October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.
FASLINK
The information on this page supplements the official manuals.
Contents
What's FASLINK?
FASLINK is a proprietary Fractal Audio communications link between the Axe-Fx II and MFC-101, featuring bi-directional MIDI and power over a standard XLR microphone cable. Cable runs of hundreds of feet are possible. XLR cables are more flexible and robust than Ethernet cables.
Hardware support for FASLINK
The Axe-Fx II XL/XL+ and MFC-101 Mark III models have built-in FASLINK support.
Older Axe-Fx II models (Mark I, Mark II) and MFC-101 models (Mark I, Mark II) require FASLINK adapters XA-1 and XA-2 to convert the wiring between XLR and Ethernet/Ethercon. These adapters are "active" (source). They can be bought directly from Fractal Audio's online shop.
Set up FASLINK
On the Axe-Fx II: turn on FASLINK in the I/O menu.
On the MFC-101: select the correct port in the MFC settings. Do not connect a power supply to the MFC-101 when using FASLINK.
More information in the FASLINK Setup Guide.
FASLINK protection
"The FASLINK port is protected against shorts." source