The Great Debate: Firmware Hacking

US
Ethical Hacking or a War on Manufacturers? 07/10/26

The synth world, partly thanks to AI decompilation tools I suspect, has received an absolute wealth of firmware updates this month. Target devices have been extremely broad; with transformative code hitting everything from a vintage Akai S900 to the modern M-VAVE FM1. In recent days, Elektron’s Model:Cycles has been the target platform for multiple firmware options. Some add sampling, other – new synthesis modes inherited from Elektron’s higher-end Syntakt. Apparently, these Syntakt-inspired engines really tax the Cycle’s CPU; meaning that official firmware – that which aims for stable performance, would not likely include them.

One might feel the giddiness of “Ooh! New Toys!” over the new releases, but my first thought (as someone who close to a number of developers) was – “That’s cool and all – but won’t it really affect Elektron’s livelihood?” – If Cycles can become an Ersatz Model:Samples and Syntakt, build quality aside – then will less people buy the latter? My concern is not primarily for just one company, either – you could see this happening to anyone who makes digital synthesizers.

Whilst we should be thankful to anyone putting in the time to develop their own firmware or indeed, exploring their passions; should we, as users encourage the use of such unofficial firmware? Would that harm the very companies our hardware purchases have supported? Companies we’d like to continue supporting?

In order to process these thoughts I needed a good debate partner, and Magical Synth Adventure Discord https://discord.gg/xd5GRxun member Rivvi stepped up to help. Let’s go!

Paulee: Thanks for helping me out Rivvi, so, are you excited for the new Cycles firmwares, seeing them as ethical hacktivism perhaps; or do you see them as an affront to Elektron/synth companies?

Rivvi: Definitely the first one, lol. if users are able to improve their machines I see that as a win-win. If features being added stops people from buying new gear, then was that new gear really worth it to begin with, if the features it brings to the table can be added to old machines? It also makes transparent what these boxes are really capable of when pushed to their limits – no longer do we have to trust companies when they say features can’t be added because of the hardware limitations. Now we can see plainly what is possible and Elektron (and others) can either work with their users to make the products better for everyone or they can try and lock everything down and further alienate an already distrusting and pretty pissed off user base .

Paulee: Ok, good strong take – can I play devil’s advocate? What if these companies then say “actually, with this hacking – it’s not worth it for us any more, we’re pulling out of the market”. From your “was the new gear really worth it” sentiment – it could either make the companies push harder, make better gear, be more proactive, or they could simply shut up shop?

Rivvi: That just seems so far-fetched I really don’t see how that could happen. Their hardware is still important, and people will definitely continue buying new devices. If they don’t, then that probably means those new devices aren’t good enough. Not to mention that the amount of people hacking their boxes is surely a small minority of the overall user base.

Paulee: This is an interesting point – but I assumed that Elektron, for instance, had done a great job with updates? I am guessing that Elektron were not using AI to code their boxes, as many were released before 2023 – so is it fair to compare those pre-AI efforts, that required paid DSP coders, to a 2026 community with Claude, now upgrading these instruments?

Rivvi: The AI thing is a big point, but to me AI coding agents are one of the few cases where AI is actually a net positive. Coding is engineering, and it’s something that AI happens to be really really good at. Better than humans, when it comes to reverse engineering. I wouldn’t be against Elektron using AI agents in the same way that the users hacking the boxes are, but I just don’t think they’d need to? The AI agents are necessary because of how locked down firmware often is, but that wouldn’t be a problem for the company themselves since it’s literally their software. They have all of the advantages and all of the resources. Users now have a fighting chance of modding these boxes themselves but it doesn’t mean they have a greater advantage than Elektron.

Elekrton Model:Cycles
Paulee: Do you think this will have a positive, motivational impact on companies?

Rivvi: I am massively anti-AI when it comes to creative work, like art and music. since these things only exist as a form of human communication, having AI generate “art” is a concept that’s dead on arrival to me. but the coding stuff is a whole different kettle of fish. Honestly no idea, companies make baffling and nonsensical decisions all the time. I feel like it could have a positive impact on them but it’s on them, to actually ensure that.

Paulee: I romanticize coders as much as artists, and I’ve found out recently that barely anyone else does, so that’s what I’ve had to sit with …I saw it as magic, like music.

Rivvi: Oh no, I totally get that there’s an “art” to coding, much in the same way that there is to any form of engineering . But ultimately the goal of any program is to serve some kind of function whereas art and music is just emotions and communication of ideas . Like how the goal of a bridge is to connect two sides of something and preferably not break . I’m not well versed in programming or coding whatsoever but from speaking to my friends who are, it seems these AI coding agents as great as they are for certain tasks, really suck at others, and a real programmer is always going to be required to check and verify everything – probably won’t be the case forever, mind you.

Hacker

Paulee: Thanks for chatting to me and assuming the side of firmware insurgents!

Rivvi: Really interested to see what others have to say about it as well. It’s quite the hot button issue at the moment lol. At least readers will know I’m someone who actively uses Elektron gear, if they looked into me anyway!

Rivvi // COMMODIFY

Conclusion

I came away from the experience not changed in my own convictions…but perhaps with my eyes opened, with new questions to answer. Like, how exactly are synth companies viewed by the community at large? Will entirely digital synths be phased out – with manufacturers choosing to include analogue filters, VCAs, phasers or tube distortion on every instrument to provide un-hackable value? Until next time, keep synthing.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and their guest. They do not reflect the official policy or position of SonicState.com.

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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