Akai MFC42 Analogue Filter Demo
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.
In this video:
This is a brief overview of the features and functionality of the Akai MFC42 Analogue Filter Module. For this demo I have used a simple disco loop backed by some TR-909 drums and I have tried to cover all the functions of the unit while keeping the video as brief as possible. As I am sure you will have gathered by the end of this video the MFC42 has almost endless configuration possibilities to produce a huge array of filtering effects and I have only touched upon these possibilities in this video.
For those interested the Loop comes from the Akai S900 seen just below the MFC42, the drums are from a Roland TR-909 (with the exception of the hand clap which is from the TR-707 (because my 909 clap needs repairing)). Everything is sequenced with the Akai ASQ10 and the whole mix is liberally compressed by an Alesis 3630 for that ’99 Montmartre sound.
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