Fractal Audio MFC-101 MARK III User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
MARK II
Firmware Version 2.15

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Legal Notices
Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Mark II Owner’s Manual. Contents Copyright © 2010 -2012. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of Fractal Audio Systems.
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.
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
remove screws. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
1. Obey all warnings on the MFC-101 and in this User Guide.
2. Keep away from sources of heat such as heat ducts, registers or appliances which
produce heat.
3. Connect only to a proper AC outlet of 100–240V, 47–63 Hz.
4. Keep the AC adapter in good condition. Do not kink, bend or pinch. If the AC adapter
becomes damaged, discard and replace it.
5. If not using your MFC101 for extended periods of time disconnect from AC mains.
6. Protect the unit from rain and excessive moisture.
7. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
8. Do not operate the unit and obtain service if:
a. Liquids or excessive moisture enter the unit
b. The unit operates incorrectly or performance is inconsistent or erratic
c. The unit has been dropped and/or the enclosure damaged
9. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause hearing damage and/or loss. The
use of hearing protection in high volume situations is recommended.
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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
(IEC 60065)
Safety requirement for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for household and similar
use.
EN 55103-1
Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus
for professional use. Part 1: Emission.
EN 55103-2
Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus
for professional use. Part 2: Immunity.
with reference to regulations in following directives: 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC.
Issued in August 2010
Clifford Chase, President
Fractal Audio Systems
EMC / EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
About the Author
Matt Picone is a music technology product specialist, sound designer, creative director, and musician with over 25 years of
experience spanning guitars, amps, effects, synthesizers, software, and beyond. He has worked with many greats including
Dweezil Zappa, Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Dream Theater, the Edge, Peter Frampton, Neal Schon, King’s X, Scott Appleton (Def
Leppard/Rush/etc.) and more.
Many thanks to our team of awesome beta-testers, preset creators, copy-editors and proofreaders.
You may report manual corrections or suggestions in our forum at http://forum.fractalaudio.com

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Foreword
Thank you for your purchase of the Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101.
Musical instrument foot control dates back to the 1200s, when organ pedals
doubled the number of limbs which could be used by a single person during a
performance. Centuries later, electric instruments were equipped with various
types of foot control devices designed to similarly enhance their capabilities. At
the touch of a switch or pedal, performers could spin, switch, or shape sound in
new and exciting ways. Advances in electronics added new dimensions, and MIDI
tremendously expanded creative remote control with complex commands and
fine degrees of expression.
Just as the Axe-Fx represents a leap forward in music technology, so too does the
MFC-101 embody foot controller evolution. It has the best features of yesterday
and today, plus powerful leading-edge capabilities designed to make it even more
versatile and easy-to-use. In addition, the upgradable firmware and onboard
expansion port ensure that the Fractal Audio Systems tradition of adding
enhancements and value may be continued with the MFC-101.
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
stage.
—Fractal Audio Systems, August 2010

CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
Table of Contents
Foreword ..........................................................................................iii
Table of Contents..............................................................................iv
1OVERVIEW ....................................................................................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 Rear Panel Features ...............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Software Map ..........................................................................................5
1.4 Navigating in Edit Mode...........................................................................6
1.5 Saving Changes ........................................................................................6
2GETTING CONNECTED....................................................................7
3BASIC SETTINGS...........................................................................10
3.1 Axe-Fx Mode..........................................................................................10
3.1.1 Enabling/Disabling Axe-Fx Mode .........................................................................................................10
3.2 Selecting a Port ......................................................................................11
3.3 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel..............................................................................11
3.4 Display Offset.........................................................................................11
3.5 Performance Modes...............................................................................13
3.6 Starting Up.............................................................................................14
4PRESETS & PRESET MODE ............................................................15
4.1 Bank Size................................................................................................15
4.2 Bank Style ..............................................................................................16
4.3 Presets and Program Changes ................................................................16
4.4 Other Preset Capabilities........................................................................16

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4.5 Alternate Presets ...................................................................................17
4.5.1 Global Preset........................................................................................................................................18
5INSTANT 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 “General Use” IA Switches in Axe-Fx mode .........................................................................................21
5.1.4 Axe-Fx I/O:CONTROL Settings..............................................................................................................21
5.1.5 Axe-Fx Tap Tempo ...............................................................................................................................21
5.1.6 Axe-Fx Tuner ........................................................................................................................................21
5.2 General Use IA Switches.........................................................................22
5.2.1 General Use IA Switch Control Change Messages ...............................................................................22
5.2.2 Other General Use IA Switch Capabilities ............................................................................................23
5.2.3 General Use IA Switch Saved States ....................................................................................................23
5.2.4 Global General Use Instant Access Switches .......................................................................................24
5.2.5 “Manual-Only” General Use Instant Access Switches .........................................................................25
5.2.6 The Save Edits Footswitch ...................................................................................................................26
5.3 IA Switch Types ......................................................................................26
5.4 Switch Links ...........................................................................................27
5.5 Reveal....................................................................................................27
6INTERNAL CCs..............................................................................28
6.1 Internal CC MIDI commands...................................................................28
6.2 Preset Internal CC States........................................................................29
7EXPRESSION PEDALS....................................................................30
7.1 Connecting and Calibrating ....................................................................30
7.2 Expression Pedal MIDI Functions............................................................30
7.3 Expression Pedal Range..........................................................................31
8EXTERNAL SWITCHES...................................................................32
8.1 Setting Switch Hardware Types..............................................................32
8.2 External Switch MIDI Functions..............................................................33

CONTENTS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
8.3 External Switch Custom On and Off Values ............................................34
9SONGS & 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......................................................................38
11 NAMES .....................................................................................39
12 COMPLETE MENU REFERENCE ...................................................40
12.1 The Preset Menu .................................................................................41
12.1.0 Select Preset ........................................................................................................................................41
12.1.1 Preset Name ........................................................................................................................................41
12.1.2 Preset Program Changes......................................................................................................................42
12.1.3 Alternate Preset...................................................................................................................................42
12.1.4 Preset Instant Access Switch States.....................................................................................................43
12.1.5 Preset Internal Control Change States.................................................................................................43
12.1.6 Preset Custom MIDI Message..............................................................................................................44
12.1.7 Preset External Switch Settings ...........................................................................................................45
12.1.8 Preset External Switch On/Off Values .................................................................................................45
12.1.9 Preset Expression Pedal Settings .........................................................................................................46
12.1.10 Preset Expression Pedal Min/Max Values........................................................................................46
12.2 The Song/Set Menu.............................................................................47
12.2.0 Song Edit ..............................................................................................................................................47
12.2.1 Song Name...........................................................................................................................................47
12.2.2 Set Edit.................................................................................................................................................48
12.2.3 Set Name..............................................................................................................................................48
12.3 The Copy Menu ...................................................................................49
12.3.0 Copy Preset..........................................................................................................................................49
12.3.1 Copy Bank ............................................................................................................................................49
12.3.2 Copy Song ............................................................................................................................................50
12.3.3 Copy Set ...............................................................................................................................................50
12.3.4 Copy Instant Access Switch Setting .....................................................................................................50
12.3.5 Copy Internal Control Change Setting .................................................................................................50

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12.4 The MIDI Menu ...................................................................................51
12.4.0 MFC-101 Port.......................................................................................................................................51
12.4.1 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 IA Switch Control Change (CC#) Settings .............................................................................................53
12.4.9 IA Switch Control Change ON/OFF Values ...........................................................................................54
12.4.10 IA Switch Program Change Settings .................................................................................................54
12.4.11 IA Switch Custom MIDI Messages....................................................................................................55
12.4.12 Internal Control Change Settings .....................................................................................................56
12.4.13 Internal Control Change ON/OFF Values .........................................................................................56
12.4.14 Global External Switch Settings .......................................................................................................57
12.4.15 Global External Switch On/Off Values .............................................................................................57
12.4.16 Global Expression Pedal Settings .....................................................................................................58
12.4.17 Global Expression Pedal Min/Max Values .......................................................................................58
12.5 The Setup Menu ..................................................................................59
12.5.0 Axe-Fx Mode ........................................................................................................................................59
12.5.1 Performance Mode..............................................................................................................................59
12.5.2 Axe-Fx Display Offset ...........................................................................................................................59
12.5.3 MFC-101 Display Offset .......................................................................................................................60
12.5.4 MIDI Channel Display Offsets ..............................................................................................................60
12.5.5 MIDI Channel Names ...........................................................................................................................60
12.5.6 Bank Size ..............................................................................................................................................61
12.5.7 Bank Style ............................................................................................................................................61
12.5.8 Bank/Song Limit ...................................................................................................................................62
12.5.9 Bank/Song Wrap ..................................................................................................................................62
12.5.10 IA Switch Types ................................................................................................................................63
12.5.11 Global IA Switch Setup.....................................................................................................................63
12.5.12 IA Switch Send w/ Preset .................................................................................................................63
12.5.13 IA Switch Names ..............................................................................................................................64
12.5.14 IA Switch Link Settings .....................................................................................................................64
12.5.15 Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages ..................................................................................................65

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 Save Edits Switch .............................................................................................................................67
12.5.23 Edit Menu Short/Long......................................................................................................................67
12.5.24 Looper Control .................................................................................................................................68
12.5.25 SysEx Data Dump/Load ....................................................................................................................68
12.5.26 Delete and Reset Factory Settings ...................................................................................................69
12.5.27 Display Contrast ...............................................................................................................................70
12.5.28 Firmware Information......................................................................................................................70
13 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS..................................................................71
13.1 Firmware Upgrade...............................................................................71
13.2 Factory Default Settings Reset.............................................................71
14 APPENDIX .................................................................................72
14.1 Comparison Table: Axe-Fx Mode ON vs. OFF .......................................72
14.2 Firmware Update Error Codes .............................................................73
14.3 Axe-Fx Presets Bank & Program Change Table.....................................74
14.4 Custom MIDI Message Primer .............................................................75
14.4.1 Program Change ..................................................................................................................................75
14.4.2 Control Change ....................................................................................................................................76
14.4.3 System Exclusive ..................................................................................................................................76
14.4.4 Custom MIDI Message Example ..........................................................................................................76
14.5 Axe-Fx II Looper Control Mode ............................................................77
15 Specifications............................................................................78
15.1 Factory Default Settings ......................................................................79
15.2 Midi Implementation Chart .................................................................81
16 Index ........................................................................................82
17 Warranty ..................................................................................83

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual CONTENTS
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: The Default Layout of the MFC-101 ............................................................................................................1
Figure 1-2: The MFC-101 Top Panel...............................................................................................................................2
Figure 1-3: Layout of an MFC-101 Footswitch...............................................................................................................3
Figure 1-4: MFC-101 Mk II Rear Panel Diagram.............................................................................................................4
Figure 1-5: Software Map ..............................................................................................................................................5
Figure 1-6: Navigating Edit mode ..................................................................................................................................6
Figure 2-1: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx II .....................................................................................................7
Figure 2-2: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx with Phantom Power ...................................................................8
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 ...................................................................................................15
Figure 5-1: Default IA Switch Assignments in Axe-Fx Mode. .......................................................................................19
Figure 5-2: Default Control Change Assignments for General Use IA Switches. .........................................................22
Figure 7-1: TRS Cable, AKA “Balanced” or “Stereo” Cable End. ..................................................................................30
Figure 8-1: External Switch Appearance on Insert Cable Plugs ...................................................................................32
Figure 14-1: Looper Control Mode Footswitch Functions ...........................................................................................77

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual OVERVIEW
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1OVERVIEW
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. It is built with the professional musician in mind and features a rugged 16-gauge
powder-coated steel chassis, 21 heavy-duty “Carling style” footswitches, a brilliant 20-character transflective
display, 21 dual-color LEDs, jacks for 4 expression pedal and 4 external switches, an expansion port, plus the
performance control features that musicians have come to demand from a best-in-class controller. In AXE-FX
MODE, the MFC-101 offers the easiest way available to control your Axe-Fx, offering hassle-free integration of
preset names, intelligent control over effect bypass switching, integrated tap tempo and tuner, and more.
MFC-101 FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Simple to set up and use, but powerful and flexible enough to control complex rigs.
PRESET, SONG, and SET MODES are well-suited for a range of performance settings.
The onboard memory stores 384 Presets, 100 Songs, and 10 Sets of up to 50 Songs each.
You can globally designate any number of footswitches for selecting PRESETS, each of which sends:
Up to 16 MIDI program change messages (one per channel).
ON or OFF messages for up to 17 Instant Access Switches.
ON or OFF messages for up to 17 Internal Control Change (“CC”) messages.
Up to 16 bytes of custom MIDI data. Anything goes!
Those footswitches not assigned to Presets operate as INSTANT ACCESS (“IA”) SWITCHES:
Axe-Fx functions may be assigned to IA Switches simply by selecting from a list.
“General Use”IA Switches (i.e. those not assigned to Axe-Fx functions) have independent ON
and OFF command sets, each with:
oUp to two CC# messages with custom values
oOne MIDI program change command
oUp to 16 bytes of custom MIDI data. Anything goes!
IA Switches may be set for Toggle (aka “Latching”) , Momentary (“Hold”) or “Auto-Off” function.
REVEAL mode temporarily toggles Preset footswitches to their “hidden” Instant Access functions.
Axe-Fx LOOPER CONTROL MODE gives access to all Looper functions with no programming required.
Full support for Axe-Fx II SCENES
Future enhancement and improvement made possible via user-upgradeable firmware capability.
Support for Phantom Power over 7-pin, plus bidirectional Axe-Fx MIDI data over a single cable.
And more!
Figure 1-1: The Default Layout of the MFC-101

OVERVIEW Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
1.2 Hardware Overview
The MFC-101 has 21 heavy-duty multi-purpose footswitches with bi-color LEDs. The display is a 1×20 character,
bright green, transflective LCD that offers great visibility anywhere from total darkness to bright daylight.
Figure 1-2: The MFC-101 Top Panel
1.2.1 Footswitch Primary Functions
The footswitches perform their primary functions whenever the MFC-101 is not in EDIT MODE for programming.
Footswitches 1-17 may be used to select Presets, or as Instant Access Switches (“IA”) controlling
effects or other functions of a MIDI device. The division of the 17 footswitches between Preset and IA
functions is determined by the global Bank Size setting (p.15). The factory default is for switches 1–5
to select presets while 6–17 to operate as IA Switches.
REVEAL: Preset footswitches also have hidden Instant Access Switch functions which become
accessible when Reveal is tapped ON. When Reveal is toggled OFF, footswitches revert to their usual
preset functions. See p. 27 for more information on Reveal. In Axe-Fx Mode (p. 10) pressing and
holding the 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.
SAVE (also on the EDIT footswitch) is used to store MFC-101 presets on-the-fly after changing the
states of “general purpose” Instant Access Switches (i.e., those not set for Axe-Fx functions, which are
always read directly from the Axe-Fx as presets are loaded). If the SAVE EDITS feature (p. 67) is
enabled, the Save footswitch LED will flash when IA switch states are changed. Pressing it will store
the MFC-101 preset.
UP and DOWN are used to select the next or previous Bank or Song.

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual OVERVIEW
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1.2.2 Footswitch Secondary Functions
The footswitches perform their secondary functions when the MFC-101 is in EDIT MODE:
After EDIT is pressed once, footswitches 1–5 are used to enter the 5 main menus:
PRESET, SONG/SET, COPY, MIDI, and SETUP.
The two PAGEfootswitches (6& 7) step back and forth through the pages of the current menu.
The two PARAMETERfootswitches (11 & 12) select editable parameters on the current page.
The (INCRement and DECRement footswitches (UP and DOWN) change the value of the currently
selected parameter.
You can hold any of the above to scroll quickly through the list of pages/parameters/values.
ENTER (footswitch 14) is used to execute various functions. Examples include Factory Restore or
Dump to SysEx. The LED above this footswitch flashes red when ENTER can be used to perform some
action, and to remind you that this will be committed to memory immediately with no turning back.
EXIT is the secondary function of the EDIT footswitch. Pressing this footswitch while in in EDIT MODE
will save all changes and return the 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” or an Instant Access Switch might be named
“Extern 8”. See Chapter 11 for details on how to enter names.
Figure 1-3: Layout of an MFC-101 Footswitch

OVERVIEW Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
1.2.3 Rear Panel Features
Figure 1-4: MFC-101 Mk II Rear Panel Diagram
POWER 9VAC: Plug the supplied AC adapter into this jack. If you are using an Axe-Fx or other device to
supply phantom power to the MFC-101 over a 7-pin MIDI cable, you must instead connect the
supplied AC adapter to the Phantom Power jack of that device.
When using a CAT5 cable to connect the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx II, DO NOT connect the MFC-101 AC
Adapter to the MFC-101 power jack or the Phantom Power jack of the Axe-Fx II or you may damage
one or both products. The AC Adapter is NOT USED when connecting via CAT5 to an Axe-Fx II. The
CAT5 cable provides power from the Axe-Fx II power supply to the MFC-101 Expansion Port.
MIDI OUT: This 7-pin jack is a regular MIDI OUT port for connecting to any MIDI device. Any Axe-Fx will
be able to utilize this port for 2-way communications so the MFC-101 can send and receive data over a
single cable. Some devices, including the Axe-Fx, can also supply phantom power to the MFC-101 via a
7-pin cable connected here. See Getting Connected on p. 7.
The MIDI IN port is used for firmware updates, for remote controlling the MFC-101, or for 2-way
communications with an 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.
AXE-FX: This jack can be used to connect an Axe-Fx II. Use standard Ethernet cable (not crossover
type) with or without EtherCON endplugs. EtherCONs are ruggedized RJ45 connectors which provide
added stability and protection to prevent cable strain or jolts from causing damage to connectors
and/or ports. If possible, use an EtherCON cable with your Mark II products.
High quality Ethernet/Ethercon cables are available via http://www.fractalaudio.com/cables
EXPRESSION PEDAL JACKS 1–4: These jacks allow you to connect up to 4 optional expression
pedals using 1/4" TRS cables. Expression pedals must be calibrated before they will work properly.
See EXPRESSION PEDALS on p. 30 for details.
EXTERNAL SWITCH JACKS 1+2, 3+4: Each of these TRS jacks allows you to connect one or two
external switches. The first switch on each jack operates on the tip-to-sleeve connection, while the
second is on ring-to-sleeve. Either jack may also be used with a single footswitch connected via a Tip-
Sleeve cable, but it is recommended that you disable the MIDI functions of the jack’s second switch
when operating in this way (See p. 57). Both toggle and momentary switch hardware is supported.
See EXTERNAL SWITCHES on p. 32 for details.

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual OVERVIEW
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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” of the above modes to provide enhanced Axe-Fx control.
EDIT MODE is separate from PERFORMANCE MODE and is used to access to the MENUS which are used to
configure the MFC-101. These menus are numbered 1–5below for the footswitches which access them. Each
menu contains a number of PAGES (listed below in columns). Each page has one or more parameters detailed
throughout this manual.
Figure 1-5: Software Map
• Select Preset
• Preset Name
• Preset Program Changes
• Alternate Preset
• Preset IA Switch States
• Preset Internal CC States
• Preset Custom MIDI Msg.
• Preset Ext. Switch Settings
• Preset Ext. Sw. On/Off Vals.
• Preset Exp. Pdl. Settings
• Preset Exp. Pdl. Min/Max
• Song Edit
• Song Name
• Set Edit
• Set Name
• Copy Preset
• Copy Bank
• Copy Song
• Copy Set
• Copy IA Switch
• Copy Internal CC
• Use Port
• Axe-Fx MIDI Channel
• Axe-Fx TotalSync
• Axe-Fx Preset Tx Map
• MFC MIDI Rx Channel
• MFC Rx Program Change
• MFC Prog. Change Map
• IA Axe-Fx Function
• IA CC# Settings
• IA CC# On/Off Values
• IA Program Changes
• IA Custom MIDI Msgs.
• Internal CC Settings
• Internal CC On/Off Vals.
• Global Ext. Switch Setup
• Global Ext. Sw. On/Off Vals.
• Global Exp. Pedal Setup
• Global Exp. Min/Max Vals
• Axe-Fx Mode
• Performance Mode
• Axe-Fx Display Offset
• MFC-101 Display Offset
• MIDI Ch. Display Offsets
• MIDI Ch. Names
• Bank Size
• Bank Style
• Bank/Song Limit
• Bank Song/Wrap
• IA Switch Types
• Global IA Switches
• IA Send w/ Preset
• IA Switch Names
• IA Switch Link Settings
• Send Sw. Link OFF Msgs.
• Internal CC Names
• Ext. Switch HW Types
• Exp. Pedal Calibrate
• Global Preset
• Hold Axe Tempo = Tune
• IA Off LED red/off
• Save Edits Switch
• Edit Menu Short/Long
• Looper Control
• SysEx Data Dump/Load
• Delete/Factory Reset
• Display Contrast
• Firmware Info
The footswitch for the currently selected menu returns to the top level of the EDIT menu.

OVERVIEW Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
1.4 Navigating in Edit Mode
The footswitches are used to navigate the menus, pages and parameters of EDIT MODE.
Figure 1-6: Navigating Edit mode
To enter EDIT MODE, press EDIT.
Press any of the menu footswitches (1–5) to open a menu.
Each menu has multiple pages. The PAGEfootswitches move between these.
Each page has from 1 to 4 parameters. The PARAMETERfootswitches move between these. The
currently selected parameter will have an underline beneath the first character of its value.
The INCR/DECR footswitches scroll through the available values for each parameter.
Most parameters are programmable. A few, such as Firmware Version are purely informational and
can be displayed but not edited.
All navigation, whether through pages, parameters, or values, will “wrap”, meaning whether you use
INCR or DECR you will ultimately reach the desired value.
Footswitches may be pressed and then held down to advance rapidly through a series.
The ENTER footswitch (#14) is sometimes required to activate special functions.
This is indicated by a blinking LED above the ENTER footswitch.
1.5 Saving Changes
The MFC-101 was designed to save changes automatically while you navigate.
Pressing either PAGE footswitch will save changes.
Pressing the EXIT footswitch will save changes and return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
Pressing the footswitch for a menu while in that menu will save and return to the top-level menu.
Changing the “index” of a multi-parameter screen will save changes. Examples of index parameters
include the 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.

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual GETTING CONNECTED
Doc v2.15 7
2GETTING CONNECTED
Before making connections, be sure to turn down the volume of your amp and switch off power to all devices.
The MFC-101 supports a number of different setup scenarios. A few common possibilities are diagrammed below.
Ethernet and 7-pin MIDI cables can carry “Phantom Power” to allow faster setups and less clutter on the floor.
AXE-FX MODE (see p. 10) depends on 2-way MIDI communication between the Axe-Fx and the MFC-101.
This is possible over a single Ethernet or 7- or 5-pin MIDI cable due to special features of both devices.
MIDI cables must be wired on ALL PINS for bi-directional communication to work in this way. Because other MIDI
devices often require only 3 pins, some MIDI cables contain 3 rather than 5 wires (or 5 vs. 7). The message “AXE-FX
NAME TIMEOUT” is displayed on the MFC-101 in Axe-Fx mode when 2-way communication cannot be established.
This may indicate improper settings but can also mean that your MIDI cable is not wired on all pins. Use a multi-
meter to test pin continuity, or try an approved cable from fractalaudio.com/cables
In a pinch, you can actually use Axe-Fx mode with two “inferior” MIDI cables connected In-to-Out and Out-to-In.
The first scenario below shows using the Axe-Fx II and MFC-101 with no midi cables.
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.
Figure 2-1: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx II
2-way comms and power provided by a single CAT5/Ethernet/EtherCon cable.
MIDI received at the Axe-Fx II MFC port will only be forwarded to the Axe-Fx II MIDI OUT/THRU port
if you set the Axe-Fx II MIDI THRU function to “ON” (in the I/O:MIDI menu of the Axe-Fx II)
Ethernet, EtherCon and other high quality cables available from http://www.fractalaudio.com/cables

GETTING CONNECTED Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
The next scenarios show connections over 7 or 5 pin MIDI cables:
IMPORTANT:Axe-Fx Mode requires Axe-Fx firmware dated AUGUST 2010 or later. Check your unit under UTILITY:FIRMWARE
and visit http://www.fractalaudio.com/support to download a free upgrade if required.
You must manually select MIDI under PORT in the MIDI menu before using MIDI cable connections (AXE-FX is the default)
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.
The Axe-Fx Standard, Ultra, or Axe-Fx II may be connected in this way.
Figure 2-3: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx without Phantom Power
2-way MIDI data communication is provided via a single 5-conductor MIDI cable.
The Axe-Fx Standard, Ultra, or Axe-Fx II may be connected in this way.