Yeks MFC-101 How-Tos page

This FAQ is current up to firmware 1.02. Mail suggestions and corrections here.

How to find the offical manual

The manual and a quick start guide are here.

How to learn more about MIDI controllers, pedals and switches

• Read the Axe-Fx How-Tos (Standard/Ultra).
• Read the Axe-Fx II Wiki.

How to connect and power it

Use the supplied 9VAC adapter to power the MFC-101 directly. According to Fractal Audio 9VDC will also work, but DC doesn't work as well over long distances.

You can use "MIDI phantom power" instead. This means that power to the MFC-101 is carried through the MIDI cable. Requirements:

1. Use a 7-pin MIDI cable between the MFC-101 and the Axe-Fx. Pins 6 and 7 are used to carry power.
2. Connect the power supply for the MFC-101 to the Phantom Power input at the rear of the Axe-Fx (the Axe-Fx doesn't provide power itself, it needs the power supply!).

Using a good MIDI cable is required. To receive tuner and tempo data all pins of a 5-pin MIDI cable must be connected. A lot of MIDI cables just have 3 pins connected. And another thing: make sure the connector that goes into the Axe-Fx is long enough. If it's just a little short, tuner and tempo data will not be transmitted.

Want to connect the MFC-101 and Axe-Edit at the same time on a Standard/Ultra? Read this and this info about MIDI merging.

Axe-Fx II:

• A CAT-5 cable can be used instead of a MIDI cable to connect, to carry power (without needing a adapter) and to display tuner and tempo information.
• Supports simultaneous use of Axe-Edit and MFC-101 natively, without the need for MIDI merging through additional software or hardware.

How to upgrade its firmware

Go to Edit > Setup to see the currently loaded firmware version.

You can download the latest firmware from Fractal Audio Support.

To upgrade via MIDI:

1. Disconnect the MIDI cable from MFC-101's MIDI OUT.
2. Connect the MIDI OUT port of your computer's MIDI interface to MIDI IN on the MFC-101 using a 5-pin MIDI cable. Make sure the MIDI cable is firmly inserted in MIDI IN on the MFC-101.
3. Using the MFC-101's wall wart power it up while holding down footswitch #1, This enters the Firmware Update mode.
4. Begin to transmit the firmware file using a MIDI utility such as MIDI-OX (Windows) or Snoize Sysex Librarian (Mac). The MFC-101 will display the percentage complete.
5. When the update is complete, the MFC-101 display will show a confirmation.
6. Power up the MFC-101 again.
7. Reconnect the MIDI cables to establish MIDI communication with the Axe-Fx.

In some cases it may necessary to reset the MFC-101. The release notes will mention this.

To upgrade using the Axe-Fx II (as a MIDI adapter): Source

1. Set IO.MIDI.SEND_REALTIME_SYSEX = NONE
2. Set IO.MIDI.USB_ADAPTER_MODE = ON
3. Power down the Axe-Fx II
4. Remove the CAT-5 cable between Axe-Fx II and MFC-101
5. Connect Axe-Fx II MIDI-OUT to MFC-101 MIDI-IN with a 5-pin cable
6. Connect the power supply to the MFC-101
7. Power on the Axe-FX II
8. Power-on the MFC-101 while holding down footswitch 1
9. Send the firmware with a MIDI librarian
10. Power down the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx II
11. Remove the MIDI cable and reconnect CAT-5 cable
12. Power on the Axe-Fx II
13. Set IO.MIDI.SEND_REALTIME_SYSEX = ALL
14. Set IO.MIDI.USB_ADAPTER_MODE = OFF

An upgrade may require you to also reset the MFC-101 to its factory settings. This will be noted in the release notes. To reset the MFC-101, power up while holding switch #11. This will cause you to lose your configured settings. You can save these on firehand and restore these after the process.

Note on MIDI utilities: many MIDI utilities need to be configured to work "slowly" in order to perform a successful upgrade. For example, in MIDI-OX set Low Level I/O Buffers to 256 or 128 (size) and 16 (number), Milliseconds Between Buffers to 60 ms, and make sure the Delay after F7 setting is ticked. Use View > Sysex to bring up the Sysex view window, then go to Sysex > Configure to configure the buffers. Also verify that the options MIDI FIlter and Pass Sysex are ticked.

Forum member Cobbler describes the upgrade process in this thread.

How to find the firmware release notes

Firmware release history is included with each zipped firmware file.

How to backup or restore settings

Go to Edit > Setup > Sysex Data. See page 63 of the manual.

How to reset it to factory default settings

Reboot with switch 11 held down and pressing Enter when asked.

How to get started

Read the Quick Start guide to get started.

Make sure you choose your Axe-Fx model correctly (firmware 1.0 and up).

You may need to reset the Axe-Fx to its factory default settings. That ensures that controller numbers are set correctly and that tuner and tempo information is transmitted to the MFC-101. If you reset the Axe-Fx, be sure to check all important system settings and adjust where necessary (Global, I/O, Tuner).

Make sure to:

• set the MFC-101 to the right configuation (Standard, Ultra, Axe-Fx II, None)
• tell the MFC-101 whether you're using a MIDI cable or Rj45 cable.

How to adjust the display contrast

You can adjust the contrast of the display in Edit > Setup.

How to make the LEDs less bright

Put small bits of painter's tape on top of them. Or use this smart and simple solution by Toadfish.

How to program it

You must program the MFC-101 using the Edit menu on the device itself. There's no software editor currently.

How to display the tuner and see the tempo blink

To show Axe-Fx's tuner in the MFC-101 display and let the Tap Tempo LED blink in the correct tempo, the MFC-101 must be in Axe-Fx Mode. Also, use a 5-pin MIDI cable (with all pins connected!) for bidirectional communication (or CAT-5 cable with the Axe-Fx II). On the Axe-Fx set the parameter Send Realtime Sysex (I/O > MIDI) to All.

How to use a single IA for Tap Tempo and Tuner

Firmware 1.0 and up lets you combine the Tap Tempo and Tuner switches. Holding Tap Tempo will enter the Tuner mode. Use Edit > Setup to set this up. This does NOT work with external switches.

How to program the switches

First choose the desired Bank Size (Edit > Setup, see below). Decide whether you want to use Axe-Fx Mode or not (Edit > Setup). Then use Edit > Midi to configure the IA switches.

The MFC supports 384 presets (firmware 1.0 and up).

If you like to see how other users have configured their MFCs, read this thread.

How to know which LED color indicates what effect state

With the MFC-101 in Axe-Fx Mode:

• Red: effect is present in the preset, bypassed.
• Green: effect is present in the preset, enabled.
• Off: effect is not present in the preset.

You can disable the Red (bypassed) LEDs, which works better for colorblind people (firmware 1.0 and up).

How to assign an effect to an IA switch

In Axe-Fx Mode go to Edit > Midi > IA and select the desired effect for each switch from the list (manual page 17). In Axe-Fx Mode IAs work globally (you cannot change the function of a switch per preset).

If you select "None", the switch is not assigned to an effect and is available for general MIDI use. This lets you use MIDI commands to assign a function. You can send 2 separate MIDI CCs, a MIDI PC, and additional custom MIDI commands. Use value 127 to turn effects on, 0 to turn them off. Or select OFF to send nothing at all (firmware 1.0 and up). If a switch is set to Global, it is able to retain (carry over) its current state when switching presets, aka "stompbox" mode (firmware 1.0 and up).

The IA switch can be toggle/latching (most common) or momentary, and can be given a 7-character name (used only during programming).

When pressing an IA the name of the effect will be displayed briefly on the display (firmware 1.0 and up).

How to program an IA switch to toggle between two effects

Set up the switch to send a CC to an External Controller. Assign Bypass in two effect blocks to the same External Controller. Set the Start value of one block to 100 and the other to 0. Or an example when alternating between Comp and Drive: Set one of the externals to the same CC as COMP, then use it to bypass Drive. Set the switch to COMP and you'll get RED=DRIVE, GREEN=COMPRESSOR (source: Matman).

How to program a single IA switch to enable some effects and disable others

Solutions.

How to create a boost/lead switch

Read the Axe-Fx How-Tos. Configure an IA switch to "None" (no Axe-Fx effect), then assign the required CC message(s) and values (Edit > MIDI).

You can make presets enable the boost automatically: in Edit > Preset make sure that the boost switch is set to On.

How to organize your lead tones

• If you have a single solo preset, you can use the Global Preset feature: press any preset twice to get to that solo preset.
• If you have various solo presets, you can use the Alternate Preset feature: press a preset switch twice to get to the "alternate" preset for that switch, which can be a specific solo preset.
• If you use Song Mode, just create solo presets and assign them to songs where needed.
• If you prefer not to use presets but use IAs instead, you can configure a switch to change the state of two effects (without an external). If 2 is not enough, you can use custom MIDI to configure more, but harder to do so.
• Or you can assign a single CC to multiple effects on the Afx (I/O > Ctrl), and change them all with one switch.

How to use an expression pedal to control different effects without switching presets

• Read this
• or this.

How to turn an IA switch into a preset switch

Make sure that the switch isn't assigned to an Axe-Fx effect (Edit > Midi). In Edit > Midi > IA Switch scroll to the PC page, set it to On and specify the Program Change number. Set the Switch Type (Edit > Setup) to the desired state for the LED behavior. This works only for onboard switches, not with external switches.

How to activate or bypass multiple effects simultaneously

This is a trick that lets you assign multiple effects to one switch. That's because a block that you won't typically use (and doesn't take up many CPU-cycles) can serve a surrogate for any number of Axe-Fx blocks in Axe-Fx Mode (source: Matman).

1. Pick a surrogate such as VOL4 or FILTERx, set to NULL. On the Axe-Fx go to I/O > CTRL and assign the same MIDI CC to your surrogate and all of the effects you want assign across the single footswitch.
2. Place the surrogate effect block (disconnected) in every preset that has your target block(s).
3. Set its bypass state and that of the assigned effect(s) to the same initial state
4. Assign the surrogate to the Axe-Fx IA in the MFC-101.

Now you have've got bi-color-LED-enabled control over different multiple blocks across different patches from a single IA switch.

Alternatively: assign the same CC (or an external controller) to all desired effects. But this way you won't get multi-color LEDs.

How to connect, calibrate and configure an expression pedal

You can connect up to 4 expression pedal(s) to the rear of the MFC-101. Expression pedals need 1/4" TRS (stereo) cables. Use Edit > Setup and Edit > MIDI to configure the pedals. Edit > Preset lets you override global expression pedal settings.

By default pedal #1 is mapped to CC 11 (global Output1 volume) and pedal #2 to CC 16 (External 1, often used for a wah). Pedals 3 and 4 default to OFF, which may not be obvious because the MFC will let you calibrate the pedals.

If there's no expression pedal connected to the MFC-101, the output volume of the Axe-Fx may be muted. To solve this, disable expression pedal #1 on the MFC-101.

Calibration: see chapter 7 of the manual. Note: it's normal for pedals not to employ the full value range (0 - 127). If your pedal only gets to 100 or so, it can still perform 100%.

Use the Beginning Value parameter (Edit > Midi) to define the state of the pedal after switching presets. "PDL" means that the position of the pedal is polled and recalled, "Off" means that the pedal is off until moved, or you can select a value between 0 and 127.

While you can define the range of an expression pedal (globally or per preset), you also use the Modifier menu of effects blocks on the Axe-Fx for this purpose.

Settings in Edit > MIDI are global. If you want program a pedal to behave differently with some presets, adjust things in Edit > Preset.

In this video James from Mission Engineering explains that you connect the switch output to an expression pedal input instead! Handy if you need the switch inputs on the MFC-101 for other purposes.

How to connect an external switch

You can connect additional switch(es) to the rear of the MFC-101. These can be momentary or toggle/latching. There are 2 inputs which, when using TRS (stereo) cables, allow for 4 switches. A single switch can also be used with a TS (mono) cable but you need to set the second switch to Off.

Use Edit > Midi to configure things. An external switch can control a single MIDI CC, using value 0 for off and 127 for on. You can't use them for preset switching or custom MIDI stuff.

Settings in Edit > MIDI are global. If you want program the switch to behave differently with some presets, adjust things in Edit > Preset.

External switches are able to retain (carry over) their current state when switching presets ("stompbox" or "global" mode).

How to connect and configure an expression pedal with a switch

Some expression pedals have a separate switch. You can use separate connections for the pedal and the switch and configure the switch to activate an effect which then can be controlled with the pedal, such as a wah. Here's a walkthrough.

• Connect the expression pedal to the MFC using one of the 4 expression pedal inputs on the MFC. Use a stereo (TRS) cable.
• Connect the switch to one of the 2 switch inputs on the MFC (see above about the possibility to use an expression pedal input instead). Use either a stereo (TRS) or mono (TS) cable. If using a mono cable, disable the other connection of the switch in the setup menu (see below).
• Use a MIDI cable between the MFC and Axe-Fx.
• On the Axe-Fx, insert a Wah block in the preset.
• Set the FREQ parameter of the Wah block to the External controller (the one that's tied to to the expression pedal, see below).
• Use Damping if desired. Set PC RST to On. Keep Auto-engage Off because you will be using the switch.
• Save the preset with the Wah disabled.
• In I/O > Ctrl on the Axe-Fx, note which CC is used for the Wah 1 block (default #97).
• In I/O > Ctrl on the Axe-Fx, note which CC is used for the External controller which is tied to the expression pedal, mentioned above.
• In I/O > Midi on the Axe-Fx, verify that the External controller which is tied to the expression pedal is set to 0%.
• Make sure that the expression pedal is calibrated (Edit > Setup on the MFC).
• Make a connection between the pedal and the Axe-Fx by selecting the right CC and channel in Edit > MIDI on the MFC. Make sure you select the correct pedal input (XP1 - XP4). The CC must match the External controller's CC on the Axe-Fx (see above).
• In Edit > Setup on the MFC set the external switch to Toggle. Make sure you select the correct switch input (XS1 - XS4).
• Make a connection between the switch and the Axe-Fx by selecting the right CC and channel in Edit > MIDI on the MFC. Make sure you select the correct switch input (XS1 - XS4). The CC must match the CC of the Wah block on the Axe-Fx (see above). Set type to HDW. When using a mono cable for the switch, disable the other connection (set it to Off) to prevent MIDI problems.
• Tell the MFC the switch values for Off and On (Edit > MIDI). 000 = Off. 127 = On. If the LED works vice versa, switch the values: 000 = On, 127 = Off.

How to arrange presets for use in songs

Use the Song and Set Modes. You can use up to 15 presets per song (depending on the Bank Size setting). The MFC supports up to 100 songs. Preset switches in Songs can be set to OFF (firmware 1.0 and up).

You can also use Song Mode to circumvent a limitation of Preset Mode. In Preset Mode banks have no names, you have to remember which presets are in numbered banks. However, If you assign presets to songs in Song Mode, maintaining the bank structure, you can given them handy names.

How to get access to Axe-Fx banks B and C

By default the MFC-101 selects presets in bank A of the Axe-Fx. Change the Default Bank setting (Edit > Midi) to set this to bank B or C. Or use MIDI Mapping.

How to use MFC-101 presets instead of Axe-Fx presets

In Axe-Fx Mode the MFC-101 always syncs the IA switches with the state of the effects in the Axe-Fx preset. To create variations of an Axe-Fx preset with different effect states, disable Axe-Fx Mode, select a preset, enable/bypass the effects on the MFC-101 and store the preset on the MFC-101 (Edit > Preset). MFC-101 preset names are preced by a "P" (instead of "X").

Note: the Axe-Fx doesn't push data to the MFC-10, except for tuner data and tempo info (requires 7-pin MIDI cable). So the MFC-101 won't follow preset switching done on the Axe-Fx.

How to change the number of presets per bank (Bank Size)

The MFC-101 defaults to 5 presets per bank. It can be set to any number of switches (firmware 1.0 and up). Use the parameter Bank Size (Edit > Setup) to change this, depending on how many IA switches you want to be accessible directly without needing to press Reveal. Note that this also influences the layout of the Song and Set modes. When using "0", use Up/Down to switch presets. Note that preset switches always start on the bottom row. Currently it's not possible to use for ex. just the 3rd row for presets.

How to determine what happens when changing banks (Bank Style)

Use the menu item Bank Style (Edit > Setup) to instruct the MFC-101 what to do when changing banks:

• Automatically load the first preset of a bank ("First").
• Automatically load the preset at the current position in the bank ("Current", default setting).
• nothing ("None").

How to retain effect states when switching presets

When operating an IA switch in Axe-Fx mode, its changed state is not carried over when switching presets. If you want switches to retain their current state, use external switches (set to TypHDW) or set an onboard IA switch to Global (firmware 1.0 and up). If you want a momentary external switch NOT to retain its state when switching presets, set it to TypTOG.

How to use the Global Preset feature

Switch the Global Preset feature to ON (off by default) in Edit > Setup and assign a preset to it (Edit > Preset). Now this preset can be recalled at any time by pressing a preset switch TWICE. Global Preset works only with presets, not IA switches (CCs). Turn off this feature if you want to be able to recall a preset as it was saved by pressing a preset switch a second time (see Panic switch topic).

The Global Preset can also be set to "Backtrack", see below.

How to return to a previous preset (backtracking)

Firmware 1.0 introduced Backtrack-functionality. This means that a second stomp on a preset switch will load the previous preset. You can set this per preset (Preset menu) or configure Global Preset to act as Backtrack.

How to create a panic (revert) switch

It can be handy to have a switch available at all times that lets you reset all effects within the current preset to their saved states. In other words: restore the preset to its original state after having activated several effects. A way to achieve this on the MFC-101 is to press a preset switch a second time. This will send its MIDI Program Change again to the Axe-Fx again and recall the preset as saved. This requires that:

1. Global Preset on the MFC-101 is OFF (otherwise the second press would activate it) and
2. Ignore Redundant PC on the Axe-Fx (I/O > MIDI) is OFF.

Note that recalling a preset this way causes a short audio dropout.

How to change additional effect settings

MFC-101's Internal CCs can be used to change effect parameters without the need to assign switches. Internal CCs can be given names. Use Edit > Setup and Edit > MIDI.

How to select an effect within a group (Link Group)

The Link Group Select setting lets you define a group of switches. Within that group only one setting can be active, so selecting one switch will automatically disable the others within the group (mutually exclusive). There's a maximum of two groups and 5 switches per group. Link Group is particularly useful to switch channels on an external amp (see separate topic). It's also possible to press the active effect to disable it (firmware 1.0 and up).

How to keep the Looper running when switching presets

These are the requirements to keep the Axe-Fx Looper playing when switching presets (using MFC-101 firmware 1.0 and later):

• the preset you're switching to must have a Looper block
• make sure the Record switch is set to non-Global and Off
• make sure the Play switch is set to Global

How to operate the Looper with the MFC-101

Here's an example when you want to use switches 6 and 7 for the Looper.

Press Edit > Setup set IASw 06 to Toggle set IASw 07 to Momentary Now press Edit > Midi: set IA06 Axe-Fx to None set IA07 Axe-Fx to None set IA06 c1 to CC 29 (Ch01) set IA07 c1 to CC 28 (Ch01) Now press 6 for Play (press again for Stop). Press AND HOLD 7 for Record. Change Switch 07 into Toggle if you want to change this into 2 presses.

How to expand the functionality of the MFC-101

Apart from using expression pedals and external switches you can connect an additional MIDI controller to the MIDI IN port on the MFC-101. To have it recognize incoming MIDI messages, select the correct MIDI channel for the added device in Edit > System. To prepare the MFC-101 for incoming Program Changes enable that setting in Edit > System too. Upon receiving a Program Change the MFC-101 will sync its display.

Tip: a Tech 21 MIDI Mouse is a small MIDI foot controller. It's battery powered (5-pins MIDI phantom power or a power supply is also possible). Quite useful to expand the preset switching capabilities of the MFC-101.

Another expansion possibility is the use of a MIDI utility such as MIDI Solution's Event Processor or Bome's MIDI Translator. These devices convert MIDI messages, such as a specific MIDI CC, into other messages like a PC. This lets you circumvent limitations of the MFC-101.

How to use the MFC-101 for switching channels on my amp

It cannot do this on its own (unless you have a MIDI-controlled amp), it has no relay switches. But you can use MIDI to control an external MIDI switcher for this purpose. Check this thread for solutions.

How to get labels for the switches

There are several label suppliers and solutions to be found on the Fractal Forum.

Commercial suppliers are:

• KickTags
• StompLabels

How to deal with error messages

Page 68 of the manual lists the MFC-101 error messages and solutions.

How to solve the "Waiting for tuner" issue

If the Axe-Fx Tuner is not on its first page on the Axe-Fx, then activating the Tuner on the MFC-101 generates the message "Waiting for tuner".

How to repair a MFC-101 that won't scroll down anymore

Switch #1 may be stuck. Depress it a number of times. Source

How to solve stuttering audio, pops, clicks or slow respons when switching presets

In some cases operating the MFC-101 can create noise. Here are causes and solutions:

• Make sure you have the latest firmware loaded (both Axe-Fx and MFC-101). Preset switching has improved with firmware upgrades.
• Change the Axe-Fx's MIDI channel (I/O > MIDI) from Omni to 1.
• Placing the MFC-101 near powered speakers, or on top of the Axe-Fx, may result in popping noise when operating the switches.
• If you assign the Vol Decr/Inc commands to IA switches or external switches, you may notice clicks or pops when switching presets. Solve this by configuring them to send nothing else.
• If you hear a ticking or clicking sound that's in sync with the tap tempo light, there's interference from your MIDI cable into your guitar or guitar cable. It's the sysex data being sent. Make sure you route the MIDI cable away from anything that it may interfere with or use a CAT-5 cable. Or switch off "Send Realtime Sysex if you don't need to use the tuner and the tap tempo light. Source

How to know what Axe-Fx stuff can be controlled through MIDI CCs

Here's a list for Standard/Ultra. Some CCs are Ultra-only. For additional CCs used by the Axe-Fx II (Looper block, X/Y functionality), look here.

010 Input Volume

011 Out 1 Volume

012 Out 2 Volume

013 Bypass

014 Tempo Tap

015 Tuner

016 External 1

017 External 2

018 External 3

019 External 4

020 External 5

021 External 6

022 External 7

023 External 8

024 Looper 1 Rec

025 Looper 1 Play

026 Looper 1 Once

027 Looper 1 Stack

028 Looper 1 Rev

029 Looper 2 Rec

030 Looper 2 Play

031 Looper 2 Once

032 Looper 2 Stack

033 Looper 2 Rev

034 Global Bypass

035 Volume Incr

036 Volume Decr

037 Amp 1 bypass

038 Amp 2 bypass

039 Cabinet 1 bypass

040 Cabinet 2 bypass

041 Chorus 1 bypass

042 Chorus 2 bypass

043 Compressor 1 bypass

044 Compressor 2 bypass

045 Crossover 1 bypass

046 Crossover 2 bypass

047 Delay 1 bypass

048 Delay 2 bypass

049 Drive 1 bypass

050 Drive 2 bypass

051 Enhancer bypass

052 Filter 1 bypass

053 Filter 2 bypass

054 Filter 3 bypass

055 Filter 4 bypass

056 Flanger 1 bypass

057 Flanger 2 bypass

058 Formant bypass

059 FX loop bypass

060 Gate 1 bypass

061 Gate 2 bypass

062 GEQ 1 bypass

063 GEQ 2 bypass

064 GEQ 3 bypass

065 GEQ 4 bypass

066 Megatap 1 bypass

067 MultiComp 1 bypass

068 MultiComp 2 bypass

069 MultiDelay 1 bypass

070 MultiDelay 2 bypass

071 PEQ 1 bypass

072 PEQ 2 bypass

073 PEQ 3 bypass

074 PEQ 4 bypass

075 Phaser 1 bypass

076 Phaser 2 bypass

077 Pitch 1 bypass

078 Pitch 2 bypass

079 QuadChorus 1 bypass

080 QuadChorus 2 bypass

081 Resonator 1 bypass

082 Resonator 2 bypass

083 Reverb 1 bypass

084 Reverb 2 bypass

085 Ringmod bypass

086 Rotary 1 bypass

087 Rotary 2 bypass

088 Synth 1 bypass

089 Synth 2 bypass

090 Tremolo 1 bypass

091 Tremolo 2 bypass

092 Vocoder bypass

093 Volume 1 bypass

094 Volume 2 bypass

095 Volume 3 bypass

096 Volume 4 bypass

097 WahWah 1 bypass

098 WahWah 2 bypass