How to update Zoom R8 firmware

I had someone message me about this recently so I decided to put an article together since the process may be unfamiliar to some.

Disclaimer

Follow these instructions to update your ZOOM R8 at your own risk. I won't be held responsible if you lose all your data.

Step 1. BACK UP YOUR MEMORY CARD FIRST

The R8 erases the memory card during the update, so you have to back it up first.

Take out the memory card from the R8.

Plug it in to a PC or laptop.

Copy all the contents of the card somewhere on your computer where you will remember it.

REPEAT: COPY ALL THE CONTENTS. AS IN THE WHOLE CARD. ALL OF IT. If you don't, YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR PROJECT FILES.

The card will contain a folder called ZOOM_R8, and within that 3 more folders LOOP, PROJECT and SYS. This is where all your stuff is.

Depending on how many projects you have on your memory card, it may take a long time to copy it all locally to a backup folder on your computer. This is normal.

When copying the card to a local backup location on your computer, DO NOT MULTITASK. Don't use your web browser. Don't run any other programs. Don't let your screen "sleep". Let the copy happen without any interruptions to make sure everything is copied over with no file corruption.

It is suggested, although not required, to make two copies of the memory card.

Step 2. Download the firmware update

Go to the ZOOM web site and download the latest firmware update for the R8 model. It will be a ZIP file.

Step 3. Open the ZIP and extract the firmware file

Windows natively supports ZIP files. Double-click the downloaded file ZIP to open it.

The first thing you will see in the ZIP is a folder. Double-click to enter it.

In this folder will be 3 files. The only one you want is R8SYS.BIN.

Copy R8SYS.BIN to a place where you will remember it.

Published 2019 Jul 29