Microcosm Firmware

The most current firmware (v1.13) was released in May 2022. Our pedals ship with the latest firmware. If your pedal was shipped around this time, your device may already have this firmware on it. If your pedal was shipped in June 2022 or later, your pedal already has the latest firmware.

If you want to check which firmware is on your pedal, complete the following steps:

Enter Global Configuration by holding the Shift button and Phrase Looper button simultaneously. Amber lights animate, indicating you are in Global Configuration. Release the Shift and Phrase Looper buttons.

Next, tap the Reverse button (beneath the Phrase Looper button) 3 times rapidly.
- If the Mosaic, Haze, Tunnel, and Strum LEDs illuminate, you have the latest firmware (v1.13)
- If the Mosaic, Haze, and Tunnel LEDs illuminate, you have an older firmware (v1.12)
- If an LED in the Glitch Effects bank illuminates, you have an older firmware (v1.1)
- If no LEDs illuminate when performing this test, your pedal has the oldest firmware.

NEED TO UPDATE?

Microcosm can receive firmware updates via MIDI. If you have an older firmware and do not have a MIDI interface, please contact our support team.

If you have a MIDI interface already, you're all set! Head to the link below to update Microcosm's firmware from your browser.

INSTALL V1.13

What is the warranty on your pedals?

Hologram Electronics warrants our products to be free from physical defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of the original retail purchase. If you discover a defect covered by this warranty, we will repair or replace the product. Not Covered by this Warranty: This warranty covers manufacturing defects that arise from the correct use of this device. It is limited to defects in materials or workmanship and does not cover damage caused by unauthorized modification, abuse, lightning or power surge damage. The warranty does not cover the normal wear and tear of graphics, knobs, or enclosures. Whether you bought it from us, secondhand, or if your warranty is expired, we'll still continue to help troubleshoot technical issues beyond the factory warranty.
Can you ship outside of The United States?

Yes - we can ship to any country that UPS, USPS, or DHL are currently providing service in. As of April 2022, we are unable to ship to Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and certain regions in China. For international orders, we collect a $50 USD fee for shipping, as well as all import duties/taxes required to clear packages at customs. These VAT fees are automatically calculated based on the destination country. These orders are shipped “duties paid,” meaning that all VAT charges will paid for. There will be no additional or surprise charges once your package arrives at customs. With some exceptions, we ship international orders via DHL Express, and these typically arrive in 3-7 days once shipped. There are some countries that we are unable to collect import duties upfront. In these cases, we still collect the $50 USD international shipping fee, but will deliver “duties unpaid,” meaning that the customer is responsible for paying all fees necessary to clear the package at customs. This applies to the following countries: Australia Brazil Faroe Islands India Greenland Marshall Islands Micronesia New Zealand Palau San Marino
How will I know when my pedal has shipped?

Tracking information will be sent to the email you placed the order with automatically once it has been shipped. If your order was placed through our Reverb store, tracking information will automatically be added to your order and you should receive a shipping notification from Reverb's automated system. We typically process orders for 24 hours prior to shipping to allow for any address changes or cancellations. Delivery modifications and order cancellations must be made prior to shipment - we cannot change or cancel orders once they have been shipped. We are out of the shop on the weekends. Accordingly, orders placed on Friday will ship first thing the following Monday.
I need to make a change or update my shipping address. How can I do that?

No problem! The easiest way to go about modifying your order is by replying to the order confirmation you received when you placed the order. Alternative, you can email us at shipping@hologramelectronics.com with your order number in the subject line. Let us know that you'd like to change your shipping address, provide us with the updated address, and we'll take care of it. Please be aware that modifications to shipping information must be made prior to shipment.
How do I update my firmware?

Click here to visit the Firmware page.
Do you have any dealers in The United States or abroad?

We do not. For now and the foreseeable future, our pedals are only available direct-to-consumer from our website (domestic and international) or Reverb page (domestic orders only).
What is your return policy?

We will repair or replace defective pedals, but we do not offer returns on our products.
There is no wet signal coming out of Microcosm. What's wrong?

Check your Filter knob and make sure it isn't turned all the way down. Additionally, if there is an expression pedal plugged into Microcosm, remove it. Then, turn the Filter knob all the way up. Having an expression pedal plugged into Microcosm's EXP IN when it is powered on will automatically assign the expression control to Microcosm's Filter; it will also typically set the Filter parameter at the heel-down position (Filter all the way closed), which is why no wet signal appears to come through. Another culprit could be that an older version of Microcosm's firmware is on your unit. Triggering issues (which can result in limited or absent wet signal output) were present in firmware version v1.1 and older. Visit our firmware page here to determine what firmware you have on your Microcosm. Beyond this, checking cables and ensuring that your power supply meets the specifications/is not faulty are additional troubleshooting steps. If you are still experiencing issues after referencing these points, feel free to email us.
Should I use instrument level or line level?

It depends. Typically, when using Line Level instruments (such as synthesizers, grooveboxes, or signal coming from an audio interface), it would be advisable to use Line Level mode. However, it will not damage the pedal to leave it in Instrument Level, and you may even find that leaving it Instrument Level will work better in your setup. Changing Microcosm from Instrument Level to Line Level will attenuate the signal going through Microcosm - it is not changing the input impedance of the pedal. Accordingly, Microcosm's head room is essentially the same when in Instrument Level vs. Line Level. The best advice is to experiment and find which mode works better for you.
What are the input and output impedances of Microcosm?

The input impedance is 500kOhm. The output impedance is < 1kOhm. The recommended input impedance of the next device in the chain is 10kOhm or greater, although it can drive smaller loads.
I can't change global settings while in Global Configuration. Why is that?

There are a few steps that can be overlooked when making Global Configuration changes. Make sure you are following these steps: Enter Global Configuration by holding the Shift + Phrase Looper buttons simultaneously. Move the corresponding knob for the setting you'd like to change, e.g. the Mix knob to change between Instrument Level or Line Level. Once you have moved the corresponding knob, you then must use the Preset Selector to toggle between the different options. Most of time when users report not being able to change global settings, they are overlooking this step. Once you have moved the white cursor to the setting you'd like to change, you must press in the Preset Selector to confirm the change. If this is not done, the change will not be persistent. This step is also commonly overlooked.
My signal is quiet. How can I fix that?

Microcosm has a secondary "Effect Volume" control that adjusts the output volume of Microcosm's effects. To alter this, hold the Shift button and turn the Mix knob. Turning it fully clockwise will turn the Effect Volume all the way up. Adjusting the Effect Volume does not adjust the volume of your dry signal. Next, experiment with changing your pedal's input mode to "Instrument Level," if it isn't already. If you are running Microcosm into an audio interface, it is typically best to run it into a high impedance (Hi-Z) input. This will result in the best signal to noise ratio. If you run Microcosm into a Line Input, you may find that you have to turn your preamp gain up higher to get an adequate signal. In these instances, the noise that results is likely coming from your interface's preamps.
How do I update Microcosm's firmware?

Head to our firmware update page here.
What is Microcosm's sample rate and bit depth?

Microcosm operates at 48kHz 24-bit.
How do I power Microcosm?

Microcosm requires a 9V DC center-negative power supply capable of supplying greater than 450mA of current. Some issues can be traced back to faulty, daisy-chained, or underpowered supplies.
I'm only getting sound out of Microcosm's left channel. What's happening?

More likely than not, you are running a mono source into Microcosm, but have the pedal configured in Stereo Input mode. There are some misconceptions about Microcosm's Stereo configuration. If you are sending a mono signal into Microcosm, you do not have to change any global settings in order to get a stereo output signal. The only instance you should be changing Microcosm to Stereo Input mode is if you are running a stereo signal into it. If you are running Stereo In/Stereo Out but are still only getting output in one channel, troubleshoot your dual TS to TRS cable to make sure it is not defective. Also, check to make sure the output cables you are using are working properly. Last, check to make sure the power supply you are using with Microcosm meets the power requirements and is not defective. If you are still experiencing issues troubleshooting, email us here.
I'm hearing artifacts in Microcosm's output. What's causing that?

It's important to differentiate between the different natures of "clicking and popping" artifacts. First, make sure your firmware is up to date. In previous versions of Microcosm's firmware, there were certain settings that would lead to this issue. More often than not, making sure your firmware is up to date should resolve this issue. Digital clipping is a separate matter. Make sure you are not sending too loud of a signal into Microcosm. Adjust the level of input signal going into Microcosm so that it is not distorting. Then, compensate for any gain loss by turning up either your mixer, amp, or preamp level after Microcosm in the chain. Note: Even in Line Level mode, it is still possible to clip Microcosm's input when sending an especially hot signal. See related question "Should I use Instrument Level or Line Level?"
I don't have a MIDI interface. How can I update my Microcosm Firmware?

First, make sure that your device doesn't already have the latest firmware: 1. Enter Global Configuration by holding the Shift and Phrase Looper buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. Release these buttons when amber lights animate. 2. Then, tap the Reverse button three times rapidly. If the Mosaic, Haze, Tunnel, and Strum LEDs illuminate, you have the latest firmware (v1.13) installed on your device. If only the Mosaic, Haze, and Tunnel LEDs illuminate, you have an older firmware (v1.12). If an LED in the Glitch FX bank illuminates, you have an older version (v1.1) installed. If none of these happen, your Microcosm has the original firmware installed. Typically, USB MIDI interfaces are the best devices to use to update your firmware. If you have an audio interface or other device with MIDI connections, it may be possible to update this way, but you may run into some issues. If you have an older firmware and do not have a USB MIDI interface, email us at support@hologramelectronics.com with your serial number.
I'm experiencing issues updating my firmware. What's going wrong?

Here's a quick checklist to make sure everything is set up properly. 1. Microcosm is powered on. 2. The MIDI OUT connection from my USB MIDI interface is connected to Microcosm's MIDI IN port. 3. All other applications using MIDI on my computer are closed.
I'd prefer not to update my firmware through the browser. Is there another way?

If you would prefer to use a SysEx transfer utility, you can download the .syx file and instructions below:
I'm experiencing issues with MIDI after updating my Microcosm. What happened?

The latest firmware update (v1.13) will reset Microcosm's MIDI channel to Channel 1. If your Microcosm was configured to a different MIDI channel prior to updating, you will need to enter Global Configuration and reconfigure your MIDI channel. This should restore functionality.
What will updating my firmware change?

The latest firmware update includes various bug fixes and stability improvements. You will not lose any user presets or loops when you update. If you have made any Global Configuration changes prior to updating (Stereo Input configuration, MIDI channel, etc.), the firmware update will restore Microcosm's global settings to their default state.