23/05/2026
{Newsletter 05/2026}
Club Cantar is proud to announce we created our first Aaton Cantar firmwares !
- Club Cantar introduces firmware 4.010.C13 for CantarX3 and CantarMini and firmware 2.23.C13 for the Cantaress
Firmwares new features:
- Compatibility with the VDB Audio Finger Control Surface 8 and Audio Finger Control Surface 12
- A Day column in CSV report
- A Rollback function to embedded firmware 3.535.C12
Firmwares Bug fixes and modifications:
- DHCP protocol operating
- Option status window improved with Club Cantar remaining days added
- Dante missing information added on the Cantaress In-grid window
- Dropbox server connection added
- Correction of wrong Limiter behaviour when linking/unlinking analogue (MIC & LINE) or digital ( AES3, AES42 & DANTE) input controls
- Record LTC bit corrected in clone mode
- Take type icon corrected in multi selection editing (Stream Deck)
Important notice: The firmware version 4.010.C13 has been designed for and is reserved for Club Cantar subscribers. It simply means that a recorder without a valid ‘Loan 365’ license (emailed to you when subscribing to the Club Cantar), is unable to record under this firmware. Press the F2 key from the STOP screen to check the validity of the license.
The three firmware versions (CantarX3, CantarMini and Cantaress) can be downloaded from the following address:
https://cantarx.com/index.php/software
When installing this new Club Cantar firmware, or subsequent Club Cantar firmwares, the last Aaton Digital firmware, version 3.535.C12, is permanently embedded into the recorder’s operating system. Named “rollback firmware”, it allows you to revert to it, at any time.
Starting 15 days before the “Loan 365” option licence expiration date, at every boot-up, warning messages will inform you and invite you to renew your subscription or rollback to version 3.535.12
If you want, or need to rollback to version 3.535.C12, go to the
TECHNICAL SETTINGS menu, select “Load Firmware”, press OK, select YES, press OK, select the Rollback firmware, press OK.
Loading a new version of the software can update the content of the FPGA. After an update, the Cantar will restart and update the FPGA. A dedicated window will then display the progress bar of this
operation.
As recommended by the Cantar's screen, DO NOT STOP THE MACHINE DURING THE UPDATE. For safety, use at least two parallel power sources (for example, 2 batteries or a battery and an external power source), with sufficient reserve power.
- The CantarX3 / CantarMini are now compatible with the VDB Audio Finger Control Surface 8 and surface 12
Pre requisites: The CantarX3 or CantarMini must be equipped with the firmware version 4.010.C13, or subsequent versions, designed by Club Cantar.
The Finger 8 substitutes two Aaton proprietary devices: the Abox8 and the Cantarem, (the original Aaton CantarX1/X2 control surface, not the Cantarem 2).
The Finger 12 substitutes three Aaton proprietary devices: the Abox8 and the Cantarem, but also the Cantarem Bis. Seldomly used, the “Cantarem Bis” was the ability to chain two Cantarem.
The VDB Audio Finger Control Surface 8 or Surface 12 can be used in conjunction with the other control units; Cantaress, the Cantarem 2 and Abox6, connecting to the recorders via one of the USB ports.
All assignment setups for the Finger 8 or 12 will have to be done in the CantarX3 or CantarMini through the assignment interfaces of the Abox8, Cantarem and Cantarem Bis.
- New spare parts available
LINE-OUT BOARD FOR CANTARX3 AND CANTARMINI, SKU: CC_6301890
Identical shape than the original one, but redesigned to offer greater protection against static electricity, power surges and any internal damage that may occur when connecting your Cantar to other on set devices.
SATA BOARD COMPLETE FOR CANTAR X3, sku: CC_6301590 (SSD not included)
For the early generation CantarX3, allows you to have a spare SSD unit readily available.
