Optional: Using The Axe-Fx Ii As A Midi Interface; Advanced: Power Via Ethernet/Ethercon Or Faslink - Fractal MFC-101 Firmware Update Manual

OPTIONAL: Using the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI Interface

Axe-Fx II owners have the option of using the Axe-Fx II as a MIDI Interface to transmit MFC-101 updates. Using the
Axe-Fx II in this way requires that you have the Axe-Fx II USB driver for your operating system installed, and that
you make two temporary setting changes to the Axe-Fx II.
Install the Axe-Fx II USB Driver
1.
(This step is required only the 1
a.
Download the driver for your operating system from the support page of our web site:
http://fractalaudio.com/support.php
b.
Connect your Axe-Fx II to your computer using a standard USB cable (not included).
c.
Power on the Axe-Fx II.
d.
Install the Driver you downloaded, following any on-screen instructions
2. Configure your Axe-Fx II as a MIDI Interface
On your Axe-Fx, press the I/O button, PAGE to "MIDI", and make the following settings:
a. Change USB ADAPTER MODE to "ON".
b. Change SEND REALTIME SYSEX to "NONE".
Please remember to revert these settings to their previous values when the update is complete.
The default for USB ADAPTER MODE is "OFF", and the default for SEND REALTIME SYSEX is "ALL".
3. Connect Axe-FX II MIDI OUT to MFC-101 MIDI IN with a 5-pin MIDI Cable
It is NOT POSSIBLE
Instead, please connect the supplied MFC-101 AC Adapter directly to its power input jack.
It is NOT POSSIBLE
You MUST use a MIDI Cable to connect the Axe-Fx II MIDI OUT to the MFC-101 MIDI IN.

ADVANCED: Power via Ethernet/EtherCon or FASLINK

The following option is detailed for advanced users in cases where no other alternative is possible. Under normal
circumstances you should use the provided MFC-101 AC Adapter connected directly to the unit's power jack when
performing a firmware update. If this isn't possible, however, Ethernet/EtherCon or FASLINK can in fact be used to
provide power while a standard MIDI cable transmits a firmware update to the MFC-101. While using an Axe-Fx II XL,
you may want to set the MFC port to "DISABLED" (under I/O:MIDI) during this type of update.
WARNING! Use the Axe-Fx power switch to cycle MFC-101 power when required, rather than disconnecting
the Ethernet/EtherCon cable. As stated in the MFC-101 manual, the Axe-Fx II must be powered OFF whenever you
connect or disconnect the MFC-101. Carelessly "pulling the CAT5" to power cycle the MFC-101 can result in "tell-
tale" damage to your Axe-Fx II, the repair of which is not covered under warranty.
The sequence of events must be as follows.
1. Configure the Axe-Fx for use as a MIDI Interface as described above.
2. Power on the Axe-Fx II while holding footswitch #1 to boot the MFC-101 into Firmware Update Mode.
3. If you are using the Axe-Fx as a MIDI Interface to transmit the update, you must wait until after the Axe-Fx
has fully booted before connecting a cable from its MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port of the MFC-101.
Otherwise, the Axe-Fx will try to sync and cause "ERROR 18" in the MFC-101.
With the MFC safely in Firmware update mode, launch Fractal-Bot and perform the update.
Document Version 3.01 – Jan. 9, 2014
time you connect to a particular computer.)
st
to power the MFC via 7-pin phantom power during a firmware update.
to update the MFC-101 over an Axe-Fx II Ethernet/EtherCon or FASLINK connection.
.