sorry to hear this, i can’t really add more than @Funtmaster suggests at this stage, i would definitely retry flashing your MF again.
If that is unsuccessful, then, and please be aware of the time of year it currently is unfortunately in your case, i would log into my account to contact Arturia Support, and they should be able to help.
thanks to you and MatJones as well. I have read the official Arturia online material on failed updates. I’ll try one more time and then get a hold of Arturia tech support.
Success!! (12/20/2025T16:29MST) on firmware update!
(thanks again very much to Funtmaster and MatJones)
I tried one last time to update my Minifreak firmware from 3.x to 4.01, this time paying more attention to which USB port on desktop computer I used. Prior (when it failed) I had it plugged into a rear USB port. This time I turned everything off, rebooted PC, plugged the Minifreak into a FRONT USB port on the Dell ECS1250 minidesktop. This change of USB port apparently made the difference.
I then started up the recently installed new Mini V software on the PC, discovering that the “Firmware Update” button had returned on the software. I then re-started Minifreak synth using Shift-Octave (cold firmware reload) while switching on mains power, then pressed the “Firmware Update” button (e.g Download and Install). This time, happily saw it completed with “Successful Update, please wait for reboot” and after a minute miraculously found it rebooted to a normal Menu display.
Yeah! My Minifreak appears to be back in operation and I’m so thankful I kept trying–I need it for some new compositions. Thank you all for the moral support and helpful guidance!!
Fantastic! I’m not a Windows user but I have read of it having restrictions on the number of USB devices it can use at any one time. Maybe changing the port refreshed it? Whatever the reason, great news.
Hey @jmglassy
Thanks for updating us and so glad to see you’re updated and up and running again.
When encountering USB issues, it’s ALWAYS worth trying different USB ports and different USB cables before anything else, that or restarting your system lol…
I’ll lock this thread now as it’s solved.
