Hi I'm getting a bulk write 20 error everytime I try to update the keyboard
it's now unusable as it has no firmware on it (the procedure made it through the erase part)
has anyone experienced this? i was going from an old version to 2.04. does anyone have a mac download for an earlier update version to try that too?
Many thanks
NE5 firmware update issues
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danbpiano
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 07 Mar 2025, 19:31
- Your Nord Gear #1: Nord Electro 5

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lantern56
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Re: NE5 firmware update issues
Verify that the firmware version 2.04 is compatible with your specific Nord keyboard model. Using an incompatible firmware can lead to update failures. Ensure you're using the most recent version of the Nord Sound Manager, as it includes improvements and bug fixes that may resolve update issues.danbpiano wrote: ↑07 Mar 2025, 19:36 Hi I'm getting a bulk write 20 error everytime I try to update the keyboard
geometry dash subzero
it's now unusable as it has no firmware on it (the procedure made it through the erase part)
has anyone experienced this? i was going from an old version to 2.04. does anyone have a mac download for an earlier update version to try that too?
Many thanks
Last edited by lantern56 on 02 Apr 2025, 11:01, edited 1 time in total.
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catosim
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- Your Nord Gear #1: Nord Stage 4
- Your Nord Gear #2: Nord Stage 3
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Re: NE5 firmware update issues
If you can get a hand on (or has stored) an older OS version, try installing it instead. If this is successful then there’s a bug in the 2.04 version you have downloaded.
If the procedure fails with every OS version, then maybe the NS manager has a bug. Try to erase and perform a new install of the NS manager.
If none of these actions resolves the issue, then it points towards a hardware issue.
If the procedure fails with every OS version, then maybe the NS manager has a bug. Try to erase and perform a new install of the NS manager.
If none of these actions resolves the issue, then it points towards a hardware issue.
Gear: Nord Stage 4, Nord Stage 3, Nord Lead A1, Ensoniq TS12, Roland D50, Roland D05, Roland Jupiter X, Hammond A100, Hammond M100, Yamaha GT2, Yamaha Motif 6, Virus B, Virus Snow
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Adrian Hale
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 31 Oct 2025, 09:47
- Your Nord Gear #1: Nord Stage EX
- Your Nord Gear #2: Nord Electro 5

Re: NE5 firmware update issues
That “bulk write 20” error often means the firmware transfer gets interrupted or the device doesn’t respond properly during the write phase. Here are a few things to try:
Use a different USB cable (especially a high-quality data cable, not just charging).
Try a different USB port (preferably a direct one on your Mac, not through a hub).
On your Mac, temporarily disable other USB/Thunderbolt devices and make sure “Nord Sound Manager” was quit properly.
If you can find an earlier firmware version (1.xx or 2.03), trying that might help you get it back stable, then update to 2.04.
If you like, I can help look for archived Mac download links for a previous version.
Use a different USB cable (especially a high-quality data cable, not just charging).
Try a different USB port (preferably a direct one on your Mac, not through a hub).
On your Mac, temporarily disable other USB/Thunderbolt devices and make sure “Nord Sound Manager” was quit properly.
If you can find an earlier firmware version (1.xx or 2.03), trying that might help you get it back stable, then update to 2.04.
If you like, I can help look for archived Mac download links for a previous version.
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thomasgrant
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 31 Oct 2025, 12:58

Re: NE5 firmware update issues
Thanks for the tips! I’ve also had the bulk write 20 error before, switching to a high-quality USB cable and trying a direct Mac port usually solves the issue. If that doesn’t work, rolling back to an earlier firmware version often gets the keyboard working again before updating to the latest version.
I am Thomas Grant, a Coffee shop owner with a calm personality. Loves slow mornings and friendly conversations.