MFC42 Analog MIDI Filter Controller from Akai

(Click for a close-up of the MFC42)

Akai has announced the MFC42 MIDI Filter Controller, a digitally controlled analog filter module. The MFC42 features four selectable filter types, real-time control of filter, LFO, distortion, phasing and envelope parameters.

The MFC42 is optimized for the MPC-Series products, including the MPC60/II, MPC3000 and MPC2000/XL. The MFC42 features two independent channels, including 1 x stereo channel for processing MPC drum sounds, and a separate mono channel for bass. However, since the MFC42 comes with an assortment of standard inputs, plus direct turntable inputs, the MFC42 can be used in just about any application.

Although the MFC42 is described as an analog filter module, it offers a great deal more. In addition to the powerful filtering capabilities, the MFC42 provides one LFO, one Envelope Generator, plus distortion and phasing effects. Real-time control of these capabilities is what the MFC42 does best, and since most of the controls on the MFC42 generate MIDI controller data, performances can easily be recorded and saved using the MPCs sequencer.

The MFC42 offers 2-pole and 4-pole curves on the stereo channel, while 2-pole, 4-pole and an amazing 8-pole filter is available on the mono channel. Four filter types are provided on the MFC42, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch filters. Toggle switches are provided to allow users to immediately switch to any filter type, with no need to scroll through unwanted choices. Dedicated controls for the cut-off frequency and resonance allow real-time sound shaping from sub-sonic to extreme weirdness.

To provide maximum modulation flexibility, the MFC42 can assign the LFO and EG (envelope generator) to either channel to provide real-time changes. The on-board LFO can sync to external MIDI clock to easily match the tempo of any beat. Its also possible to control the LFO rate using TAP TEMPO and BEAT SYNC. BEAT SYNC allows the duration of the LFO/Envelope to be manually controlled. And when assigned to the stereo channel, its possible to shift the LFO phase between the left/right channels to create a completely unique sound.

While each channel on the MFC42 is independent, LINK and INVERT functions allow interaction between the channels. The LINK function allows the channels to be linked together, so that any changes made on one channel will actually affect both channels. The INVERT function allows the control of one channel to have the opposite effect on the other channel.

The MFC42 also provides built-in effects to provide additional sound shaping possibilities. The effects included are distortion, a stereo analog phaser, and EQ.