How I upgraded the Modi Multibit firmware

I got the firmware upgrade today, but after I installed the new chip the Modi wouldn't turn on

Put the old one back in and it's alive again though. I've tried reseating the new chip a few times but it just doesn't turn on. Contacting support now to see what my options are, hopefully they don't think I'm incompetent.

Update:
They want me to send it in

 

This is fascinating. Thanks for posting this great walkthrough! Might spring for the upgrade myself.

 

I mainly lurk, don't post a lot

 

I just got my chip today. Same exact issue. I've changed op-amps (same chip package) dozens and dozens of times and I know I did it correctly. I think that some of the chips are either defective, or weren't programmed. It may also be possible that they may not be compatible with 1st generation units.

Mine says: 2016 Modi Multi v1.0 on the bottom left of the pcb as viewed from the front.

I really don't want to have to pay shipping 2 ways to get this resolved.

@baldr - Any ideas?

Update: My unit has a solid blob of solder on C106 on the left edge of the pcb. It looks like it's creating a short circuit, but it still operates normallly with the original chip.

Edit: Hit enter key on accident.

 

Dude just go back to Schiit about this. No need to bother Mike with your $35 problem. I think you’re on the right track about compatibility - probably needs to be done at the factory for your OG version. This was a DAC that was never even supposed to be upgradable. Come on.

 

I was only looping him in because if it's a common problem, he would probably know.

I don't see how the cost is relevant. Sometimes SBAF people act like it's cool to be derisive to non-friends. Let's stay on topic.

 

Cost is relevant because it’s a $250 DAC that wasn’t supposed to be upgradable in the first place, and you’re grumbling over a $35 upgrade, that was never originally intended to be offered and that didn’t work as hoped. Contact Schiit again and see what they say. If they want to upgrade it at the factory, I think that’s completely fair. Or sell your current one and buy new if the difference is to your favor.

Mike is having health issues by the way. And he’s got a lot in the pipe development-wise, which I would love to see come to fruition, rather than answering every person with a service issue. I’m not his defender (I’m sure he or Jason can do that themselves), but I think you can just just go through the usual channels here to get your answer. Friend or no Friend I would say the same.

And if you get an answer, report back on this thread if you want to contribute to it / SBAF.

 

It works just fine with my original version Modibit, don't think that's the issue.

 

"Hello Product Development department, can you halp me with this Customer Service issue?"

Is it your custom to contact the founders of a company every time you have a technical customer service issue, when there's excellent customer service staff at Schiit?

And then you act like a dick for somebody calling you on it.

 

Is it your policy to be a dick for no reason at all?

I added MM to the thread because I thought he might be interested.

You are the dick here. You people should take a long look at the insane group think many of you employ. Some of you are just lemmings.

I don’t see anything that was said that triggered your Schiit defense mode. I never said anything negative about them.

People like you make forums really toxic.

I hope you have a great day and that your mood improves.

 

I walked away from the computer after posting that, and thinking to myself "Was that over the top? Do I just have a stick up my butt tonight?" So yeah, I admit I coulda been in full dick mode, and if it seems so, I'm happy to say "sorry".

People most often say "Let's stay on topic" when they've made a specious argument and want others to just accept it.

IF Mike knows about such a thing, he woulda heard it from the customer service folks first. They would be the primary contacts to know whether or not there's a few/bunch of DOA upgrade chips going out.

As @rlow said, Mike is/has recently had some health issues to attend, so it's not even the best chance for you to get your answer. And it's pretty rude to publicly call-out founders/presidents/officers of companies without having first contacted the customer service department. I've always had exemplary experiences with Schiit's customer service.

And if wanting others to not noise-up threads by calling out heads of companies, and instead contact the customer service people they have hired to handle customer service issues is somehow "group think" and makes me a lemming, well then I'm a lemming.

And I'm sorry for the digression on this thread.

 

I didn't know Mike was having health issues. I KNOW he has more important things to do. I won't direct anything else his way without very good reason.

I have contacted Schiit support, but am still waiting on a reply. I was hoping that we could use this thread to gather information about the upgrade, and maybe diagnose. I doubt that there is anything to be done though.

Sorry for the "group think" post. Sometimes, it just seems that as a non-friend, I am also a non-entity, and I let it get the better of me. I'll try to not read that into things that are said going forward.

 

Oh well. Schiit support says that I need to send mine in for the update. No thanks. I don't they can insert a dip8 chip better than I can.

I've already dropped $45 on it, I don't really want to spend another $25 or so in additional shipping costs on this. I'm really disappointed that they won't just mail me another $1.50 chip, but, what can you do? I guess their testing process somehow missed a model or two.

Good luck to the rest of you Modi MB upgraders! Sounds like it may be a crap shoot. Schiit didn't offer a refund so if anyone wants to try it in their unit, send me a pm. Maybe it will work in yours.

 

Did you ask if you could return it (minus the postage, maybe)? I mean if they said it should work, and it doesn’t, even when you swapped back the old chip and it still works, I would assume they would give you your money back? Unless they warned up front it may not work and no returns?

 

FWIW, upgraded my MM OG v1.0 last night. Worked perfectly... about 5 minutes total time... hardest part was getting the LED's lined up and back in the front.

TBH, I'm kind of stunned at the sound difference. I expected something subtle, instead I heard a tremendous improvement (without even warming it back up). More neutral, better treble... cymbals now have a shimmer that never existed before. I'm really happy with my non-upgradeable DAC upgrade!

EDIT

As an aside... Laura in customer server was wonderful during the ordering process. She was returning emails at 9:30pm PST the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Chip shipped Tuesday, had it in-hand Thursday. Installed last night.

Incredible service for a $250 product that I purchased 2+ yrs ago.

 

Just got mine back from Schiit. Sounds really nice so far, looking forward to putting it through its paces today

 

I bought the upgrade ROM, opened up the Modi Multibit casing, only to realise that mine was already on the latest ROM...

 

LOL...

Maybe you can arrange something with @Grattle and he can see if another chip works in his unit?

 

When did you purchase your Modi Multibit?