The Voes MX-18 is an 18-button MIDI floor controller from Belgian maker Voes, built to sit in front of a modeler or rack unit and run it from the floor. It is part of Voes' MX range of MIDI controllers, which also includes the smaller MX-9, MX-12 (2x6) and MX-EX. All 18 buttons are fully programmable, and the unit carries 3 expression inputs for expression pedals or external switches1.
Pages, layers and commands
Each button works across two layers, Normal Press and Long Press, and each layer can send 6 commands, either all at once or step by step. Across the unit there are 68 different command types to draw on1.
The layout is split into three pages: Page A and Page B are both fully editable, while Page P (presets) has a fixed layout. Up to 100 presets can be stored, each saving the name and On/Off status of every button1.
A few features are aimed at keeping live switching simple:
- Groups: only one button in a group can be active at a time, which Voes describes as a way to avoid tap dancing1
- Global buttons: these keep their On/Off state through a program change1
- LEDs: 7 different LED colors1
- Expression inputs: auto-engage and swap expression CCs, suitable for external switches1
Programming is done from a computer: Voes supplies editor software for Windows and Mac, with the ability to swap or copy buttons on the fly1.
Sync with Axe-Fx, Kemper and other modelers
The MX-18 is built around deep integration with the major modelers. With a Fractal Axe-Fx III, FM3 or FM9 it syncs Preset Name, Scene Name, the Active Scene, FX Block On/Off state and selected Channel, plus Looper, Tuner and Tap Tempo, using 12 dedicated Axe-Fx I/II/III and FM3/9 command types1.
With a Kemper Profiler it syncs Performance Name, Rig Name, Stomp and FX states, Looper, Tuner and Tap Tempo, backed by 9 dedicated Kemper Profiler command types1.
For other units, Voes lists special Tempo, Tuner and Looper commands for the Line 6 HX Stomp, Neural DSP Quad Cortex and IK Tonex. In practice that means snapshots, Looper, Tempo and Tuner control on the HX Stomp, and scenes, Looper, Tempo and Tuner on the Quad Cortex1.
Voes states that presets become obsolete when the MX-18 is used with an Axe-Fx I/II/III/FM3 or a Kemper Profiler, because preset names are synced from the modeler itself. On those units you do not need to build a preset library on the controller1.
Power and cabling
There are three ways to power the MX-18: a 9-12V power adapter with a 2.1mm plug, the Midi-7 connection using the M-Box, or Ethercon using the V-Box. The M-Box and V-Box routes let you use one cable for a clean setup between the controller and the unit it runs1.
Size and how it compares
Voes positions the MX-18 directly against Fractal's own floor controller: the company describes it as smaller and lighter than the FC-12, yet with 50% more buttons. The 18-button count against the FC-12's 12 is where that figure comes from1. At 2,4 kg (5.29 lbs) and 43 by 23 by 9 cm, it is a full-width floor unit rather than a compact add-on1.
Videos
Voes Midi Controllers
Voes Midi Controllers
Questions
How is the Voes MX-18 powered?
Voes lists three ways to power the MX-18: a 9-12V power adapter with a 2.1mm plug, the Midi-7 connection using the M-Box, or Ethercon using the V-Box. The M-Box and V-Box options let you run one cable to the unit for a cleaner setup.
How many buttons does the Voes MX-18 have compared with the Fractal FC-12?
The MX-18 has 18 fully programmable buttons. Voes describes it as smaller and lighter than the Fractal FC-12 while offering 50% more buttons, since the FC-12 carries 12.
Does the Voes MX-18 work with a Kemper Profiler?
Yes. Voes lists 9 dedicated Kemper Profiler command types, and the controller syncs Performance Name, Rig Name, Stomp and FX states, Looper, Tuner and Tap Tempo with the Profiler. Presets become obsolete when used with a Kemper Profiler or an Axe-Fx I/II/III/FM3, because preset names are synced from the unit itself.
Can the Voes MX-18 control a Line 6 HX Stomp?
Yes. Voes lists special Tempo, Tuner and Looper commands for the Line 6 HX Stomp, and the MX-18 can use snapshots, Looper, Tempo and Tuner with it. Similar special commands cover the Neural DSP Quad Cortex and IK Tonex.
Is there editor software for the Voes MX-18?
Yes. Voes provides editor software for Windows and Mac, and the editor supports swapping or copying buttons on the fly while you program the controller.
How many expression pedals can the MX-18 take?
The MX-18 has 3 expression inputs. The expression inputs support auto-engage and swapping expression CCs, and are suitable for external switches.
Sources (2)
- Voes | Midi Controllers, Voes (voes.be), 2026
- Voes | Midi Controllers, Voes, 2026
