Sony WM1A/WM1Z custom firmware



On this page you can find custom firmware for the Sony WM1A/WM1Z Walkman players.



Walkman One - 4 sound signatures in one package



You can find previous StockRevert packages for WM1A/Z custom firmware, here.




96 comments:

  1. Nice, can install after work - 17 maps in CorelDraw waiting to be done :)

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  2. Brother, thank you for sharing :D

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  3. Awesome work! Great job and truly appreciate your efforts and dedication Mr. Walkman!

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  4. Wietjunk here, keep strong...

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  5. when can download FE+
    THANKS

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  6. No issue to install DMP-WM1 FEv2 but DMP-WM1 FEv2 Ext. Tuning isn't an .exe (it's a compressed folder). Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Ah, will modify the instructions text, thanks.

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    2. In any case, it's supposed to be just a compressed folder, to stop false virus detection.

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  7. Thank you for the mod and Microsoft Defender removed the false detection from today by request !

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    1. I also sent them a sample and they confirmed that there is no virus and asked me to update Defender in a certain way. However, that didn't help even today, after several months after their answer.

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  8. Where do you install programs too

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    Replies
    1. I am sorry, but I do not understand this question.

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    2. for your guide.. credit to nbba fb group.. https://www.facebook.com/notes/nbba-no-bs-budget-audiophile/sony-nw-axx-mrwalkman-j-region-firmware-guide-for-nbba/1357486074627941/

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  9. Thank you very much for your work and sharing with the public. I bought a used WM1Z for less than half the money. It was used for 41 hours. I use Meze99 Classics and Sennheiser HD 800. Which software do you recommend to install, among other things? The region I have AEP, UK on the sticker. The volume is unrestricted. 3.02. Thank you for your response.

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  10. No chance of a firmware for Walkman A-20 series devices?

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    Replies
    1. Some modifications could be done to the A20 firmware, but I don't own the device and I'm not really interested in getting one and working on this.

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  11. Dear Mr Walkman :
    I have a question regarding DSEE AI available in your custom upgrade Firmware :
    Is the function of DSEE AI same as that of DSEE ULTIMATE (found in New Android Walkman NW-ZX-507 & Xperia 1 mark 3. More specifically Does DSEE AI uses Artificial intelligence to optimally upscale compressed & CD Quality music files to a max high resolution quality of 192Khz/32 bit which is the function of the new DSEE ULTIMATE.?
    Thanks
    Regards
    Arijit.

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  12. How can I notice a difference between Dawn and Midnight software, if reading both characteristics, the two of them are almost the same?
    What do you mean with neutral and warmer headphones?

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  13. it works ,thank you very much

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  14. wow thanks master.. i will try.

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  15. Thanks for all the hard work. Do you plan to release Dawn v2 for WM1A? Also where can I find the old versions of all your firmwares?

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    Replies
    1. Older firmware is basically obsolete. At least with Dawn/Midnight you can have the previous Project Z/FEv2 tuning.

      A Dawn v2 update is in the works.

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  16. - Midnight v2 (August 27th)

    - Dawn v2 (August 27th)


    are these 2 for 1z only ? any chance of getting the 1a too ?

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  17. i'm sorry. Can you please help me to install new firmware from my old DMP-WM1_FE firmware. i can't install StockRevert_Ext_Tuning
    it's can't see my player.

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    Replies
    1. As per the WM1-FE's instructions, you need to apply the FE's StockRevert package first. You can confirm it was applied by checking the Unit Information menu.

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  18. Can I install cover my existing "Midnight V.2"?

    I've installed Walkman One but unit info still showed "midnight v.2" and can't find "SIG" in midnight settings 1a.txt too.

    What I missed any action/step? Thank you sir.

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    Replies
    1. As per Midnight v2's instructions, you first needed to revert back to the stock firmware.

      You can find past StockRevert packages just above the Walkman One download link.

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  19. the WM1Z sound is so good!!!!! like 95% of the WM1Z!

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  20. Mr.walkman, I'm sorry that the BT remote control operation called RMT-NWS20 was deleted. is. The source code has this display setting and it is not displayed now, but it seems to be the default. Do you have any plans to restore it again? If you own this remote control and want to use it, you have no choice but to delete the CFW. I wish I could use this remote with your great tuning.

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    Replies
    1. Hey, the remote option is only available with the J/E regions. Read the FAQ about the settings file, where you can change the region to J/E or you can simply change an option which makes the remote option show up.

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  21. I noticed one peculiarity of installing the Walkman One firmware, namely, that there is a difference on which firmware to install the Walkman One.
    I tried to install Walkman One on stock firmware "0.89.11" and "3.02" and there is a difference in sound.
    "0.89.11" sounds more bass, and after installing the Walkman One on it, the sound is more bass than when set to "3.02"

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    Replies
    1. Interesting, I haven't tried to do that. Would you say you like how it sounds more than when coming from 3.02?

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    2. Yes, I liked the sound better if I installed Walkman One on stock firmware "0.89.11". As for me, the sound is richer and more bass. As if the base from "0.89.11" remains, but the volume and detail from WM1Z are added. I am using with CEW region and WM1Z signature. Try it if you feel like it, you should feel the difference.

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    3. Perhaps if you try to install Walkman One on other previous stock firmware you can achieve even more interesting sound, but I only have these:
      "0.89.11"
      "0.90.00"
      "0.92.00"
      If you have other versions of previous stock firmware I would be glad to try experimenting with them :)

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    4. I want to try to install Walkman One on previous firmware "0.8.11". I can't find it anywhere. That's why I'm asking for your help. well thank you

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  22. Hello.
    Annoying bug today :
    After copying new files (flac) into MUSIC directory, and have properly unmounted the device (transfer directly to SD card, through WM1A connected via USB), the card is no longer recognized and device ask for an SD formatting...
    As transferring almost 500 Gb is very long, do you have a solution for that issue ?

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    1. I recommend making sure that you use the safe remove USB function from Windows, for example.

      The card may have been corrupted after removing it from the computer.

      There is nothing changed in the firmware related to SD card handling.

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    2. As wrote: "properly unmounted", and I am using Linux.
      OK, thank you anyway.

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    3. Ok, sorry for missing out on that. As I've mentioned, there is nothing changed regarding SD card handling, so I don't think this has something to do with the player.

      I would recommend using the "Check/repair" function in Windows (I forgot the exact name), but as you're on Linux, I don't really know what's the equivalent.

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    4. AnonymousJune 20, 2022

      Hello. I am on Linux too, and encountered this very anoying bug 2 times. I recommend you to always eject the microSD card from the device and do your file operations through a card reader rather than through the walkman.

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  23. Thanks for the MOD, it brings a big improvement to my WM1A, actually I have the WM1Z too, will the MOD bring the WM1Z to another level as well?

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    1. I guess there's only one way you can find out.

      The firmware has other 3 sound signatures besides the WM1Z one. You could also try the Plus v2 mode with the WM1Z signature, for example.

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  24. Doesn't ATRAC support it?

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    Replies
    1. ATRAC is only supported while you are on the J region.

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  25. Hello,

    Thanks for these custom firmwares. I was looking for enabling remote on MX3 region and each time I set REM=1 it sets my region to be E even if and REG=MX3 in the settings file. What am I missing? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. You'd have to see the region as E with the destination tool in order to have the remote option as well as the language menu.

      The DAC is actually being initialized with the region you specified (MX3, for ex.).

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    2. I see..will try it tonight again then. Again, thanks for quick reply and your time!

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  26. Hello MrWalkman, can I just install the custom firmware (Walkman_One_WM1_(21_09).exr) on WM1Z but use the stock sound signature of stock? Basically I would like to set region to MX3 and use the remote but still have stock sound signature and not any other tunings. Is that possible on WM1Z?

    Thanks

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  27. I think I answered my question above - it looks leaving
    SIG=3 would not alter any sound signature in WM1Z where as in WM1A it changes its sound profile to be that of WM1Z!

    Thanks for your work on getting this firmware.

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  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  29. NW-WM1A is discontinued. It seems like the end of non-Android Sony DAPs is coming... Are you going to develop the Android version of your unbelievable firmware?

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    Replies
    1. I don't think the experience would be a good one on a dual-core SoC and 512 MB of RAM.

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  30. Great development Thank you always. from Japan. I made a small donation.

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  31. AnonymousMay 09, 2022

    The wm1am2 model has been released. Although it is Android-based, it has a lower output and a flat sound tendency than wm1a with Mr.Walkman's custom firmware. Could you also create a customized second-generation model for changing the country or tone?

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    Replies
    1. will NW-WM1AM2 be supported soon?

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  32. AnonymousJune 01, 2022

    Is this the one we use for the A50? I don't see a DL link anywhere else?

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 01, 2022

      On the NW50 Series Page. Scroll down a bit, it's there.

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  33. AnonymousJuly 05, 2022

    Hi hello how can i download the doc. of midnight dawn?

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  34. AlexanderJuly 12, 2022

    I installed the Walkman One firmware and everything was fine, however when I try to play songs stored in the internal memory in AAC format it shows me a warning that the format is not supported, what can I do?

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    Replies
    1. Hey, I have no idea honestly. I'll try this and will report here.

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  35. any update for the new generation of WM1AM2 ?

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  36. Here is a chart showing regions and official firmware impressions: Post #6,329 of 7,284

    https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-walkman-custom-firmware-non-android.943661/page-422#post-16667158

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  37. Hi, I bought a used NW-WM1Z shipped from Japan to the US that is pristine except that it doesn't appear to let me set it to English, I don't see language options. If I installed your Mr. Walkman WMIZ firmware would that allow me to use the DAP in English? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi, yes, the language would already get to English after installing.

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    2. Actually, no, but you can change it for sure.

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  38. do u have an firmware of wm1am2?

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    Replies
    1. Nope, I can't afford the M2 players in the first place, and I'm not sure how we can achieve root access at the moment.

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  39. Yumer HasanJanuary 18, 2023

    Where is that DMP-WM1 FEv2 firmware?I can't see it in here..

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  40. I came across the website by trying to come out of a bootloop on the WM1Z. Is there a fix for this. Saw some old threads on a different site. Any help much appreciated.

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  41. Hello, thank you first, i got a second hand WM1A and will try your custom FW. I come from the A105 (android player) and got an app there which is called FOLDPLAY. It allows to select a few folders (with subfolders/albums/singletracks) and instantly play only songs from those selected folders in random order, cross-album. It's not limited to a number of songs, as no playlist is created, it just picks a song from this folder, then a songs from that, and so on. This is by far my favorite app for listening, as i can for example select my Reggae folder with all subfolders and my "drum and bass" and my "dubstep" folders and the app will play songs from those 3 big folders in total random order, no matter if it's from an album or a single track.

    Would something like this be possible on the WM1A? i totally love the sound, but i miss this feature so much. Adding tracks one by one to a playlist is so slow and awkward compared to just select a few folders and hit play.

    thank you!
    Chris

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  42. Happy Walkman One user here. Reverted an older version of you FW on an old WM1Z just yesterday and applied Walkman One. Still works like a charm. Thank you so much for all the effort! Beer sent :-)

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  43. Hello, I have wm1a, I want to convert it to wm1z. Is there a sound difference and is it worth changing it?

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  44. Simple answers: Yes, and YES.

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  45. Hi all, I installed the Walkman One package on my WM1A but now I can't turn Bluetooth off on my unit. When I switch it off nothing happens. Bluetooth logo remains lit and I'm getting atrocious battery life. Any suggestions?

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  46. Hi, I currently own a WM-1A and considering to get it upgraded to WM-1Z, is it worth it?

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  47. Larry FeickertJuly 10, 2024

    MrWalkman:

    First and foremost, THANK YOU for taking the time to apply your knowledge and skills to improving an already remarkable DAP. I have had my NW-WM1A since January 2017 and have enjoyed it immensely. However, I always thought the device seemed "laid back"--as in, there's more here, come and get it! Well, Sir--mission accomplished!

    Thanks to the US Navy, my hearing is impaired--drops off at ~13 kHz--but I can still determine and appreciate soundstage and presence in a recording. And that is what is most notable with this firmware update (Walkman_One_(WM1)_(21_09).

    Well recorded female vocalists (e.g., Linda Ronstadt, Norah Jones, Diana Krall) listened to with my Shure SE846s at low to modest volume levels are my tests and they made it seem that I have an all new DAP. Unbelievable, but greatly appreciated.

    Thank you again!

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  48. Could Build The CFW based on 3.01?

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  49. or include in walkman one 1.2 and 2.0 sound signatures

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  50. finally after trying all combinations these custom firmwares are totally useless about sound quality , better to stay on original firmwares , they are much more musical and the music sounds just right , cfw end in a total mess boring experience

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  51. fw 1.2 has an exceptional natural sound no sign of digital, so we just need to be modified adding dac capability , bluetooth receiver, and %album%.jpg cover art capabilities, are you able to do that, or anly crap firmwares for wm1a?

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  52. or reverse 3.02 with 1.20 dsp settings

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  53. or help others to do it!

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  54. support for wav+cue (with 12 tone analysis in cue)

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  55. Hi, Thank you you so much for this very nice project of yours, just want to ask why my Bluetooth receiver icon was lost after the installation of Sony WM1A/WM1Z custom firmware? my unit is wm1a, is this expected? as I don't see anyone encountered the same issue as mine, thank you for any clarification

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  56. I would like to know if this firmware is also for the wm1am2 & will it uncap the volume restriction on EU models?

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