Sony NW-A40Series custom firmware



On this page you can find custom firmware for the Sony NW-A40Series Walkman players.



Walkman One - 4 sound signatures in one package


You can find previous StockRevert packages for NW-A40Series custom firmware, here.











112 comments:

  1. This is all awesome work, thank you!
    Might you release a DMP-A40 firmware variant to just be the Z1 sound signature? (this firmware is like the "R" version for NW-A50 series)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the stock A40 firmware is not as fast as the DMP-A40 mod, this being the reason why I didn't do it yet. Will see.

      Delete
    2. I don't know if it is placebo, but I have observe that after installing your firmware, loading song selection is much faster. I think that,since I have a massive music collection and loading files and waiting for covers to pop up used to take a greater amount of time in comparison with this firmware. I havent done a controlled test so I don't want to make bold claims. Noice cancelling and ambient sound was something i used since I have the IER-NW500NE headphones Fm is nice thing to have but I'm willing to let this features go and enjoy those perks.

      Delete
    3. Well, the newer firmware versions (after the last update of A40) are indeed faster.

      I'll work on bringing the A50 player to our device. I hope I'll manage that, and then everything should work like on thr stock firmware.

      Delete
    4. Will I have to revert from the dmp a40 firmware and re install the new frimware ?

      Delete
  2. Great work MrWalkman - another vote for a 'R' version of A40 firmware. I'd love to keep the FM radio, and don't think I would use visualisations.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for your firmware. Bluetooth receiver mode is a boon for me on Nw-a45. I wish you include FM Radio in future firmware. Sound quality is awesome. great effort. respect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd love to have FM radio and streaming capabilities, at least a web brower for podcasts. the original nw-A45 doesn't have the .ogg format, so if you'd add a lot more codecs that would a blast

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow, this sound amazing! thanks! Donating right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really appreciate it, man, and I'm glad you like it!

      Delete
  6. thank you very much💪🏾

    ReplyDelete
  7. available for mac OS or not?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can i still chose system language in your custom firmware?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I would've mentioned if you cannot change the language.

      You can't change the language on J region though, which is not something I've done.

      Delete
    2. nice! ty very much, you are the real mvp of walman international community

      Delete
  9. I thank you for doing this awesome work!
    Today I noticed that I can not power done my A45 when it is charging. It asks if I want to shut down and confirming that, it does it only to then imedeatly power up again. This might be a feature and not a bug...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, thanks.

      That's just how these players work.

      Delete
    2. Thanks MrWalkman for the info - then I did not notice that on the original Firmware.
      Now that you have written a 2nd Firmware, I could reinstall that and check what happens or did happen then - I might have simply forgotten that it turned on and was on while charging

      Happy new year from Germany

      Delete
    3. The same thing happens on their Android players as well (like the A105).

      Delete
  10. I dont see a link here for the firmware for the NW-A40 Series players?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, just read the page carefully.

      Delete
    2. I'm sorry, I'm an idiot. Thank you. Ill donate money once I give it a try.

      Delete
    3. Thanks man, and no worries.

      I hope you'll like what you'll hear.

      Delete
  11. Windows thinks the DMP-A40_EXT_Tuning is a virus. Just an FYI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed - it's a false positive: https://www.mrwalkman.ml/p/faq.html

      Delete
  12. Sent you enough for a Beer, I hope. :) Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really appreciate it! I hoped you'd like to give it a listen first, what if you don't like it at all?

      In any case, a stock-based FW will be available for A40, which will also have the BT Receiver option and the FM radio.

      Delete
  13. I think its pretty slick, after having some time with it. Breathed some life into my last gen player. I do kinda wish the ClearAudio wasn't one of the things removed. I dont really need/want FM radio or the turntable audio enhancements. Look forward to seeing how the stock one looks. I assume its the A55 stock on the A45?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello, thank you very much for your wonderful work. It's amazing how much you have done with these Sony players.
    I have an A45 and I have updated it with this firm of the A50 serial port.
    Everything I have tried works. I have only found a problem. The icons on the screen settings (FM Radio, Dac, BT Receiver ...) do not appear.
    Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, you're right. Gonna take care of that soon - watch out the main page for a post.

      Delete
    2. hi there is there a way to get the stock A50 firmware on A45 beacuse i only need to BT receiver function and the radio as well, and btw the mega link for Unofficial stock firmware update (NW-A50 stock firmware for NW-A40) is not working

      Delete
  15. Now the icons do appear. Perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a problem with StockRevert program:
    I'm on DMP-A40 and starting StockRevert_(DMP-A40). The 1st window with "Nice, continue" and "Next" is ok. By the 2nd window with "The firmware installation will be initiated. Do you really want to install the firmware?" and clicking on "OK" the program hung up. I only can close the program in Task-Manager.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, that doesn't have something to do with the installer, and I can't really help with Windows things.

      I suggest maybe trying on another computer.

      Delete
    2. It's all ok now. I restartet my PC and then StockRevert works fine. Sorry, my mistake. I will try DMP-A40 FEv2 now.

      Delete
  17. last night I installed the DMP-A40 FEv2 and it's beautiful! I don't know if Project Z is better but, so far, I'm keeping the FEv2.

    ReplyDelete
  18. hi,question,i already installed your last custom firmware,do i need to stockrevert first before installing this new custom firmware?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, yes, this thing is mentioned on each of the two firmwares' pages. Just make sure to read all the info.

      Delete
  19. Hi, i lost radio function with this firmware, is it normal?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice region code was the problem, radio is ok now, good work thanks a lot

      Delete
  20. Absolutely fantastic 👍🍺

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really appreciate the support, and I'm glad that you like it! :)

      Delete
  21. is it possible have visualisation on nw-a45?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is, but for now that is not available, as I wanted to prioritize firmware stability over features that are not really useful in a way.

      Delete
  22. ok great, can we wait for it later?

    ReplyDelete
  23. very nice i'll offer you a beer later, when i can because you ar making a very good work.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Any way pricing of adding 10 band eq to the a45?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am planning on having another ZX300-based firmware for A40 in the future, after I figure out what's wrong on some devices.

      Delete
  25. Great software. I used it to fix my paperweight A45 that was stuck in a bootloop.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello! We've got an A45, and we would like to revert the software in order to install the FEv2. The problem: we are not sure, which software is already installed. It is one of yours. This is what the unit information says: Model: NW-A40Series, System Software 1.02 Firmware port from NW-A50Series by MrWalkman. Which download should we use to stockrevert before installing v2?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please always read carefully about what you are installing, and how to revert back.

      It seems that you have "Unofficial stock firmware update for A40" on your A40, so for that one you don't need to do any kind of reverting. You can just go on and install anything you want.

      Delete
    2. Thank You! We got the exact firmware version from the previous owner of the A45, and yes, it didn't need to be reverted. My sony, who owns the player now, chose the Project-Z. We well do listenings via Y-cable on our stereo equimpent, if we hear the different characteristics of the Project-Z (A45) and the FEv2 (A55).
      Your work is pretty impressive.

      Delete
    3. I'm trying to get the 1A/Z firmware working on the A40. It basically already works, but 1A/Z has a bigger screen, so the interface doesn't fit correctly. I'm trying to work around that, and we shall see.

      A40 with the 1A/Z firmware sounds brilliant.

      Delete
  27. Thanks for your work! It works on my A45 flawlessly.
    It is my sincere hope that you could add a clock on the top panel. It could also be great if you give some guide on how to make custom walkman roms.
    Appreciation for your great work again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, some other people asked about how to/how it works, and I told them that I don't wish to get into details about that.

      At the moment I'm looking into making the 1A/Z player app fit on the A40/A50/ZX300 screens, and the next thing would be to have battery percentages. A clock sounds nice too, but we shall see how it all goes.

      Delete
  28. hello,where can i find the ext. tuning for the dmp a40,i think it was the first mod for the nwa a40.i only have the firmware file

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks just got myself a A45 removed the sound restrictor and installed your FEv2 cfw for it thanks keep up the great work :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi i recently hot a Preloved na a46hn song wm spreader loaded with mr.walkman mod...It's volume gain is too low for any OEM or small headphones like kiss kph30i ...And so much problem with album art ...I tag album art with mp3 tag. Still it doesn't show..What possibly i can do ...??Hell me out

    ReplyDelete
  31. Iam unable to manage album art..its not displayed in my a45...with Mr walkman mod...

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for the nice work done. Couple of weeks ago I did a little donation to support you. Waiting for the next implementation (1A/Z) on the A40/50 models!! I hope you'll get that soon.
    Meanwhile I really enjoy the Project Z soft. so far so good. Thanks again!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Downloaded the projectZ version of your firmware and the walkman improved in every aspect! The UI is more fluid and the sound is much better than before. Thank you so much! Waiting for the 1A/Z implementation on the A40 :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great work, overall!!
    But, dear MrWalkman, am i able to test the Reloaded Version too? Maybe pn an downloadlink? especially like to try 10-Band Equalizer and the various Vinyl-Processor Presets..

    Regards

    ReplyDelete
  35. Overall thank ya for incredible sound enhancement!! I'm on DMP-A40 FEV2 forba while and i also tested both other Firmeares.. Now i'd realy love to test (and maybe help debugging) the earlyer firms especially with Vinyl-Processor Templates and 10Band Equalizer!! Could you please share an link ti your older versions

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi, I accidentally deleted some files on my Sony NW-A46, now i get only the boot animation, not able to view any option or content on the screen. Is there any way to reverse this & make it work normally again.

    Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please send me an email (www.mrwalkman.ml/contact) regarding this situation. Just deleting files from the internal storage or from the SD card can't cause this kind of issue.

      Delete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey! I love the new FW! And it was released on my Birthday! Thank you for an awesome Present!!

    I have a Question: I sometimes use my WF-1000XM3 for listening to Audiobooks at work. They only support SBC and AAC. The NW-A45 does everything accept AAC, so the SBC-Codec is used (Which is totally OK for Audiobooks).
    But i'm curious: Is there a way to enable AAC in the Player? Or is it a Hardware-Limitation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I'm glad you like it :)

      This is how the firmware works. AAC is supported only in the BT Receiver mode, but not when transmitting to other BT devices.

      It's not a hardware limitation, but unfortunately I can't do too many changes.

      Delete
  39. The accept needs to be except, sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi MrWalkman, I can't pair my WF-1000XM3 with my A45. Is there something that I have to do apart from taking them out of the case and activate bluetooth on the player?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Found the solution. Thanks anyway!

      Delete
    2. Yeah, you can either use NFC by touching the case to the back of the player, or you need to put them in the pairing mode, by touching both earbuds for about 7 seconds while in your ear.

      Delete
    3. I used pairing mode because NFC doesn't work with your firmware (gives error after detecting). Which sound signature is used when listening through bluetooth (if there is any)?

      Delete
    4. NFC works fine on my A45.

      There is no specific sound signature, though it sounds better overall than the stock firmware.

      Delete
  41. Hi,

    Could you provide a download link again to the A50 unofficial stock firmware upgrade to the A40 series Walkman. The one that added A50 firmware on latest 1.02 onto an A40 Walkman.

    The site has changed and that has become lost.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Does this have an option for the screen to auto off or not turn on while connected to usb. I tend to keep my always plugged in and I have some burn in issues.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check the "Device Settings" menu in Settings.

      Delete
  43. Hello I was about to buy an A45 from Japan that's pretty cheap. My question is, will I be able to install this for English? Also, I though I read somewhere that this firmware doesn't support the audio out function or something like that. Sounds silly I know but I swear I read that somewhere in these forums. I want to use it in my car and connect it to my stereo with a 3.5mm to RCA cable. Mainly for the ease of use and searching through songs because my aftermarket Kenwood is horrible at that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, indeed, line out doesn't work with this firmware, as WM1A/Z doesn't have this function.

      Installing this firmware will result in the English language on the player.

      Delete
  44. Hi,

    i have this huawei bluetooth speaker and tried to pair it with the stock FW but the issue is im unable to adjust volume :D will this work on your firmware?? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's no change mentioned on the firmware's page regarding BT, so probably not.

      Delete
    2. i see :) thank you :)

      Delete
    3. AnonymousJuly 27, 2022

      Got the same issues on an huawei speaker and on the most devices without volume keys. But i'm 100% sure that one of the old cfws gives me the feature to control it in enhanced mode.. Can't remember if it was the Z Version or the other, or the A-50 and don't have the old ones..

      Delete
  45. Hey MrWalkman
    I used your "stock A50 firmware" update on my A45 and it really feels faster. I haven't tried the other functions yet, or how will it work with the new firmware yet so i will do that in the next few days and report if any issues.
    By the way, i was wondering if there was a chance to modify any stock firmware to enable the sound setting when connected on bluetooth earphones/headphones as on the A10/A20 series, i wrote you an email about that as well, so i would appreciate it if you can give me an answer.
    Thank you for all you are doing, i believe everyone appreciates it

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousJuly 17, 2022

    Unfortunately, the possibility to "Change Playback Screen" is not possible, if Bluetooth is connected. Any specific reason for that? Any plan to enable this also for Bluetooth headphones? This is a great feature. Would like to see it always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I can't really change this behavior without access to the source code of the firmware.

      Delete
  47. AnonymousJuly 26, 2022

    When will the new firmware be released?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you..Great job..Better than Sony's...Can I ask you something..My walkman with stock and custom firmware has a problem..volume rises untill 115 and then becomes lower as it goes to the max of 120..is this normal to all walkmans or is it mine that has that problem ; and what is the setting in your firmware about volume steps..?which is best option?I can't understand it..

    ReplyDelete
  49. I downloaded and installed the a40 pkg on my nw a45 with no problems. I did get some of the upgrades, and it shows that I'm on the firmware when I go to settings. But I did not get the CFW folder in my internal storage or anywhere else that I can find. Any ideas would be helpful. My player does sound better, and is operating normally.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Mr W. My a45 is in japanese. Do i need to change the region first before i could flash the firmware? Or can i straight away flash the firmware and get english language once done?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, you don't need to change it first, after flashing the Walkman One firmware then it will be in English.

      Delete
  51. Hi I am so sorry. My computer prompts me to connect to USB. But I have been connected.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This fixed my bricked NW-A45 that was stuck in a boot loop. Why Sony can't provide the support is beyond me but all respect to you for this!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Mr. W, thank you for the great service. May I suggest a seque feature addition for music mixing on the NW-A40? Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousJuly 22, 2023

    Is it just me or there seems to be no CUE files support? I have an album FLAC+CUE but the player doesn't seem to apply the cuesheet at all

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousJuly 22, 2023

    Please provide a cross-fading feature. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you for all the work you have done! Just curious, is low latency DAC for A45 available in this firmware?

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi....should I bee taking out my SD card before installing the A45 firmware update or If I have to revert back? Just don't want to have to reinstall everything back.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have a NW A45, I come across your firmware recently and installed the WM1Z and the external tuning for it. All went great. I can see all the info for it on the player is what it suppose to be. The only thing I miss is the Radio, but I can live with that for now! I had a question about the high gain, it says it's not applicable, but when I try the line out it works but lower volume. I see it has a bluetooth receiver but not sure yet if it actually works on this model. Thanks for these geniuses like you who can come up with this stuff and share!

    Thanks

    I sent you 5 or so pounds for a beer, hope you enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Tried this firmware on a used Japanese NW-45 from Amazon JP.

    Device was already set to Mass Storage mode as it was detected ok in Windows 11 via Parallels on my M1 Mac (so I didn’t have to go looking through the Japanese menu to make changes).

    The firmware setup .exe file ran without any problems with the above setup.

    For storage, I used a SanDisk 512gb microSD card (Ultra, not the faster Extreme)

    After formatting the MicroSD card in the walkman, it went straight into creating a database. After at least 2 hours, it still hadn’t completed. Looked like it had crashed. I didn’t see a progress bar in the middle of the screen though. So I rebooted the device (by holding down the power button for over 8 seconds). However when it completed the format, it gave an error saying MicroSD card wasn’t recognized. So I formatted it again and then it worked fine with the database created in a manner of seconds.

    Then fun part was filling up the SD card with songs. For this I took out the SD card and plugged it into a MicroSD to SD card adapter and connected it directly to the Mac via a USB-C Apple SD Card adapter.

    Even then it still took a while too fill up the SD Cad with mostly 16-44.1khz, 24-48khz, and 24-96khz music files.

    Once plugged back into the Walkman, it took less than 8mins to create a new database.

    As for the settings itself, I used all the default ones except I changed the icons from 0 to 4 (green icons as I have the green Walkman).

    For cover Art, I use up to 1280 x 1280 .jpg files without issue, however I did notice than the Walkman won’t display cover art for .png files.

    For earphones I am using Etymotic ER3SE ones as there were on special. In future I will probably upgrade to some higher end ones like the ER4, or the Shure AONIC 4

    Overall I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  60. hello good afternoon Can you modify the NWZ A17 firmware, I wish it had 10 frequency bands

    ReplyDelete
  61. PLEASE!!!!!!! I have a Sony NW-A45. Is there a chance to change bookmark behaviour so it saves the position in the file? It would be really useful for podcasts and audiobooks.
    Regards.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I cant go back to stock A40 firmware, as it keeps saying "connect player to pc with usb" but its already connected. How do I got back to stock firmware once I installed A55 firmware. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  63. "connect computer to pc with usb" error, the player is on mass storage, cant install, keeps saying "connect...

    ReplyDelete
  64. Please can someone help I need to install back to A40 and remove the a55 firmware but it keeps saying "connect to computer wiith USB" even though its already connected!! HELP PLEASE

    ReplyDelete