Fractal Audio MFC-101 Owner's Manual

Fractal Audio MFC-101 Owner's Manual

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OWNER'S MANUAL
MARK II
Firmware Version 2.15

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Summary of Contents for Fractal Audio MFC-101

  • Page 1 OWNER’S MANUAL MARK II Firmware Version 2.15...
  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    Fractal Audio Systems, Axe-Fx, Axe-Fx II, MFC-101 are trademarks of Fractal Audio Systems. Manufacturer names and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated with or affiliated with Fractal Audio Systems. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.
  • Page 4 Certificate of Conformity Fractal Audio Systems, USA, hereby declares on its own responsibility that the following product MFC101 – MIDI Foot Controller that is covered by this certificate and marked with CE label conforms to following standards: EN60065 Safety requirement for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for household and similar (IEC 60065) use.
  • Page 5: Foreword

    Whether you pair it with the Axe-Fx or another MIDI product, we hope you enjoy using the MFC-101 as much as we have enjoyed creating it. We worked hard to design a product we hope you will think is the ultimate MIDI Foot Controller, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing it become a favorite on the world...
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual Table of Contents Foreword ..................iii Table of Contents ................iv 1 OVERVIEW ..................1 1.1 Main Features ..................1 1.2 Hardware Overview ................. 2 1.2.1 Footswitch Primary Functions ....................... 2 1.2.2 Footswitch Secondary Functions ......................3 1.2.3...
  • Page 7 CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 4.5 Alternate Presets ................... 17 4.5.1 Global Preset ............................18 5 INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES ............19 5.1 Axe-Fx IA Switches ................. 19 5.1.1 List of Available Axe-Fx Functions ......................20 5.1.2 Axe-Fx IA Switch On/Off States ......................21 5.1.3...
  • Page 8 CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 8.3 External Switch Custom On and Off Values ..........34 9 SONGS & SETS ................35 9.1 Entering Song or Set Mode ..............35 9.2 Adding Presets to a Song ................ 36 9.3 Adding Songs to a Set ................37 10 COPY FUNCTIONS ..............
  • Page 9 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel ..........................51 12.4.2 Axe-Fx TotalSync ..........................51 12.4.3 Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map ........................ 52 12.4.4 MFC-101 MIDI Receive Channel ......................52 12.4.5 MFC-101 Receive Program Change ...................... 52 12.4.6 MFC-101 Program Change Map ......................52 12.4.7 IA Switch Axe-Fx Functions ........................53 12.4.8...
  • Page 10 CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.5.16 Internal CC Names ........................... 65 12.5.17 External Switch Hardware Type ....................... 65 12.5.18 Expression Pedal Calibration ......................66 12.5.19 Global Preset ............................ 66 12.5.20 Hold Axe-Fx Tempo for Tuner ......................67 12.5.21 Axe-Fx Instant Access Switch LED Off State ..................67 12.5.22...
  • Page 11 Figure 2-3: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx without Phantom Power..............8 Figure 2-4: Connecting the MFC-101 to a 3rd Party MIDI module or processor (Axe-Fx Mode OFF) ......9 Figure 2-5: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx and Additional MIDI device(s) ............9 Figure 4-1: Bank Sizes/Footswitch Layout Examples ....................
  • Page 13: Overview

    1 OVERVIEW 1.1 Main Features The Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 is a powerful, versatile, easy-to-use MIDI foot controller designed for use with the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx Standard, Ultra, or Axe-Fx II and/or any other MIDI devices such as modules, amps, effects, synths, and more.
  • Page 14: Hardware Overview

    REVEAL footswitch will enter LOOPER CONTROL MODE (p. ).  EDIT: This switch puts the MFC-101 into EDIT MODE, allowing entry to the various menus, pages and parameters used to configure the unit. From EDIT MODE, press EDIT again to return to play mode.
  • Page 15: Footswitch Secondary Functions

    MFC-101 to PERFORMANCE MODE.  NAMES (footswitch 9) makes it easier to customize your MFC-101 for easy operation. It allows you to view the short NAMES you may assign to various items throughout the the memory of the MFC-101. A MIDI Channel, for example, might be named “Gizmo”...
  • Page 16: Rear Panel Features

    Axe-Fx when a single MIDI cable does not work.  IMPORTANT! When connecting a device to remote control the MFC-101, remember that the Axe-Fx also transmits data to the unit via the bi-directional MIDI out port. Plan and test carefully as unpredictable behavior may occur in a rig where more than one device is trying to control the MFC-101.
  • Page 17: Software Map

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 1.3 Software Map PERFORMANCE MODE is for normal use, where the MFC-101 is operated as a MIDI foot controller. Depending on the desired use, there are three variants: PRESET, SONG or SET MODE, covered later. AXE-FX MODE may be switched ON or OFF “on top”...
  • Page 18: Navigating In Edit Mode

    Preset Number in the preset menu, the IA Switch number on a page which edits multiple IA Switches, or the Expression Pedal Number on a page which edits multiple expression pedals. To abort edits without saving, simply disconnect power from the MFC-101, wait several seconds, and then restore power to the unit.
  • Page 19: Getting Connected

     IMPORTANT: NEVER connect the provided AC Adapter to the MFC-101 or to the Phantom Power jack of the Axe-Fx II while the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx II are connected via CAT5. Doing so could damage one or both units.
  • Page 20: Figure 2-2: Connecting The Mfc-101 To An Axe-Fx With Phantom Power

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual The next scenarios show connections over 7 or 5 pin MIDI cables: Figure 2-2: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx with Phantom Power 2-way MIDI data communication and phantom power are provided via a single 7-conductor MIDI cable.
  • Page 21: Figure 2-4: Connecting The Mfc-101 To A 3Rd Party Midi Module Or Processor (Axe-Fx Mode Off)

    GETTING CONNECTED Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual Figure 2-4: Connecting the MFC-101 to a 3rd Party MIDI module or processor (Axe-Fx Mode OFF) The 5-pin MIDI cable carries 1-way data from the MFC-101 to the connected device. Some 3 party devices may also provide 7-pin Phantom Power and can be connected as shown above.
  • Page 22: Basic Settings

    You may wish to refer to p. 72 of the appendix to view the Comparison Table: AXE-FX MODE ON vs. OFF. 3.1.1 Enabling/Disabling Axe-Fx Mode For Axe-Fx mode to work, you must initially select the Axe-Fx model you are using with the MFC-101. If you are using the MFC-101 without an Axe-Fx, you should turn Axe-Fx mode OFF.
  • Page 23: Selecting A Port

    The Axe-Fx has a “Display Offset” feature which causes its presets to appear to be numbered from 001 instead of from 000. If you have Display Offset set to “1” on your Axe-Fx, you need to make a setting change on the MFC-101: 1.
  • Page 24 BASIC SETTINGS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual In addition, you will also need to apply a display offset to the preset numbers of the MFC-101: Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE. 1. Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu.
  • Page 25: Performance Modes

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 3.5 Performance Modes The MFC-101 offers three different variants of PERFORMANCE MODE. These are PRESET MODE, SONG MODE, and SET MODE. Each of the modes is covered throughout this manual. Key concepts and differences are noted in the...
  • Page 26: Starting Up

    PRESET MODE+AXE-FX MODE ON When the MFC-101 is used with an Axe-Fx, it will power up, query the Axe-Fx, and load whichever MFC-101 preset was loaded when the unit was last powered off. The MFC-101 preset number and the Axe-Fx preset name will be shown in the display, preceded by an “X”...
  • Page 27: Presets & Preset Mode

    Bank Size determines how many footswitches will recall Presets and how many will control Instant Access Switches (see Chapter 5). The MFC-101 defaults to a Bank Size of 5. This means that the first 5 footswitches load Presets while 6-17 operate as Instant Access Switches. UP and DOWN step through Banks, each of which contains the next 5 presets in numerical order (000-004, 005-009, etc.).
  • Page 28: Bank Style

    See documentation provided by the manufacturer.  NOTE: As described above, each MFC-101 preset can send MIDI commands which cause any Axe-Fx preset to be recalled, plus up to 15 other MIDI Program Change messages for additional connected devices. Be aware of the distinction between “MFC-101 Presets”...
  • Page 29: Alternate Presets

    PRESETS & PRESET MODE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual  Global External Switch settings can be overridden by any preset. See 12.1.7 on p. 45.  Global Expression Pedal settings and range can be overridden by any preset. See section 12.1.9 on p.
  • Page 30: Global Preset

    The Global Preset function allows you to specify a preset which other presets can use as their Alternate Preset(s). By default, the Global Preset is set to OFF, and all MFC-101 presets are set to GLOBAL. To set the Global Preset: 1.
  • Page 31: Instant Access Switches

    Bank Size (see section 4.1 on p. 15). Each numbered IA Switch (1-17) is always located at the footswitch with the same number. Instant Access Switches on the MFC-101 function as one of two types. Axe-Fx IA Switches have “native” Axe-Fx functions assigned (ex: “DRIVE 1 BYPASS”). They perform no other functions except as designated.
  • Page 32: List Of Available Axe-Fx Functions

    INTERNAL CCs Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 6. Press and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitch to select an Axe-Fx function from the list. See the table below for a complete list of available functions. 7. Press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position if you want to repeat this process from step 4 to set up additional switches, or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
  • Page 33: Axe-Fx Ia Switch On/Off States

    Whenever you load a new preset, the On/Off states of Axe-Fx IA switches are determined dynamically based what is saved in the Axe-Fx, and shown on the LEDs of the MFC-101 to indicate what is found for the assigned effect: GREEN=Effect Present &...
  • Page 34: General Use Ia Switches

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual It is not possible to display the Axe-Fx Tuner on the MFC-101 when Axe-Fx Mode (p. 10) is turned off, though a CC# message can still turn the tuner on and off in the same way it would work on any other MIDI Foot Controller.
  • Page 35: Other General Use Ia Switch Capabilities

    5.2.3 General Use IA Switch Saved States The ON or OFF state for each General Use IA Switch is saved in each MFC-101 preset. This provides “scene recall” capability where different presets cause different switches to turn on or off automatically. For example: you might Axe-Fx IA switches ignore their set names while Axe-Fx mode is on, and display their function names instead.
  • Page 36: Global General Use Instant Access Switches

    General Use Instant Access Switches may optionally be set for Global operation, meaning that their states will be retained across MFC-101 preset changes. This causes any Saved States (5.2.3) for the IA Switch to be ignored. After a new preset is loaded, MIDI messages for the current state of each Global IA Switch are re-transmitted. See section 12.5.11 for how to enable the GLOBAL function of any instant access switch.
  • Page 37: Manual-Only" General Use Instant Access Switches

    MIDI data for their state will be never transmitted automatically when you change presets on the MFC-101. This is possible whether or not the IA Switch in question is set to Global or not. The following table covers the various combinations of GLOBAL and MANUAL settings for a given switch.
  • Page 38: The Save Edits Footswitch

    This is because the Axe-Fx, and not the MFC-101, is responsible for storing the states of Axe-Fx effect blocks. After you use the MFC-101 to change Axe-Fx IA Switch states, however, it is possible to save the preset on the Axe-Fx in the usual way (STORE:ENTER:ENTER) so the next time it is loaded it will be as you last “stomped”...
  • Page 39: Switch Links

    INTERNAL CCs Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 5.4 Switch Links Switch Links allow you to set up two global groups of 5 mutually exclusive IA Switches each. Only one switch in a particular group can be ON at a given time. This feature is useful for emulating the way amplifier channels work. To create a switch group: 1.
  • Page 40: Internal Ccs

    Instant Access switches, Internal CCs cannot be mapped to real footswitches. Instead, a snapshot of Internal CC ON/OFF states is saved in every MFC-101 preset, causing a burst of MIDI data to be sent whenever a new preset is loaded.
  • Page 41: Preset Internal Cc States

    6.2 Preset Internal CC States Every MFC-101 Preset stores the ON or OFF of every one of the 17 Internal CCs, thereby determining what MIDI message will be sent when the selected preset is loaded. This provides a way to send CCs in addition to those for IA switches.
  • Page 42: Expression Pedals

    Figure 7-1: TRS Cable, AKA “Balanced” or “Stereo” Cable End. Expression pedals must be calibrated before they can be used: 1. Connect an expression pedal to the MFC-101, noting its jack number. 2. Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.
  • Page 43: Expression Pedal Range

    EXPRESSION PEDALS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual To set global Expression Pedal functions, use the following process: 1. Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE. 2. Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu. 3. Press PAGE footswitch 15x to get to the Global Expression Pedal Setup screen: XP1 #011 Ch01 BegOFF 4.
  • Page 44: External Switches

    Control Change number. Each External Switch jack on the MFC-101 can accept two switches via a TRS-to-dual-TS or “Insert” type cable. A TRS cable connected to “Jack1+2” will have Switch 1 on the TIP and Switch 2 on the RING. A TRS cable connected to “Jack3+4”...
  • Page 45: External Switch Midi Functions

    EXTERNAL SWITCHES Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 8.2 External Switch MIDI Functions External footswitches must be programmed to send MIDI data. Like expression pedals, External Switches may be set up globally, as follows, or individually for “one-off” preset-based switch setups (see 12.1.7: Preset External Switch Settings on p.
  • Page 46: External Switch Custom On And Off Values

    EXTERNAL SWITCHES Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual “TOGGLE” – Whenever any state change is detected in the connected switch, both the ON and OFF MIDI messages will be sent in quick sequence (~250ms apart). Use this setting if you want a connected MOMENTARY switch to behave as if it were really a TOGGLE/LATCHING switch.
  • Page 47: Songs & Sets

    SONG MODE and SET MODE are counterparts to PRESET MODE. Remember that all of these share the same set 384 MFC-101 presets, and that AXE-FX MODE runs independently of all three. Here’s a review of the differences between Performance Modes:...
  • Page 48: Adding Presets To A Song

    13 for an overview of differences between operating modes. A Song is similar to a Bank, except that it contains up to 15 MFC-101 Presets assigned to the numbered footswitches in any order you choose. Songs are likewise subject to the global Bank Size and Style settings, meaning that although you can place up to 15 Presets into the song’s 15 “slots,”...
  • Page 49: Adding Songs To A Set

    SONGS to be arranged in a list. The UP/DOWN footswitches step through the SONGS of the current SET. See the table on p.13 for an overview of differences between operating modes. The MFC-101 stores 10 Sets of up to 50 songs each. To add Songs to a set: 1. Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.
  • Page 50: Copy Functions

    With the likelihood of many entries in your rig being based off of similar templates, the capability to copy settings from one MFC-101 item to another can be a timesaver. Using the COPY menu, the following types of items can be copied from one memory location to another: ...
  • Page 51: Names

    (~2 seconds) displays the name and then returns to the regular menu page. EXAMPLE: Imagine that an MFC-101 is connected to an Axe-Fx on MIDI channel 1, with a vocal processor on MIDI channel 2 (via THRU). Channel 2 has been named “VoxBox”. An IA Switch, number 15, has been set for CC#64, which controls reverb on the VoxBox.
  • Page 52: Complete Menu Reference

    Saves all changes and exits to PERFORMANCE MODE  ABANDONING CHANGES: The MFC-101 saves changes automatically in a number of cases: when you press SAVE/EXIT, when you return to the top of the EDIT menu by pressing the footswitch for the menu you are working in, or when you change to a different “registration parameter”.
  • Page 53: The Preset Menu

    EDIT : PRESET Select Preset selects an MFC-101 preset for editing. The selected preset will remain locked in for editing across other Preset Menu pages until a new preset is selected here or until the Preset Menu mode is exited.
  • Page 54: Preset Program Changes

    896-999 The actual program change number is the remainder of the value as set, divided by 128. For example, take an MFC-101 Program Change value setting of 200. 200/128 = 1, remainder of 72. The BANK SELECT message will be 1 and the PROGRAM CHANGE will be 72.
  • Page 55: Preset Instant Access Switch States

    NOTE: The saved states for IA Switches set to Axe-Fx Functions (see 12.4.7) are IGNORED. Instead, the actual effect block states saved in the Axe-Fx preset are used to dynamically set the MFC-101 switch states (and LEDs): GREEN=PRESENT & ACTIVE RED=PRESENT &...
  • Page 56: Preset Custom Midi Message

    PRESET MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.1.6 Preset Custom MIDI Message EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (6x) Preset Custom MIDI Message is used to enter a 16 byte custom MIDI message to be sent with the selected preset.
  • Page 57: Preset External Switch Settings

    PRESET MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.1.7 Preset External Switch Settings EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (7x) Preset External Switch Settings is used to make settings for the Preset which override the Global External Switch Settings (12.4.14). You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 41) to edit it using this menu page.
  • Page 58: Preset Expression Pedal Settings

    PRESET MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.1.9 Preset Expression Pedal Settings EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (9x) Preset Expression Pedal Settings is used to make MIDI and initial value settings for the selected Preset which override the Global Expression Pedal Settings (12.4.16) for each of four optional expression pedals.
  • Page 59: The Song/Set Menu

    Instant Access functions. 12.2.1 Song Name EDIT : SONG/SET : PAGE (1x) Song Name is used to edit MFC-101 song names. Each song name can be up to 7 characters in length. Song001 NameSong001 PARAMETER Use the ...
  • Page 60: Set Edit

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.2.2 Set Edit EDIT : SONG/SET : PAGE (2x) Set Edit is used to assign MFC-101 Songs to the selected Set. Each of 10 Sets has 50 song “slots.” Set 01 Sng01=Sng001 PARAMETER The ...
  • Page 61: The Copy Menu

    . The MFC-101 will display and return to this menu page. PRESET COPIED! NOTE: Copying an MFC-101 preset will not change which Axe-Fx Preset it loads. Axe-Fx preset mapping can be modified by changing the Axe-Fx Preset Tx Map (12.4.3) 12.3.1 Copy Bank EDIT : COPY : PAGE...
  • Page 62: Copy Song

     footswitches to move between Source IA Switch and Destination IA Switch parameters. ENTER To execute, press . The MFC-101 will display IA SWITCH COPIED! and then return to this page. 12.3.5 Copy Internal Control Change Setting EDIT : COPY : PAGE...
  • Page 63: The Midi Menu

    EDIT : MIDI Axe-Fx MIDI Channel is used to set the channel on which the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx will communicate. For AXE-FX MODE to work properly, this setting must match that of the Axe-Fx under I/O : MIDI : MIDI CHANNEL.
  • Page 64: Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map

    (3x) The Axe-Fx Preset Transmit (“Tx”) Map is used to set up a custom map between MFC-101 presets and Axe-Fx presets. This makes it possible for any MFC-101 preset to load any of the 384 presets from a connected Axe-Fx.
  • Page 65: Ia Switch Axe-Fx Functions

    The list of functions which may be assigned appears in section 5.1.1 on p. 20 and is subject to the selected Axe-Fx Mode (p. 59). ˚ NOTE: As of firmware version 1.0, the MFC-101 only shows those Axe-Fx functions which are available on the model selected in the MFC-101’s Axe-Fx Mode parameter.
  • Page 66: Ia Switch Control Change On/Off Values

    The actual program change number that will be transmitted is the remainder (modulus) of the set value divided by 128. For example, an MFC-101 Program Change setting of 200 will send a Bank Select of 1 (bank B) and a Program Change of 72.
  • Page 67: Ia Switch Custom Midi Messages

    MIDI MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.4.11 IA Switch Custom MIDI Messages EDIT : MIDI : PAGE PAGE or  (11x) (7x) IA Switch Custom MIDI Message Settings is used to enter a 16 byte hexadecimal custom MIDI message to be sent when a given IA Switch is turned ON, and another such message for when any IA switch is turned OFF.
  • Page 68: Internal Control Change Settings

    MIDI MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.4.12 Internal Control Change Settings EDIT : MIDI : PAGE PAGE or  (12x) (6x) This page is used to enable individual Internal CCs by assigning their CC# and MIDI channel. IntCC 01 CC#OFF Ch01 PARAMETER Use the ...
  • Page 69: Global External Switch Settings

    * Auto Off Switches send their programmed ON message followed later (~250ms) by the OFF message. NOTE: The MFC-101 also needs to be configured with the correct External Switch Hardware Type (12.5.17). NOTE: Global Switch settings may be overridden at the Preset Level. See 12.1.7 on p. 45.
  • Page 70: Global Expression Pedal Settings

    MIDI MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.4.16 Global Expression Pedal Settings EDIT : MIDI : PAGE PAGE or  (16x) (2x) Global Expression Pedal Settings is used to globally configure each of four optional expression pedals with MIDI and initial value settings.
  • Page 71: The Setup Menu

    (2x) Axe-Fx Display Offset is used to set up the MFC-101 to show preset numbers correctly when the connected Axe-Fx is using a display offset (causing its presets to be numbered 1-384 instead of 0-383). The setting on this menu page must match that of the Axe-Fx under [IO][MIDI][DISPLAY OFFSET].
  • Page 72: Mfc-101 Display Offset

    EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (3x) MFC-101 Display Offset is used to offset the numbers of MFC-101 presets so they match the preset numbers of a connected Axe-Fx using display offset (causing its presets to be numbered 1-384 instead of 0-383).
  • Page 73: Banksize

    12.5.6 Bank Size EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (6x) Bank Size, a global setting, is used to specify how many footswitches on the MFC-101 will be used to select presets, and how many will be used as Instant Access Switches. BankSize...
  • Page 74: Bank/Song Limit

    SETUP MENU REFERENCE Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 12.5.8 Bank/Song Limit EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (8x) Bank/Song Limit blocks access to banks or songs numbered above the limit. Bank/Song Limit 077 Bank Song Limit can be used to prevent access to higher-numbered banks or songs, depending on the current mode. For example, if your rig used only four banks of sounds (instead of the default 77) you might set the limit to 004 to prevent you from accidentally stepping up higher in the list.
  • Page 75: Ia Switch Types

    IA Switch Send w/ Preset determines whether the IA Switch specified will transmit the MIDI payload for its on/off state— whether stored or global—upon MFC-101 preset changes. While Axe-Fx Mode is ON, IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions will ignore this setting, using the saved information in the Axe-Fx preset (as usual) instead of operating globally.
  • Page 76: Ia Switch Names

    ON commands of the “incoming” switch. This behavior can be disabled. See Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages, below. As of MFC-101 firmware version 1.0, the last remaining switch that is ON in a linked group may be switched OFF, resulting in a group with no members active.
  • Page 77: Send Ia Switch Link Off Messages

    (17x) (12x) External Switch Hardware Type is used to set up the MFC-101 according to the physical type of up to four optional External Switches—whether MOMENTARY (aka “hold”) or TOGGLE (aka “latching”)—which may be connected at its 2 External Switch jacks.
  • Page 78: Expression Pedal Calibration

    GlobalPreset OFF INCR DECR To enable the Global Preset, select the number of any MFC-101 preset on this page using the footswitches. To disable the Global Preset, set the value of this parameter to OFF. Remember, you will still need to enable individual presets to use the Global Preset as their “Alternate Preset”.
  • Page 79: Hold Axe-Fx Tempo For Tuner

    NOTE: Remember that IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions (see 12.4.7) are not subject to having their ON/OFF state set by the saved settings of an MFC-101 preset. The ON/OFF and LED states for these switches defer instead to whatever the MFC-101 discovers in the actual Axe-Fx preset that has just been loaded.
  • Page 80: Looper Control

    If the LOAD operation completes without errors the display will return to the starting screen shown above with LOAD! Selected. While this page is displayed, the MFC-101 can be compelled via MIDI System Exclusive message to perform a dump. The data bytes for this message are: F0 00 00 7D 02 60...
  • Page 81: Delete And Reset Factory Settings

    Resets General Configuration, MIDI Configuration, and External Devices Configuration to their default values as listed on in 15.1: Factory Default Settings, on page 79 MFC-101 Resets the entire MFC-101 to factory default settings as listed in 15.1: Factory Default Settings, on page 79 ENTER Press the flashing footswitch to delete the selected item and initialize with factory defaults.
  • Page 82: Displaycontrast 10

    4 displays: Version: The version of firmware currently running on the MFC-101. Checksum: A hexadecimal number used by the MFC-101 to validate that the firmware image is correct. Image Address: The hexadecimal starting address of the firmware image. Image Size: The hexadecimal size in bytes of the firmware image.
  • Page 83: System Functions

     IMPORTANT: It is recommended that your MIDI utility be configured to insert a delay of at least 90ms between messages. To upgrade the firmware: 1. Connect the MIDI OUT port of your computer MIDI interface to the MFC-101 MIDI IN port. To prevent possible midi loops, please also disconnect any cable found at the MFC-101 MIDI OUT port.
  • Page 84: Appendix

    Axe-Fx is IGNORED. 1 program change message is sent on the designated Axe-Fx MIDI channel. The default is for this to be the same as the number of the current MFC-101 preset, but this is subject to settings in Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map.
  • Page 85: Firmware Update Error Codes

    Invalid Model ID The image is not for an MFC-101. Verify that the correct firmware image is being transmitted. If the image is for the correct device, then the image may be corrupted. This can be caused by SysEx data for another device being sent to the MFC-101 while it is in firmware update mode (for example, Tempo or Tuner data from a connected Axe-Fx II).
  • Page 86: Axe-Fx Presets Bank & Program Change Table

    APPENDIX Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 14.3 Axe-Fx Presets Bank & Program Change Table Remember to add one to all Axe-Fx Program Numbers if Display Offset is set to 1. Program BANK A BANK B BANK C Program BANK A...
  • Page 87: Custom Midi Message Primer

    14.4 Custom MIDI Message Primer Creating custom MIDI messages for presets or IA Switches in the MFC-101 opens a world of possibilities “outside the box.” While any MIDI data can be stored and sent, the most common types will likely be additional program changes, control changes, and system exclusive messages.
  • Page 88: Control Change

    14.4.4 Custom MIDI Message Example Suppose you need to load preset 1100 on a MIDI- device. This number is greater than the MFC-101's maximum program change of 999. Let's also say that you need to send the device a system exclusive message to turn on an effect.
  • Page 89: Axe-Fx Ii Looper Control Mode

    Control Mode – see section 12.5.24 on p. 68. In Looper Control Mode, the MFC-101 display will indicate the current Looper function, or will show “PRESET HAS NO LOOPER” if that is the case. Playback is indicated by an animation.
  • Page 90: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 15 Specifications GENERAL Presets: Songs: 100, up to 15 presets in each song Sets: 10, up to 50 songs in each set Bank Sizes: 0-17 (Specifies the number of footswitches in 17 which select presets)
  • Page 91: Factory Default Settings

    CHANGE LOG Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 15.1 Factory Default Settings This section lists all of the Factory Default settings for the MFC-101. GENERAL CONFIGURATION: Use Port: EXPANSION Axe-Fx Mode: Axe-Fx II Operating Mode: Preset MFC-101 Display Offset: Bank Size:...
  • Page 92 SPECIFICATIONS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES (ALL) Type: TOGGLE Global: Send w/ Preset: Axe-Fx Functions: SEE TABLE 1, BELOW Control Change 1: SEE TABLE 2, BELOW Control Change 2: MIDI Channel 1, CC#: Off Value = 0, On Value = 127...
  • Page 93: Midi Implementation Chart

    Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 15.2 Midi Implementation Chart NOTE: MFC-101 Presets and Instant Access Switches have the capability to send custom MIDI data, entered freeform as hex code, which can be used for many applications not supported “natively” (ex: Note On/Off).
  • Page 94: Index

    SPECIFICATIONS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual 16 Index Overview, 2, 3 Preset Page, 3 Automatic load on Bank/Song Parameter, 3 Change, 16 Axe-Fx Preset vs. IA, 15 Capabilities, 16 Channel, 11 Reveal, 2 Defined, 15 Display Offset, 11 Save, 2, 26 Global, 17 Up &...
  • Page 95: Warranty

    This warranty only applies to products sold and used in the USA and Canada. Fractal Audio Systems shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates.
  • Page 96 WARRANTY Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual Document Change Log v0.9.29  Added this log, which will be removed from public versions of the manual  Updated firmware Update instructions per changes to latest SW version v0.9.30  Updated Diagram on p.14 so Set Mode to show “SET MODE {1-10}” instead of just “SET MODE”...

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