Backup & Restore
Create and restore full device backups
Overview
I lost a bunch of samples once when experimenting with firmware. Never again. This was one of the first features I built. Full device backup in about 2 minutes.
Back up individual projects or your entire device. Restore to the same device or a different one. Everything is preserved exactly as it was.
Backup Types
Choose from three backup scopes:
Single Project
Backs up all samples assigned to a single project's pads. Perfect for saving individual compositions or sound sets.
Use when: You want to preserve a specific project or share a project with others
All Projects
Backs up all samples across all projects on your device. Comprehensive backup of your entire workflow.
Use when: You want to preserve all your projects before a firmware update or major change
Full Device
Backs up every sample slot on your device, including unassigned samples. Complete mirror of device memory.
Use when: You want a complete backup before factory reset or switching devices
Creating a Backup
Step-by-step backup process:
- Connect your device
Ensure your EP device is connected via USB and detected by EP-PatchStudio
- Navigate to Backup & Restore
Click the Backup & Restore section in the sidebar
- Select backup type
Choose between Single Project, All Projects or Full Device using the tabs
- For Single Project: select which project to back up from the dropdown
- Wait for sample cache sync
EP-PatchStudio will cache all samples from the device. A progress bar shows the caching status.
Important: Wait for caching to complete before creating a backup. The app shows "Caching samples: X / Y" with a progress bar.
- Click the backup button
Click "Backup Project" (or "Backup All Projects" / "Backup Full Device" depending on your selection)
- Choose save location
Select where to save the backup file on your computer
- Wait for backup to complete
The backup process will create a compressed archive containing all samples
Backup file information:
- The top right shows total sample count and storage size (e.g., "108 SAMPLES (6.3 MB)")
- Backup files use the .epbackup extension
- File size depends on the number and quality of samples
Restoring a Backup
Restoring saved backups to your device:
- Connect your device
Ensure your EP device is connected and detected
- Navigate to the Restore tab
Switch to the "Device Restore" section
- Select backup file
Click "Choose Backup File" and select your .epbackup file
- Preview backup contents
The app will show details about the backup (sample count, date created, device type)
- Choose restore scope
- Full restore: Replaces all device samples with backup
- Project restore: Restores to a specific project slot
- Merge: Adds backup samples to empty slots without overwriting
- Confirm and restore
Click "Restore" and confirm the operation
- Wait for transfer
Samples will be transferred to your device via USB MIDI. This may take several minutes for large backups.
Warning: Restore Overwrites Data
Full restore will overwrite ALL samples on your device. Create a backup of your current device state before restoring if you want to preserve it.
Understanding Sample Caching
EP-PatchStudio uses a sample cache system to speed up backup operations:
- Initial cache: When you first open Backup & Restore, all device samples are downloaded and cached
- Cache status: Shows "Caching samples: X / Y" with progress bar during sync
- Cache storage: Cached samples are stored in your browser's IndexedDB
- Rebuilding cache: If samples change on device, the cache automatically rebuilds
The cache system means subsequent backups are much faster, as samples don't need to be re-downloaded from the device.
Wait for Caching to Complete
Don't start a backup while caching is in progress. Wait for "Sample cache sync complete" message or for the progress bar to reach 100%.
Best Practices
- Regular backups: Create backups before major changes to your device
- Name your backups: Use descriptive filenames with dates (e.g., "EP40-LiveSet-2025-01-16.epbackup")
- Store backups safely: Keep backups on external drives or cloud storage
- Before firmware updates: Always create a full device backup before updating firmware
- Project-specific backups: Save individual projects as backups to share with collaborators
- Test restores: Occasionally test restoring backups to verify they work correctly
- Don't disconnect during backup: Wait for the backup process to complete before unplugging
Common Use Cases
Before Live Performance
Create a full device backup of your live set. If anything goes wrong during soundcheck or performance, you can quickly restore to a known-good state.
Sharing Projects
Back up a single project and share the .epbackup file with collaborators. They can restore it to their device and have the exact same samples and configuration.
Switching Devices
Back up your current EP-40 and restore to a new or different device. All your samples transfer with the backup.
Firmware Updates
Create a full device backup before updating your EP's firmware. If the update causes issues, you can restore your samples.
Experimentation
Back up your current setup before trying new sample libraries or making major changes. You can always restore if you don't like the results.
Troubleshooting
Backup fails or hangs
- Ensure device is connected and not sleeping
- Check USB cable connection
- Wait for sample caching to complete
- Try refreshing the page and reconnecting
Restore doesn't complete
- Verify backup file isn't corrupted
- Ensure device has enough free space
- Check USB connection stability
- Try restoring in smaller batches (project by project)
Cache won't rebuild
- Clear browser cache and reload the app
- Check available browser storage space
- Try using a different browser
Backup file won't open
- Verify the file has the .epbackup extension
- Check file isn't corrupted or incomplete
- Ensure you're using a compatible version of EP-PatchStudio
Never lose your work again
Full device backup in about 2 minutes. One click. Free trial available.