Akai MFC42
The MFC42 is a true analog filter module designed by Akai for their MPC-series gear. However, you can use it to process any sound source since it has basic 1/4" inputs and outputs and MIDI! It has genuine analog filters for that warmer tone with Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Notch filter types. It consists of a MONO filter section and STEREO filter section. The MONO section offers 2-, 4-, and 8-pole filter slopes. The STEREO section offers 2- and 4-pole filter slopes. The MONO 8-pole slope utilizes the whole filter circuitry so the STEREO section is not active. Likewise, the MONO section is inactive when the STEREO section is in 4-pole mode. But when both sections are used simultaneously, they can be linked so that the MONO filter's control knobs control both MONO and STEREO sections. The link can also be inverted so the two sections sweep in opposite directions.
Other features include one ADSR envelope for the filter's contour. This envelope can be triggered by MIDI and Trigger button, but not by audio unfortunately. The LFO is essential to bringing this filter to life! It has four waveforms including sawtooth, square, triangle and random. It can be synced to MIDI clock and can modulate to 16th, 8th, 1/4, 1/2, whole, double-whole, and triplet notes in tempo with your MPC (or MIDI) sequences! Or use the "Tap" button to tap in the tempo in real-time. A large numeric display shows the current tempo and there's also an EQ on-board for global sonic fine-tuning. Effects include a very harsh (in a good way) Distortion and stereo analog Phase Shifter. The ins-and-outs consist of three 1/4" inputs (mono/stereo), stereo phono (RCA) inputs, stereo 1/4" outputs, stereo phono (RCA) outputs, and MIDI in, out and through. All pertinent knobs and buttons can send and receive MIDI control.
Clearly the MFC42 is for DJ's and musicians alike. It can be rack-mounted into any studio's rack, DJ's turn-table coffin, or specially mounted to any MPC60 through 3000. It's a perfect add-on for any MPC-user and is an affordable alternative to other Filter boxes such as the Mutator, Sherman Filterbank, Electrix Filter Factory, and Waldorf X-Pole.
- Demos & Media
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Audio Clip 1 - Hear the MFC42 rip apart and turn inside out a simple stereo drum loop pattern, from Future Music issue 119.
- Specifications
- Filter Modes - Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Notch
- Filter Slopes - Mono Analog filter: 2-, 4-, and 8-pole slopes
Stereo Analog filter: 2- and 4-pole slopes - Envelopes - ADSR Envelope
- LFO - MIDI-syncable with sawtooth, square, triangle, random waveforms. Can modulate filter cutoff and/or resonance.
- Effects - Distortion, stereo analog phase shifter, EQ
- Keyboard - None
- Memory - None
- Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (send/receive on 1 channel only)
- Date Produced - 2001
- Resources & Credits
Images from Akai Pro
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mad professor
benga and other dub musicians many
A Dirty little secret that puts my Electrix Filter Factory to shame (listed here as an alternative). if you see one grab it, you wont be sorry; i am runnig a YAMAHA TX81Z through the mono and an Akai AX73 through the stereo. The LFO combined with the distortion and phaser does wobble bass that makes my virus sound like a pocket calculator. This Filter injects FAT life into anything you feed into it. Why no more AKAI?
I designed a Midi Interface for FL Studio but never use it as the controll surface of the MFC42 aches to be touched, responding to every stroke of your fingers with squeels of delight. A great filter with loads of character.
fidg3t_fawk@yahoo.com
It's a damn fine unit all round, and I won't be getting rid of mine any time soon :-)