Yeks MFC-101 How-Tos page

Mail suggestions and corrections here

How to learn more about MIDI controllers, pedals and switches

Read the Axe-Fx How-Tos in the 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.
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 the right MIDI cable is mandatory. 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? Read this and this.

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's Support page. To upgrade:

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.
3. Power up the MFC-101 while holding down footswitch #1 to enter the Firmware Update mode.
4. Begin to transmit the firmware file using a MIDI utility (f.e. MIDI-OX, Snoize Sysex Librarian). 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.

How to find its firmware release notes

The firmware release history is included with the zipped firmware files.

How to backup or restore MFC-101 settings

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

How to reset it to the factory default settings

Go to Edit > Setup > Delete. See page 66 of the manual.

How to get started

Read the Quick Start document to get started.

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).

How to adjust the contrast of the display

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

How to program it

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

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. On the Axe-Fx set the parameter Send Realtime Sysex (I/O > MIDI) to All.

How to configure the preset and IA 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.

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

How to know which LED color represents what effect state

If the MFC-101 is 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.

Quite some users find the LEDs (at least the IAs) to be too bright. Put painter's tape on top of them to dim them a little.

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. Note: external switches are limited to sending a MIDI CC (no Program Changes or custom MIDI).

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

How to use 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.

How to create a dedicated 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 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.

How to activate or bypass multiple effects

This is a trick that lets you assign mltiple 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 expression pedals

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

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 that 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 untill 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.

How to connect external switches

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 stereo cables, allow for 4 switches. A single switch can also be used (mono cable) but you need to set the second switch to Off.

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

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, unlike MFC-101's onboard switches, are able to retain (carry over) their current state when switching presets ("stompbox" mode).

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.

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. Use the parameter Bank Size (Edit > Setup) to change this to 1, 10 or 15 presets per bank, depending on how many IA switches you want to be accessible directly above the preset switches without needing Reveal. Note that this also influences the layout of the Song and Set modes. When using 1 preset per bank, use Up/Down to switch banks, which will then automically load the preset.

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, its changed state is not carried over when switching presets. If you want switches to retain their current state, use external switches.

How to use the Global Preset

Switch the Global Preset feature 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).

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.

It's not possible to select "none" within a group, so one of the grouped effects is always on. Solution: make a block that does nothing at all, such as a neutral Vol block, part of the group.

How to maintain delay looper playback when switching presets

This is currently not fully supported. It can be accomplished using external switches.

How to expand the MFC-101 functionality

Apart from using expression pedals and external switches you can connect a 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 get labels for the switches

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

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 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.

With external switches you can solve this by making sure their state isn't polled when switching presets. Workaround for IA switches (thanks to Matman and Tgunn):

1. Edit > System: set two IA switches to Momentary.
2. Edit > MIDI: set those IAs to None and make sure c1 and c2 for those switches do nothing.
3. Edit > MIDI: scroll to Sxx (fill in switch number). Leave "Of" empty. Set the value to B0 24 7F --. Do the same for the 2nd switch using B0 23 7F --. (If you're not using MIDI channel 1, use another value for B0.)

How to know which Axe-Fx functionality can be controlled through MIDI CCs

Here's a list. Of course some are Ultra-only.

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