Fractal Audio MFC-101 MARK III User manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL
Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the permission of Fractal Audio Systems

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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.

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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
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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............................................................................. 9
3.1 Axe-Fx Mode............................................................................................9
3.2 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel..............................................................................10
3.3 Display Offset.........................................................................................10
3.4 Operating Modes ...................................................................................11
3.5 Starting Up.............................................................................................12
4PRESETS & PRESET MODE ............................................................ 13
4.1 Bank Size................................................................................................13
4.2 Bank Style ..............................................................................................14
4.3 Presets and Program Changes ................................................................14
4.4 Other Preset Capabilities........................................................................15
4.5 Global Preset .........................................................................................15
5INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES......................................................... 16

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5.1 Axe-Fx IA Switches .................................................................................16
5.1.1 List of Available Axe-Fx Functions........................................................................................................17
5.1.2 “General Use” IA Switches in Axe-Fx mode .........................................................................................17
5.1.3 Important Axe-Fx Control Settings ......................................................................................................17
5.1.4 Axe-Fx Tap Tempo ...............................................................................................................................18
5.1.5 Axe-Fx Tuner ........................................................................................................................................18
5.2 Instant Access Switches for General Use ................................................18
5.2.1 IA Switch Control Change Messages....................................................................................................19
5.2.2 Other IA Switch Capabilities ................................................................................................................20
5.2.3 Preset IA Switch States ........................................................................................................................20
5.2.4 The Save Edits Footswitch ...................................................................................................................21
5.3 IA Switch Types ......................................................................................21
5.4 Switch Links ...........................................................................................22
5.5 Reveal ....................................................................................................22
6INTERNAL CCs .............................................................................. 23
6.1 Internal CC MIDI commands...................................................................23
6.2 Preset Internal CC States ........................................................................24
7EXPRESSION PEDALS.................................................................... 25
7.1 Connecting and Calibrating ....................................................................25
7.2 Expression Pedal MIDI Functions............................................................25
7.3 Expression Pedal Range..........................................................................26
8EXTERNAL SWITCHES ................................................................... 27
8.1 Setting Switch Hardware Types ..............................................................27
8.2 External Switch MIDI Functions..............................................................28
8.3 External Switch Custom On and Off Values ............................................29
9SONGS & SETS ............................................................................. 30
9.1 Entering Song or Set Mode.....................................................................30
9.2 Adding Presets to a Song........................................................................31
9.3 Adding Songs to a Set.............................................................................31

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10 COPY FUNCTIONS...................................................................... 33
11 NAMES...................................................................................... 34
12 COMPLETE MENU REFERENCE ................................................... 35
12.1 The Preset Menu .................................................................................36
12.1.0 Select Preset ........................................................................................................................................36
12.1.1 Preset Name ........................................................................................................................................36
12.1.2 Preset Program Changes......................................................................................................................37
12.1.3 Preset Instant Access Switch States.....................................................................................................37
12.1.4 Preset Internal Control Change States.................................................................................................38
12.1.5 Preset Custom MIDI Message..............................................................................................................38
12.1.6 Preset External Switch Settings ...........................................................................................................39
12.1.7 Preset External Switch On/Off Values .................................................................................................39
12.1.8 Preset Expression Pedal Settings .........................................................................................................40
12.1.9 Preset Expression Pedal Min/Max Values ...........................................................................................40
12.2 The Song/Set Menu.............................................................................41
12.2.0 Song Edit ..............................................................................................................................................41
12.2.1 Song Name...........................................................................................................................................41
12.2.2 Set Edit.................................................................................................................................................42
12.2.3 Set Name..............................................................................................................................................42
12.3 The Copy Menu ...................................................................................43
12.3.0 Copy Preset..........................................................................................................................................43
12.3.1 Copy Bank ............................................................................................................................................43
12.3.2 Copy Song ............................................................................................................................................44
12.3.3 Copy Set ...............................................................................................................................................44
12.3.4 Copy Instant Access Switch Setting .....................................................................................................45
12.3.5 Copy Internal Control Change Setting .................................................................................................45
12.4 The MIDI Menu ...................................................................................46
12.4.0 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel............................................................................................................................46
12.4.1 Axe-Fx Default Bank.............................................................................................................................46
12.4.2 Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map................................................................................................................46
12.4.3 MFC-101 MIDI Receive Channel ..........................................................................................................47
12.4.4 MFC-101 Receive Program Change......................................................................................................47
12.4.5 MFC-101 Program Change Map...........................................................................................................47
12.4.6 IA Switch Axe-Fx Functions ..................................................................................................................48

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12.4.7 IA Switch Control Change (CC#) Settings .............................................................................................49
12.4.8 IA Switch Control Change ON/OFF Values...........................................................................................49
12.4.9 IA Switch Program Change Settings.....................................................................................................50
12.4.10 IA Switch Custom MIDI Messages....................................................................................................51
12.4.11 Internal Control Change Settings.....................................................................................................52
12.4.12 Internal Control Change ON/OFF Values .........................................................................................52
12.4.13 Global External Switch Settings .......................................................................................................53
12.4.14 Global External Switch On/Off Values .............................................................................................53
12.4.15 Global Expression Pedal Settings .....................................................................................................54
12.4.16 Global Expression Pedal Min/Max Values .......................................................................................54
12.5 The Setup Menu ..................................................................................55
12.5.0 Axe-Fx Mode........................................................................................................................................55
12.5.1 Operating Mode...................................................................................................................................55
12.5.2 Axe-Fx Display Offset ...........................................................................................................................55
12.5.3 MFC-101 Display Offset .......................................................................................................................56
12.5.4 MIDI Channel Display Offsets ..............................................................................................................56
12.5.5 MIDI Channel Names ...........................................................................................................................56
12.5.6 Bank Size ..............................................................................................................................................57
12.5.7 Bank Style ............................................................................................................................................57
12.5.8 IA Switch Types ....................................................................................................................................58
12.5.9 IA Switch Names ..................................................................................................................................58
12.5.10 IA Switch Link Settings .....................................................................................................................59
12.5.11 Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages ..................................................................................................60
12.5.12 Internal CC Names ...........................................................................................................................60
12.5.13 External Switch Hardware Type.......................................................................................................61
12.5.14 Expression Pedal Calibration............................................................................................................61
12.5.15 Global Preset....................................................................................................................................62
12.5.16 Save Edits Switch .............................................................................................................................62
12.5.17 SysEx Data Dump/Load....................................................................................................................63
12.5.18 Delete and Reset Factory Settings ...................................................................................................64
12.5.19 Display Contrast...............................................................................................................................65
12.5.20 Firmware Information......................................................................................................................65
13 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS.................................................................. 66
13.1 Firmware Upgrade...............................................................................66
13.2 Factory Default Settings Reset.............................................................66

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14 APPENDIX.................................................................................. 67
14.1 Comparison Table: Axe-Fx Mode ON vs. OFF .......................................67
14.2 Firmware Update Error Codes .............................................................68
14.3 Axe-Fx Default Bank Presets Table ......................................................69
14.4 Midi Implementation Chart .................................................................70
14.5 Factory Default Settings ......................................................................71
14.6 Specifications ......................................................................................73
14.7 Custom MIDI Message Primer .............................................................74
14.7.1 Program Change ..................................................................................................................................74
14.7.2 8.2 Control Change ..............................................................................................................................75
14.7.3 8.3 System Exclusive ............................................................................................................................75
14.7.4 8.4 Custom MIDI Message Example ....................................................................................................75
14.8 Warranty.............................................................................................76
15 Index......................................................................................... 77
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 Back Panel Diagram .....................................................................................................................4
Figure 1-5: TRS Cable, AKA “Balanced” or “Stereo” Cable End .....................................................................................4
Figure 1-6: Software Map ..............................................................................................................................................5
Figure 1-7: Navigating Edit mode ..................................................................................................................................6
Figure 2-1: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx Standard or Ultra with Phantom Power .....................................7
Figure 2-2: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx without Phantom Power .............................................................7
Figure 2-3: Connecting the MFC-101 to a 3rd Party MIDI module or processor (Axe-Fx Mode OFF) ...........................8
Figure 2-4: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx and Additional MIDI device(s)........................................................8
Figure 4-1: The 4 Available Bank Sizes/Footswitch Layouts ........................................................................................13
Figure 5-1: Default IA Switch Assignments in Axe-Fx Mode........................................................................................16
Figure 5-2, Default Control Change Assignments for General Use IA Switches. .........................................................18
Figure 8-1: External Switch Appearance on Insert Cable Plugs ...................................................................................27

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 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 hands-down the easiest way available to control your Fractal Audio Systems
Axe-Fx Standard or Ultra, 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 enough to control even complex rigs.
PRESET, SONG, and SET MODES are well-suited for a range of performance settings.
The onboard memory stores 128 Presets, 100 Songs, and 10 Sets of up to 50 Songs each
You can globally designate 0, 5, 10, or 15 footswitches for selecting PRESETS, which send:
Up to 16 MIDI program change messages (one per channel).
MIDI commands for the saved states of up to 41 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.
IA Switches may be set for Toggle (aka “Latching”) , Momentary (“Hold”) or “Auto-Off”type.
“General Use”IA Switches 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!
Future enhancement and improvement made possible via user-upgradeable firmware capability
REVEAL mode toggles Preset footswitches to their alternate functions as Instant Access functions.
A planned optional expansion module will increase the number of onboard switches to 41
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

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1.2 Hardware Overview
The MFC-101 has 21 heavy duty footswitches, each with its own bi-color LED. Each footswitch has a primary
function, labeled below it, while 14 of the switches also have secondary functions, labeled above. The main display
is a 1×20 character brilliant green transflective display designed for great legibility under normal, on-stage and
outdoor lighting conditions.
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 operating normally in PERFORMANCE
MODE (that is, whenever the unit is not in EDIT MODE for programming).
Footswitches 1-15 are used to select Presets or as Instant Access Switches to control effects or other
functions of a connected device. The division between these is determined by the global Bank Size setting
(p.13). The factory default is for switches 1–5 to select presets and 6–15 to operate as IA Switches.
Footswitches 16+17: These always operate as Instant Access Switches.
REVEAL: Footswitches set up to select Presets also have Instant Access Switch functions which become
accessible when Reveal is toggled ON. When Reveal is toggled OFF, footswitches revert to their usual
preset functions. See p. 22 for more information on Reveal.
EDIT: This switch puts the MFC-101 into EDIT MODE, allowing entry to the various menus, pages and
parameters used to configure the unit.
SAVE (also on the EDIT footswitch) is used to store presets on-the-fly after changing the states of
Instant Access Switches (except those set for Axe-Fx functions, which are read directly from the Axe-Fx as

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual OVERVIEW
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presets are loaded). If this feature is enabled, the Save footswitch LED will flash when relevant changes
are detected and this footswitch will function as save instead of edit. See p. 62 for more information.
UP and DOWN are used to select the next or previous Bank or Song, depending on the Operating Mode.
1.2.2 Footswitch Secondary Functions
The footswitches perform their secondary functions when the MFC-101 is switched to 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 through the pages of the current menu.
The two PARAMETERfootswitches (11 & 12) move the cursor between the fields of a menu page
display, selecting parameters you can edit or displays you can scroll through.
The UP and DOWN footswitches also work as INCREMENT and DECREMENT switches to
change the value of a selected parameter in EDIT MODE. You can hold these footswitches to scroll quickly
through a long value series.
ENTER (footswitch 14) is used to execute many functions. Examples include executing a bulk dump or
restoring factory settings. The LED above this footswitch flashes red when its use will be destructive
(meaning that the change in question 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 program the MFC-101 by providing friendly reminders in the
form of short names you set up to describe a variety of settings in memory. Names are applied to specific
parameters/values. A MIDI Channel, for example, might be named “Gizmo” or an Instant Access Switch
might be named “Speed”. See Chapter 11 for details.
Figure 1-3: Layout of an MFC-101 Footswitch

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1.2.3 Rear Panel Features
Figure 1-4: MFC-101 Back 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.
MIDI OUT: This 7-pin jack is a regular MIDI OUT and can be connected to any MIDI device via a 5-pin
cable. The Axe-Fx, however, will utilize this port for 2-way communications so the MFC-101 can receive
names and IA switch states from saved presets. Some devices like 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 Axe-Fx 2-way
communications if single cable 2-way MIDI cannot be used in a particular setup.
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 can transmit MIDI to the MFC-101.
EXPANSION: A to-be-announced expansion module adds footswitches to the MFC-101.
EXPRESSION PEDAL JACKS 1–4: These jacks allow you to connect up to 4 optional expression
pedals using ¼ TRS cables for real-time control of connected device(s). Pedals must be calibrated and
configured to work properly. See EXPRESSION PEDALS on p. 25 for details.
Figure 1-5: TRS Cable, AKA “Balanced” or “Stereo” Cable End
Regular Guitar (“TS”) Cables will NOT work for connecting expression pedals!
EXTERNAL SWITCH JACKS 1+2, 3+4: Each of these TRS jacks allows you to connect one or
two external switches. Tip-to-Sleeve operates the first switch on each jack, while ring-to-sleeve operates
the second. It is also possible to use a single switch with a TS cable if you disable the MIDI functions of the
2nd switch. Both toggle and momentary switch hardware is supported. See EXTERNAL SWITCHES on p. 27
for details.

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1.3 Software Map
PERFORMANCE MODE is always running while the MFC-101 is used normally as a MIDI foot controller. Depending
on the desired function, it may be placed into one of three “Operating Modes”: PRESET, SONG or SET MODE.
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 1-6: Software Map
• Select Preset
• Preset Name
• Preset Program Changes
• Preset IA Switch States
• Preset Internal CC States
• Preset Custom MIDI Msg.
• Preset Ext. Switch Settings
• Preset Ext. Sw. On/Off Vals.
• Preset Exp. Pedal Settings
• Preset Exp. Pdl. Min/Max Vals.
• Song Edit
• Song Name
• Set Edit
• Set Name
•Copy Preset
• Copy Bank
• Copy Song
• Copy Set
• Copy IA Switch
• Copy Internal CC
• Axe-Fx MIDI Channel
• Axe-Fx Default Bank
• 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
• Operating Mode
• Axe-Fx Display Offset
• MFC Display Offset
• MIDI Ch. Display Offsets
• MIDI Ch. Names
• Bank Size
• Bank Style
• IA Switch Types
• IA Switch Names
• IA Switch Link Settings
• Send Sw. Link OFF Msgs.
• Internal CC Names
• Ext. Switch HW Types
• Exp. Pedal Calibrate
• Global Preset
• Save Edits Switch
• 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.

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1.4 Navigating in Edit Mode
The footswitches are used to navigate the menus, pages and parameters of EDIT MODE.
Figure 1-7: Navigating Edit mode
To enter EDIT MODE, press EDIT, followed by one of the 5 menu footswitches to open a menu.
Each menu has multiple pages which the PAGEfootswitches move between.
Each page has from 1 to 4 parameters, which the PARAMETERfootswitches select between.
The INCR/DECR footswitches scroll through the possible values for each parameter. In a few cases
detailed in this manual, ENTER is used to activate special functions. This is also indicated by a blinking
LED above the ENTER footswitch.
Most parameters are used to configure and program the MFC-101. 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 long series.
1.5 Saving Changes
The MFC-101 was designed to save changes automatically.
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”of EDIT menu.
Changing the “index” of a multi-parameter screen will save changes. Examples of index parameters include
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.

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2GETTING CONNECTED
Before making connections, be sure to turn down the volume of your amp and switch off all power! The MFC-101
supports a number of different setup scenarios. A few common possibilities are diagrammed below. 7-pin MIDI
cables can carry “Phantom Power,”allowing for faster setups and less clutter on the floor. AXE-FX MODE (see p. 9)
depends on 2-way MIDI data communication between the Axe-Fx and the MFC-101. This is made possible over a
single 7- or 5-conductor cable due to special MIDI port features of both devices. The MFC-101 accommodates any
power up sequence.
Figure 2-1: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx Standard or Ultra with Phantom Power
2-way MIDI and phantom power provided by a single 7-pin cable.
Figure 2-2: 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.

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IMPORTANT:Be sure to use a high quality 5-conductor or 7-conductor cable for single cable connections with the Axe-Fx.
Every standard MIDI cable has 5 pins on each end, but lower-quality cables may not have all 5 pins wired up! If you are using
a MIDI merger or splitter between the MFC-101 and the Axe-Fx, it may not be able to handle the bidirectional
communication, requiring you to use 2 independent MIDI cables for Axe-Fx mode to work properly.
Figure 2-3: 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 3rd party devices may also provide 7-pin Phantom Power as shown in Figure 1-4
Figure 2-4: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx and Additional MIDI device(s)
2-way MIDI data communication and Phantom over a 7-pin cable for the Axe-Fx.
MIDI THRU passes extra MFC-101 commands to downstream devices.

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual BASIC SETTINGS
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3BASIC SETTINGS
3.1 Axe-Fx Mode
AXE-FX MODE (turned ON by default) makes using the MFC-101 easier and more intuitive. Axe-Fx mode is fully
independent of other modes and provides a number of capabilities and benefits when using the MFC-101 with an
Axe-Fx Standard or Ultra:
AXE-FX MODE works over all three modes of the MFC-101: PRESET, SONG, and SET.
Axe-Fx preset names are displayed dynamically as they load—no need for data entry or import!
Preset footswitches can also send general use MIDI commands for controlling bigger rigs.
Instant Access Switch Axe-Fx Functions can be set simply by selecting from a list.
Instant Access Switch LEDs show the effects in the current Axe-Fx preset when it is loaded:
GREEN: Present & Active; RED: Present & Bypassed; OFF: Not Present.
The TAP TEMPO footswitch also flashes the current Axe-Fx tempo on its LED.
The TUNER footswitch displays the Axe-Fx tuner in the MFC-101 display.
Individual IA Switches can be set up with general use MIDI commands instead of Axe-Fx functions.
A single MIDI cable carries 2-way data (plus Phantom Power over a 7-pin cable if connected).
Axe-Fx Display Offset is supported to number programs from 001 instead of 000.
The Axe-Fx Default Bank setting remaps default MFC-101 presets to Axe-Fx banks A, B or C.
Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map allows you to load any Axe-Fx preset from any MFC-101 preset.
You may wish to refer to p. 67 of the appendix to view the Comparison Table: AXE-FX MODE ON vs. OFF.
IMPORTANT:Axe-Fx Mode requires Axe-Fx firmware version 8.05 or newer! Free Axe-Fx firmware upgrades can be found
at our website, http://www.fractalaudio.com
TURNING AXE-FX MODE OFF:
If you are not using an Axe-Fx, you should (buy one here…or) set AXE-FX MODE to OFF:
1. Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE
2. Press SETUP footswitch for the SETUP menu to arrive at the AXE-FX MODE screen:
3. Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to toggle AXE-FX MODE
4. Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

BASIC SETTINGS Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual
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3.2 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel
A factory-fresh MFC-101 expects the Axe-Fx to be on MIDI channel 1 (the unit’s default setting). If you have
modified this setting in your Axe-Fx, you will need to make the same setting in the MFC-101 for AXE-FX MODE to
work properly:
1. Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.
2. Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu
3. You will be at the Axe-Fx MIDI Channel Screen:
4. Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the desired Midi Channel
5. Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
3.3 Display Offset
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 at “1”on your Axe-Fx, you will need to make the same setting in your MFC-
101:
1. Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT mode.
2. Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu
3. Press PAGE2x to get to the Axe-Fx Display Offset Screen:
4. Press the UP footswitch to set Display Offset to 1
5. Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
You will likely also want to set the MFC-101 so its presets are likewise numbered from 001:
1. Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.
2. Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu
3. Press PAGE3x to get to the MFC Display Offset Screen:
4. Press the UP footswitch to set the Display Offset to 1
5. Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
NOTE:It is also possible to set a display offset for each MIDI channel for any connected device which numbers its
programs from 1 instead of 0. See section 12.5.4 on p. 56 for more details.