Fractal MFC-101 Firmware Update Manual

MFC -101 FIRMWARE UPDATE GUIDE

What is Firmware? Why do I need to update?

Firmware is simply semi-permanent software. Programmed into chips, it "runs" like an operating system to enable
an electronic device to function. Like software, firmware is tracked using version numbers: 1.0, 2.0, etc. Every Axe-
Fx II sold by Fractal Audio Systems is shipped with the latest version pre-installed. You can check your version any
time by pressing following button sequence on your MFC-101: EDIT | #5 SETUP | #6 <PAGE
The firmware in our products is upgradeable, and Fractal Audio Systems is dedicated to continual improvement. You
don't' "need" to update, but the free updates we release several times per year are highly anticipated by our
customers, who appreciate the new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. We recommend that you
keep the firmware in your MFC-101 up to date as new updates are released.
Should you encounter any trouble with MFC-101 firmware updates, please refer to Troubleshooting on Page 3.
IMPORTANT: Firmware files for the MFC-101 Mark III and MFC-101 Mark II/original are not cross-compatible.
Please use the correct type of file, indicated by whether "mk3" appears in its name or not (ex: mfc101-mk3-3p01)

How do I update my MFC-101?

Updating the firmware of your MFC-101 is easy with our free utility, Fractal-Bot. You will also need a MIDI Interface,
which will likely require a driver installation as directed by the manufacturer. If no other MIDI Interface is available,
the Axe-Fx II can be used, but this requires special settings (detailed below).
You will also need to download and extract the MFC-101 firmware file if you haven't already done so.
I. Install and Connect Your
Install your 3 party MIDI Interface as directed by the manufacturer.
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For instructions on how to use the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI Interface, see Page 2 of this guide.
Connect the MIDI OUT port of your Interface to the MIDI IN port of the MFC-101 with a standard MIDI Cable.
II. Install Fractal-Bot
Download and install Fractal-Bot from our web site at
NOTE: 3 party applications such as
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Since the launch of Fractal-Bot, we no longer provide support for configuring or using these applications.
III. Download and Unzip The Firmware... And Read The Release Notes!
Since you're reading this file typically packaged with firmware, you've probably done this already...
If not, the latest firmware can be found on our web site at
Firmware is packaged in a zip archive that may contain various documents in addition to the actual firmware—a
MIDI System Exclusive or "SysEx" file. Extract this .syx file to a location you can easily find when required. Do not
double-click the .syx file; Fractal-Bot will prompt you for its location when it is needed.
Please read the "Release Notes" included with the firmware. They'll let you know what's new and alert you to
anything you may need to be aware of before updating to the new version.
IV. Launch Fractal-Bot and Perform The Update
Fractal-Bot is easy to use. Simply launch the application and proceed through three self-explanatory steps.
NOTE: Before performing a firmware update, it may be wise to back up the settings of your MFC-101.
Fractal-Bot's RECEIVE feature provides a convenient and self-guided way to do this.
For additional information, consult the Fractal-Bot Manual, included with the Fractal-Bot download.
Document Version 3.01 – Jan. 9, 2014
Midi Interface
http://fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php
Snoize SysEx Librarian (OS X) or MIDI-OX (Win) can also be used to update firmware.
http://fractalaudio.com/support.php