MFC-101 MIDI foot controller

Product information, user manual, guides

• MFC-101 product information
• 3.4.10 Axe-Fx II and MFC-101
• 3.4.11 Axe-Fx II- One Possible Big Rig
• 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.
  • 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, see FASLINK.

• Use Edit > MIDI to select the correct port (FASLINK vs MIDI vs Expansion).
• 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.

LEDs

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

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.
• To use an external switch to control Tap Tempo: connect the switch to one of the switch inputs 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 name is misleading, this also applies to momentary switches.

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 by attaching the Bypass parameter of any block in the preset to a controller.

MFC-101 and Axe-Fx XL

• Cliff: "The MFC-101 stores 384 presets. The Axe-Fx II Mark I/II also store 384 presets. The XL stores 512 presets and maybe someday 1024. Many MIDI controllers only store 128 presets. There is no correlation between the number of presets on a MIDI controller and the device being controlled. This is not a bug, mistake or deception." Source
• Axe-Fx II XL firmware 15: "Added “MFC ECHO TO MIDI OUT” option for Axe-Fx II XL (I/O->MIDI). Turning this to On echoes all MIDI data from the MFC to MIDI Out. This can be used to send MIDI PC and CC messages to other equipment connected to MIDI Out."

MFC-101 editors

• MFC-Edit
• Fedit by EJoz Software

Essential programming

• Quick Start guide
• Basics:
  • 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 model (Edit > Setup) and connection port (Edit > MIDI).
  • 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.
• Tutorials on G66 site: here and here.

Presets: Bank Size

• The MFC-101 defaults to 5 presets per bank. It can be set to any number. Use Edit > Setup > Bank Size to change this, depending on how many IA switches you want to be accessible directly without needing to press Reveal.
• When using size "0", use the Up/Down switches to scroll through banks and automatically load the preset.
• When using size "1", use the Up/Down switches to scroll through banks, then press switch 1 to load the preset. If you want the bank number to be the same as the preset number, set Display Offset on the Axe-Fx II to 1, set Offset Axe-Fx on the MFC to 1 and set Offset MFC-101 to 1.
• Bank Size also influences Song and Set Mode's layout.
• Preset switches always start from the bottom row. Currently you can't change this in software. A way around this is opening the unit and switching the ribbon cables (at your own risk).

Presets: Bank Style

• Use Edit > Setup > Bank Style to tell the MFC-101 what to do when changing banks:
  • automatically load the first preset of a bank
  • automatically load the preset at the current position in the bank (default)
  • nothing.
• When set to None, banking up/down will show the bank number and the preset range within the bank (Smart Banks).
• Scrolling speed through Banks, Songs and Sets cannot be adjusted.
• When using Bank Size "0" or "1", use the Up/Down switches to scroll through banks and automatically load the "Autoload" preset.

Presets: Bank/Song Limit and Bank/Song Wrap

• You may need access to just a subset of all available banks on the MFC-101. The Bank/Song Limit parameter lets you define the range of this subset. This prevents having to scroll through banks/songs you don't need.
• Also, you may want to stop scrolling through banks/songs after reaching the first or last bank/song (no wrapping around). The Bank/Song Wrap parameter lets you enable/disable this.

Presets: Global preset

• Set Global Preset to ON (off by default) in Edit > Setup and assign a preset.
• The Global Preset preset can now be recalled at any time by pressing a preset switch a 2nd time. The MFC will display "GBL" while the Global Preset is active. You can switch to other scenes within that preset and engage/bypass individual blocks. Pressing the preset another time (3rd time) returns you to the previous preset. However, if you press another preset switch instead (not the one from which you switched to the Global Preset), that preset will be recalled.
• You can specify which scene you want to recall when using Global Preset by using Custom Mapping on the Axe-Fx (I/O > MIDI).
• Turn off Global Preset if you want to be able to recall a preset in its saved state by pressing a preset switch a second time (see Panic switch).
• The Global Preset can also be set to "Backtrack", see below.
• More information.

Presets: Alternate preset

• A 2nd stomp on a preset switch lets you activate another preset, which can be different per preset. This is an alternative to using a Global Preset or Backtracking. You can set this in the Preset menu on the MFC-101.
• More information in this thread.
• You use Alternate Preset in combination with Axe-Fx Scenes by mapping presets to scenes on the Axe-Fx II.

Presets: Backtracking

• Backtracking means that a 2nd stomp on a preset switch will recall the previous preset. You can set this per preset (Edit > Preset) or configure Global Preset to act as Backtrack ("BAK").
• Backtracking always recalls scene 1.
• More information in this thread.

Presets: scenes

• The MFC-101 offers special support for Axe-Fx II preset scenes.
  • Recall any of the 8 scenes directly.
  • Increment or decrement scenes.
  • Switch between scenes 1 and 2.
• You can also use general MIDI commands to switch scenes.
• More information in Preset scenes.

IA switches: assigning functionality

• Any switch can operate as a toggle (latching) or as a momentary switch, and can be given a 7-character name (Edit > Setup).
• 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).
• If Axe-Fx Mode is disabled, the MFC-101 determines which effect in a preset is engaged or bypassed (Edit > Preset). In this case preset names in Preset Mode are preced by a "P" (instead of "X").

IA switches: carry over their current state when switching presets

• You may want "general function" onboard IAs to "carry over" their active state when switching presets. This is controlled through the Global and Send w/Preset parameters for general function IAs. Global defaults to Off, and Send w/Preset defaults to On. See the table in the Owner's Manual for a description of how these parameters work together.

IA switches: grouping / switch linking

• The Switch Links 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. Switch Links is particularly useful to switch channels on an external amp.

IA switches: switching between Amps in a preset

• Use a single Amp block and scene controllers.
• Use a single Amp block and X/Y, with a dedicated Amp X/Y switch, or scenes.
• Use two Amp blocks with their bypass parameters attached to an external controller, and a switch.
• Use two Amp blocks with a Mixer block set to "morph" and attached to an external controller, and a switch.
• Use two Amp blocks with scenes, and dedicated scene switches.
• Use two Amp blocks, with dedicated Amp1 and Amp2 switches (and Switch Linking).

IA switches: turning an IA 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.

IA switches: engaging/bypassing multiple effects at once

• This is a trick that lets you assign multiple effects to one switch. Source: M@.
  1. Pick a (low CPU) surrogate such as VOLx or FILTERx, set to NULL. On the Axe-Fx II, 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.
  5. 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 you won't get multi-color LEDs.

IA switches: 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 controller. Set the Start value of one block to 100 and the other to 0.
• 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).
• More methods.

IA switches: how to use a single switch to enable some effects and bypass others

• Solutions

IA switches: switching between two speeds

• You can use a switch to change speeds (tremolo, vibe, phaser, rotary etc.):
  • Assign an external controller to the effect's Rate parameter.
  • Enter Min and Max values in the modifier menu.
  • On the MFC assign a switch to the controller's MIDI CC.

Songs and Sets

• In Song and Set modes names on the MFC start with a "S". You can assign 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.
• Sorting a Song or Set list is not possible.
• You cannot set scenes. A preset in a song will always load scene 1.
• An alternative to Song Mode: use Axe-Fx Scenes.

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.

"Panic" switch

• It can be handy to have a way to quickly recall the current scene in its saved state (revert), just by pressing the current scene switch a second time. This will reset any changed IAs to their save state for this scene. This requires that Scene Revert (I/O > MIDI) is set to ON. You can also press the preset switch (the current) one again: this will load scene 1 of the current preset in its saved state.

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 Output 1 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.
• 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%. Note: after calibration you can check if the pedal goes from 0 to 127 by entering the MFC's test mode (see above). Near the end of the test you can test the pedals.
• 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 specific value between 0 and 127.
• While you can define/limit the operational range of an expression pedal (globally or per preset), you also use the Modifier menu of effects blocks on the Axe-Fx II for this purpose.
• Settings in Edit > MIDI are global. If you want program a pedal to behave differently in specific presets, adjust in Edit > Preset.
• More information in the manual and wiki.

Expression pedal: control different effects without switching presets

• Read this, or this or use scenes.

External switch

• You can connect momentary or toggle/latching switches to the rear of the MFC-101. There are 2 inputs which, when using TRS (stereo) cables, support 4 switches in total. A single switch can also be used with a TS (mono) cable, but you need to set the second switch to Off.
• Use Edit > Setup and Edit > Midi to configure external switches.
• You can specify whether the external switch is a momentary or latching switch type.
• 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 (MIDI PCs) or custom MIDI stuff.
• Settings in Edit > MIDI are global. If you want program the switch to behave differently with some presets, adjust in Edit > Preset.
• The parameters TyHDW and TypTog and TypAUT control whether an external switch carries over its active state when switching presets.
  • Latching: when set to TypHDW, the state is carried over because the MFC-101 polls the switch after having switched presets. Use TypTOG to prevent polling but this may cause the LED on the external switch to lose sync.
  • Momentary: when set to TypHDW, they operate as a momentary switch and retaining states is irrelevant. Use TypTOG to simulate a latching (toggle) switch, but the switch won't retain its state.
• More information in this Wicked wiki edition

Expression pedal with 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.
  • 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. 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.
  • 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

3D image of MFC-101

• Here is a 3D image of the MFC-101, which you can use to design your pedalboard for example.

MFC-101 pedalboard pictures

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