Difference between revisions of "Yeks MFC-101 How-Tos page"
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− | '''This FAQ covers firmware versions 2.01 and | + | '''This FAQ covers firmware versions 2.01 and earlier''' |
==Where to find the official supporting documents== | ==Where to find the official supporting documents== | ||
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Want to connect the MFC-101 and Axe-Edit at the same time on a Standard/Ultra? [http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Tutorials#Getting_the_MFC-101_and_AxeEdit_working_together Read this] and [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/33446 this info about MIDI merging]. | Want to connect the MFC-101 and Axe-Edit at the same time on a Standard/Ultra? [http://axefxwiki.guitarlogic.org/index.php?title=Tutorials#Getting_the_MFC-101_and_AxeEdit_working_together Read this] and [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/33446 this info about MIDI merging]. | ||
− | Axe-Fx II: | + | When using the Axe-Fx II: |
* A CAT-5 cable (communication mode: Expansion, default setting with firmware 2 and later) can be used instead of a MIDI cable to connect, to carry power (without needing a adapter) and to display tuner and tempo information. | * A CAT-5 cable (communication mode: Expansion, default setting with firmware 2 and later) 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. | * Supports simultaneous use of Axe-Edit and MFC-101 natively, without the need for MIDI merging through additional software or hardware. | ||
* When configured for using a CAT-5 cable (Edit > Setup > "Expansion"), the MIDI-OUT port on the MFC-101 won't pass data anymore. So you can't use both ports simultaneously. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/mfc-discussion/44511-there-pass-midi-thru-midi-foot-controller-while-expansion-cat-5-mode.html#post587648 Source] | * When configured for using a CAT-5 cable (Edit > Setup > "Expansion"), the MIDI-OUT port on the MFC-101 won't pass data anymore. So you can't use both ports simultaneously. [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/mfc-discussion/44511-there-pass-midi-thru-midi-foot-controller-while-expansion-cat-5-mode.html#post587648 Source] | ||
+ | * When using a CAT5 cable, DO NOT CONNECT the AC adapter. | ||
==How to upgrade its firmware== | ==How to upgrade its firmware== |
Revision as of 13:27, 1 May 2012
This FAQ covers firmware versions 2.01 and earlier
Contents
- 1 Where to find the official supporting documents
- 2 How to learn more about MIDI footcontrollers, pedals and switches
- 3 How to connect and power it
- 4 How to upgrade its firmware
- 5 How to find the firmware release history
- 6 How to backup or restore settings
- 7 How to reset it to factory default settings
- 8 How to get started
- 9 How to adjust the display contrast
- 10 How to make the LEDs less bright
- 11 How to program it
- 12 How to sync the MFC-101 to Axe-Fx and Axe_Edit preset switching (TotalSync)
- 13 How to display the tuner and see the tempo blink
- 14 How to use a single switch for Tap Tempo and Tuner
- 15 How to program the switches
- 16 How to know which LED color indicates what effect state
- 17 How to connect, calibrate and configure an expression pedal
- 18 How to use an expression pedal to control different effects without switching presets
- 19 How to connect an external switch
- 20 How to connect and configure an expression pedal with a switch
- 21 How to assign an effect to an IA switch
- 22 How to program an IA switch to toggle between two effects
- 23 How to program a single IA switch to enable some effects and disable others
- 24 How to activate or bypass multiple effects simultaneously
- 25 How to select an effect within a group (Link Group)
- 26 How to use an external switch to control Tap Tempo
- 27 How to use the Global Preset feature
- 28 How to return to a previous preset (backtracking)
- 29 How to create a panic (revert) switch
- 30 How to arrange presets for use in songs
- 31 How to use MFC-101 presets instead of Axe-Fx presets
- 32 How to change the number of presets per bank (Bank Size)
- 33 How to determine what happens when changing banks (Bank Style)
- 34 How to (not) retain effect states when switching presets ("stompbox mode")
- 35 How to create a boost/lead switch
- 36 How to organize your lead tones
- 37 How to turn an IA switch into a preset switch
- 38 How to change additional effect settings
- 39 How to operate the Looper with the MFC-101
- 40 How to keep the Looper running when switching presets
- 41 How to expand the functionality of the MFC-101
- 42 How to use the MFC-101 for switching channels on my amp
- 43 How to get labels for the switches
- 44 How to deal with error messages
- 45 How to solve the "Waiting for tuner" issue
- 46 How to repair a MFC-101 that won't scroll down anymore
- 47 Testing the LEDs
- 48 How to solve stuttering audio, pops, clicks or slow respons when switching presets
- 49 How to know what Axe-Fx stuff can be controlled through MIDI CCs
Where to find the official supporting documents
The Owner's Manual and QuickStart Guide are available here.
How to learn more about MIDI footcontrollers, 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:
- Use a 7-pin MIDI cable between the MFC-101 and the Axe-Fx. Pins 6 and 7 are used to carry power.
- 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.
When using the Axe-Fx II:
- A CAT-5 cable (communication mode: Expansion, default setting with firmware 2 and later) 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.
- When configured for using a CAT-5 cable (Edit > Setup > "Expansion"), the MIDI-OUT port on the MFC-101 won't pass data anymore. So you can't use both ports simultaneously. Source
- When using a CAT5 cable, DO NOT CONNECT the AC adapter.
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 using a MIDI interface:
- Disconnect the MFC-101's MIDI-OUT and CAT-5.
- Connect MIDI-OUT on the 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.
- Connect the MFC-101's wall wart.
- Poower on the MFC while holding down footswitch #1. This enters the Firmware Update mode.
- Start transmitting the firmware file using a MIDI utility such as MIDI-OX (Windows) or Snoize SysEx Librarian (Mac). The MFC-101 will display the completion percentage.
- Wait for confirmation on the MFC display.
- Power on the MFC-101.
- Reconnect the required cables.
To upgrade using the Axe-Fx II as a USB-to-MIDI MIDI adapter: Source
- Connect the Axe-Fx II to your computer, through USB.
- In the Axe-Fx II's MIDI menu, set SendRealtimeSysex to NONE, and UsbAdapterMode to ON.
- Power down the Axe-Fx II.
- Connect the Axe-Fx II's MIDI-OUT to the MFC-101's MIDI-IN with a 5-pin MIDI cable.
- Power on the Axe-FX II.
- Power on the MFC-101 by reconnecting Cat5 cable, while holding down footswitch 1 (enters firmware update mode).
- Send the new firmware with a MIDI librarian, such as MIDI-OX or SysEx Librarian, from your computer to the Axe-Fx II.
- Power down the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx II.
- Remove the MIDI cable.
- Power on the Axe-Fx II.
- In the Axe-Fx II's MIDI menu, set SendRealtimeSysex to the desired value, and UsbAdapterMode to OFF.
An upgrade may require you to reset the MFC-101 to its factory settings. If so, it will be stated in the release notes. To reset the MFC-101, power on while holding switch #11. Note: this will cause you to lose your configured settings! You can save these on forehand and restore these afterwards.
MIDI utilities may 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.
If you're experiencing problems, open the Utility > Preset page on the Axe-Fx, because this makes sure the Axe-Fx is not sending out stuff which could interfere with the update process.
Forum member Cobbler describes the upgrade process in this thread and this thread.
How to find the firmware release history
The firmware release history is included with each 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.
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 or CAT5 cable (connection port: MIDI or EXPANSION.
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 sync the MFC-101 to Axe-Fx and Axe_Edit preset switching (TotalSync)
If you switch presets on the front panel of the Axe-Fx, the MFC-101 can also switch along. The same goes for preset switching in Axe-Edit. You can control this feature (TotalSync) through a parameter in the MIDI menu. TotalSync doesn't work in Song and Set modes, and custom MFC-101 Tx Map or Axe-Fx II preset remapping are not supported.
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 a 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 switch for Tap Tempo and Tuner
You can combine the Tap Tempo and Tuner functionality. 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.
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 (In Edit > Setup set IAOffLed to Off), which works better for colorblind people.
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). 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 the Axe-Fx II manual it's explained step-by-step how to connect an expression pedal to the MFC-101: read this.
How to use an expression pedal to control different effects without switching presets
How to connect an external switch
You can connect additional momentary or toggle/latching switches to the rear of the MFC-101. It has 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.
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 or CONTROL 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.
In this video James from Mission Engineering explains how to connect the switch output of an expression pedal to an expression pedal input (instead of a switch input)! Handy if you need the switch inputs on the MFC-101 for other purposes.
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.
The IA switch can be toggle/latching or momentary, and can be given a 7-character name. When pressing an IA the name of the effect will be displayed briefly on the display.
How to program an IA switch to toggle between two effects
Set up the switch to send a CC to an External Controller on the Axe-Fx. 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
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).
- 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.
- Place the surrogate effect block (disconnected) in every preset that has your target block(s).
- Set its bypass state and that of the assigned effect(s) to the same initial state
- 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 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.
How to use an external switch to control Tap Tempo
- Connect the switch to one of the switch inputs on the MFC (1+2 or 3+4). Use a TS or TRS cable, depending on the switch. When using a TS cable disable the second switch (XS2 or XS4) on the MFC.
- Set the switch type in Edit > Setup to Toggle or Momentary, depending on the switch.
- In Edit > MIDI > XS set the switch to control CC #14.
- In Edit > MIDI > XS set the switch to TypTOG. The value is misleading, this also applies to momentary switches.
- If desired, set the onboard IA switch to Tuner instead of Tempo.
How to use the Global Preset feature
Set 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)
Backtracking: 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 be able to reset your current preset to its saved state, just by pressing a preset switch a second time. This will send the MIDI Program Change again to the Axe-Fx and recall the preset as it was saved. This requires that:
- Global Preset on the MFC-101 is OFF (otherwise the second press would activate it) and
- 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 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.
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 give them names.
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"). Using MFC presets instead of Axe-Fx Mode, means the MFC-101 becomes the main control center instead of 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. 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.
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").
If Bank Style is set to "None", banking up/down will show the bank number and the preset range within the bank (Smart Banks).
How to (not) retain effect states when switching presets ("stompbox mode")
You may want IAs to "carry over" their active state when switching presets. This is controlled through the Global and Send w/Preset parameters.
Global Off and Send w/Preset On: IA switches will send CCs (resync) when switching presets (default). Global On and Send w/Preset On: IA switches retain the LED state when switching presets. The CC will be resend when switching presets. Global Off and Send w/Preset Off: IA switches send no MIDI untill stomping them. LED states will change when switching presets. Global On and Send w/Preset Off: IA switches retain the LED state when switching presets, but do not send MIDI data until stomped.
This works with IA switches in non-Axe-Fx mode only (In Axe-Fx mode the recalled presets dictate which effects are on or bypassed). Send w/Preset defaults to On after a Factory Restore.
For external switches, it's also important whether they are set to TyHDW of TypTog. External latching switches, set to TypHDW, carry over their state because the MFC-101 polls their state after switching presets. Use TypTOG to prevent polling (this may cause the LED on an external switch to lose sync).
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, 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 it's 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 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 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 operate the Looper with the MFC-101
Here's an example of using switches 6 and 7 for the Looper.
- Press Edit > Setup
- set IASw 06 to Toggle
- Set IASw 07 to Momentary
- 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.
This thread contains an example of a switch configuration.
How to keep the Looper running when switching presets
These are the requirements to keep the Axe-Fx Looper playing when switching presets:
- 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 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 expand MIDI control.
How to use the MFC-101 for switching channels on my amp
The MFC-101 cannot do this on its own (unless you have a MIDI-controlled amp) because 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:
How to deal with error messages
Page 68 of the manual lists 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". Also, verify that SendRealtimeSysex in the AQxe-Fx's MIDI menu is set to All or 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
Testing the LEDs
The MFC-101 has a test mode. Press Edit followed by Reveal.
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