Xilica Firmware Update Guide

This guide covers every type of firmware update for Xilica Solaro, Gio, and Sonia devices. Start with the section that matches your situation.

When in doubt, contact support@xilica.com before starting. The support team will confirm which update is needed and guide you through the process. This is especially important for BIOS and recovery updates, where using the wrong procedure can damage your device.

This is the standard update method for Solaro, Gio, and Sonia devices. No USB connection is needed, everything happens over the network through Xilica Designer.

Before updating, make sure Designer has the latest firmware files:

1. Open Xilica Designer and start Network View

2. Go to Device Management → Device Firmware Manager (top-left corner)

3. Click "Download All Firmware"

4. Wait a few minutes for the download to complete

Designer automatically downloads firmware when connected to the internet, but this step ensures you have the most current package.

Xilica Designer identifies devices that need updates by displaying an indicator icon on the device tile in Network View.

1. In Network View, right-click on the device showing the update indicator

2. Select "Firmware upgrade" from the context menu

3. Review the warning message, the update will erase the current device configuration

4. When prompted, confirm the firmware selection

5. Click "Ok" to begin the update

6. Allow several minutes for the process to complete

7. The device will automatically reboot and reappear in Network View

Important: Back up your project file before updating. The firmware upgrade erases the device configuration. After the update, reload your project file to the device.

• Always use the latest version of Xilica Designer, older versions may not include the newest firmware

• Update all devices in a system to the same firmware generation before deploying your configuration

• After updating, verify device operation before leaving the site

The mainboard BIOS is the low-level firmware on Solaro FR1 and QR1 processors. This update is performed over USB and is only required for devices running older mainboard versions.

Check your current mainboard version in Designer → Network View → Device Setup → General tab.

Once you complete this one-time USB update, all subsequent mainboard updates happen automatically through routine network updates (Section 1 above).

You need the Xilica USB driver installed before performing BIOS or recovery updates:

• Download USB Driver for macOS

• Download USB Driver for Windows

Video walkthrough — USB driver installation

Video walkthrough — Mainboard BIOS update over USB

For the mainboard BIOS firmware files and step-by-step instructions, see:

→ Mainboard BIOS Firmware Instructions and Download for Solaro (FR1/QR1)

⚠️ This procedure should only be performed at the direction of the Xilica support team. Contact support@xilica.com before starting.

Recovery firmware is used to restore a Solaro device that is not functioning correctly. Like the BIOS update, this is performed over USB and requires the Xilica USB driver (see Prerequisites in Section 2).

For recovery firmware files and instructions, see:

→ Solaro (FR1/QR1) Recovery Firmware and Instructions

⚠️ Only proceed with this recovery process when directed by the Xilica support team.

The XC-SUB is a USB audio option card installed in Solaro QR1 processors. This update is performed through Xilica Designer over the network — no USB connection needed.

1. Ensure the latest firmware is downloaded via Device Firmware Manager

2. In Network View, right-click on the QR1 device tile

3. Select "I/O Card Update (All)"

Designer automatically detects the XC-SUB hardware version and applies the correct firmware. Always use "I/O Card Update (All)" rather than manually selecting firmware versions.

For full details, see:

→ Updating XC-SUB (USB Audio Card) Firmware

Dante firmware updates are handled through Audinate's Dante Firmware Update Manager, not through Xilica Designer. This is only needed in specific situations, such as enabling static Dante IP addressing on early production Gio or Sonia units.

For details, see:

→ Static Dante IP Addressing for Gio and Sonia Devices