MFC-101 MIDI foot controller (legacy)

Product information, user manual, guides

• MFC-101 product information

• MFC-101 documentation

Mark I, Mark II and Mark III models

• Changes in Mark II:
  • Cliff: "The only change is the CAT-5 connector is now an Ethercon jack. An Ethercon jack will work with either a CAT-5 cable or an Ethercon cable." Source
• Changes in Mark III:
  • Solid-State switch technology. No moving parts except a spring "actuator". Switching is fully electronic and silent with no switches to wear out. Mechanical lifespan 1 million actuations.
  • "FASLINK" jack: a new, proprietary communications link that features bi-directional MIDI and power over a standard XLR microphone cable. Cable runs of hundreds of feet are possible. You need a FASLINK adapter (XA-1) to convert XLR to Ethernet/Ethercon on the Axe-Fx side, or use the Axe-Fx II XL with built-in FASLINK connection. If you want to use a XLR cable with MFC-101 Mark I/II models, you also need a FASLINK adapter (XA-2) at the MFC side.
  • Requires separate firmware.

Powering and connecting

• Ways to connect and power the MFC-101:

1. You can use the supplied 9VAC adapter to power the MFC. This is also the recommended power method when upgrading the firmware. Do NOT connect the adapter to the MFC simultaneously with the use of an Ethernet, Ethercon or XLR cable, or when using MIDI phantom power, or damage can occur!
2. MIDI can be used for just communications or for communications and power (phantom power). A good MIDI cable is required! To receive tuner and tempo data all pins of a 5-pin MIDI cable must be connected. Many low-cost MIDI cables just have 3 pins connected and are not properly shielded, resulting in audible data transfers. To use phantom power via MIDI a 7-pin MIDI cable is required and all pins must be wired (pins 6 and 7 carry power), and connect the 9VAC adapter 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.
3. You can use a CAT5 Ethernet cable for communications and power. It provides power to the MFC-101 without the need to connect the adapter to the Axe-Fx II, transmits MIDI data and tuner and tempo information, and switches off the MFC-101 when the Axe-Fx II is switched off. The MFC-101 Mark II and III models also support Ethercon connections (sturdier than Ethernet). When using Ethernet/Ethercon, the MFC's MIDI OUT port won't pass data anymore, you can't use both ports simultaneously. Source
4. On the Mark III model you can also a XLR cable to power the MFC and transfer data. You need a FASlink adapter (XA-1) to convert XLR to Ethernet/Ethercon at the Axe-Fx side, or use the Axe-Fx II XL with integrated FASLINK. If you want to use a XLR cable with Mark I/II models, a FASlink adapter (XA-2) is required at the MFC side.

• Use Edit > MIDI to set the MFC-101 to the correct cable connection.
• A propietary communication protocol is used for bidirectional communication and phantom power. The internal PSU for the MFC-101 will also support an expansion module for the MFC-101. Source1 Source2 Source3
• More information about connecting and powering the MFC-101 in the Owner's Manual.
• Do not power up the Axe-Fx after the MFC. Otherwise none of the switches will work (until a preset is switched). Cliff: "This happens when the Axe-Fx II is not powered on first. Selecting any preset on the MFC will reset the state machine." Source
• Cliff: "Do NOT attempt to extract power from the MFC connector. It is only rated for 1A and if you burn out the port we won't cover that under warranty." Source
• Forum member Chrisallen8888 made videos explaining how to set up the Axe-Fx II and the MFC-101 for basic use as well as how to configure expression pedals:
  • http://blog.katsukurimedia.com/2012/07/axe-fx-ii-mfc-101-initial-setup
  • http://blog.katsukurimedia.com/2012/07/mfc-101-axe-fx-ii-setting-up-expression-pedals

Firmware updates

• Go to Edit > Setup to see the currently loaded firmware version.
• Fractal Audio Support Download the latest firmware, launch Fractal-Bot and follow the instructions. Note that there are different firmware files for Mark I/II and Mark II units.
• The update process requires a MIDI interface (the Axe-Fx II can be used as such. Updating is not possible via Ethernet/Ethercon. And during the update process, the MFC-101 cannot be powered via MIDI phantom power. The firmware file includes a handy Read Me - Firmware Update Guide, explaining the process. It also explains how to use the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI interface, and how to power the MFC-101 via Ethernet/Ethercon during updating if you haven;t got the power supply.
• 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 erase all configured settings! You can save these on forehand and restore these afterwards.
• If you're experiencing problems, open the Utility > Preset page on the Axe-Fx II. This makes sure that the Axe-Fx II is not sending out stuff which could interfere with the update process.
• All firmware release notes can be found here: MFC-101 firmware release notes.
• Error messages during updating:
  • Error 14: rare problem that occurs after a failed firmware update. Once this occurs, you can start over to achieve success, but the MFC-101 will “time out” if the update is not completed quickly enough, causing the unit to display ERROR 14 again. Decrease the MIDI Buffer Delay setting in Fractal-Bot (In step 1 “READY”) to 90ms or lower to speed the firmware transmission process.
  • Error 16: usually indicates that the MFC saw “garbage” during a firmware update. This problem is often seen when using “inferior” MIDI Interfaces, but can also indicate computer problems, or even a bad MIDI cable. In rare cases, re-downloading the firmware update can also solve this problem.
  • Error 18: indicates that the MFC-101 has received some stray MIDI message while awaiting a firmware update. Please make sure no other MIDI applications are running on your computer, or, if using the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI Interface, ensure that I/O: MIDI: SEND REALTIME SYSEX is set to “NONE”.
  • The manual explains more error messages.

Backup and restore

• Use Edit > Setup > Sysex Data.

Reset to factory defaults

• Power the MFC-101 while holding switch 11. The manual lists all factory default settings.

Test mode

• Press Edit followed by Reveal, to enter the test mode.

LED colors

• With the MFC-101 in Axe-Fx Mode:
  • Red means that the effect is present in the preset, bypassed.
  • Green means that the effect is present in the preset, enabled.
  • Off means that the effect is not present in the preset.
• You can disable Red LEDs (Edit > Setup > Set IAOffLed Off), which works better for colorblind people.

TotalSync

• When you switch presets on the front panel of the Axe-Fx II, the MFC-101 can switch along. It's called TotalSync. You switch this on/off in the MFC's MIDI menu.
• TotalSync doesn't work in Song and Set modes, and custom MFC-101 Tx Map and Axe-Fx II preset remapping (for example to support scenes) are not supported.

Tuner and Tempo

• To show the Tuner display and see the Tempo LED blink in the correct tempo, the MFC-101 must be in Axe-Fx Mode. Also, a connection type must be used which supports this: 5-pin MIDI, CAT5 (Ethernet/Ethercon) or XLR. On the Axe-Fx II (I/O > MIDI) Send Realtime Sysex must be set to to Tuner, Tempo, or All.
• The MFC won't display the Tuner when using an external switch to switch it on. It will be displayed on the Axe-Fx though.
• When the Tuner on the Axe-Fx is set to anything other than its first tab page, the message "Waiting for tuner" appears.
• When the tuner display is active, it's still possible to engage/bypass other effects, switch banks, presets and songs etc.
• You can combine Tap Tempo and Tuner functionality: hold Tap Tempo will enter the Tuner mode. Use Edit > Setup to set this up. This does not work with external switches.
• How to create a tuner "preset" instead of an IA switch.

Axe-Edit and MFC-101

• It's recommended to not use the MFC-101 while Axe-Edit is running. It's possible to do so, but using the MFC-101 can cause audio gaps, and fast switching can cause communications issues.
• Engaging and bypassing effects through the MFC-101 will not always update the block states in Axe-Edit. To make Axe-Edit recognise such changes, its polling mechanism must be engaged. This can be accomplished to attach the Bypass parameter of any block in the preset to a controller.

Essential programming

• Quick Start guide
• Use the Edit menu to program the MFC-101. There's no software editor. You may have to press Edit for a couple of seconds (long press), depending on a configuration setting. This prevents accidental entering Edit mode during live use.
• Make sure you select the correct Axe-Fx II model and type of connection.
• Decide whether you want to use Axe-Fx Mode or not (Edit > Setup).
• Choose the desired Bank Size (Edit > Setup). The MFC supports 384 presets.
• Use Edit > Midi to configure the IA switches.

Assigning IA switches

• In Axe-Fx Mode go to Edit > Midi > IA and select the desired block for each switch from the list of effects. In Axe-Fx Mode IAs operate globally, meaning that you cannot change switch functionality per preset.
• If you select "None", the switch is not assigned directly to an Axe-Fx effect. It is available for general MIDI use (referred to as: General Use IA Switch). This lets you use MIDI commands. You can send 2 separate MIDI CCs, a MIDI PC, and additional custom MIDI commands per switch. Use value 127 to switch on effects, 0 to switch off. Or select OFF to send nothing at all. General Use IAs operate globally (same across all presets).
• Any switch can operate as a toggle (latching) or as a momentary switch, and can be given a 7-character name.

Turn an IA switch into a Preset switch

• You can turn an onboard IA switch into a Preset switch. Set the switch's function to None (Edit > MIDI). Then scroll to the PC page, set it to On and specify the Program Change number. Set the Switch Type (Edit > Setup) to Momentary, for correct LED behavior.
• To also make the MFC-101 switch to the Bank containing the preset, enable TotalSync.
• This is a great alternative to using the Global Preset feature.

Creating a "lead" switch

• If you have a single solo preset, use Global Preset (press any preset twice to recall the solo preset).
• If you have various solo presets, use the Alternate Preset feature (press a preset switch twice to recall an "alternate" preset for that switch).
• If you use Song Mode, create solo presets and assign them to songs.
• If you prefer IAs, configure a switch to change the state of 2 effects at once. If 2 is not enough, you can use custom MIDI to configure more, but it's harder to do so. Or assign a single CC to multiple effects on the Axe-Fx II (I/O > Ctrl), and change them all in one go with a single switch.
• Use Preset Scenes.

Dimming the LEDs

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

Troubleshooting

• Noise:
  • Change the Axe-Fx II's MIDI channel (I/O > MIDI) from Omni to 1.
  • Don't place the MFC-101 nearby powered speakers or on top of the Axe-Fx.
  • Ticking or clicking sound in sync with Tap Tempo is interference from your MIDI cable, leaking into your guitar pickup or guitar cable. Make sure to route the MIDI cable away from anything that it may interfere with, or use CAT5 or XLR. Or switch off "Send Realtime Sysex if you don't need to use the Tuner and Tap tempo. Source
• Switch issues:
  • If the MFC-101 won't scroll down anymore, switch #1 may be stuck. Depress it a number of times. Source
• "Waiting for tuner" message:
  • The Axe-Fx II Tuner must be on its first page.
  • Verify that SendRealtimeSysex in the AQxe-Fx's MIDI menu is set to All or Tuner.
• "Name timeout..." message:
  • See manual.

Accessories for MFC-101

• Go to Hardware accessories to find sources for cables, labels etc.

Amp channel switching

• The MFC-101 by itself cannot switch amp channels, unless you have a MIDI-controlled amp connected to the Axe-Fx II or the MFC-101. You can use MIDI to control an external MIDI switcher for this task. Check this thread for suggestions.

Expanding functionality

• There isn't a Fractal Audio expansion unit yet. But there are other ways to expand the MFC-101.
• Expression pedals and external switches. See Hardware accessories.
• Connect an additional MIDI controller to the MIDI IN port on the MFC-101. Select the correct MIDI channel for the added device in Edit > System. Enable Receive Program Changes in Edit > System. Suggestion: Tech 21 MIDI Mouse: small, battery powered (or 5-pins MIDI phantom power or power supply).
• Hardware MIDI utility such as MIDI Solution's Event Processor or Bome's MIDI Translator, which convert MIDI messages, such as a specific MIDI CC, into other messages like a PC.

MFC-101 pedalboard pictures

• This thread shows pictures of pedalboards of MFC-101 owners.