Document Version 1.2.7 – January 2014
1
FRACTAL-BOT MIDI UTILITY
MANUAL & HELP
Fractal-Bot was created to provide a lightweight, easy-to-use utility for owners of Fractal
Audio Systems Products. It has a simple interface with no hidden settings, and built-in
“how-to” instructions provide guidance while you work.
Used with your Axe-Fx II or MFC-101, Fractal-Bot can send firmware updates, and send or
receive backup banks, and individual Axe-Fx II presets or cabs.
What is Firmware? Why do I need to update?
Firmware
is simply semi-permanent software. Programmed into chips, it “runs” like an operating system to
enable your Fractal Audio Systems devices to function. Like software, it is tracked using version numbers: 1.0,
2.0, etc. Every Axe-Fx II and MFC-101 sold by Fractal Audio is shipped with the latest version pre-installed.
The firmware in our products is upgradeable, and we are dedicated to continual improvement. The free updates
we release several times per year are highly anticipated by our customers. They enjoy the new amps, cabs,
effects and features, upgrade sound capabilities, bug fixes, and more. We recommend that you keep the
firmware in your products up to date as new updates are released.
The latest firmware can be found on our web site at
http://fractalaudio.com/support.php
Firmware is packaged in a zip archive and needs to be “extracted” before using. The zip file may contain
various documents in addition to the actual firmware, which is a “SysEx” or .
syx
file. Do not double-click the
.syx file; Fractal-Bot will prompt you for its location when it is needed.
Please read the
RELEASE NOTES
included in the firmware zip archive.
These let you know what’s new and
alert you to anything you may need to be aware of when updating to the new version.
Hardware and Connections
Before using Fractal-Bot you’ll need to get set up. If you are working with an Axe-Fx II, please
make sure it is connected to your computer via a USB cable and that you have installed the latest
Axe-Fx II driver for your OS, available from
the support page of our web site
. The driver is packaged with
installation instructions.
When using Fractal-Bot with an MFC-101, it must be connected to your computer via either a 3
rd
party MIDI interface, (which will require a driver installation as directed by the manufacturer) or via 5-
pin MIDI to your Axe-Fx II, which requires a special “USB Adapter Mode” setting (see p. 3 for details).
Installing Fractal-Bot
Download, extract, and install Fractal-Bot from our web site at
http://fractalaudio.com/fractal-bot.php
Fractal-Bot is packaged in a
zip archive
which may contain various documents besides the program installer.
Minimum requirements for OS X: 10.7.4 or newer
Minimum requirements for Windows: XP or newer
Once installed, the program will appear in your Applications (OS X) or the Start Menu (Windows).
Fractal-Bot’s version number is shown in the programs lower right corner. You can check for a new version by
visiting the
download page
on our web site.
