Firmware

CHOMPI: TAPE Firmware Version 2.0

This firmware update CHOMPI: TAPE 2.0 contains new improvements to the signature CHOMPI workflow. In collaboration with Chase Bliss, we created this update to include feature expansions, bug fixes, and firmware stabilization refinements.

Download:

TAPE Firmware V2.0

NOTE: CHOMPI uses its micro SD card to manage firmware updates. V2.0 Released November 2025

CHOMPI TAPE v2.0 Firmware Updates:
- Overhaul & Refinements to CHOMPI’s power and battery charging systems
  - Significantly more robust battery charging protocol
  - Auto switching to USB-C power mode when a low battery or charging error is recognized
  - 15sec timer (all LED’s flashing yellow) when low battery threshold is reached
    Quickly connect USB-C power cable to rescue a low-batt shut down
- New User Config Option = Split Delay <&> Reverb
  - Toggling this setting on CHOMPI’s options.json file will separate the combo Delay/Reverb into two separate FX
  - When FX split is enabled, the controls will be updated to the following:
    Noon = NO Effect
    Left = Delay (Green LED)
    Right = Reverb (Blue LED)
    Shift + Enc Turn = Delay Time and Reverb Size
- Refined Tape Stability FX (Flutter/Chorus) to accommodate for a wider range of applications
- Updates and improvements to the Midi Engines
  - Midi CC OUT now sent on all knobs/pages (see midi map for CC’s)
  - Midi Notes IN now across 4 octaves (adding two more oct on the lower ranges)
  - Midi Notes IN will continue to play in the “background” while Shift key is held down
  - Fixed a mismatch bug related to Midi Notes sending and receiving one Octave apart
- Refined Input Gain Staging for both sampling and looper engines (cleaner, more accurate sample recording)
- Updated the bootup oscillator wave to a dual triangle (NES video game flute vibes)
- Multiple backend bug fixes and engine optimization / refinement for an overall more stable hardware platform

How to update your firmware to TAPE 2.0

All CHOMPI users have free access to alternate firmwares, and it’s real easy to swap between them. CHOMPI will simply detect the new firmware on the SD card and automatically load it on boot-up.

Carefully remove the micro SD card from the slot located on the right side of the rear panel (next to the handle)
TIP : The slot is designed with a round hole in the center that nicely fits a 3.5mm cable end, ballpoint pen or something similar. The card is spring loaded so watch for any flying SD cards ;)

Using a standard micro SD card adapter, load the card onto your computer just like any other external hard drive or storage device.

Move the old firmware file from the SD card into the trash of your computer. It will be named something like: “CHOMPI_V1_0_9.bin”
This is a good time to back up your current sample files as well.
TIP : Remember to “empty the trash” of your computer before moving to the next step

Move / copy the new firmware file that you wish to use with CHOMPI onto the root directory of the SD card (NO FOLDERS). The new TAPE firmware is named CHOMPI_TAPEv2_0.bin
Note : CHOMPI will automatically generate new Options.json and Presets.json files the first time it boots up with the new firmware.
TIP : Be sure there are no duplicate files.

Choose the Eject command to properly eject the Micro SD Card from your computer, and remove from the adapter.

Carefully place the Micro SD card back into CHOMPI.
TIP: Due to the way the panel enclosure is designed, it is possible to miss the card slot and drop your SD card into the enclosure. If this happens, simply remove one of the side panels and shake the SD card out.

We recommend plugging in CHOMPI to a USB power source for this next part.
Flip the power switch towards the lightning bolt icon to boot up CHOMPI. Wait for the LED animation to complete.
Note : Every time CHOMPI boots up, it checks the SD Card to verify the firmware. If it recognizes a new firmware file, it will automatically launch the firmware updater (this is indicated by the first LED “glowing” animation on bootup).
Typically, this process should only take 15-30 seconds. Once you see the “rainbow” animation on the LED’s, you should be good to go!

- If CHOMPI does not recognize the SD card when it boots up, the upper row of LEDs will blink RED. If this happens, power off the device, re-insert the SD card and try again.
- Once CHOMPI’s firmware has been updated, feel free to manage or add new samples on your SD card. If you would like to customize your user options, feel free to generate a new options.json through the CONFIG Tool.
If you would like to start fresh with firmware, samples, options, and preset settings as they come on new CHOMPI’s, feel free to download the TAPE 2.0 Card Profile. This new profile includes a wide range of samples and will take CHOMPI a little bit of time to load the first time you boot-up. Please allow a few minutes for the process to complete. If you are still waiting after 5 minutes, feel free to power cycle the device. Remember, all contents of the card profile must go on root folder of the SD card (no additional folders, and no duplicate files).

TAPE 2.0 Card Profile
SD Card Format: MS-DOS (FAT 32)
Sample Format: 16 bit 48kHz Stereo .WAV files
Example: cubbi_a1.wav
1. Type:“jammi” or “cubbi”
- Determines the type of sample (chromatic or one-shot)
2. Bank: A, B, C, D, or E
- (Banks D and E available on firmware 1.1 or newer)
3. Sample Slot #1-14

CHOMPI: TEMPO Firmware

Coming soon.

Familiar controls... with a totally new workflow! CHOMPI TEMPO is s unique approach to clock synced pattern generation. TEMPO is essentially a rhythmic reimagining of CHOMPI. Whereas the original firmware – that we’re now calling TAPE – was all about fluid, free-form, “tape” style composition, TEMPO is the complete opposite. It’s all about making patterns.

Highlights:

Swaps CHOMPI’s “tape” looper for a new arpeggio pattern generator.
Accentuate patterns with a new dual-effects engine.
Turn anything into a pattern with the new Slice Mode sampling engine.
Sequence, process, control, and record external devices.
MIDI clock-sync with external effects.
Redesigned sampling engines allow for single cycle synthesis from any sound source.
New “Snapshot” feature allows you to quickly store + recall snapshots of all device settings for live performance or for experimentation.