Fractal Audio Mfc 101 Owners Manual 1.0.5 Systems MIDI Foot Controller Owner's User

2017-08-31

User Manual: Manual Fractal Audio Mfc-101 Owners Manual 1.0.5 Fractal_Audio_MFC-101 Owners Manual 1.0.5 manuals AxeFx

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OWNER’S MANUAL
Firmware Version 1.0x

Doc v1.0.5

Legal Notices
Copyright © 2010-2011. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of Fractal Audio Systems

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

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CONTENTS

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

Table of Contents
Foreword .......................................................................................... iii
Table of Contents .............................................................................. iv
1 OVERVIEW ....................................................................................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 ...............................................................................................................................3

1.3 Software Map .......................................................................................... 5
1.4 Navigating in Edit Mode ........................................................................... 6
1.5 Saving Changes ........................................................................................ 6

2 GETTING CONNECTED ....................................................................7
3 BASIC 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

4 PRESETS & 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

5 INSTANT 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 ............................................................................................................20

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

The Save Edits Footswitch ...................................................................................................................24

5.3 IA Switch Types ...................................................................................... 25
5.4 Switch Links ........................................................................................... 25
5.5 Reveal .................................................................................................... 26

6 INTERNAL CCs.............................................................................. 27
6.1 Internal CC MIDI commands ................................................................... 27
6.2 Preset Internal CC States ........................................................................ 28

7 EXPRESSION PEDALS.................................................................... 29
7.1 Connecting and Calibrating .................................................................... 29
7.2 Expression Pedal MIDI Functions............................................................ 29
7.3 Expression Pedal Range.......................................................................... 30

8 EXTERNAL SWITCHES ................................................................... 31
8.1 Setting Switch Hardware Types .............................................................. 31
8.2 External Switch MIDI Functions .............................................................. 32
8.3 External Switch Custom On and Off Values ............................................ 33
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9 SONGS & SETS ............................................................................. 34
9.1 Entering Song or Set Mode ..................................................................... 34
9.2 Adding Presets to a Song ........................................................................ 35
9.3 Adding Songs to a Set ............................................................................. 36

10 COPY FUNCTIONS ...................................................................... 37
11 NAMES ..................................................................................... 38
12 COMPLETE MENU REFERENCE ................................................... 39
12.1

The Preset Menu ................................................................................. 40

12.1.0

Select Preset ........................................................................................................................................40

12.1.1

Preset Name ........................................................................................................................................40

12.1.2

Preset Program Changes ......................................................................................................................41

12.1.3

Alternate Preset ...................................................................................................................................41

12.1.4

Preset Instant Access Switch States .....................................................................................................42

12.1.5

Preset Internal Control Change States .................................................................................................42

12.1.6

Preset Custom MIDI Message ..............................................................................................................43

12.1.7

Preset External Switch Settings ...........................................................................................................44

12.1.8

Preset External Switch On/Off Values .................................................................................................44

12.1.9

Preset Expression Pedal Settings .........................................................................................................45

12.1.10

12.2

The Song/Set Menu ............................................................................. 46

12.2.0

Song Edit ..............................................................................................................................................46

12.2.1

Song Name ...........................................................................................................................................46

12.2.2

Set Edit .................................................................................................................................................47

12.2.3

Set Name..............................................................................................................................................47

12.3

The Copy Menu ................................................................................... 48

12.3.0

Copy Preset ..........................................................................................................................................48

12.3.1

Copy Bank ............................................................................................................................................48

12.3.2

Copy Song ............................................................................................................................................49

12.3.3

Copy Set ...............................................................................................................................................49

12.3.4

Copy Instant Access Switch Setting .....................................................................................................49

12.3.5

Copy Internal Control Change Setting .................................................................................................49

12.4
vi

Preset Expression Pedal Min/Max Values........................................................................................45

The MIDI Menu ................................................................................... 50

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12.4.0

MFC-101 Port .......................................................................................................................................50

12.4.1

Axe-Fx MIDI Channel ............................................................................................................................50

12.4.2

Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map ................................................................................................................50

12.4.3

MFC-101 MIDI Receive Channel ..........................................................................................................51

12.4.4

MFC-101 Receive Program Change......................................................................................................51

12.4.5

MFC-101 Program Change Map ...........................................................................................................51

12.4.6

IA Switch Axe-Fx Functions ..................................................................................................................52

12.4.7

IA Switch Control Change (CC#) Settings .............................................................................................52

12.4.8

IA Switch Control Change ON/OFF Values ...........................................................................................53

12.4.9

IA Switch Program Change Settings .....................................................................................................53

12.4.10

IA Switch Custom MIDI Messages ....................................................................................................54

12.4.11

Internal Control Change Settings .....................................................................................................55

12.4.12

Internal Control Change ON/OFF Values .........................................................................................55

12.4.13

Global External Switch Settings .......................................................................................................56

12.4.14

Global External Switch On/Off Values .............................................................................................56

12.4.15

Global Expression Pedal Settings .....................................................................................................57

12.4.16

Global Expression Pedal Min/Max Values .......................................................................................57

12.5

The Setup Menu .................................................................................. 58

12.5.0

Axe-Fx Mode ........................................................................................................................................58

12.5.1

Performance Mode ..............................................................................................................................58

12.5.2

Axe-Fx Display Offset ...........................................................................................................................58

12.5.3

MFC-101 Display Offset .......................................................................................................................59

12.5.4

MIDI Channel Display Offsets ..............................................................................................................59

12.5.5

MIDI Channel Names ...........................................................................................................................59

12.5.6

Bank Size ..............................................................................................................................................60

12.5.7

Bank Style ............................................................................................................................................60

12.5.8

IA Switch Types ....................................................................................................................................61

12.5.9

Global IA Switch Setup .........................................................................................................................61

12.5.10

IA Switch Names ..............................................................................................................................61

12.5.11

IA Switch Link Settings .....................................................................................................................62

12.5.12

Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages ..................................................................................................62

12.5.13

Internal CC Names ...........................................................................................................................63

12.5.14

External Switch Hardware Type .......................................................................................................63

12.5.15

Expression Pedal Calibration............................................................................................................64

12.5.16

Global Preset ....................................................................................................................................64

12.5.17

Hold Axe-Fx Tempo for Tuner ..........................................................................................................65

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12.5.18

Axe-Fx Instant Access Switch LED Off State .....................................................................................65

12.5.19

Save Edits Switch .............................................................................................................................65

12.5.20

SysEx Data Dump/Load ....................................................................................................................66

12.5.21

Delete and Reset Factory Settings ...................................................................................................67

12.5.22

Display Contrast ...............................................................................................................................68

12.5.23

Firmware Information ......................................................................................................................68

13 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS .................................................................. 69
13.1

Firmware Upgrade............................................................................... 69

13.2

Factory Default Settings Reset ............................................................. 69

14 APPENDIX ................................................................................. 70
14.1

Comparison Table: Axe-Fx Mode ON vs. OFF ....................................... 70

14.2

Firmware Update Error Codes ............................................................. 71

14.3

Axe-Fx Presets Bank & Program Change Table ..................................... 72

14.4

Midi Implementation Chart ................................................................. 73

14.5

Factory Default Settings ...................................................................... 74

14.6

Custom MIDI Message Primer ............................................................. 76

14.6.1

Program Change ..................................................................................................................................76

14.6.2

8.2 Control Change ..............................................................................................................................77

14.6.3

8.3 System Exclusive ............................................................................................................................77

14.6.4

8.4 Custom MIDI Message Example ....................................................................................................77

15 Specifications ............................................................................ 82
16 Index ........................................................................................ 83
17 Warranty .................................................................................. 84
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

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CONTENTS

Figure 1-7: 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 8-1: External Switch Appearance on Insert Cable Plugs ...................................................................................31

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OVERVIEW

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

1 OVERVIEW
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:
o Up to two CC# messages with custom values
o One MIDI program change command
o Up 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 toggles Preset footswitches to their alternate Instant Access functions.
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.
A planned optional expansion module will increase the number of onboard switches to 41
And more!

Figure 1-1: The Default Layout of the MFC-101

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Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

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 them. The main
display is a 1×20 character brilliant green transflective LCD designed for great visibility under normal, 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 not in EDIT MODE for programming.
 Footswitches 1-17 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.15). The factory default is for switches 1–5 to select presets and 6–17 to operate as IA
Switches.
 REVEAL: Preset footswitches in fact 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. 26 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 MFC-101 presets on-the-fly after changing the
states of their general use 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. 65) is
enabled, the Save footswitch LED will flash when IA switch states are changed. Pressing it will store
the MFC-101 preset.

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Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

 UP and DOWN are used to select the next or previous Bank or Song.

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 to INCRement or DECRement 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 allowing you to view short NAMES
you set up to label various items in 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.

Figure 1-3: Layout of an MFC-101 Footswitch

1.2.3 Rear Panel Features

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OVERVIEW

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

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. If you are using an Axe-Fx II and the
EXPANSION port, do NOT connect the AC adapter here or damage could occur.
 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 2way 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: This communication jack can be used to connect an Axe-Fx II or with a to-be-announced
Switch Expansion. Use standard Ethernet cable (not crossover type).
 EXPRESSION PEDAL JACKS 1–4: These jacks allow you to connect up to 4 optional expression
pedals using 1/4" TRS cables. Before they can be used for real-time control of connected device(s),
pedals must be calibrated and configured. See EXPRESSION PEDALS on p. 29 for details.

Figure 1-5: TRS Cable, AKA “Balanced” or “Stereo” Cable End

NOTE: Regular guitar 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. Either jack may also be used with a single footswitch (connected via a “normal” TS cable) if
you disable the MIDI functions of the jack’s second switch (p. 56). Both toggle and momentary switch
hardware is supported. See EXTERNAL SWITCHES on p. 31 for details.

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Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

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 –5 below 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.

• Select Preset

• Song Edit

• Copy Preset

• Axe-Fx MIDI Channel

• Axe-Fx Mode

• Preset Name

• Copy Bank

• Axe-Fx Preset Tx Map

• Performance Mode

• Preset Program Changes

• Song Name
• Set Edit
• Set Name

• MFC MIDI Rx Channel
• MFC Rx Program Change

• Axe-Fx Display Offset

• Alternate Preset

• Copy Song
• Copy Set

• Preset IA Switch States

• Copy IA Switch

• MFC Prog. Change Map

• MIDI Ch. Display Offsets

• Preset Internal CC States

• Copy Internal CC

• IA Axe-Fx Function

• MFC-101 Display Offset

• Preset Custom MIDI Msg.

• IA CC# Settings

• MIDI Ch. Names
• Bank Size

• Preset Ext. Switch Settings
• Preset Ext. Sw. On/Off Vals.

• IA CC# On/Off Values

• Bank Style

• IA Program Changes

• IA Switch Types

• Preset Exp. Pedal Settings

• IA Custom MIDI Msgs.

• Global IA Switches

• Preset Exp. Pdl. Min/Max Vals.

• Internal CC Settings
• Internal CC On/Off Vals.

• IA Switch Names
• IA Switch Link Settings

• Global Ext. Switch Setup

• Send Sw. Link OFF Msgs.
• Global Ext. Sw. On/Off Vals. • Internal CC Names
• Global Exp. Pedal Setup
• Ext. Switch HW Types
• Global Exp. Min/Max Vals
• Exp. Pedal Calibrate
• Global Preset
• Hold Axe Tempo = Tune
• IA Off LED red/off
• 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.

Figure 1-6: Software Map

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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 1-7: Navigating Edit mode

 To enter EDIT MODE, press EDIT, followed by 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 select between these.
 The INCR/DECR footswitches scroll through the available values for each parameter.
 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.
 In a few cases detailed in this manual, ENTER is used to activate special functions. This is always
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.

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GETTING CONNECTED

2 GETTING 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. Ethernet and
7-pin MIDI cables can carry “Phantom Power,” allowing for 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
devices often require only 3 pins, some MIDI cables are “short-changed.” The message “AXE-FX NAME TIMEOUT,”
displayed on the MFC-101 in Axe-Fx mode when 2-way communication cannot be established, may indicate that
your MIDI cable is not wired on all pins. Use a multi-meter to test pin continuity, or try a better MIDI cable.
In a pinch, you can actually use Axe-Fx mode with two “inferior” MIDI cables connected In-to-Out and Out-to-In.

Figure 2-1: Connecting the MFC-101 to an Axe-Fx II
2-way MIDI and phantom power provided by a single Ethernet cable.
Only the Axe-Fx II offers the MFC port required to connect in this way.
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)

 IMPORTANT: You must activate the MFC-101 EXPANSION PORT to connect an Axe-Fx II via Ethernet cable. See p. 11

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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.

 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.

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Figure 2-4: 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 3 party devices may also provide 7-pin Phantom Power and can be connected as shown above.
rd

Figure 2-5: 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.

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3 BASIC SETTINGS
3.1 Axe-Fx Mode
AXE-FX MODE 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 II, Ultra, or
Standard. You must initially select which Axe-Fx Model you are using with the MFC-101.
 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:
1
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.
 Axe-Fx Display Offset is supported to number programs from 001 instead of 000.
 Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map allows you to load any Axe-Fx preset from any MFC-101 preset.
 AXE-FX MODE works “on top” of all three performance modes of the MFC-101: PRESET, SONG, and
SET.
You may wish to refer to p. 70 of the appendix to view the Comparison Table: AXE-FX MODE ON vs. OFF.

3.1.1 Enabling/Disabling Axe-Fx Mode
To enable Axe-Fx mode, you must select the model of Axe-Fx you are using with the MFC-101. If you are using the
MFC-101 without an Axe-Fx, you should turn Axe-Fx mode OFF.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press SETUP footswitch for the SETUP menu to arrive at the AXE-FX MODE screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select the model of AXE-FX MODEL you are using, (II,
ULTRA, STANDARD) or select OFF to disable Axe-Fx mode.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

For greater usability by individuals with red/green colorblindness, red LEDs can be set for “OFF.” See p. 67

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3.2 Selecting a Port
If you are using an Axe-Fx II connected via CAT5/Ethernet cable to the Expansion port of the MFC-101, you must
activate the expansion port of the MFC-101 as follows:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press MIDI footswitch for the MIDI menu to arrive at the USE PORT screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to change from “MIDI” to “EXPANSION.”

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

3.3 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.

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu

Press PAGE once to arrive at the Axe-Fx MIDI Channel Screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the desired Midi Channel

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

3.4 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 set to “1” on your Axe-Fx, you need to make a setting change on the MFC-101:

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Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT mode.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE 2x to get to the Axe-Fx Display Offset Screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to set Display Offset as desired.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

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In addition, you will also need to apply a display offset to the preset numbers of the MFC-101:
Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.
1.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE 3x to get to the MFC Display Offset Screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to set Display Offset as desired.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

 NOTE: It is also possible to set a display offset for other connected devices. See section 12.5.4 on p. 59 for more details.

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3.5 Performance Modes
The MFC-101 offers three different variants of PERFORMANCE MODE. These are PRESET MODE, SONG MODE, and
SET MODE. Each of the modes is covered throughout this manual. Key concepts and differences are noted in the
table below:
MODE

PRESETS

UP/DOWN FOOTSWITCHES

PRESET MODE:

384 Presets total are arranged in
2
strict numerical order across Banks.
The number of preset footswitches
per Bank is set by the global Bank
Size.

UP/DOWN footswitches step through all Banks in
strict numerical order. The number of banks
depends on the global Bank size.

SONG MODE:

Uses the same 384 presets as
PRESET MODE, but arranged as
desired on the preset footswitches
for each of 100 Songs. Up to Presets
may be added to each Song, though
the global Bank Size imposes a limit
on how many of these you’ll have
access to.

UP/DOWN footswitches step through all 100
Songs in strict numerical order.

Up to 50 Songs may be added to
each Set. Uses the same Songs as
SONG MODE, and therefore their
same Presets. If the selected set has
a NAME, it will be shown in the
Performance Mode menu while you
are making a selection.

UP/DOWN footswitches step in order through the
Songs of the current Set.

SET MODE {1-10} :

NOTE: You can change the Operating Mode at any time. See section 12.5.1 on p. 58 for details.

MFC-101 presets are numerically sequenced across banks in PRESET MODE, but the actual MIDI Program Change
commands sent by any preset may be modified freely. See Presets and Program Changes on p. 22
3

Whereas PRESET MODE and SONG MODE are singular entries in the Operating Mode menu, there are actually 10
entries for SET MODE, one for each of the available set lists.
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3.6 Starting Up
PRESET MODE+AXE-FX MODE ON
When the MFC-101 is used with an Axe-Fx, it will power up, query the Axe-Fx, and load whichever MFC-101 preset
was loaded when the unit was last powered off. The MFC-101 preset number and the Axe-Fx preset name will be
shown in the display, preceded by an “X” in the first character to indicate AXE-FX MODE running on PRESET MODE:

PRESET MODE+AXE-FX MODE OFF
With Preset Mode ON but AXE-FX MODE turned OFF, the internal MFC-101 preset name and number are shown in
the display, preceded by a “P” in the first character to indicate PRESET MODE:

SONG OR SET MODE, AXE-FX MODE ON OR OFF
SONG or SET MODES (see p. 34) behave similarly to PRESET MODE above, showing the name of the Axe-Fx or MFC
preset and the number of the current MFC Preset. Whether Axe-Fx mode is ON or OFF, however, the first
character of the display will always show an “S” in these modes:

NOTE: It is possible to adjust the MFC-101 display contrast if necessary. See Display Contrast on p. 68.

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4 PRESETS & PRESET MODE
An MFC-101 preset is a set of pre-programmed MIDI instructions, loaded by a Preset footswitch and sent to your
connected device(s). PRESET MODE provides a straightforward, logically organized way of accessing Presets. It is
based on their ordered arrangement into BANKS, which are selected using the UP and DOWN footswitches.

4.1 Bank Size
Bank Size determines how many footswitches will recall Presets and how many will control Instant Access
Switches (see Chapter 5). The MFC-101 defaults to a Bank Size of 5. This means that the first 5 footswitches load
Presets while 6-17 operate as Instant Access Switches. UP and DOWN step through Banks, each of which contains
the next 5 presets in numerical order (000-004, 005-009, etc.). Another way to see things is that Bank Size sets the
number of preset footswitches per bank—any number from 0 to 17.

Figure 4-1: Bank Sizes/Footswitch Layout Examples

To change the global Bank Size:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu.
Press PAGE 6x to get to the Bank Size Screen:

Press the UP and DOWN footswitches to set the desired value.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

NOTES: Selecting 0 or 1 for bank size will cause one preset to load automatically as each bank is selected.
The total number of presets is not evenly divisible by all bank sizes, leaving unused spaces in the last bank. Pressing
a footswitch in the extra space at the end of the last bank will do nothing.
Bank Size is global, meaning it also governs the layout in SONG MODE and SET MODE (See SONGS & SETS on p. 34
for more on these modes and their features).

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4.2 Bank Style
Bank Style determines which preset will load automatically (or not…) when a new BANK or SONG is selected. The
default behavior is for the CURRENT preset footswitch to remain selected across bank changes. Other options
include loading the FIRST preset in the bank, or loading NOTHING until a preset footswitch is pressed. Note that
when the Bank Size is set to 0 or 1 the single preset per bank is always sent automatically. See section 12.5.7 on p.
60 for more information on changing the Bank Style.

4.3 Presets and Program Changes
As stated above, presets and banks in PRESET MODE are arranged in strict numerical order. The flexibility to have
footswitches load your choice of sounds, however, is offered in a number of ways:
 By default, each numbered MFC-101 preset sends 16 Program Change commands—one on each MIDI
channel. These can be changed freely using the preset’s Program Change parameters. Preset numbers
0-999 may be specified (bank select messages (CC#0) are automatic.) See p. 41 for details.
 In Axe-Fx Mode, the Preset Program Change for the MIDI channel of the Axe-Fx is determined by the
Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map of the MFC-101. By default, this map is 1:1, but can be changed freely.
See p. 50 for details.
 SONG MODE introduces a different type of flexibility. Songs are like banks, except you decide which
presets they contain, and in what order. An advantage of using Songs is that you can still switch back
to PRESET MODE at any time if you want the traditionally sequenced switching. See SONGS & SETS on
p. 34 for more details.
rd

 Finally, the Axe-Fx and many 3 party MIDI device(s) have their own internal Custom MIDI Map
functions. See documentation provided by the manufacturer.
 NOTE: As described above, each MFC-101 preset can send MIDI commands which cause any Axe-Fx preset to be recalled,
plus up to 15 other MIDI Program Change messages for additional connected devices. Be aware of the distinction between
“MFC-101 Presets” and “Presets” on your connected device(s). The MFC-101 always displays the number of its own preset,
NOT that of the current Axe-Fx preset or that of another device.

4.4 Other Preset Capabilities
In addition to MIDI Program Change Commands described above, presets also have a number of additional
capabilities:
 Presets store a snapshot of General Use IA Switch ON/OFF states. When the preset loads, the switch
states are set as stored and the corresponding burst of MIDI commands is set. Note: IA Switches with
Axe-Fx functions are NOT handled in this way. See Chapter 5 for more on IA Switches.
 Presets store a snapshot of Internal CC states. Think of these of these as “virtual switches” which cause
a burst of MIDI commands when the preset is loaded. See Chapter 6 for more on Internal CCs.
 Presets can be set up with a 16 byte custom MIDI message. See section 12.1.6 on p. 42.

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 Global External Switch settings can be overridden by any preset. See 12.1.7 on p. 44.
 Global Expression Pedal settings and range can be overridden by any preset. See section 12.1.9 on p.
45.
 Each preset also has an internal name, shown if AXE-FX MODE is OFF. See section 12.1.1 on p. 40.

4.5 Alternate Presets
Alternate Presets expand the number of sounds at your feet by allowing you to stack 2 presets per footswitch. This
allows you, for instance, to access your choice of clean and dirty sounds from one footswitch, or to have all 5
presets in a standard bank offer go to a “global” lead.
To load the Alternate preset, simply step on the footswitch of the selected preset a second time. Once the
Alternate Preset is loaded, its MIDI data is transmitted, the footswitch LED changes to red, and the preset number
in the display changes to GBL, ALT, or BAK to indicate the type of alternate preset you’ve landed on.
To set up an Alternate Preset for any given preset:
1.

Load the preset you want to add an alternate to in the normal way (press its footswitch).
Note: You can also select any preset manually via the PRESET NUMBER screen shown between
steps 3 and 4, below.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press PRESET footswitch to select the SETUP menu.

Press PAGE footswitch 3x to get to the Alternate Preset screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to make your selection:
 GBL: The Global alternate preset will load (see below). This is the default.
 0-383: The specified preset will be loaded as the alternate. (Bank select is automatic).
 OFF: The Alternate preset will be disabled for this preset.
 BAK: Loading the Alternate preset will dynamically “Backtrack” to whichever preset was
loaded before the current one.

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Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

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Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

4.5.1 Global Preset
The Global Preset function allows you to specify a preset which other presets can use as their Alternate Preset(s).
By default, the Global Preset is set to OFF, and all MFC-101 presets are set to GLOBAL.
To set the Global Preset:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu.

Press PAGE footswitch 16x to get to the Global Preset screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to make your selection.
 0-383: Load an alternate preset specified by its number
 OFF: The Alternate preset function will be disabled for this preset
 BAK: “Backtrack” to whichever preset was loaded before the current one.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

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5 INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES
Instant Access (IA) Switches are typically used like traditional stompbox switches to turn effects on or off, but many
other creative possibilities exist for their use. The number of footswitches assigned to IA function is determined by
the global Bank Size (see section 4.1 on p. 15). Each numbered IA Switch (1-17) is always located at the footswitch
with the same number. The MFC-101 software provides access to additional IAs (nos. 18–41) reserved for future
use. IA switch programming is global across all Presets, Banks, and Songs.
Instant Access Switches on the MFC-101 function as one of two types. Axe-Fx IA Switches have “native” Axe-Fx
functions assigned (ex: “DRIVE 1 BYPASS”). They perform no other functions except as designated.
General Use IA Switches (those with their Axe-Fx functions set to NONE) send a range of general use MIDI
messages. The on/off states for IA switches of this type is stored per-preset in the MFC-101.
When Axe-Fx Mode (p. 10) is turned off, all IA Switches revert to their General Use settings.
The settings for both types of IA Switch are global—they stay the same across all presets, banks, songs, etc.

5.1 Axe-Fx IA Switches
In Axe-Fx mode, IA Switches can be set up to control many functions. Default settings are shown below:

Figure 5-1: Default IA Switch Assignments in Axe-Fx Mode.

You can freely change the above settings in the MIDI menu:

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Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu.

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Press PAGE footswitch 6x to get to the IA Axe-Fx Functions screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to select an IA Switch to edit by its number.

Press PARAMETER to move the cursor to the Axe-Fx Functions list.

Press and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitch to select an Axe-Fx function from the list. See
the table below for a complete list of available functions.

Press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position if you want to repeat this process from
step 4 to set up additional switches, or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

5.1.1 List of Available Axe-Fx Functions
Axe-Fx IA Switches control the bypass switch or X/Y switch of an Axe-Fx block, or the tuner or tempo function. The
name of an assigned function is displayed momentarily whenever an IA Switch is turned ON.
“NONE”
Amp 1
Amp 2
Cab 1
Cab 2
Chorus 1
Chorus 2
Compressor 1
Compressor 2
Crossover 1˚
Crossover 2˚
Delay 1
Delay 2
Drive 1
Drive 2
Enhancer
Filter 1
Filter 2
Filter 3˚
Filter 4˚
Flanger 1

Flanger 2
Formant 1
FX Loop
Gate 1˚
Gate 2˚
Graphic EQ 1
Graphic EQ 2
Graphic EQ 3˚
Graphic EQ 4˚
Looper²
Mega Tap˚
Multiband Comp 1˚
Multiband Comp 2˚
Multi Delay 1
Multi-Delay 2
Panner/Tremolo 1
Panner/Tremolo 2
Parametric EQ 1
Parametric EQ 2
Parametric EQ 3˚
Parametric EQ 4˚

Phaser 1
Phaser 2
Pitch 1
Pitch 2˚
Quad Chorus 1˚
Quad Chorus 2˚
Resonator 1˚
Resonator 2˚
Reverb 1
Reverb 2
Ring Modulator˚
Rotary 1
Rotary 2
Synthesizer 1˚
Synthesizer 2˚
Tap Tempo*
Tuner*
Vocoder˚
Volume/Pan 1
Volume/Pan 2˚
Volume/Pan 3˚

Volume/Pan 4˚
Wah Wah 1
Wah Wah 2
Amp 1 X/Y²
Amp 2 X/Y²
Cab 1 X/Y²
Cab 2 X/Y²
Chorus 1 X/Y²
Chorus 2 X/Y²
Delay 1 X/Y²
Delay 2 X/Y²
Drive 1 X/Y²
Drive 2 X/Y²
Flanger 1 X/Y²
Flanger 2 X/Y²
Phaser 1 X/Y²
Phaser 2 X/Y²
Pitch 1 X/Y²
Pitch 2 X/Y²
Reverb 1 X/Y²
Reverb 2 X/Y²

˚ : Function available only on the Axe-Fx Ultra
² : Function available only on the Axe-Fx II
* NOTE: TUNER or TAP TEMPO can each be assigned to only ONE switch at a given time. If you try to assign a
second switch to one of these functions, the first will have its function changed automatically to “NONE”.
Tuner and tempo can also be controlled by a single footswitch with a “press and hold” function. See p. 65.

5.1.2 Axe-Fx IA Switch On/Off States
Whenever you load a new preset, the On/Off states of Axe-Fx IA switches are determined dynamically based what
is saved in the Axe-Fx, and shown on the LEDs of the MFC-101 to indicate what is found for the assigned effect:
GREEN=Effect Present & Active, RED=Effect Present & Bypassed, OFF=Effect Not Present in the current preset.

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Although the MFC-101 allows you to set On/Off states for IA Switches set to Axe-Fx Functions (see 12.4.6) these
are IGNORED while Axe-Fx mode is on, in favor of the method described here.

5.1.3 “General Use” IA Switches in Axe-Fx mode
Setting an Axe-Fx IA switch to “NONE” disables its Axe-Fx function and enables its “general use” MIDI commands
(See section 0). Nothing prevents you from using General Use controlling the Axe-Fx; you will not get the dynamic
LED functions offered by “native” Axe-Fx IAs, but you will be able to save the ON or OFF state of the switch in every
individual MFC-101 preset, or use the switch as a Global IA. General use IA Switches are in fact perfect for use as
Axe-Fx External Controllers. These can be assigned to operate a wide range of functions. See your Axe-Fx manual
for more information on Modifiers and Controllers.

5.1.4 Axe-Fx I/O:CONTROL Settings
IMPORTANT! To operate properly, every Axe-Fx function assigned to an IA Switch must have a unique MIDI
CC# assigned under I/O:CONTROL on the Axe-Fx. Using the default settings is recommended. Using the
RESET function in the UTILITY menu provides a convenient way to ensure that the defaults are selected.
Although Axe-Fx mode makes it possible to assign the above functions without your needing to know or refer to
MIDI control change number assignments, standard MIDI CC# messages are still used, and these will be echoed at
the THRU port of the Axe-Fx.

5.1.5 Axe-Fx Tap Tempo
As described above, the functions which may be assigned to an IA Switch include Axe-Fx TAP TEMPO, allowing the
Axe-Fx system tempo to be controlled remotely by tapping an instant access switch (#16 is assigned by default). An
IA Switch set for Axe-Fx Tap Tempo will IGNORE its “Switch Type” Setting (12.5.8 on p. 61)
A special function allows the tap footswitch to launch the Axe-Fx TUNER when held. See section 12.5.17.

5.1.6 Axe-Fx Tuner
The Axe-Fx functions which may be assigned to an IA Switch include TUNER control. When the designated
footswitch is pressed, the Axe-Fx tuner will be enabled and the MFC-101 will display the following screen:
Just as on the Axe-Fx display, the arrows indicate the
degree to which the note is sharp or flat.
The note is in tune when both triangles appear: E. As on the Axe-Fx, accidentals are always displayed as flats.
Note that while the tuner is active you can still freely turn other IA Switches ON and OFF. You can also select a
new preset, bank, or song, at which point the tuner will be turned off. In other words, the tuner Instant Access
Switch works just like any other and does not lock the UI out from other operations.
It is not possible to display the Axe-Fx Tuner on the MFC-101 when Axe-Fx Mode (p. 10) is turned off, though a CC#
message can still turn the tuner on and off in the same way it would work on any other MIDI Foot Controller.
A special function allows the tap footswitch to launch the Axe-Fx TUNER when held. See section 12.5.17.

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5.2 General Use IA Switches
Instant Access Switches with their Axe-Fx functions set to “NONE” (or all IA switches when Axe-Fx mode is OFF)
offer a set of powerful general use MIDI commands. These General Use IA Switches can send the following types
of MIDI instructions when turned ON:


Up to 2 different MIDI Control Change messages with custom values (0–127).



Any one MIDI program change command on any channel.



Up to 16 bytes of freeform hexadecimal MIDI commands.

The OFF state can send:


The custom OFF values (0–127) for any CC#s sent by the ON action.



Any one MIDI program change command on any channel.



Another 16 bytes of freeform hexadecimal MIDI commands.

 REMEMBER: When AXE-FX MODE is ON, IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions assigned will ONLY send the MIDI commands
for their Axe-Fx assignments. See section 5.1, above.

The default assignments for the first Control Change message of each IA Switch are shown below. These are sent
with values of 127 for ON and 0 for OFF. All other IA switch settings are OFF by default.

Figure 5-2, Default Control Change Assignments for General Use IA Switches.

5.2.1 General Use IA Switch Control Change Messages
Each IA Switch may be assigned up to 2 Control Change message numbers, each of which sends an ON value when
the switch is turned ON, and an OFF value when the switch is turned OFF. TO set the CC# assignments for a switch:

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu

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Press PAGE 7x to get to the IA Switch CC# Settings screen:

Tap and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to select an IA Switch

Press PARAMETER to move to the Command Select parameter

Press INCR or DECR to select between CC Command 1 or CC Command 2.
(Each IA switch allows 2 different CC# messages, each with its own ON/OFF values).

Press PARAMETER to move to the CC# Assign parameter

Tap and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to select a CC# assignment for the selected
command. Set this value to OFF to disable the selected command.

Press PARAMETER to move to the MIDI Channel parameter

10. Tap and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to set a MIDI channel for the selected
command.
nd

11. Press PARAMETER 2x to return to step 5 to set up a 2 command for the selected IA Switch,
OR Press PARAMETER 3x and select a different IA Switch to edit, OR press EXIT to return to
PERFORMANCE MODE.
The data values for IA switches is “0” for OFF and “127” for ON. The value of any switch state can be freely
changed to 0–127 or “OFF,” which causes the switch state to send nothing. For more information on setting IA
data values, see IA Switch Control Change ON/OFF Values on p. 53.

5.2.2 Other General Use IA Switch Capabilities
 Each IA Switch can be programmed to send a Program Change when turned ON, and a second Program
Change when turned OFF. For more information, see IA Switch Program Change Settings on p. 53
 Each IA Switch can send a 16 Byte custom MIDI message when turned ON, and a second custom
message when turned OFF. For more information, see IA Switch Custom MIDI Message on p. 54
 Each IA Switches may be given a 7-character name. This is displayed whenever the switch is turned
4
on , as a helpful reminder in EDIT mode when the NAMES footswitch is pressed while the cursor is in a
parameter used to select IA Switches by their numbers. See Chapter 11 for more information.

5.2.3 General Use IA Switch Saved States
Unless they are set to function globally (see 5.2.4, below) the ON or OFF state for each General Use IA Switch may
be saved in each MFC-101 preset. This provides a kind of “scene recall” for your rig as different presets cause
different switches to come on or off. For example: you might want the IA Switch controlling a midi-powered amp
relay switch to be ON whenever you load your “Lead” preset, and OFF when you load a “Clean Rhythm” preset. Of
course, it is only the initial state that is saved; stomp at will to change the state of any IA Switch at any time.

Axe-Fx IA switches ignore their set names while Axe-Fx mode is on, and display their function names instead.

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To set or change the saved states of IA Switches for a given preset:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch

Press PRESET footswitch to arrive at the PRESET menu and the Select Preset screen:

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR footswitches to select the Preset you want to edit.

Press PAGE 2x to get to the Preset IA Switch States screen:

Tap and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to select an IA Switch

Press PARAMETER to move to ON/OFF field

Tap the INCR or DECR footswitches to toggle the state

Press PARAMETER to return to step 5 to edit additional IA switch states for the selected
preset, or press PAGE 2x to return to step 3 and select a new preset for editing, or press EXIT
to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

5.2.4 Global General Use Instant Access Switches
General Use Instant Access Switches may optionally be set for Global operation, meaning that their states will be
retained across MFC-101 preset changes. This causes any Saved States (5.2.3) for the IA Switch to be ignored. After
a new preset is loaded, MIDI messages for the current state of each Global IA Switch are re-transmitted. See
section 12.5.9 for how to enable the GLOBAL function of any instant access switch.
IA Switches set up for Axe-Fx Functions (see 12.4.6) will IGNORE being set to Global. Instead, the settings in the
Axe-Fx are used (as usual) to set MFC-101 switch states (and LEDs) when each new preset is loaded.

5.2.5 The Save Edits Footswitch
The EDIT footswitch doubles as a SAVE switch which can be used to store changes to General Use IA Switch states
on-the-fly without entering EDIT MODE as described above in section 5.2.3.
You may remember that saved IA Switch states cause a burst of MIDI data when any preset is loaded, enabling a
kind of “scene recall” across the various connected MIDI devices. With Save Edits enabled, the SAVE footswitch
LED will flash when it detects changes to the states of one or more IA Switches. Pressing the flashing footswitch
stores the change(s) in the current preset. Selecting another MFC-101 preset discards the changes without saving.
The Save Edits footswitch function is disabled by default. See p. 65 for how to turn it on.
 IMPORTANT: Changes to IA Switches assigned to Axe-Fx functions will NOT activate the SAVE EDITS function, NOR will
state changes be saved. This is because the Axe-Fx, and not the MFC-101, is responsible for storing the states of Axe-Fx effect
blocks. After you use the MFC-101 to change Axe-Fx IA Switch states, however, it is possible to save the preset on the Axe-Fx in
the usual way (STORE:ENTER:ENTER) so the next time it is loaded it will be as you last “stomped” it. If you save Axe-Fx
changes “mid-stream,” you will need to reload the current MFC-101 preset to update.

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5.3 IA Switch Types
The MFC-101 allows you to change the behavior of any IA Switch to Momentary (aka “Hold”), Toggle (aka
“Latching”), or “Auto-Off,” (aka “Quick Tap”) which sends both the ON and OFF messages in rapid succession.
Except Axe-Fx Tap Tempo, which IGNORES switch type settings, switch types may be set freely for both Axe-Fx and
General use IA switches. To change the setting for a given switch:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu.

Press PAGE footswitch 8x to get to the IA Switch Type screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to select an IA Switch number.

Press PARAMETER to move the cursor to the Switch Type field.

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to select a switch type from the list.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

 WHICH SWITCH IS WHICH? You will typically want to use Toggle (the default setting, which behaves like a traditional
stomp box) unless you have some reason to operate an effect or parameter with a Momentary type switch. The Auto-Off type
is called for only in cases best understood only by MIDI nerds and is unsuitable for most Axe-Fx applications.

5.4 Switch Links
Switch Links allow you to set up two global groups of 5 mutually exclusive IA Switches each. Only one switch in a
particular group can be ON at a given time. This feature is useful for emulating the way amplifier channels work. To
create a switch group:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE 10x to get to the IA Switch Links Setup Screen:

Tap the INCR or DECR footswitches to group A or group B

Press PARAMETER to move to the first empty switch slot (--)
NOTE: The cursor cannot be moved further right than the first empty slot.

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Tap and/or Hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to add an IA Switch to the group.

At any time, you may REMOVE the last (farthest right) switch (and only the last/farthest right
switch) from the group by setting its value to “--“

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Return to step 5 to continue adding IA switches, or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE
MODE.

An IA switch will still send its MIDI OFF messages when it is turned off automatically by a Link. This behavior can
be disabled using the Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages parameter (12.5.12 on p. 62).
Any currently selected switch in link group may be switched OFF at any time.
NOTE: Switch Links may be created between IA Switches that control Axe-Fx effect functions and those that do not. Such
setups should be planned and tested carefully to avoid potential pitfalls.

5.5 Reveal
Switches set up to select PRESETS (see Bank Size on p. ) also double as Instant Access Switches when REVEAL is
turned on. Press the REVEAL footswitch to turn this feature ON and press it again to return to the regular layout.
The REVEAL LED will blink when the MFC-101 is in Reveal mode.
It is possible to change the current BANK or SONG while Reveal is activated, but if Bank Style (p. 16) is set to
“NONE” you’ll need to exit REVEAL and press a preset footswitch to make a selection.
The availability of Reveal makes it important to set up Instant Access Switch functions even for those footswitches
you normally expect to use as Preset Selectors.
Reveal works the same in all modes: PRESET, SONG, and SET, and whether Axe-Fx mode is ON or OFF.

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INTERNAL CCs

6 INTERNAL CCs
The MFC-101 allows you to set up 17 “Internal Control Changes”—think of them as virtual switches. These are
similar to Instant Access Switches in that they send CC# messages and can have custom ON and OFF values, but
unlike Instant Access switches, Internal CCs cannot be mapped to real footswitches. Instead, a snapshot of Internal
CC ON/OFF states is saved in every MFC-101 preset, causing a burst of MIDI data to be sent whenever a new preset
is loaded.
Use Internal CCs to control effects or functions whose states you do not need to change except when a new preset
is loaded—for example, to have the echo in a MIDI-controlled vocal processor come on every time you load an
Axe-Fx lead preset, and OFF when you change to the Rhythm preset.

6.1 Internal CC MIDI commands
All Internal CCs are set to OFF by default. To enable an Internal CC, simply assign a MIDI CC# and MIDI Channel
using the Internal Control Change Settings page:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu

Press PAGE footswitch 11x to get to the Internal CC Settings screen:

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR footswitches to select an Internal CC to edit

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the CC# Assign field.

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR footswitch to assign a CC# to the Internal CC

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the MIDI Channel field.

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR to set the desired MIDI channel

Press PARAMETER 2x to return to the first cursor position and repeat this process from step 4
for each additional Internal CC you want to enable, or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE
MODE.

OPTIONAL: Internal CC values are set by default to 0 for OFF and 127 for ON. See section 12.4.8 on p. 53 for details
on how to set custom data values for IA switches.

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6.2 Preset Internal CC States
Each Preset stores whether the ON message or the OFF message will be sent for each enabled Internal Control
Change when the selected preset is loaded. This provides a kind of configurable snapshot capability so that as
presets are loaded, they send a burst of CC messages in addition to those which may be sent by IA Switches.
rd

This makes it possible, for instance, to use a Control Change message to automatically bypass a 3 party MIDIcontrolled effects pedal every time you load certain presets, without utilizing valuable IA Switch real estate!
To set the state for an Internal CC in a given preset:

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press PRESET footswitch to arrive at the PRESET menu and the Select Preset screen:

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR footswitches to select the Preset you want to edit.

Press PAGE footswitch 3x to get to the Preset Internal CC States screen:

Press and/or hold INCR or DECR footswitches to select an Internal CC for editing

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the State field.

Tap INCR or DECR footswitch to set a value of ON or OFF

Press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position and repeat this process from step 5 for
each additional Internal CC you want to edit, or press PAGE 3x to return to steps 3 and select a
different preset, or EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

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EXPRESSION PEDALS

7 EXPRESSION PEDALS
7.1 Connecting and Calibrating
Expression pedals allow you to control various sound settings in real time with your foot. Classic examples include
the sweep of a Wah, Whammy or Volume pedal. Up to four expression pedals may be connected to the 4
Expression Pedal Jacks of the MFC-101 using TRS cables.
Expression pedals must be calibrated before they can be used:
1.

Connect an expression pedal to the MFC-101, noting its jack number.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE footswitch 14x to get to the Expression Pedal Calibration screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select XP1, XP2, XP3 or XP4, depending on which jack
the pedal in question is connected to.

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the Min field

Press ENTER and move the pedal all the way to the HEEL position

Press ENTER to save this value

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the Max field

10. Press ENTER and move the pedal all the way to the TOE position
11. Press ENTER to save this value
12. Press EXIT to finish, or press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position and to select
XP1, XP2, XP3 or XP4 to repeat this process for additional pedals.

7.2 Expression Pedal MIDI Functions
A MIDI function must be assigned to every Expression Pedal for it to send any data. Please refer to the manual of
your product for more information the various functions which can be controlled by MIDI Control Change
messages, and what these assignments are for your unit.
Expression Pedal functions may be set globally, as follows, or individual presets can be programmed with overrides
to create “one-off” pedal setups (see section Preset Expression Pedal Settings, on p. 45).
To set global Expression pedal functions, use the following process:

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Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE.

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu.

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Press PAGE footswitch 15x to get to the Global Expression Pedal Setup screen:

Press INCR or DECR to select an expression pedal to edit: XP1, XP2, XP3 or XP4

Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select the CC# field

Tap and/or Hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to assign a MIDI CC# from 0-127 or OFF to
disable the pedal completely

Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select the MIDI Channel field

Tap and/or Hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to assign a MIDI channel

OPTIONAL: Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select a Beginning Value for the selected pedal.
This value will be sent when any new preset is loaded as follows:
PDL

(Default) The pedal will be polled and a corresponding MIDI value sent whenever a new
preset is loaded.

OFF

The Beginning Value function is switched off. No data is sent until the pedal is moved.

000-127 The selected value will be sent whenever a new preset is loaded.
 To prevent abrupt sound changes, a pedal with a numeric Beginning Value will send
updates only after its physical position crosses the threshold of the beginning value. For
example, if the initial value is “0”, you will need to move the pedal to “0” (heel position)
before the pedal sends any MIDI data.
 The “Beginning Value” should never be set outside the MIN/MAX range of the pedal,
whether global (12.4.16) or set for the Preset (12.1.8)

10. Press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position and repeat this process to assign
functions to additional pedals, or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
NOTE: Pedal #1 is mapped by default to MIDI CC#11 (default for “Output 1 Volume” in the Axe-Fx), and Pedal #2 is
assigned to MIDI CC#16. (“External 1” in the Axe-Fx, which often controls Wah or Whammy).

7.3 Expression Pedal Range
The range of an expression pedal—the minimum and maximum data values sent for the heel and toe positions—
may be modified both globally (see 12.4.16 on p. 57) or within an individual preset (12.1.8 on p. 44).
For maximum flexibility, Axe-Fx users will likely want to leave expression pedal range settings at full (0–127) and
instead map control relationships using the MODIFIER settings: START, MID, and END points, SLOPE, SCALE and
OFFSET. See the Axe-Fx manual for more information on Modifiers.

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EXTERNAL SWITCHES

8 EXTERNAL SWITCHES
External footswitches provide an additional means to control your Axe-Fx or a connected MIDI device. Each switch
can be set up globally or at the preset level to send custom OFF and ON values (0 and 127 by default) for one MIDI
Control Change number.
Each External Switch jack on the MFC-101 can accept two switches via a TRS-to-dual-TS or “Insert” type cable. A
TRS cable connected to “Jack1+2” will have Switch 1 on the TIP and Switch 2 on the RING. A TRS cable connected
to “Jack3+4” will have Switch 3 on the TIP and Switch 4 on the RING. It also is possible to connect a single switch to
either one of the jacks using a TS (normal guitar) cable, but it is recommended that you disable the MIDI function
of the unused second switch (2 or 4) when doing so.

Figure 8-1: External Switch Appearance on Insert Cable Plugs

8.1 Setting Switch Hardware Types
Footswitches are classified according to the operation into several basic physical types: “TOGGLE” (a.k.a.
“Latching”) switches, and “MOMENTARY” switches (a.k.a. “hold,” subdivided into “Make” and “Break” types). All
types are supported by the MFC-101, but you must adjust MFC-101 settings according to the type of each
connected switch:

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Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE footswitch 13x to get to the External Switch Hardware Type screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to select XS1, XS2, XS3 or XS4

Press PARAMETER footswitch to select the Switch Type field

Tap the INCR or DECR footswitches to select MOMENTARY or TOGGLE according to the physical
switch type of your connected hardware.

Press PARAMETER to return to the first cursor position and repeat this process from step 4 for
each additional connected switch or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

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8.2 External Switch MIDI Functions
External footswitches must be programmed to send MIDI data. Like expression pedals, External Switches may be
set up globally, as follows, or individually for “one-off” preset-based switch setups (see 12.1.7: Preset External
Switch Settings on p. 44).
To program the Global function for an External footswitch, use the following process:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press MIDI footswitch to select the MIDI menu

Press PAGE footswitch 13x to get to the Global External Switch Setup screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitch to select XS1, XS2, XS3 or XS4

Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select the CC# field

Tap and/or Hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to assign a MIDI CC# from 0-127 or select OFF
to disable the switch completely.

Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select the MIDI Channel field

Tap and/or Hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the channel

Press PARAMETER  footswitch to select the Type field

10. Tap the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the Type, which determines how/when data is sent:
HDW “HARDWARE” (Default setting.) When this option is selected, the MIDI ON message (127)
will be sent whenever the connected HW switch is turned ON, and the OFF message (0)
sent whenever it is switched OFF.
Tip: Use this setting if your connected HW is a TOGGLE/LATCHING switch
…OR if you are using a MOMENTARY switch and want momentary MIDI ON/OFF
messages (Example: If you want to press and hold a footswitch to activate an effect, and
release the footswitch to deactivate the effect.)
NOTE: In this mode, whenever a new preset is loaded, the switch state will be polled and
the corresponding MIDI message sent. This allows “what you hear” to be kept in sync
with “what you see” if the switch has an LED, for example.
AUT

“AUTO-OFF” – When you step once on the connected switch, both the ON and OFF MIDI
messages will be sent in quick sequence (~250ms apart)
Use this setting if the MIDI device you are using requires successive ON/OFF messages
to activate.

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TOG

EXTERNAL SWITCHES

“TOGGLE” – Whenever any state change is detected in the connected switch, both the
ON and OFF MIDI messages will be sent in quick sequence (~250ms apart)
Use this setting if you want a connected MOMENTARY switch to behave as if it were
really a TOGGLE/LATCHING switch.
NOTE: In this mode, switch data is not sent on preset changes.

11. Press PARAMETER 3x to return to the first cursor position and repeat this process from step 4
for each additional connected switch or press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.
NOTE: Unlike Instant Access Switches, external Switches cannot be given Axe-Fx functions simply by selecting from
a list. It is possible, however, to set them up for Control Change messages which in turn have assignments in the
Axe-Fx under its I/O:CONTROL page.

8.3 External Switch Custom On and Off Values
It is also possible to specify custom ON and OFF data values for an external switch, both globally (12.4.14 on p. 56)
or for a given preset.(12.1.8 on p. 44). This is optional and typically not necessary.

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SONGS & SETS

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9 SONGS & SETS
SONG MODE and SET MODE are counterparts to PRESET MODE. Remember that all of these share the same set
384 MFC-101 presets, and that AXE-FX MODE runs independently of all three. Here’s a review of the differences
between Performance Modes:
MODE

PRESETS

UP/DOWN FOOTSWITCHES

PRESET MODE:

384 Presets total are arranged in strict
1
numerical order across Banks. The
number of preset footswitches per Bank
is set by the global Bank Size.

Up/Down footswitches step through all Banks in strict
numerical order. The number of banks depends on the
global Bank size and the last bank may have some
empty footswitches which do nothing.

SONG MODE:

Uses the same 384 presets as PRESET
MODE, but arranged as desired across
the preset footswitches for each of 100
Songs. The number of presets which can
be added to each song is 15, though
you’ll only be able to access as many as
there are preset-selecting footswitches
as set by the global Bank Size.

Up/Down footswitches step through all 100 Songs in
strict numerical order.

SET MODE {1-10}:

Allows you Uses the same Songs as
SONG MODE, and therefore their same
Presets.

The Up/Down footswitches step through the Songs of
the selected set, arranged as desired in the current Set
specified as the Operating Mode.

9.1 Entering Song or Set Mode
To change the operating mode:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press SETUP footswitch to select the SETUP menu

Press PAGE 1x to arrive at the Operating Mode screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select PRESET, SONG, or SET XX, where XX is the number
of the Set which will be in effect until the operating mode is changed.
A sample display showing SET and the selected number is shown below. If one has been
assigned, the NAME of a given set will be shown.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

MFC-101 presets are numerically sequenced across banks in PRESET MODE, but the actual MIDI Program Change commands
sent may be modified freely. See Presets and Program Changes on p. 22

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9.2 Adding Presets to a Song
When the MFC-101 is in SONG MODE, the up and DOWN footswitches step through SONGS instead of BANKS. See
the table on p.13 for an overview of differences between operating modes.
A Song is similar to a Bank, except that it contains up to 15 MFC-101 Presets assigned to the numbered
footswitches in any order you choose. Songs are likewise subject to the global Bank Size and Style settings,
meaning that although you can place up to 15 Presets into the song’s 15 “slots,” some of these may not be
available for selection in PERFORMANCE MODE if the Bank Size is smaller than 15.
The MFC-101 stores 100 songs. To add presets to any of them:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press SONG/SET footswitch to arrive at the Song Edit screen:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select a song to edit

Press the PARAMETER footswitch to move to the Song Preset (aka “slots”) field.

Press INCR or DECR to select a Song preset slot.
Song presets always appear at the identically numbered footswitch.
A value of “OFF” (the default) results in a preset footswitch which does nothing.

Press the PARAMETER footswitch to move to the Select Preset field.

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select a preset for the selected slot, or select OFF if you
want the selected slot to contain NO song.

Use the PARAMETER and INCR/DECR footswitches to move between selecting slots and
assigning presets.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

NOTE: You can also edit the NAME of each song. See 12.2.1 on p. 46 for details.

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9.3 Adding Songs to a Set
Just as SONGS allow a custom series of PRESETS to be mapped across the preset footswitches, SETS allow a custom
list of SONGS to be arranged in a list. The UP/DOWN footswitches step through the SONGS of the current SET. See
the table on p.13 for an overview of differences between operating modes.
The MFC-101 stores 10 Sets of up to 50 songs each. To add Songs to a set:
1.

Press the EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press SONG/SET footswitch to enter the SONG/SET edit menu.

Press the PAGE footswitch 2x to arrive at the Set Edit page:

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select a Set to edit

Press the PARAMETER footswitch to move to the Set Songs (“slots”) field.

Press INCR or DECR to select one of the 50 Set Song slot to edit, or select OFF if you want the
selected slot to contain NO song.

Press the PARAMETER footswitch to move to the Song Select field.

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to assign a song to the currently selected song slot for the
currently selected set.

Use the PARAMETER and INCR/DECR footswitches to move between selecting from the 50
Set Song slots and assigning Songs.

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

NOTE: You can also edit the NAME of each set. See 12.2.3 on p. 47 for details.

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COPY FUNCTIONS

10 COPY FUNCTIONS
With the likelihood of many entries in your rig being based off of similar templates, the capability to copy settings
from one MFC-101 item to another can be a timesaver.
Using the COPY menu, the following types of items can be copied from one memory location to another:
 Presets – Use this to easily transfer the name and all MIDI commands from one preset to another, but
remember that the settings of any Preset do not determine which Axe-Fx program it will recall. See
Presets and Program Changes on p. 16 for more information
 Songs – Use this to copy the Song name and all of the Song Presets.
 Sets – Use this to copy the Set name and all of the songs in it.
 Instant Access Switch Settings – Use this to copy the IA Switch name and all settings, including any
assigned Axe-Fx mode function.
 Internal CCs – Use this to copy the name and settings for the Internal CC.
To demonstrate how to execute a COPY operation, we’ll use the example of Copy IA Switch:
1.

Press EDIT footswitch to enter EDIT MODE

Press COPY footswitch to select the COPY menu

Press PAGE 4x to arrive at the Copy IA Switch screen:

Press and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to select the Source

Press PARAMETER to move to the Destination field
Press and/or hold the INCR or DECR footswitches to select the Destination
NOTE: The Destination must not be the same as the Source.
(The ENTER LED will flash to indicate a valid Copy selection).

Press the ENTER footswitch to execute the Copy

Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

All of the copy operations is covered in section 12.3, beginning on p. 48

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NAMES

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

11 NAMES
Besides Preset names, which appear in the display, the MFC-101 stores “friendly” names for many other entities.
These can be shown while programming to make it easier to remember all of the connected devices and assigned
functions. The following table lists those entities which may be named, together with the intended use of the
names, and the menu page where names are given.
Nameable Entity

Intended Use

Menu Page where Name is Set

Preset

Name of the Preset

Preset: Name (12.1.1)

Song*

Name of the Song.

Song/Set: Song Name (12.2.1)

Set

Name of the Set List

Song/Set: Set Name (12.2.3)

MIDI Channel

Name of the device connected on this channel

MIDI: MIDI Channel Names (12.5.5)

IA Switch

Name of the function(s) controlled

MIDI: IA Switch Names (12.5.10)

Preset Internal CC

Name of the function controlled

MIDI: Internal CC Names (12.5.13)

* Song names also appear when you step UP or DOWN if the global Bank Style is set to NONE.
Names are displayed in EDIT MODE to make programming easier. The NAMES footswitch LED flashes whenever
the MFC-101 cursor is on an Edit menu parameter which has a corresponding name. Pressing the footswitch
momentarily (~2 seconds) displays the name and then returns to the regular menu page.
EXAMPLE: Imagine that an MFC-101 is connected to an Axe-Fx on MIDI channel 1, with a vocal processor on MIDI
channel 2 (via THRU). Channel 2 has been named “VoxBox”. An IA Switch, number 15, has been set for CC#64,
which controls reverb on the VoxBox. This IA Switch has been given the name “VoxVerb.” Here’s an example
showing the use of these two applied names within a single menu page:

1) The MFC-101 operator navigates to the “IA Switch
CC# Settings” menu page (12.4.7) and presses INCR to
get to switch #15. Hmm...What was that footswitch set
up for again?

2) Because the cursor is in a parameter which can be
named, the NAMES footswitch LED Flashes. Pressing the
switch shows the friendly name for the item/value at
the current cursor position: IA15

3) The cursor is moved to the MIDI channel parameter
and Channel 2 is selected. Hey, what’s connected on
that MIDI channel anyway?

4) The NAMES footswitch LED flashes. Pressing the
switch shows the friendly name for the item and value
at the current cursor position, the MIDI channel in this
case.

NOTE: The stored value of a Name is always shown, ignoring unsaved changes from the current edit session.
Every available NAME in the MFC-101 has a factory default setting. See 14.5 on p. 74 for details.

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12 COMPLETE MENU REFERENCE
The following comprises a complete parameter reference for the MFC-101.
From within any page of any menu, the following commands apply:
PAGE

Press either of these two footswitches (#5 or #6) to
save changes and move to the preceding/next submenu page.

PARAMETER

These two footswitches (#11 or #12) switch between
the parameters on a single page and also move the
cursor while editing names.

INCR or DECR

Press and/or hold to change the character or parameter
value at the current cursor position.

Footswitches 1–5

Press the button which entered the menu you are
working in to return to the top level of the EDIT menu
without first returning to PERFORMANCE MODE.
(Example: pressing PRESET while working in the PRESET
menu will save changes and allow you to select a
different menu for editing.)

EXIT

Saves all changes and exits to PERFORMANCE MODE

 ABANDONING CHANGES: The MFC-101 saves changes automatically when you press EXIT, when you return to the top of
the EDIT menu by pressing the footswitch for the menu you are working in, and whenever you change to a different
“registration parameter.” (See section 1.5 on p. 6 for more on Saving Changes.) 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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PRESET MENU REFERENCE

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12.1 The Preset Menu
Use this menu to select presets and edit their parameters, including name, instant access switch states, internal
Control Change states, custom message, and preset external switch and expression pedals.
IMPORTANT: You must first select a Preset (12.1.0) to edit it using any of the other pages in this Menu.
Note that the current MFC-101 preset will be reloaded when returning to Performance Mode.

12.1.0 Select Preset
EDIT : PRESET
Select Preset selects an MFC-101 preset for editing. The selected preset will remain locked in for editing across other Preset
Menu pages until a new preset is selected here or until the Preset Menu mode is exited.

12.1.1 Preset Name
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (1x)
Preset Name is used to edit the name of the currently selected MFC-101 preset.

NOTE: With AXE-FX MODE set to ON, presets will show the name of the currently loaded Axe-Fx preset instead of this stored
value.
The NAMES footswitch can also cause Preset Names to appear briefly in EDIT MODE when used on a parameter which selects
presets by their numbers. See Chapter 11 for more on Names.

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12.1.2 Preset Program Changes
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (2x)
Preset Program Changes is used to set the MIDI Program Change (PC) messages sent by the currently selected MFC-101 preset.
One program change may be set per MIDI channel, up to 16 in total.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit it using this menu page.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between MIDI Channel and Program Number parameters.
Note that while AXE-FX MODE is ON, the saved Program Change command for the “Axe-Fx MIDI Channel” (12.4.1) will be
IGNORED. Instead, the “Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map” (12.4.2) determines which Bank Select and Program Change commands
will be sent.
To support program changes from 000-999 with a single parameter, the MFC-101 automatically sends a Bank Select (CC#0)
command preceding the actual program change command, as follows:
Program Range
000-127
128-255
256-383
384-511

Bank Select
0
1
2
3

Program Range
512-639
640-767
768-895
895-999

Bank Select
4
5
6
7

The actual program change number is the remainder of the value as set, divided by 128. For example, take an MFC-101
Program Change value setting of 200. 200/128 = 1, remainder of 72. The BANK SELECT message will be 1 and the PROGRAM
CHANGE will be 72.

12.1.3 Alternate Preset
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (3x)
The Alternate Preset selection for any preset loads on alternate presses of its footswitch. This allows you, for instance, to
switch to a “Lead” sound by stomping on the footswitch of a “rhythm” sound. Pressing the same footswitch again goes back to
the original preset.

Possible choices include:
GBL: Loads the Global Preset (12.5.16), which may be set to a number, to OFF, or to Backtrack.
000-383: Loads a specific MFC-101 preset by its number.
OFF: The Alternate Preset function will be disabled for this preset.
BAK: Loads whichever preset was selected prior to the current one.
While the alternate preset is loaded, the number portion of its name display will show ALT, GBL, or BAK.
To return to the “main” preset from an alternate, step again on the selected footswitch.

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12.1.4 Preset Instant Access Switch States
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (4x)
Preset Instant Access Switch States is used to set the initial ON/OFF state of each IA Switch when the selected preset is loaded.
The saved state determines whether the ON messages or OFF messages will be sent for a given IA Switch when the selected
preset is loaded. The burst of initial data caused by saved IA Switch states provides a kind of “scene recall” for your rig
triggered simply by loading a preset. After they are initially set, the states of IA Switches can be changed any time just by
stomping.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit it using this menu page.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to switch between IA Switch Number and IA Switch State parameters.
NOTE: The saved states for IA Switches set to Axe-Fx Functions (see 12.4.6) are IGNORED. Instead, the actual effect block states
saved in the Axe-Fx preset are used to dynamically set the MFC-101 switch states (and LEDs):
GREEN=PRESENT & ACTIVE
RED=PRESENT & BYPASSED
OFF=NOT PRESENT
NOTE: IA Switch states can also be stored on-the-fly using the SAVE footswitch (see 12.5.17).

12.1.5 Preset Internal Control Change States
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE(5x)
Preset Internal Control Change States is used to set whether the ON message or OFF message for each enabled Internal
Control Change (12.4.11 and 12.4.12) will be sent when the selected preset is loaded. As with IA Switches, the burst of initial
data caused by saved Internal CC states provides a kind of “scene recall” for your rig triggered simply by loading a preset.
Internal CCs ONLY have a saved initial state – they are not assignable to switches for stomping.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit its saved Internal Control states using this menu page.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to switch between Internal CC Number and Internal CC State parameters.

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12.1.6 Preset Custom MIDI Message
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (6x)
Preset Custom MIDI Message i s used to enter a 16 byte custom MIDI message to be sent with the selected preset.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit it using this menu page.

The 16 available message bytes are spread across 4 pages of 4 bytes each. Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move
between the Message Page Number parameter and the 4 individual Byte parameters on each page. Bytes may contain any
values in the range 0x00 to 0xFF (0 to 255).
Beginning on Message Page 1, press PARAMETER to select the first byte. Set the byte value with the INCR/DECR
nd
switches, press PARAMETER to move to the 2 byte, and continue until you are finished or all 4 bytes of the first page are
filled.
st

Return to the 1 cursor position and use INCR to change to the next Message Page. Use PARAMETER and INCR/DECR to
enter byte data as above, continuing as needed across pages for up to 16 bytes total.
The cursor cannot be moved further right unless there is a valid data byte in the current position.
Only the data byte in the last position may be shut off.
Page 1 bytes:
Page 2 bytes:
Page 3 bytes:
Page 4 bytes:

1
5
9
13

2
6
10
14

3
7
11
15

4
8
12
16

The appendix of this manual includes a helpful primer on custom MIDI messages. See p. 76.

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12.1.7 Preset External Switch Settings
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (7x)
Preset External Switch Settings is used to make settings for the Preset which override the Global External Switch Settings
(12.4.13). You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit it using this menu page.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the four parameters of this page: External Switch Number, Switch
Function and MIDI Channel and Switch Type.
A value of GBL for Switch Function allows the global settings for the selected switch to operate (12.4.13), ignoring any other
settings made for it on this page whenever the currently selected preset is loaded.
A value of OFF for MIDI CC# disables the selected switch whenever the currently selected preset is loaded.
The Switch Type parameter determines what happens when the external switch is stomped:
Switch Type Value

Hardware is MOMENTARY type

Hardware is TOGGLE type

HDW (“Hardware Follow”)

Switch behaves as Momentary

Switch Behaves as Toggle

TOG (“Toggle”)

Switch behaves as Toggle

AUT (“Auto Off”)*

Switch behaves as Auto Off

Switch behaves as Auto Off*

* Auto Off Switches send their programmed ON message followed quickly (~250ms) by the OFF message
NOTE: Each switch needs to be configured with the correct External Switch Hardware Type (see 12.5.14)

12.1.8 Preset External Switch On/Off Values
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (8x)
Preset External Switch On/Off Values determines the data value which will be sent when each of four optional external
switches is turned ON or OFF, overriding the global on/off value settings (12.4.14) when the selected preset is loaded.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0) to edit it using this menu page.

Use PARAMETER to select between External Switch (XS) Number, Off Value, and On Value parameters.
Any value from 0-127 may be used for ON or OFF.
A setting of “OFF” for either state will cause that switch state to send nothing.
NOTE: A value of GBL in Switch Function (above) allows the global On/Off value settings for the selected switch to operate
(12.4.14), causing its settings on this page to be ignored.
IMPORTANT: Preset-level switch values only apply if the preset’s corresponding external switch is NOT set to “Global.”

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PRESET MENU REFERENCE

12.1.9 Preset Expression Pedal Settings
EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (9x)
Preset Expression Pedal Settings is used to make MIDI and initial value settings for the selected Preset which override the
Global Expression Pedal Settings (12.4.15) for each of four optional expression pedals.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0 on p. 40) to edit it using this menu page.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the four parameters of this page: Expression Pedal Number, Pedal
Function and MIDI Channel and Beginning Value Setting.
A value of OFF for Pedal Function disables the selected pedal whenever the currently selected preset is loaded.
A value of GBL for Pedal Function allows the global settings for the selected pedal to operate (12.4.15), ignoring other settings
made for it on this page whenever the selected preset is loaded.
The Beginning Value determines what MIDI is sent (or not sent) automatically when the selected preset is loaded:
Beginning Value
PDL (“Pedal”)
OFF
000-127

Expression Pedal Operation
The pedal position will be polled and a corresponding MIDI value sent automatically whenever the
selected preset is loaded.
No data is sent until the pedal is moved.
The value shown will be sent automatically whenever the selected preset is loaded.
 To prevent abrupt sound changes, a pedal with a numeric entry in Beginning Value will send MIDI
data only after its physical position crosses the Beginning Value threshold. For example, with an
initial value setting of “15”, you need to move to the pedal position corresponding to the value “15”
before any MIDI data will be sent by the expression pedal.
 The setting for Beginning Value should never be outside the MIN/MAX range of the pedal,
whether set globally (12.4.16) or for the preset (12.1.8)

IMPORTANT: Expression pedals need to be calibrated before use (12.5.15)

12.1.10

Preset Expression Pedal Min/Max Values

EDIT : PRESET : PAGE (10x)
Use Preset Expression Pedal Min/Max Values to set the data transmission range of each of four optional expression pedals,
overriding the global pedal min/max settings (12.4.16) when the selected preset is loaded.
You must first select a preset (12.1.0) to edit it using this menu page:

Use PARAMETER to select between Expression Pedal (XP) Number, Min Value, and Max Value parameters.
The minimum must be less than the maximum, and the MIN/MAX range must include the pedal’s “Beginning Value,” if it is set
numerically, whether at the Globally (12.4.15) or for the selected Preset (12.1.9).
A value of GBL in Pedal Function (above) allows the global On/Off value settings for the selected pedal to operate (12.4.16),
causing its settings on this page to be ignored.
Preset Expression Pedal custom range only applies if the preset’s corresponding expression Pedal is NOT set to “Global.”

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COPY MENU REFERENCE
Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

12.2 The Song/Set Menu
Use the pages of this menu to select Songs or Sets and edit their parameters. For an overview of Song and Set
operating modes, see Chapter 9 on p. 34

12.2.0 Song Edit
EDIT : SONG/SET
Song Edit is used to assign MFC-101 presets to the selected song.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Song Number, Song Preset (aka “slot number”) and Select Preset.
A value of “OFF” may be used to leave any preset slot in a song empty. Pressing the footswitch for an empty slot does nothing.
NOTE: It is possible to assign up to 15 presets to any song, but the number of footswitches that will actually be available for
selecting presets in that song is subject to the global Bank Size (12.5.6). If Bank Size is “10”, for example, Song Presets 11–15
will not be accessible as these footswitches will be assigned to their Instant Access functions.

12.2.1 Song Name
EDIT : SONG/SET : PAGE (1x)
Song Name is used to edit MFC-101 song names. Each song name can be up to 7 characters in length.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Song Number parameter and individual characters of the Song
Name.
Besides the usual methods of exiting this menu, changing the song number will store the edited name.
Names also appear as you step UP or DOWN through SONGS when the global Bank Style is set to NONE.

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12.2.2 Set Edit
EDIT : SONG/SET : PAGE (2x)
Set Edit is used to assign MFC-101 Songs to the selected Set. Each of 10 Sets has 50 song “slots.”

The PARAMETER footswitches move between Set Number, Set Song (aka “slot number”) and Select Song.
A value of “OFF” may be used to leave any song slot empty. Empty songs will be skipped as you step through a set.

12.2.3 Set Name
EDIT : SONG/SET : PAGE (3x)
Set Name is used to edit MFC-101 Set names. Each Set name can be up to 7 characters in length.

PARAMETER footswitches to step through the Set Number and individual characters of the Set Name.
NOTE: Changing the Set number will store the edited name.
NOTE: The NAMES footswitch always shows the stored name and not the edited name.

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COPY MENU REFERENCE
Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

12.3 The Copy Menu
The Copy Menu is used for copying presets, banks, songs, sets, instant access switches, and internal control change
settings from one MFC-101 memory location to another.
NOTE: You cannot copy an entry to itself. When a valid source and destination are selected, the ENTER footswitch
LED will flash. Press ENTER to execute the copy.
 IMPORTANT! COPY operations cannot be undone. Once you press ENTER, there is no turning back. Work carefully!

12.3.0 Copy Preset
EDIT : COPY
Copy Preset is used to copy MFC-101 presets from one location to another.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the Source Preset and Destination Preset parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display PRESET COPIED! and return to this menu page.
NOTE: Copying an MFC-101 preset will not change which Axe-Fx Preset it loads. Axe-Fx preset mapping can be modified by
changing the Axe-Fx Preset Tx Map (12.4.2)

12.3.1 Copy Bank
EDIT : COPY : PAGE (1x)
Copy Bank is used to copy MFC-101 Banks from one location to another.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the Source Bank and Destination Bank parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display BANK COPIED! and then return to this page.
NOTE: Since BANKS have no user editable parameters, BANK COPY is really just a way to bulk copy presets. The actual number
of presets which “reside” in a given bank at a given time (as well as the total number of banks) will depend on the global Bank
Size setting. Due to the fact that the total number of presets is not evenly divisibly by all bank sizes, the last bank may also have
fewer presets to copy TO or FROM.
NOTE: “Copying” has no effect on determining which Axe-Fx presets are loaded when the MFC-101 is in AXE-FX MODE.

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12.3.2 Copy Song
EDIT : COPY : PAGE (2x)
Copy Song is used to copy MFC-101 Songs from one location to another.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the Source Song and Destination Song parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display SONG COPIED! and then return to this page.

12.3.3 Copy Set
EDIT : COPY : PAGE (3x)
Copy Set is used to copy MFC-101 Sets from one to another.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the Source Set and Destination Set parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display SET COPIED! and then return to this page.

12.3.4 Copy Instant Access Switch Setting
EDIT : COPY : PAGE (4x)
Copy Instant Access Switches is used to copy the settings from one Instant Access Switch to another.

Use PARAMETER footswitches to move between Source IA Switch and Destination IA Switch parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display IA SWITCH COPIED! and then return to this page.

12.3.5 Copy Internal Control Change Setting
EDIT : COPY : PAGE (5x)
Copy Internal CC is used to copy the settings from one Internal CC to another.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the Source and Destination Internal CC parameters.
To execute, press ENTER. The MFC-101 will display INT CC COPIED! and then return to this page.

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12.4 The MIDI Menu
The MIDI menu is used to set parameters which determine the MIDI output of the MFC-101

12.4.0 MFC-101 Port
EDIT : MIDI
Axe-Fx MIDI Channel is used to set the channel on which the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx will communicate. For AXE-FX MODE to
work properly, this setting must match that of the Axe-Fx under I/O : MIDI : MIDI CHANNEL

12.4.1 Axe-Fx MIDI Channel
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (1x)
Axe-Fx MIDI Channel is used to set the channel on which the MFC-101 and Axe-Fx will communicate. For AXE-FX MODE to
work properly, this setting must match that of the Axe-Fx under I/O : MIDI : MIDI CHANNEL

12.4.2 Axe-Fx Preset Transmit Map
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (2x)
The Axe-Fx Preset Transmit (“Tx”) Map is used to set up a custom map between MFC-101 presets and Axe-Fx presets. This
makes it possible for any MFC-101 preset to load any of the 384 presets from a connected Axe-Fx.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to select between MFC Preset and Axe-Fx Preset.
The value “OFF” causes the current preset to send no change to the Axe-Fx, which allows you, for example, to change presets
on other components without switching the preset of a connected Axe-Fx.

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12.4.3 MFC-101 MIDI Receive Channel
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (3x)
MFC-101 MIDI Receive (“Rx”) Channel is used to specify the channel on which the MFC-101 will respond to MIDI program
change messages received at its MIDI IN port, if this feature is enabled (see below)

12.4.4 MFC-101 Receive Program Change
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (4x)
MFC-101 Receive (“Rx”) Program Change is used to enable or disable incoming MIDI Program change response on the MFC101. Enabling this setting allows other devices to remote control the MFC-101 by loading its presets, which in turn send the
usual MIDI instructions to the MIDI OUT port as if they had been selected via footswitch.

12.4.5 MFC-101 Program Change Map
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (5x)
The MFC-101 Program Change Map is used to create a custom relationship between incoming MIDI program change messages
and MFC-presets. This makes it possible to recall different MFC-101 presets depending on the MIDI program change number
received.

PARAMETER footswitches move between Incoming Program Change and MFC Preset Number parameters.
NOTE: The range of MFC-101 Preset Numbers shown will be affected by the MFC-101 Display Offset (12.5.3)
NOTE: Receive Program Change (12.4.4) must be enabled for the MFC-101 to respond at all to Program Changes.

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12.4.6 IA Switch Axe-Fx Functions
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (6x)
The IA Switch Axe-Fx Functions setting is used to assign Axe-Fx functions to each IA Switch. These settings are in effect to the
exclusion of all other MIDI Messages for the IA Switch whenever the MFC-101 is in AXE-FX MODE.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between IA Switch Number and Axe-Fx Function parameters.
IA Switch numbers 18-41 are reserved for future use.
The list of functions which may be assigned appears in section 5.1.1 on p. 20 and is subject to the selected Axe-Fx Mode (p. 58).
˚ NOTE: As of firmware version 1.0, the MFC-101 only shows those Axe-Fx functions which are available on the model selected
in the MFC-101’s Axe-Fx Mode parameter.
* NOTE: TUNER or TAP TEMPO can each be assigned to only ONE switch at a given time. If you try to assign a second switch to
one of these functions, the first will have its function changed automatically to “NONE”.
TUNER and TEMPO may also share a single footswitch. See 12.5.17 on p. 65.

12.4.7 IA Switch Control Change (CC#) Settings
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (7x)
IA Switch Control Change Settings is used to specify the Controller Number and MIDI Channel for each of two available MIDI
Control Change (CC) commands (“c1” and “c2”) that an Instant Access Switch can send both ON and OFF messages for.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Instant Access Switch Number, Command Select, CC# Select, and
MIDI Channel parameters. Select an IA Switch, select a message to edit (c1 or c2) then set the CC# and Channel.
IA Switch numbers 18-41 are reserved for future use.
To disable either message, set its CC# to “OFF.”
INSTANT ACCESS SWITCH C1 CC# DEFAULT ASSIGNMENTS:
IA
1
2
3
4
5
6

CC#
1
2
3
4
5
6

IA
7
8
9
10
11
12

CC#
7
8
9
120
121
122

IA
13
14
15
16
17

CC#
123
124
125
126
127

NOTE: These settings for IA Switch CC# messages do not apply for IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions assigned (12.4.6) when the
MFC-101 is in AXE-FX MODE (12.5.0)

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12.4.8 IA Switch Control Change ON/OFF Values
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (8x)
IA Switch CC# ON/OFF Values is used to specify the ON and OFF data values for each of the two CC# commands of a selected
IA Switch.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to select from Instant Access Switch Number, Command Select, Data Value OFF, and
Data Value ON parameters. IA Switch numbers 18-41 are reserved for future use.
This function allows you to use the onboard footswitches send any data value when turned ON or OFF. This makes it possible,
for example, to use an IA switch to toggle between volume levels of 100 and 127.
A setting of “OFF” for either state will cause it to send no data. This is useful for controlling functions where ANY incoming data
value is seen as a trigger (example: Axe-Fx Tempo, Axe-Fx VOL INCR/VOL DECR, etc.).

12.4.9 IA Switch Program Change Settings
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (9x)

or PAGE (8x)

IA Switch Program Change Settings is used to specify a single Program Change command to be sent on a specified channel
when the selected switch is turned ON, and another such message for when the switch is turned OFF.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Instant Access Switch Number, ON/OFF Command Select, Program
Change Number, and MIDI Channel parameters. IA Switch numbers 18-41 are reserved for future use.
ON/OFF Command Select is used to switch between setting the Program Change that is sent when the IA Switch is turned ON,
and that which is sent when it is turned OFF.
To support program changes from 000-999 with a single parameter, the MFC-101 sends Bank Select (CC#0) messages followed
by a program change.
Program Range
000-127
128-255
256-383
384-511

Bank Select
0
1
2
3

Program Range
512-639
640-767
768-895
895-999

Bank Select
4
5
6
7

The actual program change number that will be transmitted is the remainder (modulus) of the set value divided by 128. For
example, an MFC-101 Program Change setting of 200 will send a Bank Select of 1 (bank B) and a Program Change of 72.
(200/128=1 with a remainder of 72)

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12.4.10 IA Switch Custom MIDI Messages
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (10x)

or PAGE (7x)

IA Switch Custom MIDI Message Settings is used to enter a 16 byte hexadecimal custom MIDI message to be sent when a
given IA Switch is turned ON, and another such message for when any IA switch is turned OFF.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Instant Access Switch Number, ON/OFF Command Select, Custom
Message Page Number, and each of the 4 Byte parameters on each page.

ON/OFF Command Select is used to switch between setting the custom MIDI message that is sent when the IA Switch is turned
ON, and that which is sent when it is turned OFF. It is possible to set one and not the other state for a given IA Switch.
The 16 available message bytes for each state are spread across 4 pages of 4 bytes each. Use the PARAMETER
footswitches to move between the Message Page Number parameter and the 4 individual Byte parameters on each page.
Bytes may contain any values in the range 0x00 to 0xFF (0 to 255).
1.

With Custom Message Page 1 selected press PARAMETER to select the first byte field.

Set the desired byte value with the INCR/DECR switches.

Press PARAMETER to move to the 2 byte.

Set the desired byte value with the INCR/DECR switches,

…and so on, until you fill all 4 bytes of the first page or complete your desired data entry.
5.

Use PARAMETER and INCR to select Custom Message Page 2 , then enter byte data as specified above for page 1,
continuing as needed across additional bytes and pages for up to 16 bytes total.

The cursor can never be moved to the right unless there is a valid data byte in the current position. Only the data byte in the
last position may be shut off.
Page 1 bytes:
Page 2 bytes:
Page 3 bytes:
Page 4 bytes:

1
5
9
13

2
6
10
14

3
7
11
15

4
8
12
16

The appendix includes a helpful primer on writing custom MIDI messages. See p. 76.

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12.4.11 Internal Control Change Settings
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (11x)

or PAGE (6x)

This page is used to enable individual Internal CCs by assigning their CC# and MIDI channel.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Internal CC Number, CC# Assignment, and MIDI Channel
parameters.
To DISABLE any Internal CC, set its CC# assignment to OFF.

12.4.12 Internal Control Change ON/OFF Values
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (12x)

or PAGE (5x)

This page is used to program optional custom ON and OFF values for each of the global Internal CC switches.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Internal CC Number, CC# Assignment, and MIDI Channel
parameters.
A setting of “OFF” for either state will cause it to send no data.

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12.4.13 Global External Switch Settings
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (13x)

or PAGE (4x)

The Global External Switch Settings page is used to set up each of four optional External Switches with MIDI and switch
behavior settings.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the four parameters of this page: External Switch Number, MIDI
CC#, MIDI Channel and Switch Type.
A value of OFF for MIDI CC# disables the selected switch.
The Switch Type parameter determines the “virtual switch” function when the physical switch is “stomped” once:
Switch Type Value

Hardware is MOMENTARY type

Hardware is TOGGLE type

HDW (“Hardware Follow”)

Switch behaves as Momentary

Switch Behaves as Toggle

TOG (“Toggle”)

Switch behaves as Toggle

AUT (“Auto Off”)*

Switch behaves as Auto Off

* Auto Off Switches send their programmed ON message followed later (~250ms) by the OFF message
NOTE: The MFC-101 also needs to be configured with the correct External Switch Hardware Type (12.5.14)
NOTE: Global Switch settings may be overridden at the Preset Level. See 12.1.7 on p. 44

12.4.14 Global External Switch On/Off Values
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (14x)

or PAGE (3x)

Global External Switch On/Off Values determines the data value which will be sent when each of four optional external
switches is turned ON or OFF.

Use PARAMETER to select between External Switch (XS) Number, Off Value, and On Value parameters.
Any setting from 0-127 may be used for either value.
A setting of “OFF” for either state will cause that switch state to send no data.
NOTE: Global Switch ON/OFF values may be overridden at the Preset Level. See 12.1.8 on p. 44

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MIDI MENU REFERENCE

12.4.15 Global Expression Pedal Settings
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (15x)

or PAGE (2x)

Global Expression Pedal Settings is used to globally configure each of four optional expression pedals with MIDI and initial
value settings.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between the four parameters of this page: Expression Pedal Number, MIDI
CC# and MIDI Channel and Beginning Value Setting.
A value of OFF for MIDI CC# disables the selected pedal.
The Beginning Value determines what MIDI message is automatically sent (or not sent) when any preset is loaded:
Beginning Value Setting
PDL (“Pedal”)
OFF
000-127

Expression Pedal Operation
The pedal position will be polled and a corresponding MIDI value sent automatically
whenever a preset is loaded.
No data is sent until the pedal is moved.
The value shown will be sent automatically whenever a preset is loaded.
 To prevent abrupt sound changes, a pedal with a numeric entry in Beginning Value will
send MIDI data only after its physical position crosses the Beginning Value threshold. For
example, with an initial value setting of “15”, you need to move to the pedal position
corresponding to the value “15” before any MIDI data will be sent by the expression pedal.
 The setting for Beginning Value should never be outside the MIN/MAX range of the
pedal, whether set globally (12.4.16) or for the preset (12.1.8)

IMPORTANT: Expression pedals need to be calibrated before use (see 12.5.15 on p. 64).
NOTE: Expression pedal settings may also be set at the Preset level to override global settings (see 12.1.9 on p. 45).

12.4.16 Global Expression Pedal Min/Max Values
EDIT : MIDI : PAGE (16x)

or PAGE (1x)

Use Global Expression Pedal Min/Max Values to globally set the data transmission range of each of four optional expression
pedals.

Use PARAMETER to select between Expression Pedal (XP) Number, Min Value, and Max Value parameters.
NOTE: The minimum must be less than the maximum, and the MIN/MAX range must include the pedal’s “Beginning Value,” if it
is set numerically, whether at the Globally (12.4.15) or for the selected Preset (12.1.9).
NOTE: Expression pedal settings may also be set at the Preset level to override global settings. (12.1.10 on p. 45)

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12.5 The Setup Menu
The MFC-101 will re-synchronize with a connected Axe-Fx if any Axe-Fx-related parameters have changed when
returning to Performance Mode from the Setup Menu with AXE-FX MODE turned ON.

12.5.0 Axe-Fx Mode
EDIT : SETUP
Used to turn Axe-Fx mode ON by selecting a model (Standard, Ultra, Axe-Fx II) or OFF by selecting “NONE.”

12.5.1 Performance Mode
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (1x)
Performance Mode is used to select one of three types of performance mode: Preset, Song, or Set.

Press the INCR or DECR footswitches to select PRESET, SONG, or SET XX, where XX is the number of the Set which will be in
effect until the operating mode is changed.
In PRESET MODE, MFC-101 Presets are mapped sequentially across the banks. Banks may be scrolled through in order using
the UP or DOWN footswitches.
SONG MODE replaces banks with SONGS, in which the presets assigned to each footswitch are selected by the user. 100
SONGS are accessed in order by their numbers using the UP or DOWN footswitches.
SET mode allows the order of songs to be rearranged in 10 different lists of 50 songs each. Setting the operating mode for Set
also requires you to choose which set should be in effect (by its number).
NOTE: Changing operating modes will cause MFC-101 to load the first preset for the new mode.

12.5.2 Axe-Fx Display Offset
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (2x)
Axe-Fx Display Offset is used to set up the MFC-101 to show preset numbers correctly when the connected Axe-Fx is using a
display offset (causing its presets to be numbered 1-384 instead of 0-383). The setting on this menu page must match that of
the Axe-Fx under [IO][MIDI][DISPLAY OFFSET]

NOTE: This is purely a user interface setting and does not impact MIDI output.

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12.5.3 MFC-101 Display Offset
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (3x)
MFC-101 Display Offset is used to offset the numbers of MFC-101 presets so they match the preset numbers of a connected
Axe-Fx using display offset (causing its presets to be numbered 1-384 instead of 0-383).

NOTE: This is purely a user interface setting and does not impact MIDI output.

12.5.4 MIDI Channel Display Offsets
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (4x)
MIDI Channel Display Offsets is used to set up the MFC-101 so that its user interface shows program numbers beginning from
1 instead of 0 for a connected device located at a given MIDI channel.

The PARAMETER footswitches move between MIDI Channel and Display Offset parameters.
Change this setting to 1 for the MIDI channel of any connected device which numbers its presets from 1 instead of 0.
NOTE: The MFC-101 has a separate dedicated Display Offset setting for a connected Axe-Fx (12.5.2)
NOTE: This is purely a user interface setting which makes the preset numbers shown in the MFC-101 Preset Program Change
menu (12.1.2) match the numbering of presets on a connected device(s). This does not affect MIDI output.

12.5.5 MIDI Channel Names
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (5x)
MIDI Channel Names is used to set “friendly” names representing the various devices connected to the MFC-101 on MIDI
Channels 1-16.

The PARAMETER footswitches move the cursor between the MIDI Channel parameter and individual characters of the
MIDI Channel Name.
The name of a selected channel appears briefly as a memory aid when the NAMES footswitch is pressed while the cursor is in
any “Midi Channel” parameter on any MFC-101 menu page.

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12.5.6 Bank Size
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (6x)
Bank Size, a global setting, is used to specify how many footswitches on the MFC-101 will be used to select presets, and how
many will be used as Instant Access Switches.

Use the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the desired value. Available bank sizes are 0-17.

NOTE: Selecting a bank size of 0 or 1 will result in one preset loading automatically even if Bank Style (below) is set to NONE.
MFC-101 Songs can hold up to 15 presets, but the number of preset footswitches available to select them will be limited by the
Bank Size setting. Song presets appear in order on the available preset switches.

12.5.7 Bank Style
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (7x)
Bank Style, a global setting, determines whether or not a preset is automatically loaded when a new bank or song is selected,
and if so, which one.

Use the INCR or DECR footswitches to set the desired value.
Current:

(DEFAULT) The change loads the preset in the new bank/song located on the same footswitch as the preset
which was loaded in the previous bank/song. If the selected footswitch falls on an empty preset location in the
MFC’s last bank (because there are insufficient presets to fill it completely) then the highest available preset
will be loaded.

First:

The change also recalls the first preset in the newly loaded bank/song.

None:

The change loads nothing, showing the newly selected bank number or song name in the display until a preset
is selected via footswitch.

NOTE: If the global Bank Size is set to 0 or 1, the Bank Style setting is IGNORED and the single preset in the new bank is loaded
immediately as soon as the INCR or DECR footswitch is pressed.

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12.5.8 IA Switch Types
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (8x)
IA Switch Types is used to set the switch behavior for Instant Access Switches.

PARAMETER footswitches select between Instant Access Switch Number and Switch Type parameters.
Select an IA Switch by its number, then press PARAMETER and set the Switch Type:
Toggle:

(DEFAULT) AKA “Latching” switches send their On messages when pressed ON (changing the LED to green)
and their off messages when pressed OFF (changing their LED to RED).

Momentary:

AKA “Hold” switches send their ON message streams when pressed and their OFF message streams when
released.

Auto Off:

Stepping on the selected switch will send both ON and OFF messages in quick succession (~250ms apart)

Switch type behaviors apply whether the selected switch is set up for an Axe-Fx function or for general use.

12.5.9 Global IA Switch Setup
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (9x)
Global IA Switch setup determines whether IA Switches retain their settings across preset changes. Global IA switch data for
the current state is re-transmitted after every preset change. While Axe-Fx Mode is ON, IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions will
ignore this setting, using the saved information in the Axe-Fx preset (as usual) instead of operating globally.

The PARAMETER footswitches select the IA Switch Number parameter and the Global Yes/No switch.

12.5.10 IA Switch Names
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (10x)
IA Switch Names is used to set “user-friendly” names for Instant Access Switches.

The PARAMETER footswitches select the IA Switch Number parameter and move through the individual characters of
the IA Switch Name parameter.
The name of a selected IA Switch appears briefly as a memory aid when the NAMES footswitch is pressed while the cursor is in
any “IA Switch” selection parameter on any MFC-101 menu page, and, in the case of General Use (non Axe-Fx) IA switches,
when the switch is turned ON in Performance mode.

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12.5.11 IA Switch Link Settings
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (11x)
IA Switch Link Settings is used to set up each of two global groups of mutually exclusive Instant Access Switches.

PARAMETER footswitches move between the Link Group Select (A/B) and the 5 slot parameters for the selected group.
The cursor cannot be moved further right until there is a valid switch in the current position, and only the LAST switch in the
group may be removed (by setting its value back to "--").
A switch link is a global group of switches set up so only one switch in the group can be ON at any given time. Two such groups
are available and each can contain up to 5 IA Switches. When a linked switch is turned OFF by another switch, its OFF MIDI
commands will be sent before the ON commands of the “incoming” switch. This behavior can be disabled. See Send IA Switch
Link OFF Messages, below. As of MFC-101 firmware version 1.0, the last remaining switch that is ON in a linked group may be
switched OFF, resulting in a group with no members active.
NOTE: Presets store the ON or OFF states of general use IA Switches (12.1.4). When a preset is loaded, it sets the IA footswitch
LEDs accordingly (and sends a burst of corresponding MIDI data). Because only one switch in a Link group may be ON at any
time, a Link may conflict with the stored ON/OFF settings of a given preset. When such a conflict occurs, the lowest numbered
switch will prevail and be set to ON, while all others in the link group will be turned OFF.
A preset can initially set all switches in a Link group to OFF with no special considerations necessary.
Remember that Axe-Fx-enabled IA Switches (12.4.6) have their initial ON or OFF states set according to what is saved in the
actual Axe-Fx preset. Such IA Switches IGNORE what may be saved in the preset but are of course subject to the rule that only
one member of a Link group can be on at a given time.

12.5.12 Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (12x)

or PAGE (12x)

Send IA Switch Link OFF Messages determines whether the OFF state MIDI commands for linked IA Switches (see 12.5.11
above) are sent or not sent automatically when another linked switch in the same group is turned ON (thereby turning the
switch in question OFF automatically). Even if automatic sending is disabled, OFF messages may still be sent by stepping again
on a switch that is turned ON.

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12.5.13 Internal CC Names
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (13x)

or PAGE (11x)

Internal Control Change Name is used to set “friendly” names for Internal CCs.

The PARAMETER footswitches step between the Internal CC number parameter and move through the individual
characters of the Internal CC Name parameter.
The name of a selected Internal CC appears briefly as a memory aid when the NAMES footswitch is pressed while the cursor is
in any “IntCc” selection parameter on any MFC-101 menu page.

12.5.14 External Switch Hardware Type
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (14x)

or PAGE (10x)

External Switch Hardware Type is used to set up the MFC-101 according to the physical type of up to four optional External
Switches—whether MOMENTARY (aka “hold”) or TOGGLE (aka “latching”)—which may be connected at its 2 External Switch
jacks.

PARAMETER switches select between External Switch Number and External Switch HW Type parameters.

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12.5.15 Expression Pedal Calibration
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (15x)

or PAGE (9x)

Expression Pedal Calibration is used to calibrate any of four optional expression pedals which may be connected at the
Expression Pedal jacks.

Use the PARAMETER footswitches to move between Expression Pedal Number, Calibrate Low, and Calibrate High
parameters.
Unlike other MFC-101 parameters, the two Calibrate settings on this page are NOT set using the INCR/DECR switches.
To calibrate the pedal, you must independently set MINIMUM and MAXIMUM values:
1.

Place the display cursor in the “Min” field using the PARAMETER footswitches.

Press the ENTER footswitch. (Its LED will be flashing red)

Move the pedal to its minimum (heel) position.

Press the ENTER footswitch again to store the value.

To calibrate the maximum, move the cursor to “Max” and repeat the process above using the maximum (toe) pedal position.
Press EXIT to return to PERFORMANCE MODE.

12.5.16 Global Preset
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (16x)

or PAGE (8x)

Global Preset is used to disable or set the number of the Global Preset. This is turned OFF by default.
The Global Preset may be used as a global “Alternate Preset.” For an overview, see section 4.5, on p.16

To enable the Global Preset, select the number of any MFC-101 preset on this page using the INCR/DECR footswitches. To
disable the Global Preset, set the value of this parameter to OFF.
Remember, you will still need to enable individual presets to use the Global Preset as their “Alternate Preset.”
See section 12.1.3 on p. 41 for details.

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12.5.17 Hold Axe-Fx Tempo for Tuner
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (17x)

or PAGE (7x)

This setting is used to enable or disable the TUNER HOLD function of the Axe-Fx Mode TAP TEMPO Instant Access Switch.

This function allows the tuner to be invoked by holding the Axe-Fx TAP TEMPO footswitch for 2 seconds.
To disable the tuner once it is invoked by holding TAP, press the tap footswitch again.

12.5.18 Axe-Fx Instant Access Switch LED Off State
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (18x)

or PAGE (6x)

This setting is used to determine whether the LEDs of Instant Access Switches which have been assigned an Axe-Fx Function
(12.4.6) will turn RED or OFF when disengaged.

12.5.19 Save Edits Switch
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (19x)

or PAGE (5x)

This setting is used to enable or disable the SAVE function of the EDIT footswitch. When it is enabled, the SAVE footswitch
can be used to store IA Switch ON or OFF state changes to the current preset right in PERFORMANCE MODE, eliminating the
need to use the PRESET:IA SWITCH STATES menu page (12.1.4) in favor of a simple footswitch tap.

NOTE: Remember that IA Switches with Axe-Fx functions (see 12.4.6) are not subject to having their ON/OFF state set by the
saved settings of an MFC-101 preset. The ON/OFF and LED states for these switches defer instead to whatever the MFC-101
discovers in the actual Axe-Fx preset that has just been loaded.
Instant Access switches which set for Global operation (p. 61) will ignore the on/off states saved in MFC-101 presets.

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12.5.20 SysEx Data Dump/Load
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (20x)

or PAGE (4x)

Sysex Dump and Load is used to transmit a SysEx dump containing all of the user settings

WARNING: SysEx Receive is DESTRUCTIVE and cannot be undone!
It is strongly recommended that you BACK UP user data prior to using this function.

For DUMP operations:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Tap the INCR or DECR footswitch to select DUMP!
Press ENTER and the dump will be executed.
The display will update to indicate what is being sent.
When the dump is complete, the display will return to the starting screen shown above.

For LOAD operations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Tap the INCR or DECR footswitch to select LOAD!
Press ENTER. The display will change to “Waiting to Load...”
Send a valid MFC-101 SysEx dump file to the MIDI IN port of the unit.
The display will update to indicate what is being received
If the MFC-101 detects an error while loading data it will display an error message. In the event that an
error does occur please try to LOAD again. If the error persists it is possible that the dump file is incorrect or
corrupt.
If the LOAD operation completes without errors the display will return to the starting screen shown above
with LOAD! selected

While this page is displayed, the MFC-101 can be compelled via MIDI System Exclusive message to perform a dump. The data
bytes for this message are: F0 00 00 7D 02 60
NOTE: Due to increased CPU activity during dump or receive, it is normal for LED blinking to slow or even stop.

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12.5.21 Delete and Reset Factory Settings
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (21x)

or PAGE (3x)

Delete is used to Reset all or some of the MFC-101 to factory settings.

WARNING: Deleting MFC-101 user data is DESTRUCTIVE and cannot be undone!
It is strongly recommended that you BACK UP user data prior to using this function.

Use the INCR/DECR footswitches to select a general target for initialization
nd

In some cases, PARAMETER moves to a 2 parameter for selection of a specific targets for initialization.
The parameter values for each field are detailed below:
Setting
PRESET
SONG
SET
IA SWITCH
INT CC
AXE PC
PRESET MAP
CONFIGURATION
MFC-101

Notes
nd
2 parameter selects an individual Preset, 000-127, or ALL
nd
2 parameter selects an individual Song, 000-100, or ALL
nd
2 parameter selects an individual Song, 00-10, or ALL
nd
2 parameter selects an individual IA Switch, 00-43, or ALL
nd
2 parameter selects an individual Internal CC, 00-17, or ALL
Resets the entire Axe-Fx Preset Tx Map (12.4.2)
Resets the entire MFC-101 Incoming Program Change Map (12.4.5)
Resets General Configuration, MIDI Configuration, and External Devices Configuration to their
default values as listed on in 14.5: Factory Default Settings, on page 74.
Resets the entire MFC-101 to factory default settings as listed in 14.5: Factory Default Settings, on
page 74

Press the flashing ENTER footswitch to delete the selected item and initialize with factory defaults.
NOTE: Due to increased CPU activity during deletion, it is normal for LED blinking to slow or even stop.
NOTE: The preset will re-load automatically when returning to PERFORMANCE MODE after most deletions.

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12.5.22 Display Contrast
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (22x)

or PAGE (2x)

Display Contrast is self-explanatory. Adjust as desired using the INCR/DECR footswitches.

12.5.23 Firmware Information
EDIT : SETUP : PAGE (23x)

or PAGE (1x)

Firmware Information shows a non-editable set of display parameters with information about current firmware.

Use the INCR and DECR footswitches to step through the 4 displays:
Version:

The version of firmware currently running on the MFC-101.

Checksum:

A hexadecimal number used by the MFC-101 to validate that the firmware image is correct.

Image Address:

The hexadecimal starting address of the firmware image.

Image Size:

The hexadecimal size in bytes of the firmware image.

 NOTE: To upgrade MFC-101 firmware, please follow the process on p. 69.

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SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

13 SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
13.1 Firmware Upgrade
The firmware of the MFC-101 is field-updateable using a special “boot” (power-on) mode. Firmware updates will
be released through our website at http://www.fractalaudio.com.
 IMPORTANT: It is recommended that your MIDI utility be configured to insert a delay of at least 90ms between messages.

To upgrade the firmware:
1. Connect the MIDI OUT port of your computer MIDI interface to the MFC-101 MIDI IN port. To prevent
possible midi loops, please also disconnect any cable found at the MFC-101 MIDI OUT port.
2. Power up the MFC-101 while holding down the #1 footswitch to enter FW Update mode:

3. Begin to transmit the firmware file using your MIDI utility such as MIDI-OX or Snoize Sysex Librarian. As the
update progresses the display will reflect the percentage complete:

4. When the update is complete the display will show a confirmation:

5. At this point MFC-101 must be power-cycled to begin using the new firmware.

13.2 Factory Default Settings Reset
WARNING: Restoring Factory Settings is DESTRUCTIVE and cannot be undone!
It is strongly recommended that you BACK UP important user data prior to using this function.
1. To restore the MFC-101 to Factory Defaults, hold down Footswitch #11 while powering up. The display will
show the reset prompt while the ENTER LED flashes red:

2. Press ENTER to completely erase all user memory and restore factory settings. The display will show
"Restoring..." and the ENTER footswitch LED will turn OFF. Once the restore is complete the MFC-101 will
boot normally with factory-fresh settings.

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APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14 APPENDIX
14.1 Comparison Table: Axe-Fx Mode ON vs. OFF
AXE-FX MODE ON

Axe-Fx Mode Off

Preset Name Display

Read from the current Axe-Fx preset,
whether the MFC-101 is in PRESET, SONG, or
SET MODE

Read from MFC-101 Preset memory,
whether the MFC-101 is in PRESET, SONG,
or SET MODE

MIDI Program Changes

Sent based on 16 entries in the current MFC
Preset. Any such entry found for the MIDI
Channel designated for the Axe-Fx is
IGNORED. 1 program change message is sent
on the designated Axe-Fx MIDI channel. The
default is for this to be the same as the
number of the current MFC-101 preset, but
this is subject to settings in Axe-Fx Preset
Transmit Map

Read/sent from the 16 PC entries in the
current MFC Preset memory.

Preset Internal CC Messages

As set in the MFC Preset

Preset Custom MIDI Message

As set in the MFC Preset

Preset Ext. Switch Settings

As set in the MFC Preset

Preset Exp. Pedal Settings

As set in the MFC Preset

MIDI Commands of IA Switches
assigned to Axe-Fx Functions

Standard MIDI CCs are used to control the
designated functions. These are set
dynamically at MFC-101 startup based on the
I/O:CONTROL page settings of the connected
Axe-Fx.
Other MIDI messages set for the IA switch are
NOT sent.

The Axe-Fx functions of IA Switches are
IGNORED. All other MIDI commands are
sent normally as set in the IA Switch
settings.

MIDI Commands of IA Switches
NOT assigned to Axe-Fx
Functions

As set in the IA Switch settings

Initial State of IA Switches
assigned to Axe-Fx Functions
after Preset Load.

Derived from the saved values of the current
Axe-Fx preset.

NA. All IA Switches default to their
“normal” MFC settings when AXE-FX
MODE is OFF.

Initial State of IA Switches NOT
assigned to Axe-Fx Functions
after Preset Load.

Read from the ON/OFF settings in the MFC
Preset memory. Can be saved on-the-fly using

Read from the ON/OFF settings in the
MFC Preset memory. Can be saved on-

the SAVE footswitch, which blinks when

the-fly using the SAVE footswitch, which

changes are detected.

blinks when changes are detected.

Global Instant Access Switches

“Global” mode setting is ignored for IA
Switches assigned to Axe-Fx Functions.

Normal, as set

Global Ext. Switch Settings

Normal, as set

Global Exp. Pedal Settings

Normal, as set

Global Bank Size and Style

Normal, as set

Global Preset

Normal, as set

Switch Links

Normal, as set

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Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.2 Firmware Update Error Codes
CODE
1

DESCRIPTION
Invalid Start Message

Unexpected Start Message

Invalid Base Address

Message Checksum Failed

Invalid Image Size

Invalid Data Message

Image Size Exceeded

Unexpected Data Message

Invalid Data Size

Flash Write Failed

Invalid End Message

Unexpected End Message

Truncated Image

Image Checksum Failed

EEPROM Write Failed

Message Too Small

Invalid Manufacturer ID

Invalid Model ID

Doc v1.0.5

SOLUTION
The SysEx start message was corrupted. Retry and if the problem persists then
there is a problem with the image.
A SysEx start message was received after the update was started. This can be
caused by stopping the update in the middle and re-starting it. Reboot and start the
update again.
The firmware address specified in the image is invalid. The firmware image may be
corrupted.
A corrupted SysEx message was received. Reboot and start the update again. If the
problem persists, then the image may be corrupted.
The firmware size specified in the image is invalid. The firmware image may be
corrupted.
A corrupted SysEx image data message was received. Reboot and start the update
again. If the problem persists, then the image may be corrupted.
The image data received exceeds the size specified in SysEx start message. Reboot
and start the update again. If the problem persists, then the image may be
corrupted.
A SysEx image data message was received before the update was started. This can
be caused by stopping the update in the middle and re-starting it while SysEx data is
still being transmitted. Stop the SysEx transmit, reboot, and start the update again.
The image data size specified in the SysEx message does not match the expected
size. Reboot and start the update again. If the problem persists, then the image
may be corrupted.
The firmware image could not be written to flash. Retry the update and if the
problem persists, then the unit may have a hardware problem.
The SysEx end message was corrupted. Retry the update and if the problem persists
then there is a problem with the image.
A SysEx end message was received before all of the image data was received (or
before a start message was received). This can be caused by stopping the update in
the middle and re-starting it while SysEx data is still being transmitted. Stop the
SysEx transmit, reboot, and start the update again.
A SysEx end message was received before the fill image data was received. Retry
the update and if the problem persists then there is a problem with the image.
The checksum of the transmitted image data did not match the expected image
checksum. Retry the update and if the problem persists then there is a problem
with the image.
The write of the firmware image size, version, or checksum to EEPROM failed. Retry
the update and if the problem persists then there is a problem with the image.
The received SysEx message was not big enough to be a valid firmware update
message. Retry the update and if the problem persists then there is a problem with
the image.
The image is for a device that is not manufactured by Fractal Audio Systems. Verify
that the correct firmware image is being transmitted. If the image is for the correct
device, then the image may be corrupted.
The image is not for an MFC-101. Verify that the correct firmware image is being
transmitted. If the image is for the correct device, then the image may be
corrupted.

APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.3 Axe-Fx Presets Bank & Program Change Table
Remember to add one to all Axe-Fx Program Numbers if Display Offset is set to 1.
Program
Change
000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
039
040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
048
049
050
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
058
059
060
061
062
063

BANK A
(CC#0=0)
000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
018
019
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
028
029
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
039
040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
048
049
050
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
058
059
060
061
062
063

BANK B
(CC#0=1)
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191

BANK C
(CC#0=2)
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319

Program
Change
064
065
066
067
068
069
070
071
072
073
074
075
076
077
078
079
080
081
082
083
084
085
086
087
088
089
090
091
092
093
094
095
096
097
098
099
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128

BANK A
(CC#0=0)
064
065
066
067
068
069
070
071
072
073
074
075
076
077
078
079
080
081
082
083
084
085
086
087
088
089
090
091
092
093
094
095
096
097
098
099
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128

BANK B
(CC#0=1)
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256

BANK C
(CC#0=2)
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384

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APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.4 Midi Implementation Chart
NOTE: MFC-101 Presets and Instant Access Switches have the capability to send custom MIDI data, entered
freeform as hex code, which can be used for many applications not supported “natively” (ex: Note On/Off).
Function

Transmitted

Received

Default
Changed

1
1-16

None
1-16

Mode

Default
Message
Altered

X
X
X

Note Number

True Voice

Velocity

Note ON
Note OFF

X
X

After Touch

Keys
Channels

X
X

Basic Channel

Pitch Bend

The MFC-101 is shipped with almost all MIDI messages disabled.
Exceptions are expression pedals 1 and 2, which are used for AXE-FX
MODE. All settings are saved in persistent EEPROM.

Instant access switches can send two control change messages. Internal
control changes can send one control change. The control change values
for these messages default to 0 = Off and 127 = On and are configurable.
Custom MIDI messages can also be used to send control change.

O
O

Instant access switches can send one program change command per
switch state (off/on). Presets can send up to 16 program change
messages, one per MIDI channel. Program change numbers are
displayed with a range of 0 to 999 or 1 to 1000. Program change
numbers are decomposed into a bank/program combination that gets
transmitted as a bank select message and program change message. A
receive program change map is available as is a transmit program
change map specifically for Axe-Fx. Custom MIDI messages can also be
configured to send program change.

Control Change

True Number
Bank Select

Remarks

Program Change

MFC-101 sends a leading bank select control change message for every
program change except those configured under custom MIDI message
menus.
The MFC-101 receives Bank Select and Program Changes if this is
enabled (12.4.3). Incoming Bank Select messages alias around 384.
Fractal Audio
Real-Time
Non-Real-Time

O
X
X

System Common

Song Position
Song Select
Tune Request

X
X
X

System Real-Time

Clock
Commands

X
X

Auxiliary Messages

Local ON/OFF
All Notes OFF
Active Sense
Reset

X
X
X
X

System Exclusive

Presets can send one custom 16-byte MIDI message, which can be a
system exclusive message. Instant access switches can send one custom
16-byte MIDI message per switch state (off/on), which can be a system
exclusive message. These custom messages may be configured to send
the standard system exclusive messages marked with an X above. MFC101 also uses system exclusive for data dump and load, firmware
updates, and Axe-Fx synchronization.

0 = YES, X=NO

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APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.5 Factory Default Settings
This section lists all of the Factory Default settings for the MFC-101.
GENERAL CONFIGURATION:
Use Port:
Axe-Fx Mode:
Operating Mode:
MFC-101 Display Offset:
Bank Size:
Bank Style:
Link Group A:
Link Group B:
Send Switch Link OFF Messages:
Global Preset:
Display Contrast:
Save Edits Switch:
Axe-Fx IA OFF LEDs:
Hold Axe-Fx Tap Tempo for Tuner:

MIDI
Axe-Fx Standard
Preset
0
5
Current
All switch links OFF
All switch links OFF
YES
OFF
10
OFF
RED
OFF

MIDI CONFIGURATION:
Axe-Fx MIDI Channel:
Axe-Fx Display Offset:
Axe-Fx Program Change Map
MFC-101 MIDI Receive Channel:
MFC-101 Program Change Rx:
MFC-101 Program Change Map:
Display Offset (all MIDI channels):
MIDI Channel Name (all channels):

1
0
All entries set 1:1
OFF
OFF
1:1
0
“Chan XX”, where XX is the channel number.

EXTERNAL DEVICES CONFIGURATION:
Expression Pedal 1:
Expression Pedal 2:
Expression Pedal 3:
Expression Pedal 4:
External Switch 1:
External Switch 2:
External Switch 3:
External Switch 4:

CC#:11; MIDI Channel: 1; Beginning Value: OFF; Range: 0-127
CC#:16; MIDI Channel: 1; Beginning Value: OFF; Range: 0-127
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Beginning Value: OFF; Range: 0-127
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Beginning Value: OFF; Range: 0-127
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Software Type: Toggle; HW Type: Momentary, On:127, Off:0
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Software Type: Toggle; HW Type: Momentary, On:127, Off:0
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Software Type: Toggle; HW Type: Momentary, On:127, Off:0
CC#:OFF; MIDI Channel: 1; Software Type: Toggle; HW Type: Momentary, On:127, Off:0

MFC-101 PRESETS (ALL)
Preset Name:
Program Change (all):
Alternate Preset:
Instant Access Switch State (all):
Internal CC Switch State (all):
External Switches (all):
Expression Pedals (all):
SysEx Message (all bytes):

“MFC-101”
Same as MFC-101 preset number
GLOBAL (“GBL”)
OFF
OFF
Global, MIDI Channel 1, Number OFF, Type Toggle, Off:0; On:127
Global, MIDI Channel 1, Beginning Value 127, Minimum 0, Maximum 127.
OFF

SONGS (ALL)
Song Name:
Presets (1-15)

“SongXXX”, where XXX is the song number.
000

SETS (ALL)
Set Name:
All Songs (1-10)

“Set XX”, where XX is the song number.
Song1

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APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES (ALL)
Type:
Global:
Axe-Fx Functions:
Control Change 1:
Control Change 2:
ON Message Program Change:
OFF Message Program Change:
ON Message Custom MIDI:
OFF Message Custom MIDI:
Name:

TOGGLE
MO
SEE TABLE 1, BELOW
SEE TABLE 2, BELOW
MIDI Channel 1, CC#: Off Value = 0, On Value = 127
MIDI Channel 1, Number: OFF
MIDI Channel 1, Number: OFF
All bytes OFF
All bytes OFF
“IASw XX”, where XX is the switch number.

TABLE 1 AXE-FX MODE INSTANT ACCESS SWITCH FUNCTIONS:
IA
1
2
3
4
5

FUNCTION
Filter 1
Drive 2
Rotary
GEQ 1
PEQ 1

IA
6
7
8
9
10

FUNCTION
Compressor 1
Drive 1
Phaser 1
Chorus 1
Flanger 1

IA
11
12
13
14
15

FUNCTION
Pan/Tremolo 1
Pitch 1
Multi Delay 1
Delay 1
Reverb 1

IA
16
17

FUNCTION
Tap Tempo
Tuner

Table 14.5.2 INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES CC1 CC# ASSIGNMENTS
IA
1
2
3
4
5
6

CC
1
2
3
4
5
6

IA
7
8
9
10
11
12

CC
7
8
9
120
121
122

INTERNAL CONTROL CHANGES (ALL)
Control Change:
Name

Doc v1.0.5

IA
13
14
15
16
17

CC
123
124
125
126
127

MIDI Channel 1; CC#: OFF; Off Value = 0, On Value = 127
“IntCCXX”, where XX is the internal control change number

APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.6 Custom MIDI Message Primer
Creating custom MIDI messages for presets or IA Switches in the MFC-101 opens a world of possibilities “outside
the box.” While any MIDI data can be stored and sent, the most common types will likely be additional program
changes, control changes, and system exclusive messages. The following primer will help you get started with
custom MIDI messages. You can also learn more at http://www.midi.org/techspecs/midimessages.php.
NOTE: Normally, hex values would be preceded by “0x” to indicate their not being standard numbers. Since this 0x
is not required by the MFC-101 custom MIDI fields, it is not shown in the examples below.

14.6.1 Program Change
Program change messages consist of two bytes. The first byte is 0xCn, where n is the MIDI channel number minus 1
in hexadecimal. MIDI channel to hexadecimal mapping is shown in the table below.
Channel

Hex

Channel

Hex

Channel

Hex

Channel

Hex

1
2
3
4

C0
C1
C2
C3

5
6
7
8

C4
C5
C6
C7

9
10
11
12

C8
C9
CA
CB

13
14
15
16

CC
CD
CE
CF

The second byte is the program number up to a maximum of 128, starting at 0, which makes the maximum value
127 (7F). Decimal to hexadecimal mapping is shown in the table below.
DATA BYTES: DECIMAL TO HEXIDECIMAL CONVERSION
Dec
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Hex
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F

Dec
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Hex
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F

Dec
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47

Hex
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F

Dec
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63

Hex
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F

Dec
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79

Hex
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F

Dec
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95

Hex
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F

Dec
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111

Hex
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F

Dec
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127

Hex
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F

So, for example, a program change message for Channel 1, Program 0 would be C0 00
A program change message for Channel 8/Program 32 would be C7 20
A program change message for Channel 16/Program 127 would be C7 7F
NOTE: Remember to subtract 1 if you are using Display Offset +1 on your connected device(s).
To access programs above #128, you must first send a bank select control change message (CC#0)

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APPENDIX

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

14.6.28.2

Control Change

Control Change messages consist of three bytes. The first byte is 0xBn, where n is the MIDI channel number in
hexadecimal minus 1. The second byte specifies the continuous controller number and has a range of 0 to 127.
The third byte specifies the value for the controller and has a range of 0 to 127.
So, for example, a message for CC#0 on MIDI channel 1 with a value of 0 would be B0 00 00
A message for CC#64 on MIDI channel 4 with a value of 110 would be B3 40 6E
For switched functions, the value 0 is typically considered “OFF”, and the value 127 is “ON”, though some devices
accept anything from 0 to 63 as OFF and anything from 64-127 as ON. Many devices also use Control Change
messages for real time continuous control.

14.6.38.3

System Exclusive

System exclusive messages are generally used to send device or system-specific information from one MIDI device
to another. These messages always start with the value F0 and end with the value F7. The data in between the
start and stop values must always be 7F or lower.

14.6.48.4

Custom MIDI Message Example

Suppose you need to load preset 1100 on a MIDI- device. This number is greater than the MFC-101's maximum
program change of 999. Let's also say that you need to send the device a system exclusive message to turn on an
effect. You will need a custom MIDI message. Assume the device is on MIDI channel 5. The first message will be a
Bank Select message (CC#0). The first byte is 0xC4 for Control Change, MIDI channel 5. The second byte is 0 (0x00)
for CC#0 (bank select). The third and last byte is 8 (0x08). This value was determined by dividing the desired
preset (in our case 1100) by the number of programs in a bank, 128. Therefore, 1100 / 128 = 8 (for this operation
we throw away the remainder).
The second message that should be programmed is a program change message. The first byte is 0xB4 and is
created as described above. The second byte is the program number. Since 1100 is greater than 128 we have to
compute what the value should be. In this case the value is the remainder when the preset number (1100) is
divided by the highest program change number that can be transmitted in a program change message (128). That
is, 1100 / 128 = 8 with remainder 76, so program 76 (0x4C) is the second byte.
The third message that should be programmed is a system exclusive message. The first byte is 0xF0 and signifies
the start of a system exclusive message. The inner data bytes of the system exclusive message are determined
from the MIDI spec for our device. Let’s suppose they are 0x01 0x02 0x03 0x04 0x05. The last byte is 0xF7 and
signifies the end of the system exclusive message.
The bytes you would program into the custom MIDI message menu are therefore:
B4

Control
Change,
Ch. 4

CC#0
(Bank
Select)

Bank 8

Program
Change,
Ch. 4

Program
#76

SysEx
Start

SysEx Data “payload”

F7
SysEx
End

Have fun, and remember writing MIDI hex code does not require you to wear a pocket protector.

Doc v1.0.5

SPECIFICATIONS

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

15 Specifications
GENERAL
Presets:
Songs:
Sets:
Bank Sizes:
Bank Styles:

384
100, up to 15 presets in each song
10, up to 50 songs in each set
0-17 (Specifies the number of footswitches in 17 which select presets)
Current, First, None

PRESET MIDI DATA
Program Changes:
Custom MIDI Message:
Internal Control Change:
Control Change Numbers:
Control Change Data:

16 (1 per channel. Axe-Fx Mode overrides one of these)
Up to 16 bytes
17
0–127, OFF
Independently programmable ON and OFF values (0–127 or OFF)

INSTANT ACCESS SWITCHES
Quantity:
Control Change Messages:
Control Change Numbers:
Control Change Data:
Program Change:
Program Range:
Custom MIDI Message:

Up to 17 (IA Switches 18-41 appear in the software but are reserved for future use)
2
0–127, OFF
Independently programmable ON and OFF values (0–127 or OFF)
1 each for ON and OFF states
0-999 or OFF (Bank Select CC#0 messages are automatic).
Up to 16 bytes each for ON and OFF states

MIDI INTERFACE
Output Connector:
Input Connector:

7-pin DIN (pins 6 and 7 connected to phantom power in jack)
5-pin DIN (pins 1 and 3 connected to MIDI In for 2-way data from a single port)

EXTERNAL SWITCH INTERFACE
External Switch Inputs:
Connectors:
Format:

4
2 x ¼” TRS phone jacks (2 switches per connector)
Compatible with Toggle or Momentary switches

EXPRESSION PEDAL INTERFACE
Expression Pedal Inputs:
Connectors:
Compatibility:

4
¼” TRS phone jacks (1 expression pedal per connector)
Expression type (not Volume pedals), 10K–100K recommended max resistance

EXPANSION PORT
Connector:
Interface:

RJ45
RS-422

MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL
Chassis:
LCD:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Input Voltage:
Power Consumption:

Powder-coated 16-gauge steel
1×20 dot matrix transflective LCD display
15.75” x 3” x 10” (400 x 76 x 254 mm)
10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
9 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz (universal input)
<10 W

ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature:
Storage Temperature:
Humidity Max.

32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
-22 to 167°F (-30 to 70°C)
90% non-condensing

(Specifications subject to change without notice)

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CHANGE LOG

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

16 Index
A
Axe-Fx
Channel, 11
Display Offset, 11

B
Bank Size, 15
Bank Style, 16

Overview, 2, 3
Page, 3
Parameter, 3
Preset vs. IA, 15
Reveal, 2
Save, 2, 24
Up & Down, 3

G
Global Preset, 17

C
Connectors
Expansion, 4
Ext. Switch, 4
MIDI, 4
Pedal, 4
Power, 4
Copy
Save, 37

E
Expansion Port, 4
Expression Pedals
Calibrating, 29
MIDI function assignment, 29
Range, 30
External Switches
Hardware type, 31
MIDI functions, 32
Overview, 31

F
Footswitches
Edit, 2
Exit, 3
Incr & Decr, 3
Menus, 3
Names, 3

Doc v1.0.5

I
IA Switches
Axe-Fx control, 19
Axe-Fx Tap Tempo, 21
Axe-Fx Tuner, 21
CC# Settings, 22
General Use, 22
Linking, 25
Naming, 38
Overview, 19
Preset States, 23
Saving states on the fly, 24
Setting the number of, 15
Switch types, 25
Internal CCs
Naming, 38
Overview, 27
Preset states, 28

M
MIDI Channels
Naming, 38
MIDI Thru, 9

Automatic load on Bank/Song
Change, 16
Capabilities, 16
Defined, 15
Global, 17
Internal CC States, 28
Numbering, 11
Program Changes, 16
Saved IA States, 23
Preset Mode, 13, 14, 15
Enabling, 58
Preset Switches
Assigning, 16
Presets
Naming, 38
Program Changes, 16

R
Reveal, 2, 26

S
Saving Changes, 6
Set Mode, 13, 14, 34
Enabling, 58
Sets
Adding songs to, 47
Adding songs to, 36
Naming, 38, 47
Song Mode, 13, 14, 16, 34
Enabling, 58
Songs
Adding presets to, 35, 46
Naming, 46
Naming, 38

P
Performance Mode, 5, 13
Phantom Power, 7
Preset

WARRANTY

Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Manual

17 Warranty
Fractal Audio Systems warrants that your new Fractal Audio Systems product shall be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase.
During the warranty period, Fractal Audio Systems shall, at its sole option, either repair or replace any product that proves to
be defective upon inspection by Fractal Audio Systems.
Fractal Audio Systems reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair and to change or improve the design of the
product at any time without notice. Fractal Audio Systems reserves the right to use reconditioned parts and assemblies as
warranty replacements for authorized repairs. This warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser.
This is your sole warranty. Fractal Audio Systems does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales
representative, to assume any liability on behalf of Fractal Audio Systems or to make any warranty for Fractal Audio Systems.
Fractal Audio Systems may, at its option, require proof of original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of original
authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Fractal Audio Systems products are to be performed only at
the Fractal Audio Systems factory or a Fractal Audio Systems authorized service center. Fractal Audio Systems may require
advanced authorization of repairs to authorized service centers. Unauthorized service, repair or modification will void this
warranty.
DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY GIVEN BY FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES.ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, EXCEEDING THE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANTY ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS
WARRANTY. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY PERIOD (1 YEAR), FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS SHALL
HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS SHALL IN NO EVENT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE PURCHASER OR ANY THIRD PARTY,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT. FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY EXPENSES, CLAIMS, OR SUITS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of implied warranties so some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state. This warranty only
applies to products sold and used in the USA and Canada. Fractal Audio Systems shall not be liable for damages or loss resulting
from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates. You should contact the shipper for proper
claims procedures in the event of damage or loss resulting from shipment.

Doc v1.0.5

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File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.6
Linearized                      : No
Author                          : Fractal Audio Systems, Matt Picone
Create Date                     : 2011:06:13 09:45:53-04:00
Keywords                        : MIDI Foot Controller, Fractal Audio Systems, Axe-Fx
Modify Date                     : 2011:06:13 09:52:10-04:00
Has XFA                         : No
Language                        : en-US
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 4.2.1-c043 52.372728, 2009/01/18-15:08:04
Creator Tool                    : Microsoft® Word 2010
Metadata Date                   : 2011:06:13 09:52:10-04:00
Producer                        : Microsoft® Word 2010
Format                          : application/pdf
Title                           : Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller Owner's Manual
Description                     : MIDI Foot Controller MFC-101 Owner's Manual
Creator                         : Fractal Audio Systems, Matt Picone
Subject                         : MIDI Foot Controller, Fractal Audio Systems, Axe-Fx
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Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
Page Count                      : 90

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Fractal Audio Mfc 101 Owners Manual 1.0.5 Systems MIDI Foot Controller Owner's User

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