Fractal FC-6 Owner's Manual
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Fractal FC-6 Owner's Manual

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Manual Version 1.03 — January 2019

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  • Page 1 Manual Version 1.03 — January 2019...
  • Page 2 Inside Front Cover...
  • Page 3 Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Fractal Audio Systems, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: 4 Wilder Drive, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA Declares that the product: Product name: FC Controller Product option: FC-6, FC-12 Conforms to the following Product Specifications: Safety: EN60065:2014 EMC: EN55013:2013...
  • Page 4 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, LLC. The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Startup Layouts ..... 22 FC-6: Short Tutorial ....44 FC-12: Short Tutorial .
  • Page 6 This page preserves page facing in the printed manual.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    1 INTRODUCTION WELCOME TO THE FC The new FC-6 and FC-12 Foot Controllers for the Axe-Fx III are the perfect way to control your performances with the world’s most powerful guitar processor. Our latest-generation controllers offer an impressive suite of features and capabilities, incorporating years of innovation and customer feedback.

  • Page 8: Feature Summary

    ƒ As with all Fractal Audio products, this means that the FC will enjoy a future of updates and innovations for years to come. FC-12 Dimensions: 20.2″ x 9.2″ x 3.5″ (512mm x 233mm x 88mm). Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg).

  • Page 9: Hardware Overview

    THE TOP PANEL The FC-12 is shown here. The FC-6 is identical except for the number of switches and the width/weight of the unit. Chassis — The FC is housed in a rugged steel chassis. A pair of protective end caps also serve as feet and ...

  • Page 10: The Rear Panel

    (though why anyone would want to label a footswitch “kebab” is beyond us.) THE REAR PANEL PEDAL Jacks — Four PEDAL jacks allow connecting up to four expression pedals or switches. The Fractal  Audio EV series pedals are perfect for this purpose, with linear action and long smooth travel. Pedals connected to the FC are natively integrated with the Axe-Fx III modifier system, without the need to configure any parameters other than the modifier source.

  • Page 11: Setting Up

    3 SETTING UP 3 SETTING UP BASICS This Guide assumes that you are using a single FC-6 or FC-12. For larger setups, see “Daisy Chaining” on p. CONNECT USING FASLINK II Setting up a single FC unit is simple. Use a generic Male-to-Female XLR cable to connect the FASLINK™...
  • Page 12 Each FC Controller supports up to four expression pedals connected at the rear panel PEDAL jacks using TRS-to-TRS cables. The Fractal Audio Systems EV pedal is perfect for this application, with true linear response, smooth action and a long throw. (Third party pedals rated 10—100KΩ may also work.)  Page to the Remote page of the FC Controllers menu under SETUP.
  • Page 13 3 SETTING UP CONFIGURE THE AXE-FX III TO USE FC PEDALS AND SWITCHES The Axe-Fx III features a powerful system of automation and remote control using “Modifiers”. For example, a modifier allows an expression pedal to operate a wah or whammy. The Axe-Fx III Owner’s Manual covers modifiers in detail. The FC Controller is “plug-and-play”...

  • Page 14: Daisy Chaining

    Port (Female) Receptacle Port (Male) in total . FC-12 or FC-6 FC-12 or FC-6 CONFIGURATION Daisy-chained FC units require no special configuration, though you will probably wish to design custom layouts for use in this type of setup. In fact, you can specify which layout should be loaded upon startup for...

  • Page 15: Mirroring

    3 SETTING UP MIRRORING Mirroring is a special setting that forces two or more daisy-chained FC units to remain perfectly in sync. They show the same layouts, with all the same switches and switch states. Any change to any mirrored unit is reflected instantly on the other mirrored unit(s). The usual scenario for mirroring involves an artist on stage with a tech offstage who helps with switching.

  • Page 16: Midi Connections

    Connect all other INs and OUTs as you normally would in your rig (Audio, USB, etc .) FC-12 or FC-6 Here, a basic MIDI setup is extended beyond the amp to one connected MIDI device. The FC controls the Axe-Fx III, which generates and transmits messages at its MIDI OUT port.

  • Page 17: Layouts & Switches

    MLM PAGING Since there are eight layouts and the FC-6 has only 6 footswitches, the Master Layout Menu is split into two pages. Just perform the “MLM Switch Combo” again — or use the MLM utlity function...

  • Page 18: Tap & Hold Functions

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES TAP & HOLD FUNCTIONS Every switch in every layout can be programmed with individual TAP and/or HOLD functions. Tap functions — used throughout history for guitar effects and beyond — are best for changes that require tight timing.

  • Page 19: Example Layouts

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES EXAMPLE LAYOUTS Two sample FC-12 layouts are shown below, each created by a different member of the FC beta testing team. These are just two examples of the types of layouts that can be created using this flexible and powerful system. TAP: TAP: TAP:...

  • Page 20: Factory Default Layouts

    Those who desire to make changes will find it is very easy to create the perfect custom controller. Here are a few things to know about the default layouts:  FC-6 and FC-12 have different default layouts. Be sure to follow the instructions under “Configure the Axe-Fx III” on p.
  • Page 21 4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES FC-6 DEFAULT LAYOUTS The default layouts for the FC-6 allow you to take the Axe-Fx III for a spin. PRESETS Layout 1: Presets is designed for switching/auditioning Bank +1 presets. It shows four presets at once, with BANK UP and DOWN switches to get to the next or previous four.
  • Page 22 4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES FC-12 DEFAULT LAYOUTS The default layouts for the FC-12 illustrate some of the many ways it can control the Axe-Fx III. The default Bank Size of 10 is recommended for use with these layouts. PRESETS Layout 1: Presets is designed for switching Bank +1 or auditioning presets, with BANK UP and DOWN switches.

  • Page 23: Easy ("Ez") Edits

     Press the footswitch you want to edit. It can be on FC controller.  An onscreen graphic shows which footswitch you have selected. FC Controllers Devices Layouts Ring Colors Tap any footswitch to see its settings below. (FC#1 of 1) FC-6 Layout 1: PRESETS Switch Ring Color Default...
  • Page 24 Every layout includes 12 switch definitions, even though the FC-6 has only 6 switches. The 12 switches of every layout “flow” differently on the FC-6 and an FC-12, as illustrated below. Switch definitions beyond the first 6 are only for use on the FC-12.

  • Page 25: The Layouts List

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES THE LAYOUTS LIST EZ editing is (you guessed it…) easy, but the FC also provides a deeper way to manually edit layouts and switches. The Edit Layout page of the Foot Controllers menu provides an overview of 12 switches, and also allows deep editing of individual footswitches, with all of the settings from EZ page and more.

  • Page 26: Edit A Layout

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES EDIT A LAYOUT Select any layout on the Layouts page (see p. 20) and press EDIT LAYOUT or ENTER to open the selected layout for deeper editing. The Edit Layout view has two pages: one for the Tap function and one for the Hold function. Each shows the Category and the Function for all 12 switches, plus values for the first two parameters of the current function.

  • Page 27: Edit A Switch

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES EDIT A SWITCH Select any switch on the Edit Layout page (see p. 20) and press EDIT SWITCH or ENTER to open the selected switch for deeper editing. The Edit Switch view has two pages: one for its Tap function and one for its Hold function. Each page shows the current Category and the Function for the switch, plus any and all parameters for the current function.

  • Page 28: Naming Layouts

    4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES NAMING LAYOUTS Layout Names appear in the Master Layout Menu and can also appear on dedicated Layout footswitches. Changing the name of any layout is simple with the same interface used to name presets and scenes. NAME A LAYOUT:  On the Axe-Fx III, open the “Layouts”...

  • Page 29: Footswitch Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS Footswitch functions are arranged in CATEGORIES, detailed here. To assign functions, use the EZ page (see p. 17) or the Edit Layout/Switch pages (see p. 19). Select a Category and a Function, then set the values of any parameters for that function. LED RING COLORS Each footswitch Category has its own default color which appears automatically when you assign the switch.

  • Page 30: Bank Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS BANK FUNCTIONS Default Color: Orange The FC includes several functions for switching Banks. Let’s first look at what a Bank is: a “bank” on the FC Controller is quite different than the “bank” you might encounter on the Axe-Fx III. On the FC, a Bank is simply a subdivision of the total number of presets.
  • Page 31 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS BANK: TOGGLE “Toggle” functions allow you to switch back and forth between two designated entries. Primary Bank Secondary Bank – These set the desired Banks by their numbers. Preset Load – Specifies which preset (if any) should be loaded when the specified bank is selected:  None: No preset from the new bank will be loaded until you select one yourself.

  • Page 32: Preset Functions

    Creates a footswitch that dynamically maps to a preset within a Bank (see p. 24). Using Select in Bank switches together with Bank Up and Bank Down mimics the way other Fractal Audio products provide access to hundreds of presets with minimal programming. Preset –...
  • Page 33 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS MINI-DISPLAY OPTIONS FOR PRESET FUNCTIONS ̍ The following Mini-Display Label options are selectively offered for the various Preset Functions. Name – Shows the name (first 10 characters) of the target preset. Number – Shows the number of the target preset. –...

  • Page 34: Scene Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS SCENE FUNCTIONS Default Color: Red SCENE: SELECT Creates a footswitch that is “hard-wired” to a specific Scene. For example, a switch that selects Scene 1, or Scene 7. Scene – Designates the desired Scene by its number. €...

  • Page 35: Effect Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS EFFECT FUNCTIONS Default Color: Cyan EFFECT: BYPASS This is the classic “Instant Access Switch.” Effect – Selects which effect you want to control. € The LED ring is bright when the effect is engaged, dim when it is bypassed, and OFF if the effect assigned to the switch is not contained in the current preset.
  • Page 36 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS MINI-DISPLAY OPTIONS FOR EFFECT FUNCTIONS ̍ The following Mini-Display Label options are selectively offered for the various Effect Functions. Long Name – Shows a 10-character version of the specified effect name and instance number. Short Name – Shows the 3-character abbreviation of the specified effect name plus its instance number. Short Name +Channel –...

  • Page 37: Utility Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS UTILITY FUNCTIONS Default Color: Blue UTILITY: TUNER Engages the tuner. The tuner display is shown both on the Axe-Fx III and the FC Controller. To disengage the tuner, activate the switch again. Changing the layout will also disengage the tuner. €...

  • Page 38: Layout Functions

    Find this “expert user” option on the Config page of the FC Controllers menu (see p. 41). The Layout: Master Layout function also works to change the page of the Master Layout Menu on the FC-6 (see p. 11 for more about FC-6 MLM “paging”).

  • Page 39: Looper Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS LOOPER FUNCTIONS Default Color: Per Switch Looper functions are used to operate the Axe-Fx III Looper block, which must be present in your preset for these switches to do anything. Looper footswitches work exactly like the front panel controls for the Looper, with all of the same interactive features. See the Axe-Fx III Owner’s Manual for more on the Looper Block.

  • Page 40: Per-Preset Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS PER-PRESET FUNCTIONS Default Color: Special FC layouts are global. That is, their functions remain the same as you change presets. The FC’s built- in system of Per-Preset switches adds two different ways to make layouts more flexible. Every Axe-Fx III preset contains 24 numbered “FC Switch Definitions”.
  • Page 41 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS PER-PRESET METHOD 2: THE PLACEHOLDER FUNCTION The second way of working with Per-Preset switches does not rely on overrides (see previous page). Instead, this method uses the “Per-Preset: Placeholder” function which is set up on Tap and/or Hold for any switch just like any other function via the EZ page or the Edit Layout/Switch pages of the FC Controller menu.

  • Page 42: Control Switch Functions

    5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS CONTROL SWITCH FUNCTIONS Default Color:Purple Control Switches allow the FC Controller to interact directly with the Modifier system of the Axe-Fx III, operating in much the same way as external expression pedals, switches, or MIDI. They work as modifier sources to control effect parameters.
  • Page 43 5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS ADDITIONAL CONTROL SWITCH FEATURES In addition to their primary function as modifier sources, Control Switches also offer the following features. USING SCENES TO TURN CONTROL SWITCHES ON OR OFF A physical switch is either open or closed, period. In comparison, a programmable switch as used in a traditional MIDI controller has a “virtual state”, meaning its ON or OFF state can be stored in memory so it can toggle as desired when you navigate from one preset to another.

  • Page 44: The Layout Link Feature

    In this example, we’ll envision an FC-6 (FC#1) daisy-chained to an FC-12 (FC#2). The FC-6 powers on with a totally customized layout. We’ll call it “Layout 1: MODES”. It contains six switches custom-labeled as “BANKS” “PRESETS” “SCENES” “LOOPER” “Tap Temp” and “Tuner”. Each switch has a unique LED ring color, but in fact, aside from the obvious Tempo and Tuner, they’re all set to Layout: Select: Layout 1.

  • Page 45: Transmitting Midi

    6 TRANSMITTING MIDI 6 TRANSMITTING MIDI The Axe-Fx III can transmit MIDI in several different ways, detailed below. For an overview of connecting to other MIDI equipment, see “MIDI Connections” on p. SEND MIDI PC The simplest MIDI capability of the Axe-Fx III is transmitting a single MIDI program change message (“PC”) each time a new Preset is loaded—whether via the front panel, using an FC Footswitch, or in any other way.
  • Page 46 6 TRANSMITTING MIDI SETTING UP THE MIDI PAYLOAD FOR A CONTROL SWITCH:  On the Axe-Fx III, open the SETUP | FC Controllers menu and page to the “CS MIDI” tab.  Use NAV buttons and the VALUE wheel to get around the page.  Select the desired control switch at the top of the menu.

  • Page 47: The Config Menu

    1–12 dynamic groups as you step through “Banks”. The FC-6 defaults to 4 presets per bank. The FC-12 defaults to 10 presets per bank. The Bank Size number should correspond directly to the number of “Preset: Select in Bank”...
  • Page 48 7 THE CONFIG MENU This page preserves page facing in the printed manual.

  • Page 49: Additional Topics

    Features and fixes for the FC controller are built right in to firmware updates for the Axe-Fx III. Such updates might come at any time, extending the tradition of continual improvement which has become a hallmark of Fractal Audio Systems.

  • Page 50: Fc-6: Short Tutorial

    :Reveal HOLD scenes on the FC-6. Two switches (green rings) allow you to step one-by- one—up or down—through the list of presets. Three switches (Red rings) load scenes 1 through 3 for the current preset. Scene footswitches are set to show the “Destination”, which is to say, the name of the Scene which will be loaded if you activate that switch.
  • Page 51 3 . If it isn’t already shown, use the PAGE buttons to select the “EZ” tab. 4 . Tap any switch on the FC. At the top of the screen, a small image of the FC-6 shows which switch you tapped.

  • Page 52: Fc-12: Short Tutorial

    Record Play Once Tempo Tune For the FC-6 Tutorial p. 44. The following tutorial will be easier to follow if you have reviewed the previous sections of this manual. At a minimum, see “The Master Layout Menu” on p. 11 “Factory Default Layouts” on p.
  • Page 53 8 ADDITIONAL TOPICS TRY THE LAYOUTS To begin, let’s load Layout 7: Perform 1 and try it out:  Perform the “Master Layout Menu Switch Combination” as illustrated on 11. This shows the Master Layout Menu, with switches for layouts 1 through 8 (Presets, Scenes, et al).  Step on the switch for PERFORM 1 to load this layout on the FC.

  • Page 54: Specifications

    Compatibility: Axe-Fx III only FASLINK™ II THRU PORT Connector: XLR Female type Compatibility: Additional FC-6 or FC-12 only EXTERNAL SWITCH INTERFACE External Switch Inputs: Connectors: 2 x ¼” TRS phone jacks (2 switches per connector) Format: Compatible with Toggle or Momentary switches...

  • Page 55: Warranty

    Fractal Audio Systems or to make any warranty for Fractal Audio Systems. Fractal Audio Systems may, at its option, require proof of original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of original authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Fractal Audio Systems products are to be performed only at the Fractal Audio Systems factory or a Fractal Audio Systems authorized service center.

  • Page 56: Eula

    1) GRANT OF LICENSE FOR PRE INSTALLED OR USER UPGRADED FIRMWARE (“THE SOFTWARE”) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Fractal Audio Systems, (“FAS”) grants you an individual, personal, non-sub licensable, nonexclusive license to use this product in accordance with the applicable end user documentation, if any (the “License”).
  • Page 57 CHANGE LOG Version 1 .00...

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