2025 NAMM Show: Jamstik has introduced the MFC1 MIDI Floor Controller, a hands-free control platform that is compatible with any standard MIDI software or device, including keyboards, MIDI guitars, and more.
Here’s the official intro video:
The MFC1 functions as both a standalone MIDI device and a MIDI host. By powering and passing through MIDI data for USB-based MIDI controllers, the MFC1 allows musicians to create streamlined setups without the need for a computer. You can daisy-chain your MIDI controllers directly into the MFC1 to reduce cable clutter and simplify your rig.
“The MFC1 is designed to empower musicians with freedom, versatility, and control in any setting,” said Jonathan Keller, Senior Engineer and creator of the MFC1. “With its customizable features, seamless Jamstik integration, and universal MIDI compatibility, the MFC1 meets the demands of both live and studio environments, giving musicians a powerful tool they can rely on.”
With the MFC1, musicians can map footswitch buttons, knobs, and a pedal input to perform a wide range of tasks, from DAW transport controls and preset scrolling to MIDI CC message mapping and beyond. The included Jamstik Creator software allows users to select factory profiles for popular DAWs, synths, and hardware, or craft custom profiles using premade actions and deep configuration options.
Features:
- Customizable Control Layout: Map footswitch buttons, knobs, and pedal inputs for DAW control, preset navigation, MIDI CC mapping, and more.
- Integrated Jamstik Creator Software: Choose from factory profiles or build custom setups for seamless compatibility with MIDI devices, tailored through the Jamstik Creator app.
- Unique MIDI Hosting Capability: Powers and passes through MIDI data for USB-based MIDI controllers without a computer, simplifying setups by allowing devices to be daisy-chained directly into the MFC1.
- Efficient DAW and Synth Integration: Control sound control and macros for Jamstik Creator, any third-party synth plugin like Arturia’s Analog Lab, Xfer Serum, Spectrasonics Omnisphere, as well as any hardware synth or effects pedal that accepts MIDI CC input.
- Enhanced Integration for Jamstik MIDI Guitars: Designed with Jamstik MIDI Guitar users in mind, the MFC1 includes special profiles and dedicated menus for toggling pitch bend, switching MIDI modes, and adjusting Jamstik-specific settings for a more seamless experience.
Pricing and Availability:
The MFC1 MIDI Floor Controller is available now at jamstik.com and select international retailers, including Bax Shop & Andertons, at a retail price of $299.99.
i didn’t find the Jamstik to be very playable. not like playing a guitar is. i find the centuries old user interfaces much easier to express myself musically.
why is there even a keyboard on screen? it’s all in the frets.
Huh? This isn’t specific to their guitars – they don’t even mention theirs. It’s a footpedal controller that works with any midi controller or software.
One can do the same with a Dore Midi footswitch controller but the bells and whistles of their software are a huge improvement over the Dore configurator which is terrible.
Arguably they should have called it the Footstick or the ToeJam.
That sales pitch seems pretty vague and confusing to me. At first, it looks like it’s a bog-standard MIDI Footswitch which includes a generous total of 1 pedal input.
It seems to do much more, we even see some kind of guitar pitch-to-MIDI shown toward the end, but this video doesn’t really explain it, or how it relates to the pedal.
It says “CC mapping”. Is that how they refer to the MFC1 sending CC messages to control stuff externally? That’s not mapping, per se, that’s CC control. And yea, if you have CC control, mapping the CC to a parameter is a step.
“Acting as a MIDI host, the MFC1 powers USB-based controllers without the need for a computer,” Yea, what does that even mean? You plug a MIDI keyboard into the controller and control the controller? WTF? It could be that the language around these devices has devolved, and people who write these blurbs don’t understand how to communicate to people who are unfamiliar with these products.
CC mapping is a term that has been used many times to explain that you can set a CC parameter and save the configuration. Perhaps you’re confusing it with auto-mapping or factory mapping? And no, it clearly means you can connect another controller to it (hosting it), power it via USB charger, and control other hardware without needing a computer. There’s no need to be obtuse about it. It seems you understand it but would rather spend time writing dissatisfied comments.
I’m sorry to seem obtuse. I’m sincerely confused by what this product and its software editor does. Is there a pitch to MIDI aspect? Seemed like that was on show at the end.
He’s a good player, but it wasn’t super clear what he was demoing. I think showing some connection scenarios would have been more helpful.
I guess I’m piecing together that the footswitches & pedal-input are used to transmit MIDI messages to a DAW and software instruments/plugins. I’m guessing that with the host capabilities, one could connect an external MIDI controller and merge that device’s MIDI control data with the MFC1’s data to transmit to the MIDI DIN out. I wonder if the MFC1 was also connected to a computer– would it behave sort of like a USB hub with regard to the connected device?
I don’t quite understand what you’re asking. I’m not sure you understand that the guitar in this video is a MIDI guitar. This is what Jamstik apparently mostly do.
Don’t be sorry my friend, there is pitch in the midi