Fractal FC-12, FC-6 User Manual

Manual Version 1.0 — December 2018

Inside Front Cover

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer’s Name: Fractal Audio Systems, LLC Manufacturer’s Address: 4 Wilder Drive, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA

Declares that the product:

Product name: FC Controller Product option: FC-6, FC-12

Conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: EN60065:2014

EMC: EN55013:2013

EN55020:2007+A11:2011

EN55024:2010

EN61000-3-2:2014

EN61000-3-3:2013

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.

Clifford Chase, President / CEO

December 21, 2018

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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Legal Notices

Fractal Audio Systems FC-6 & FC-12 Owner’s Manual. Contents Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.

With the exception of one hard copy for personal use, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of Fractal Audio Systems.

Fractal Audio, the Fractal Audio Systems logo, Axe-Fx, Humbuster, UltraRes, FASLINK are trademarks of Fractal Audio Systems. Manufacturer names and product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated with or affiliated with Fractal Audio Systems, LLC.The names are used only to illustrate sonic and performance characteristics.

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 any warnings on the FC chassis and in this User Guide.

2.Keep away from sources of heat such as ducts, registers or appliances that produce heat.

3.Connect only to FASLINK II connector or to an AC Adapter rated at 9V DC 1000ma.

4.Keep all cables in good condition. Do not kink, bend, or pinch.

5.If not using your FC for extended periods of time, disconnect from power.

6.Protect the unit from rain and excessive moisture.

7.Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

8.Stop operation of the unit and obtain service if:

-Liquids or excessive moisture enter the unit.

-The unit operates incorrectly or performance is inconsistent or erratic.

-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.

A Manual for Online and Print Use

This manual is intended for use in desktop, tablet, and smart phone readers. It includes clickable links and bookmarks to make navigation and cross-reference easy. We recommend against printing, because firmware updates tend to make older manual versions fall out of date. That said, considerations have been taken for those who prefer paper. You are granted permission to print this PDF for personal use only. A copy center or online printer can print and bind a book for you from the PDF file.Those using screen readers must forgive the changes made herein to accommodate the print version: all links also include a page or section numbers, page spreads have extra margins towards the binding edge, and blank pages have been included to preserve page and chapter flow.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Welcome to the FC . . . . . . . . . . 1 Feature Summary . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . 3

The Top Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 SETTING UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Daisy Chaining . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mirroring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MIDI Connections. . . . . . . . . . 10

4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES. . . . . . .

11

The Master Layout Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tap & Hold Functions . . . . . . . . . 12 Example Layouts. . . . . . . . . . . 13 Factory Default Layouts . . . . . . . . 14 Easy (“EZ”) Edits. . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Layouts List. . . . . . . . . . . 19 Edit A Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Edit A Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Naming Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Startup Layouts . . . . . . . . . . 22

5 FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS. . . . . 23

LED Ring Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The “UNASSIGNED” Function . . . . . . 23 Bank Functions. . . . . . . . . . . 24 Preset Functions. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Scene Functions. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Effect Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Utility Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Layout Functions . . . . . . . . . . 32 Looper Functions . . . . . . . . . . 33 Per-Preset Functions . . . . . . . . 34 Control Switch Functions . . . . . . . 36 The Layout Link Feature . . . . . . . . 38

6 TRANSMITTING MIDI.. . . . . . . . 39

The Scene MIDI Block. . . . . . . . . 39 Control Switch MIDI . . . . . . . . . 39

7 THE CONFIG MENU . . . . . . . . . . 41

8 ADDITIONAL TOPICS. . . . . . . . . 43

Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Axe-Edit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 FC-6: Short Tutorial. . . . . . . . . . 44 FC-12: Short Tutorial . . . . . . . . . 46

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 EULA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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This page preserves page facing in the printed manual.

iv

1 Introduction

1 INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO THE FC

The new FC-6 and FC-12 Foot Controllers for the Axe-Fx III are the perfect way to control your performances with the world’s most powerful guitar processor. Our latest-generation controllers offer an impressive suite of features and capabilities, incorporating years of innovation and customer feedback. They look great too, making an attractive addition to your home, studio or stage.

The FC-12 and FC-6 are easy to use while still granting extreme flexibility. For those who want simplicity, the units are virtually plug-and-play. Use the “Master Layout Menu” to select from “Layouts.” Layouts are like pages of footswitches arranged in familiar and intuitive ways, and they make the FC seem like multiple foot controllers in one. In each layout, every footswitch can have separate “Tap” and “Hold” functions. LED rings change color to

show switch category and status (on/off/dim). At the same time, “smart” mini-LCDs eliminate guesswork (and the need for tape or magnets) with an automatic label for each switch.

For simple changes, use “EZ Mode” to set up or modify footswitches in seconds. Just tap the switch and set a few simple Axe-Fx III parameters to select from the many different ways to control presets, banks, scenes,

effects, channels, tuner, tap tempo, looper controls, control switches, and more. Such simplicity does not come at the cost of flexibility. Creative users can set up custom control with ease. You can modify layouts with any arrangement of Tap and Hold functions, change colors, customize mini-display text, and more. You can even override the functions of individual footswitches on a per-preset basis!

For the pro player with a “tech” supporting them off stage, “Mirroring” capability allows on-stage and off-stage FC units to follow each other completely without dual programming. This is better than vintage “master-slave” technology in that both units are effectively the master: any change on either unit is reflected on both.

One standard XLR cable provides two-way communication between the FC and Axe-Fx III over our new FASLINK™II standard. More efficient than MIDI and more rugged than Ethernet, this format is worthy of the most challenging conditions. A FASLINK II thru port on every FC allows you to daisy-chain up to four FC units for bigger rigs.

FASLINK II even powers your first FC, while an AC adapter is required for any daisy-chained units.

Each FC controller has four 1/4" jacks for connecting expression pedals such as the Fractal Audio EV, and another two 1/4" jacks for connecting up to four external switches. Pedals and switches can be used in the Axe-Fx III for a range of global and modifier options.

Enjoy the FC Controller and thank you for choosing Fractal Audio Systems.

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1 Introduction

FEATURE SUMMARY

The FC comes in two different versions: FC-12 with 12 switches and FC-6 with 6 switches. Aside from the number of switches, the two models are identical in capabilities.

EZ mode makes it simple to assign the function of any switch with one tap and a few adjustments.

Built-in footswitch categories include banks, presets, scenes, effects, looper, control switches, and more.Override the function of up to 24 switches on a per-preset basis.

The Tap Tempo function flashes the tempo on the footswitch LED ring.

The Tuner function shows the Axe-Fx III tuner in the main display of the FC Controller.

The FC is plug-and-play with simple settings, or you can create your own Layouts for the ultimate custom controller.

Layouts are “Pages” of footswitches that you can switch between on the fly, granting far greater control with fewer switches.

You can change layouts on the fly using the “Master Layout Menu”, accessible by an easy footswitch combination — or with special dedicated “Layout Select” footswitches.

Every footswitch can be assigned up to two functions: one for TAP and one for HOLD.

With “Layout Link,” any Tap or Hold footswitch can also change the layout on one or more connected FC controllers.

Every footswitch has its own variable-color, variable brightness LED ring which also shows the status of on, off, or dim depending on the state of whatever the switch is connected to.

Every footswitch also has its own customizable, 128×32 graphical Mini LCD display.

Mini-Displays can automatically and dynamically display preset names, scene names, effect names, channels, and more, including custom text.

The 2×20 Transflective Main Display shows the current preset, scene and information about switches when you activate them.

Add up to Four External Pedals and Four external switches per FC unit, integrated natively with the Axe-Fx III modifier system.

SSS™ switches are extremely quiet and durable, with no mechanical switch contacts to fail.

The FASLINK™ II port of the Axe-Fx III provides 2-way communication, and will also provide phantom power to the first FC unit in a daisy chain. (Axe-Fx II not supported).

FASLINK™ II “thru” port for connecting up to four FC units total in a single daisy chained rig.

In a daisy chain, units can “Mirror” each other, so a tech off-stage can share switching responsibilities with an artist on-stage.The FC can trigger the Axe-Fx III to generate and transmit MIDI messages from its own MIDI out port to connected devices.The FC is built tough for stages and touring with a powder-coated 16-gauge steel chassis and tough protective end-caps.

Most FC features are built in to the Axe-Fx III, so you won’t need to update or backup your FC controller separately.

As with all Fractal Audio products, this means that the FC will enjoy a future of updates and innovations for years to come.

FC-12 Dimensions: 20.2″ x 9.2″ x 3.5″ (512mm x 233mm x 88mm). Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg).

FC-6 Dimensions: 11.2″ x 9.2″ x 3.5″ (283mm x 233mm x 88mm). Weight: 6.7 lbs (3 kg).

A full suite of FC editing tools for Axe-Edit, our software editor/librarian for the Axe-Fx III, is under development and will be released during Q1 2019. We are working on a general FC editor, Layout Library, Switch Library, drag and drop designer, integrated “Per-Preset” feature, and more.

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2 Hardware Overview

2 HARDWARE OVERVIEW

THE TOP PANEL

The FC-12 is shown here. The FC-6 is identical except for the number of switches and the width/weight of the unit.

Chassis — The FC is housed in a rugged steel chassis. A pair of protective end caps also serve as feet and provide a convenient gap to lift the unit from the floor.

FC-12 Dimensions: 20.2″ x 9.2″ x 3.5″ (512mm x 233mm x 88mm). Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)

FC-6 Dimensions:11.2″ x 9.2″ x 3.5″ (283mm x 233mm x 88mm). Weight: 6.7 lbs (3 kg)

Main Display — The main display is a 2×20 transflective character display that remains highly legible under a variety of adverse lighting environments. The main display shows the name of the current preset (and optionally its number) and the name of the current scene (and optionally its number) as well as various other useful pieces of information when you activate a switch, select a layout, and so on.

Footswitches — Footswitches are the main attractions of any foot controller. The switches on the FC Controller use our proprietary Solid State Switching (SSS™) technology. They feature extremely smooth, quiet, action, and have no mechanical contacts to fail. Each footswitch can be assigned your choice of one Tap and/or one press-and-hold (“Hold”) function, and these can be different on every “layout”. A layout is like a “page” of switches, and there are 8 different layouts you can switch freely between, plus one special layout called the “Master Layout Menu”. Learn more in Section 4: Layouts & Switches, on p. 11.

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2 Hardware Overview

LED Ring — An LED ring around each switch changes color and brightness to help you navigate and operate the FC. By default, the color shows the category of the switch’s Tap function. Presets, for example, are green, banks are yellow, effects are blue, and so on. You can change the color for any category or any individual switch ( see p.23). The LED ring also changes its brightness to show the state of a switch, and each function has

its own built-in rules for how this works. For example, a scene switch is dimmed unless that scene is selected. An effect switch is dim when the effect is bypassed and bright when the effect is engaged (or off altogether if that effect is not found in the current preset.) You can change ring brightness on the Setup | Foot Controllers | Config page (see p.41).

LCD Mini-Display — An LCD mini-display above each footswitch provides a useful label or indicator for the switch. For example, a preset switch will default to showing the name of the preset that will load if you activate that switch. Scene switches show scene names. For greater flexibility, each of the different functions has its own list of mini-display “Label” options you can choose from, and you can even enter custom text (though why anyone would want to label a footswitch “kebab” is beyond us.)

THE REAR PANEL

PEDAL Jacks — Four PEDAL jacks allow connecting up to four expression pedals or switches. The Fractal Audio EV series pedals are perfect for this purpose, with linear action and long smooth travel. Pedals connected to the FC are natively integrated with the Axe-Fx III modifier system, without the need to configure any parameters other than the modifier source. Connect pedals usingTRS-to-TRS cables, and be sure to calibrate before use (see “Pedals & Switches” on p. 6).

SWITCH Jacks — Two SWITCH jacks allow connecting two switches each (1+2 and 3+4). Momentary and latching switches are supported. Switches connected to the FC are natively integrated with the Axe-Fx III modifier system, without the need to configure any parameters other than the modifier source. See “Pedals & Switches” on p. 6 for more information.

USB Port —The USB port on the FC controller is reserved for future use. It is not required for firmware updates, which are performed via the Axe-Fx III over FASLINK II. In fact, most features of the FC controller are part of the Axe-Fx III itself, meaning that new Axe-Fx firmware can also add features to the FC.

FASLINK II port — (XLR-Male connector) The primary FASLINK II port (right XLR jack, looking at the rear panel) allows connecting an Axe-Fx III. The FASLINK II connector provides power and two-way communications over a single standard male-to-female XLR cable (such as a typical Mic cable).

aFASLINK II (Daisy Chain Connector) — (XLR-Female connector) The secondary FASLINK II port (left jack, looking at the rear panel) allows connecting up to three additional daisy-chained FC units. Connect additional units using a standard XLR cable, but remember that only the first unit in a daisy chain is powered by the

Axe-Fx III; additional units require 9–12V DC at their power inlets (see below). Daisy-chaining allows you to extend footswitch “real estate” or to mirror different FC units to each other. (In comparison to “master/slave” controllers of the past, mirroring keeps the switches and displays of multiple units completely in sync—in effect offering a “dual master” scenario.) See “Daisy Chaining” on p. 8 for more information.

sPower Inlet —The first FC unit connected to an Axe-Fx III requires no AC power; the XLR cable powers the unit and handles all communications. Any additional FC units connected in a daisy chain (p. 8) require power from an AC adapter. Adapters ar available from https://shop.fractalaudio.com or you can use a thirdparty adapter rated at 9–12V DC, 1000 ma, negative center, 2.5mm barrel. FASLINK II will not power the FC Controller if the AC Adapter is connected—whether or not the adapter is plugged in.

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3 Setting Up

3 SETTING UP

BASICS

This Guide assumes that you are using a single FC-6 or FC-12. For larger setups, see “Daisy Chaining” on p. 8.

CONNECT USING FASLINK II

Setting up a single FC unit is simple. Use a generic Male-to-Female XLR cable to connect the FASLINK™ II port of the Axe-Fx III to the FASLINK™ II port of the FC as shown in the diagram below. This connection provides both power and 2-way communications—sending footswitch and pedal commands to the AxeFx III, and sending the FC all required programming instructions, status updates, mini-display messages, and more. The FC is even “hot swappable” meaning there is no need to power down the Axe-Fx III.

CONFIGURE THE AXE-FX III

No configuration is needed for the FC to function fully. However, we recommend loading the factory default layouts and FC Configuration before first use.To do so, please perform the following simple steps:

Page to the Reset page of the FC Controllers menu under SETUP.

Select the relevant entry for FC-6 or FC-12 and press ENTER.

If you are using a combination of different controllers in a daisy chain, it is probably best to load the defaults for the first unit in the chain, even though you will ultimately want to use custom layouts.

Performing “Reset System Parameters” on the Axe-Fx III will erase ALL of the stored settings for the FC Controller, setting them to blank. If this happens, you will need to re-load the Factory Default Layouts & Settings as described above, or restore a backup of your Axe-Fx III System settings.

Axe-Fx III FASLINK II Jack

XLR Cable

Connect Axe-Fx III INs and OUTs	FASLINK II
as you normally would (Audio, USB, etc .)	Port (XLR Male)

FC-12 or FC-6

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3 Setting Up

PEDALS & SWITCHES

CONNECT AND CALIBRATE EXPRESSION PEDALS

Each FC Controller supports up to four expression pedals connected at the rear panel PEDAL jacks using TRS-to-TRS cables. The Fractal Audio Systems EV pedal is perfect for this application, with true linear response, smooth action and a long throw. (Third party pedals rated 10—100KΩ may also work.)

Page to the Remote page of the FC Controllers menu under SETUP.

If you have more than one FC controller connected, select the desired Target FC unit using the A knob.

Ensure that Pedal Type is set to “CONTINUOUS” for the desired pedal (1–4).

Navigate to the Pedal Calibration function for the desired Pedal and press the ENTER button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to perform calibration. Watch the on-screen slider, which shows the reading of the pedal as you move it. The slider should move over a large portion of the range. Many brands of pedal will not reach the top, but all should reach the bottom.

Press ENTER when finished.

CONNECT A SWITCH AT A PEDAL JACK.... .

Instead of a pedal, you can alternately connect a single switch at any Pedal jack. Follow the instructions above and simply set Type to “MOMENTARY” or “LATCHING” based on what you’re connecting and how you want it to work. (If you’re not sure, check with the switch manufacturer or try both settings to see which works better.) Calibration is not required. You can use a normal guitar cable (TS) for switches.

CONNECT EXTERNAL SWITCHES

Each external switch jack on the FC can host one or two external switches of any type. Switches require no configuration or calibration.

For a single switch, use a normal guitar cable.

For two switches, use a ¼” TRS-to-dual ¼” TS “Y-cable” (aka an “insert cable”) where the tip side is used for the first switch and the ring side or the second, as illustrated below:

Tip Sleeve	TIP	FIRST
		SWITCH
FC EXT
SWITCH
JACK		SECOND
Ring	RING
		SWITCH

WHAT IS TRS? “TRS” stands for TIP-RING-SLEEVE and describes an endplug or jack with three insulated contacts. Normal guitar cables are TS (Tip-Sleeve) since they lack the ring which serves as a third contact. The illustration at right shows both types.

Tip Sleeve

TRS

Ring

TS

Tip Sleeve

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3 Setting Up

CONFIGURE THE AXE-FX III TO USE FC PEDALS AND SWITCHES

The Axe-Fx III features a powerful system of automation and remote control using “Modifiers”. For example, a modifier allows an expression pedal to operate a wah or whammy.The Axe-Fx III Owner’s Manual covers modifiers in detail.

The FC Controller is “plug-and-play” with the modifier system, meaning that when you browse through the list of modifier Sources on the Axe-Fx III, you will discover four FC Pedal and four FC External Switch options for each of four potential FC units (32 choices total!).

Most factory presets, however—and many other presets you might create, download, or purchase—will not use these FC sources directly. Instead, they will be set to use a “go-between” — a control node called an “External

Controller” — which sits between the modifier and the pedal. External Controllers are more universal and userfriendly because they can be configured globally.There are 16 numbered External Controllers on the Axe-Fx III. By default, they are all set to “NONE” but we can easily map them to the pedals and switches of the FC Controller.

All Axe-Fx III factory presets are already set to use External 1 for operating various wah and whammy effects (and more). As an example, let’s set External 1 to use FC#1 Pedal 1:

On the Axe-Fx III, open the External page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP.

Locate the External Controller of your choice (External Control 1 for this example).

Turn the VALUE wheel to set External 1 to “FC#1 PEDAL 1”.

Continue setting other external controllers as desired and press EXIT when you’re finished.

The Axe-Fx III has two onboard pedal jacks, referred to in the MIDI/Remote menu simply as “PEDAL 1” and “PEDAL 2”. Don’t confuse these with the entries for

FC pedals, which appear as “FC#1 PEDAL 1”, “FC#1 PEDAL 2” etc.

USE FC EXTERNAL SWITCHES FOR OTHER AXE-FX III GLOBAL FUNCTIONS

Aside from External Controllers (detailed above) the Axe-Fx III is equipped with dozens of other global functions that can be controlled using FC Pedals and Switches. For example, the “Other” page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP contains global volume options for all inputs and outputs. Almost all of these global options can be set to the FC pedal of your choice.

Be sure to use switches of the appropriate type for the function you have selected. For example, a Latching type switch would be best for a channel or bypass control. Please refer to the Axe-Fx III manual for more about global Remote functions.

The following example shows how to set the global Output 1 Volume to be controlled by FC#1 Pedal 2.

On the Axe-Fx III, page to the Other page of the MIDI/Remote menu under SETUP.

Locate the remote function of your choice (Output 1 Volume for this example).

Turn the VALUE wheel to select the desired FC pedal or switch (“FC#1 PEDAL 2” for this example).

You may wish to make other assignments on this or other menu pages.

Press HOME when finished.

If for some reason you find yourself without one or more of the pedals you normally use with the FC, it will assume them to be in the TOE DOWN position. It is sometimes best in this case set the corresponding External or Global Controller(s) on the Axe-Fx III temporarily back to “NONE”, which is equivalent to the HEEL DOWN position.1

1Once an external controller is set to “NONE” you can “park” the missing controller at 0% or 100%. See your owner’s manual for more information about the External Controller Initial Value feature.

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3 Setting Up

DAISY CHAINING

FC Controllers can be connected in series or “daisy-chained” to form a mega-controller of up to four units operating as one. This allows access to more switches at once (reducing the need to switch layouts). You can chain units of any type in any order, and any unit can load any of the eight layouts at any time.

Each FC supports up to four expression pedals and four external switches (see “Pedals & Switches” on p. 6).

CONNECT THE FIRST FC WITH FASLINK II

Setup begins just like when you use a single FC unit. Use a generic Male-to-Female XLR cable to connect the FASLINK™ II port of the Axe-Fx III to the FASLINK™ II port of the first FC.This connection powers the unit and carries communication to and from the entire chain.

CONNECT ADDITIONAL FC UNITS WITH FASLINK II AND AC POWER

IMPORTANT: Only the first unit connected directly to the Axe-Fx III will be powered by FASLINK II. Each unit in a daisy chain after the first requires local power via an AC Adapter rated 9–12V 1000 ma.

Compatible AC Adapters are available at https://shop.fractalaudio.com

Axe-Fx III

FASLINK II

Port

				Each daisy-chained FC
				beyond the first requires
				its own 9–12V DC Power supply.
Connect all INs and OUTs	XLR Cable	XLR Cable			Etc .
as you normally would .
FASLINK II	FASLINK II		Power	FASLINK II	Up to
Port (Male)	Port (Female)		Receptacle	Port (Male)	four units
					in total .

FC-12 or FC-6

FC-12 or FC-6

CONFIGURATION

Daisy-chained FC units require no special configuration, though you will probably wish to design custom layouts for use in this type of setup. In fact, you can specify which layout should be loaded upon startup for each connected FC unit by using the options on the Devices page of the FC Controllers menu under SETUP.

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3 Setting Up

MIRRORING

Mirroring is a special setting that forces two or more daisy-chained FC units to remain perfectly in sync. They show the same layouts, with all the same switches and switch states. Any change to any mirrored unit is reflected instantly on the other mirrored unit(s). The usual scenario for mirroring involves an artist on stage with a tech offstage who helps with switching.

To mirror one FC to another:

Change to the Devices page of the FC Controllers menu under SETUP.

Select the row for the FC unit that you want to mirror, then select the desired unit to mirror using the D knob.

A note on pedals and switches: Connected expression pedals and switches are NOT mirrored, since pedal jacks are named explicitly in modifiers or controller assignments. For example,

“External 1” on your Axe-Fx might be set to “FC#1 PEDAL #1”. A preset using External 1 then will ONLY respond to that specific pedal and not the pedal 1 jack on a mirrored FC.

Fortunately, different presets, effects, or parameters can be assigned as desired to individual pedal or switch jacks, so in one song, you might operate a wah, while during a different song, your tech could do it for you offstage while you fly through the air on wires.

Any unit(s) can mirror any other unit(s), so be careful not to create a circular mirror (1 mirrors 2, 2 mirrors 1). This will cause one or both FC units to

behave unpredictably until the problem is corrected.

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3 Setting Up

MIDI CONNECTIONS

You may have noticed that the FC is not a MIDI controller. It does not have MIDI ports. Combined with the Axe-Fx III, however, it becomes part of a MIDI control system. Even without an FC, the Axe-Fx can serve as the centerpiece of a MIDI rig, transmitting various messages from its MIDI OUT port. The FC controls the Axe-Fx and the Axe-Fx sends MIDI messages. Don’t be mistaken and expect MIDI messages at the MIDI THRU port of the III; all MIDI messages are generated by the Axe-Fx III at its MIDI OUT port.

Here’s a simple rig diagram showing how the FC and Axe-Fx III might be used to send MIDI to a connected amp, which also passes messages on to a processor.

Axe-Fx III FASLINK II Port

XLR Cable

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

MIDI THRU

FASLINK II

MIDI IN

Audio and power connections not shown . Connect all other INs and OUTs as you normally would in your rig (Audio, USB, etc .)

FC-12 or FC-6

Here, a basic MIDI setup is extended beyond the amp to one connected MIDI device.

The FC controls the Axe-Fx III, which generates and transmits messages at its MIDI OUTport.

WHY NO MIDI PORTS ON THE FC? Early during the design of the new foot controllers for our new flagship processor, we decided that the FC should be “lean

and mean.” Instead of crouching on the floor to delve through menus, FC owners would set up and operate the unit using the color screen and interface of the mothership. Similarly, all of the “heavy lifting” would be done by the Axe-Fx III, keeping the FC’s price down and extending the “client-server” concept of total integration. The benefits of this are great. Have you noticed, for instance, that as things change on your Axe-Fx III or in Axe-Edit, the FC is updated automatically? With our new highly efficient FASLINK II protocol, the decision was complete.

MIDI had no place on the floor, and the Axe-Fx III would become the MIDI master!

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4 Layouts & Switches

4 LAYOUTS & SWITCHES

The FC is organized around Layouts. A layout is a set of up to 12 footswitch definitions, each of which includes one Tap and one Hold function. You can change layouts on the fly to access different “pages” of switches1. For example, one layout might be used to select Presets or Scenes, while a different layout operates the Looper. Any layout can be completely customized to serve your own needs. Layouts even have their own names to make navigating easier. The Axe-Fx III provides eight layouts.

1 FC Layouts are not called “pages” to avoid confusion with menu pages in the Axe-Fx III.

THE MASTER LAYOUT MENU

Switching from one layout to another is the key to the versatility of the FC. There are many ways to do this, but the built-in Master Layout Menu (“MLM” for short) will probably be the most popular. The Master Layout Menu grants instant access to other layouts, one per footswitch.

To show the Master Layout Menu, rock your foot from heel to toe over both of the two right-most footswitches on your FC, as shown in the following illustration of the “MLM Switch Combo”.

The Master Layout Menu Footswitch Combination, or “MLM Switch Combo”

The Master Layout menu automatically assigns different layouts to different footswitches in order. Footswitch 1 loads layout 1, Footswitch 2 loads layout 2, and so on. If your layouts have names, these will be shown in the Mini-Displays. When you activate any switch to select a layout, it is loaded immediately. The currently selected layout will be shown with a bright LED ring, while other options are dimmed. To exit the MLM without changing the current layout, just select the bright switch for the current layout again.

If the lower right switch has a Tap function, it will not be activated by the MLM Switch Combo. If the lower right switch has a Hold function, you can still easily execute the MLM Switch

Combo quickly, before the Hold function fires. If the Hold function should fire, the Master Layout

Menu will still be displayed. Learn more in “The Rules of Switch Timing” on p. 12.

When you design your own layouts, consider that the best Hold function for the lower right switch is probably one that doesn’t change your sound if you accidentally fire it while activating the MLM.

A good example would be “Reveal Hold Functions”, present in some of the default layouts.

A layout can also include Tap or Hold switches that change to other layouts without the MLM. See Section 5: Footswitch Functions for more information on this and other switch functions.

MLM PAGING

Since there are eight layouts and the FC-6 has only 6 footswitches, the Master Layout Menu is split into two pages. Just perform the “MLM Switch Combo” again — or use the MLM utlity function

(p. 32) — and the FC-6 will toggle between the two pages of the Master Layout Menu.

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4 Layouts & Switches

TAP & HOLD FUNCTIONS

Every switch in every layout can be programmed with individual TAP and/or HOLD functions.

Tap functions — used throughout history for guitar effects and beyond — are best for changes that require tight timing. For example, a tap switch set to SELECT SCENE is ideal to change the sound precisely as a solo begins.

Hold functions on the other hand, require a “long press” and are fired after a brief delay, so their timing is less precise. Hold switches are perfect for functions like opening the Tuner, or accessing an alternate layout such as Looper Control.

THE RULES OF SWITCH TIMING

Like every guitar product in history with “hold” footswitches, the FC must follow rules for timing so it “knows” whether you are trying to activate the Tap or the Hold. A switch with a Hold function must briefly delay the Tap function until it can determine which one you are trying to activate. When this is the case, the tap is activated when the switch is released instead of when it is depressed—unless you continue holding the switch past

the “Press and HoldTimeout” window.The following illustrations help explain switch firing and timing:

TIMING FOR A TAP FUNCTION				TIMING FOR A TAP FUNCTION
WITH NO HOLD FUNCTION				WITH A HOLD FUNCTION
				Press and Hold Timeout
				(0.50 seconds by default)
time				time
TheTap function fires				TheTap function fires when
at the moment the				you release the switch, as
footswitch is depressed.				long as this happens before
				the Press and Hold Timeout.
				If not, the Hold function
					eventually fires...

TIMING FOR ANY

HOLD FUNCTION

Press and Hold Timeout (0.50 seconds by default)

time

When you hold a switch, its HOLD function activates at the moment the Press and Hold Timeout runs out—whether or not the switch has a Tap function. This does not cause theTap function to fire.

If you need tight timing from a Tap switch that has a Hold function, tap and release very quickly— even a fraction of a second early, knowing that the change will occur as your foot comes up.

You can change the duration of the Press and Hold Timeout on the Config page of the FC Controllers menu under Setup. The default is 0.5 seconds. Make it longer if you find that you are activating Hold functions when you mean to activate Tap functions. Make it shorter to fire Hold functions sooner.

PRESS & HOLD LABELS

The Mini-Display for each switch normally shows the label for the Tap function. While any switch is depressed

— even for a normal “tap” — it changes to show the label of the Hold function, even if you don’t keep holidng the switch down until its Hold function fires! Meanwhile, a special “Reveal Hold” utility switch (see p. 31) can also be utilized to cause all mini-displays to persistently show the Hold functions for their switches.

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