Rings alt firmware / Mini-Elements
Firmware for Rings (Mutable Instruments)
Rings alt firmware with frequency locking, two Mini-Elements modes using an internal Elements exciter, alternate chord tables, Hold on Strum and a basic waveform on the EVEN output.
by Lyle Mills
- Distribution
- Prebuilt image you flash yourself
- License notes
- Inherits from Mutable Instruments; repository README states STM32 code is MIT.
- Source
- github.com https://github.com/lylepmills/eurorack/tree/master/alt_firmwares
- Homepage
- matrixsynth.com https://www.matrixsynth.com/2026/03/mutable-instruments-rings-alternative.html
- synth-engine
- physical-modeling
- chords
Description
Frequency lock leaves V/Oct and FM working. In the Mini-Elements modes the frequency knob sets exciter timbre (Bow, Blow, Strike). Three alternate chord tables cover the Easter Egg and Western Chords modes. Long-pressing both buttons opens an options menu. Internal sample rate drops from 48 kHz to 32 kHz and internal CV slewing is removed. Firmware downloaded before 2022-02-27 cannot reach calibration. Attention returned in March 2026 after a video demo and a Synthtopia write-up, though the Rings code itself has not changed since 2022.
Install notes
Combined bootloader and firmware hex is in alt_firmwares/hex_files. Recalibrate if you flashed before 2022-02-27.
Version history
| Version | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-Elements bootloader combo hex | 2022-04-30 | Date is the commit that uploaded the hex file; the repository has no tagged releases. |