Pricing and availability

Average Price: $490

Standard/Professional

$199

$500+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the heart of your music with the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III, the ultimate MIDI Foot Controller that brings unparalleled control at your feet. Engineered with precision for the Axe FX series, this foot controller is your gateway to exploring new dimensions in your music, seamlessly integrating with your setup via FASLINK. Its sturdy build and intuitive design ensure that every stomp translates into pure musical expression, making it a must-have for musicians aiming for the pinnacle of performance.

Key Features:

  • 21 solid state switches offering tactile feedback and durability
  • Dual-color LEDs for clear, at-a-glance status indication
  • Onboard tap tempo for synchronized effects
  • Backlit display for easy navigation even on dark stages
  • Four expression pedal inputs for enhanced control over effects
  • RJ-45 Ethernet input and FASLINK connection for seamless integration with Axe FX units
  • MIDI in/out for universal compatibility with a broad range of musical equipment

Product specs

Brand Fractal Audio
Model MFC-101 Mark III MIDI Foot Controller
Finish Black
Year 2014 - 2018
Categories Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options on the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III?

The Fractal MFC-101 Mark III offers MIDI connectivity, allowing you to control compatible devices via a standard 5-pin MIDI cable. It also features an Ethernet port for direct connection to Fractal Audio Systems devices, ensuring seamless integration.

How many footswitches does the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III have?

The Fractal MFC-101 Mark III is equipped with 21 footswitches, providing extensive control options for various functions and presets during live performances or studio sessions.

Can the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III be used with non-Fractal devices?

Yes, the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III can be used with any MIDI-compatible device, making it a versatile choice for controlling a wide range of gear beyond Fractal Audio Systems products.

Does the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III require a power supply?

The Fractal MFC-101 Mark III can be powered via an included AC adapter or through phantom power when connected to a compatible Fractal Audio Systems device via Ethernet.

How customizable are the footswitches on the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III?

The footswitches on the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III are highly customizable, allowing users to assign various functions, such as preset changes, effect toggles, and more, to suit personal preferences and performance needs.

G66

G66

Setting up the Axe-Fx II XL, MFC-101 MK III, and Mission Engineering SP-1

Video thumbnail for Setting up the Axe-Fx II XL, MFC-101 MK III, and Mission Engineering SP-1 by G66

Setting up the Axe-Fx II XL, MFC-101 MK III, and Mission Engineering SP-1

G66

G66

Video thumbnail for Axe Fx Pedalboard Build for MFC101 Mark III by Isurus

Axe Fx Pedalboard Build for MFC101 Mark III

Isurus

Isurus

Video thumbnail for Fractal Audio STD + MFC 101 MARK III MIDI FOOT CONTROLER + Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 by Alsmusicfactory TV Searching The Good Tone

Fractal Audio STD + MFC 101 MARK III MIDI FOOT CONTROLER + Mesa Boogie Express 5:25

Alsmusicfactory TV Searching The Good Tone

Alsmusicfactory TV Searching The Good Tone

Reviews

PROS

  • Compatible with many devices, enhancing versatility

  • Allows real-time effects addition, boosting live performance flexibility

  • Features 17 switches for extensive control options

  • User-friendly setup, almost plug & play

  • Minimal programming required for operation

  • Solid state "silent" switches for quiet operation

  • Direct integration with Fractal Axe FX systems

  • Supports multiple connection types including Ethercon, MIDI, and Faslink

  • High build quality and feature-rich compared to competitors

CONS

  • Does not pass MIDI thru, limiting its use as a standard controller

  • Considered expensive, potentially affecting budget-conscious musicians

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fractal MFC-101 Mark III.

Features and functionality

  • The MFC-101 can customize presets, scenes, and effects toggling. It's been used with scenes on the bottom row and effects toggling on the second.

    Source
  • The Airstep wireless controller offers five programmable footswitches with an optional expansion module and is controllable via a Bluetooth app, enhancing versatility.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The MFC-101 connects to the Axe-Fx III via MIDI, resulting in reduced functionality compared to the FC6 and 12 controllers designed for the III.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner noted that purchasing the MFC-101 at $100-$150 is a significant bargain compared to its original price of $750 for a new MK III model.

    Source
  • The Behringer MIDI controller is considered a cost-effective option while still providing reliable functionality for switching presets.

    Source

Build quality

  • The MFC-101 is praised for its durability, described as a "tank" and "rugged as hell," still functioning flawlessly after a decade.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rocktron MIDI Mate is highlighted as a more compact alternative that fits easily by your feet, ideal for gigging with an Axe FX setup.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that using controllers other than the MFC-101 will prevent displaying the tuner on the pedal, requiring the user to look at the Axe unit.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A user prefers the FM3 for travel due to its compact size and suggests pairing it with an FC6 controller for home use, optimizing portability and usability.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rolandomorales

At you feets

In my opinion one of the best MIDI Foot Controllers. Instant access for the Fractal Axe FX. Patches, scenes and songs selection, 4 additional switches and 4 expression pedals. Ethercom, MIDI and Faslink conectors

michaelguy

Backup Switcher

Michael Guy uses this as a backup switcher for system B

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Aubert uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Brian Aubert

Singer, Guitarist

Silversun Pickups

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, at 14:11, Brian Aubert Says, "Right now, I'm using this Fractal System." He goes into detail of how he found out about them, figuring out how they wanted to use it, and how much easier it is when touring.

See how Dustie Waring uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Dustie Waring

Guitarist

Between the Buried and Me

...
Verified via Premierguitar

He controls everything with this foot controller, according to Premier Guitar's rig rundown.

See how Torsten Kinsella uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Torsten Kinsella

Guitarist

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in the September 28, 2016 Premier Guitar Rig Rundown for God Is An Astronaut .

To cue all the changes within the Axe-Fx for each song, Torsten relies on the company’s MFC-101 Mark III Midi Foot Controller. It stores several patches per song and reminds him after each song what the next tuning is since every song is different.

See how Saki uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Saki

Guitarist

NEMOPHILA

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance, Saki was seen using a MFC-101 MkIII footswitch for her Axe-FX II XL+.

See how Marcus Siepen uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Marcus Siepen

Guitarist

Blind Guardian

...
Verified via YouTube

Blind Guardian's guitar tech's mention André's MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller and show it at 3:32 is this "Rigged" YouTube video.

See how Masaru Teramae uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Masaru Teramae

Guitarist, Bassist

Demetori

...
Verified via Twitter

In this video (timestamped) https://youtu.be/Ohbbxppprzk?t=2279, Masaru Teramae can be seen playing an MFC-101 Mark III. It's used it as a midi controller for the Axe FX II XL+.

The MFC-101 commonly appears on Masaru Teramae's twitter. https://twitter.com/tera_Demetori/status/1346797120733396993/photo/1

See how Shigenobu Suzuki uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Shigenobu Suzuki

Guitarist

The Oral Cigarettes

...
Verified via Imgur

Shigenobu Suzuki uses the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III MIDI Foot Controller, as shown in the Imgur gallery titled "Shigenobu Suzuki fear."

See how Larry Mitchell uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Larry Mitchell

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Larry was seen using a Mark III version of the MFC-101 footswitch.

See how Y.K.C uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Y.K.C

Guitarist, Keyboardist

coldrain

...
Verified via YouTube

In YouTube video 4:46, Ykc can be seen using Fractal MFC 101 Mark III during session song Speak in Young Guitar channel

See how Nick Rossi uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Nick Rossi

Guitarist, Bassist

Born of Osiris

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Rossi uses the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III to control his Axe-Fx, as seen in his Instagram post where he mentions practicing before a trip to New York.

See how Arkadiusz Majstrak uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Arkadiusz Majstrak

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Na czym gra Ojciec Arkadiusz (NOCNY KOCHANEK), czyli gitarowy sprzęt koncertowy," Arkadiusz Majstrak discusses using the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III, highlighting its practicality over a traditional pedalboard for his performances.

See how Taiki uses Fractal MFC-101 Mark III

Taiki

Guitarist

Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

...
Verified via YouTube

During a live performance at Zepp DiverCity in 2022, Taiki is seen using the Fractal MFC-101 Mark III, as shown in Fear's YouTube video of the event.

Album Usage

The Fractal MFC-101 Mark III has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fractal MFC-101 Mark III, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 120856