Element IV firmware v1.4.1 is here! Over 8,200 lines of new code bring powerful features since our last post:
v1.4.1
- Support for EQ Profiles stored directly on Element IV
- Added DSP Profiles to the OLED menu
- Display the active profile on the status screen
- Swapped bottom two lines on OLED for readability of active profile
- Factory Reset clears all DSP settings and Profiles
- Refactored JSON protocol to better support new features
- Increased size limit for future DFU upgrades from 256k to 512k
v1.3.1
- Optimized performance of each DSP filter stage
- Support for 12 DSP bands
- Support LS/PK/HS filter types for all 12 bands
- Resolved missing volume compensation step when Band 1
was disabled while other filters were enabled - Toggle gain relay at boot to ensure gain state is always valid
We originally planned to ship all of these improvements in one release, but the scope led us to split them into two. Offline profile support required major changes to flash storage, the menu system, and the Core API. One of our developers even paused progress to refactor the protocol, opting for a clean redesign rather than layering on top of the original command structure.
Core Updates
We’ve refined the Core UI and added full support for filter type selection and preset management. You can now save any of your Cloud presets directly to Element IV for use away from Core:
Filter Type Selection
Element IV now supports a full 12-band PEQ, meaning you can assign Lowshelf, Peaking, or Highself filter type to any band. This unlocks compatibility with advanced presets like those from oratory1990:
Offline Profile Storage
Up to 10 profiles can now be stored directly on Element IV—especially useful when listening from a console or offline source.
The new DSP Profiles menu on the OLED lets you choose from your saved EQ settings, filtered by the current output mode (Headphone or RCA):
In audio terms, “Presets” usually refer to predefined EQ settings. We use “Profiles” because each setting also stores its output mode and future DSP options, making them fully aware of your DSP selections.
Community Presets
You’ll find a new “Browse Community Presets” button in the sidebar, allowing you to filter EQ presets by headphone model and listen on-the-fly.
Around 3% of registered Core users have shared their presets thus far. If you’re among the 97% enjoying Core and Element IV, consider helping others by tagging your headphones and sharing your favorite profiles!
What’s Next
Core Desktop & Android
Core Desktop is now available for macOS and Linux. The Windows build is ready and will be posted as soon as we complete code signing. Core for Android is also up and running internally—more on that soon!
Firmware
Development continues, with Loudness and Crossfeed currently underway. Expect more top-requested features later this summer!
Very nice!
I love how you put a lot of work and effort into the Element IV!
One idea: Would it be possible to program some kind of autodetection, to detect what headphone is currently connected and automaticly select the right EQ profile? I think the RME had some kind of this detection based on the detected headphone impedance or something like that. Just an idea… 🙂
Interesting thought! This would require hardware impedance detection, which would still lack ability to match to a specific preset. RFID tags could work, but I’m not sure many would be pleased to slap a tag onto their headphone cable…
Actually, the RFID tag idea appeals to me. I have (and use regularly) two headphones an open back (Arya Stealth) and a closed back (DCA Aeon X Closed). I alternate, depending on the noise level in the house at the time I am listening. Not needing to manually change EQ settings when I have to switch headphones would be very nice! I would not mind the ID tag.
Hi John,
I was wondering if it’s possible, or there are any plans to integrate per profile L/R channel balance?
Amazing work nonetheless.
@Marius Yes, L/R Balance adjustment is an active feature request.
Amazing update that tipped me over to finally purchasing the Element IV. I received it today and immediately set it up within a few minutes. It shipped with the v1.4.1 firmware which saved that step too! I was able to import all my PEQ profiles super quick and it’s so great to have them on-device and displayed. I am really thrilled with this product and so happy to support a US company with US made products!