The Fractal Audio Systems MFC-101 Mark III is a MIDI foot controller made by Fractal Audio Systems, which the company describes as "a powerful, versatile, easy-to-use MIDI foot controller." It was designed for use with the Axe-Fx II, Axe-Fx Ultra, Axe-Fx Standard, and/or any other MIDI devices, so it works both as a dedicated floor partner for Fractal rack units and as a general controller for other MIDI gear.1
Switches, display and modes
The floor unit carries twenty-one quiet solid state switches, which Fractal says have "no mechanical contacts to fail." Above them sits a "brilliant 20-character transflective display," and up to 384 preset numbers and names appear on the floor.1
What the switches send depends on the mode:
- Preset switches can send program changes, CCs, and even custom MIDI data.1
- Instant Access switches offer the ability to handle typical control change functions but likewise offer program change and custom MIDI data capabilities.1
- Axe-Fx Mode makes the MFC-101 the easiest way to control an Axe-Fx II, Ultra, or Standard, in Fractal's words. In this mode presets are read and displayed dynamically each time you stomp, and update automatically if you change them on the Axe-Fx.1
- Looper control mode: with an Axe-Fx II, the MFC-101 offers a dedicated LOOPER CONTROL MODE allowing access to all Looper functions in a single layout with no programming required.1
Expression pedals and external switches with global controls can also be set up with different MIDI capabilities for each preset.1
Connections and power
The Mark III differs from previous MFC-101 models in its connectors: Fractal says it features both a rugged EtherCON connector, instead of a standard RJ-45 port, and the proprietary FASLINK connection for interconnection with the Axe-Fx II XL or XL+. An EtherCON/Ethernet port connects an Axe-Fx II original or Mark II.1
FASLINK provides both power and 2-way communication over a single cable, so one cable to a compatible Axe-Fx handles everything. The 7-pin MIDI out also supports phantom powering the unit.1
The Mark III is one of several MFC-101 versions. Fractal notes that previous models exist, and that the Mark III's EtherCON connector and FASLINK are what set it apart from them.1
Videos
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Questions
Does the MFC-101 Mark III work with the Axe-Fx III?
Fractal Audio Systems designed the MFC-101 Mark III for use with the Axe-Fx II, Axe-Fx Ultra, Axe-Fx Standard, and any other MIDI devices. The Axe-Fx III is not named among the units it was designed for, so a player with an Axe-Fx III would treat the MFC-101 as a general MIDI controller rather than a dedicated floor partner, and check how it behaves in their own setup.
What is FASLINK?
FASLINK is Fractal Audio Systems' proprietary connection for the MFC-101 Mark III. It provides both power and 2-way communication over a single cable, so one cable to a compatible Axe-Fx handles everything the controller needs. The Mark III pairs FASLINK with a rugged EtherCON connector for interconnection with the Axe-Fx II XL or XL+.
How many footswitches does the MFC-101 Mark III have?
The MFC-101 Mark III has twenty-one quiet solid state switches, which Fractal describes as having no mechanical contacts to fail. Beyond the preset switches, the Instant Access switches handle typical control change functions and can also send program changes and custom MIDI data.
Can the MFC-101 Mark III control non-Fractal MIDI devices?
Yes. Fractal Audio Systems describes the MFC-101 Mark III as designed for use with the Axe-Fx II, Axe-Fx Ultra, Axe-Fx Standard, and/or any other MIDI devices. Preset switches can send program changes, CCs, and even custom MIDI data, and expression pedals and external switches can be set up with different MIDI capabilities for each preset.
How many expression pedals can the MFC-101 connect?
The MFC-101 Mark III has jacks for four expression pedals and four external switches. Fractal notes that expression pedals and external switches with global controls can be set up with different MIDI capabilities for each preset.
Does the MFC-101 have a looper control mode?
Yes, for Axe-Fx II users. Fractal says that if you're using the Axe-Fx II, the MFC-101 offers a dedicated LOOPER CONTROL MODE allowing access to all Looper functions in a single layout with no programming required.
Sources (1)
- MFC-101 Puts Total Control at your Feet, Fractal Audio Systems, 2020-09-07
