Free The Tone MOTION LOOP User manual

MOTION LOOP
PITCH SHIFTABLE SHORT LOOPER
Owner’s Manual
Ver 1.0

Thank you for choosing a Free The Tone product.
In order to take full advantage of the features and performance it provides, please read this owner’s manual thoroughly, and
keep it in a safe place for future reference.
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Table of Contents
Controls and Indicators .............................................................................................................. 4
Front Panel ....................................................................................................................... 4
Top Panel ......................................................................................................................... 5
Side Panel ........................................................................................................................ 5
Display Contents ................................................................................................................. 6
Welcome to the world of MOTION LOOP ............................................................................................. 7
How MOTION LOOP Works ....................................................................................................... 7
RATE Knob and Grid Mode ....................................................................................................... 8
Retriggering Function ............................................................................................................ 8
Factory Presets ................................................................................................................... 8
Basic Operations ..................................................................................................................... 9
How to Adjust Sampling Duration ................................................................................................ 9
How to Adjust Filter Operation ................................................................................................... 9
Recalling Presets ................................................................................................................. 9
Use PRESET Footswitch to Switch between Presets 1 and 2 ................................................................ 9
Recall Desired Preset from 128 Presets ..................................................................................... 10
Recall Preset by MIDI Signal ................................................................................................. 10
Edit Menu ........................................................................................................................... 11
How to Confirm Parameter Changes or Settings ................................................................................ 11
How to Change Parameters and Saving Them in Preset ........................................................................ 11
Effect Settings ................................................................................................................... 12
PITCH SETTING ............................................................................................................. 12

Handling Precautions
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the MOTION LOOP when the external device that drives speakers is powered.
Doing so can cause noises and damage the speakers.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the knobs, tact switches, DC jack, and phone jacks on the MOTION LOOP.
• Do not push or press the display of the MOTION LOOP.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.
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LOOP SETTING .............................................................................................................. 13
WAVEFORM SETTING ....................................................................................................... 14
DELAY SETTING ............................................................................................................. 15
DRY& FOOTSW - Dry Sound/Footswitch Settings .......................................................................... 15
KNOB&EXP ASSIGN - Assigning Second Function to Knobs, Encoder or EXP/CV/FS Terminal ........................... 16
Selecting how to use an external footswitch to select whether to output the input signal (dry sound) or not ........ 16
PRESET NAME - Naming Presets ........................................................................................... 17
Global Settings ...................................................................................................................... 17
Setting Procedures for Global Functions ........................................................................................ 17
MIDI CH - Setting of MIDI Receive Channel ................................................................................. 17
EXP CALB - Calibration of Expression Pedal ................................................................................ 18
EXP DISP - Display of Expression Pedal .................................................................................... 18
ENCODER - Setting for PARAMETER Encoder ............................................................................. 19
PS FSW - Setting for PRESET Switch ....................................................................................... 19
Usage of EXP/CV/FS Terminal ..................................................................................................... 20
Initialization ......................................................................................................................... 20
FIRMWARE - Firmware Update .................................................................................................... 20
List of Parameters and Corresponding MIDI CC Numbers ......................................................................... 21
List of Assignable Functions ....................................................................................................... 22
Main Specifications and Ratings ................................................................................................... 23
Safety Precautions .................................................................................................................. 24

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Controls and Indicators
Front Panel
RATE Knob / KNOB-L
Adjusts the sampling duration for
loop operation.
PARAMETER Encoder
Used to adjust parameters of each
function.
Display
Shows preset names or
parameters of various functions.
SAVE Switch
HOME Switch
Press this switch to save the
setting.
Press this switch to change the
contents shown in the display.
Holding this switch down for about
2 seconds puts the unit in Global
Function Setting mode.
PRESET LEDs
When a BPM (tempo) has been set,
both of the LEDs flash in that tempo.
ON/OFF Footswitch
Press this footswitch to turn on/
off the loop effect. When it is
turned on, the LED at the right
side of the footswitch illuminates.
If this footswitch is set to Unlatch
operation, this LED illuminates
as long as the footswitch is held
pressed.
PRESET Footswitch
Press this footswitch to switch between
Presets 1 and 2. It is also used as a
confirmation switch when a preset is
recalled using the PARAMETER encoder.
If this footswitch is set for retriggering
in any preset, it operates as the
footswitch for retriggering when the
effect has been enabled.
FILTER Knob / KNOB-R
Adjusts the filter operation.
◀/ ▶Cursor Key
Used to switch menu or setup screens.
The ◀cursor key operates as the
previous page switch and the ▶cursor
key operates as the next page switch.
E.LEVEL Knob / KNOB-C
Adjusts the balance between the original
sound and effect level. Turning the knob
clockwise increases the effect level.

Top Panel
Side Panel
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MIDI IN Terminal
Used to receive MIDI signals.
The optional CM-3510-TRS MIDI
cable is applicable.
EXP/CV/FS Terminal
Used to connect an expression
pedal or external footswitch
(momentary type). This terminal
accepts CV (control voltage).
OUT/R Terminal
Used to connect to an
amplifier, mixer, etc.
IN(TRS) Terminal
Used to connect a guitar/bass
or another musical instrument
or effects unit. For a monaural
input use a cable terminated with
monaural phone plugs. For a stereo
input use a cable with TRS phone
plugs.
OUT/L Terminal
Used to connect to an amplifier or mixer, etc. When
this unit is battery powered, inserting a plug in this
jack turns on the power.
DC9V Terminal
Used to connect the optional AC/DC adapter FA-
0905D-JA/UK/EU or FA-0905H-JA. An adapter
with regulated 9-VDC output, center minus polarity,
and power supply capability of higher than 200
mA. Accepts a standard 5.5-mm x ø2.1-mm plug.
NOTE
In addition to the AC adapter, the MOTION LOOP can be powered by a 006P (9 V) alkaline battery.
Battery life for continuous use is about 2 hours (this depends on the type and usage condition of the battery). Please note that a manganese dry cell cannot be
used due to its short life.
When the battery voltage becomes too low, the display shows “LOW BATTERY”. Exchange the battery or use the AC adapter.
When replacing batteries, remove the bottom plate after loosening the four screws on it and replace the battery with a new one.

By pressing the HOME switch the display alternately shows the
HOME screen and Function Assignment screen.
1. HOME screen: Indicates a preset number and preset name.
2. Function Assignment screen: Indicates the function
assigned to a knob or encoder.
When this screen is displayed, each knob or PARAMETER encoder
is used to change the parameter of the assigned function.
Holding the HOME switch down for about 2 seconds brings up
the SETUP screen.
3. SETUP screen: Displayed when the MOTION LOOP’s Global
functions such as MIDI channel setting are set.
By pressing the ▶cursor key while the HOME or Function
Assignment screen is shown, the MENU screen for setting up
various functions.
4. MENU screen: Displayed when changing effects unit’s
parameter in each preset and changing functions for each
control.
Display Contents
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Preset Name
Preset Number
Preset Number PARAMETER Encoder
KNOB-L KNOB-C KNOB-R
Shows that there is a next page
Global Function
Parameter
Edit Menu

How MOTION LOOP Works
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Welcome to the world of MOTION LOOP
The Free The Tone MOTION LOOP is a revolutionary short looper that performs short-term sampling and real-time effect processing
such as pitch shift, delay, filter.
Its real-time processing enables this short looper to be used as a tool handled like a musical instrument. Random processing of
sampled waveforms can create accidental sounds. Enjoy the world of the MOTION LOOP that has unlimited potential.
The MOTION LOOP continuously monitors and samples the input signal. At the moment the footswitch is pressed to turn on the
effects, the loop and effect processing for the sampled sound starts from a prior point in time set by the RATE knob and after turning
on the effects, the sampling is continued. With the maximum RATE setting (BPM 30), the input sound can be sampled up to for 4
seconds.
If the sample sound is not enough at the start point of the process, the sampled sound taken after turning on the effect is added in
order to automatically fill up the duration set by the RATE knob.
If there is no sampled input signal when the effect is turned on, the MOTION LOOP waits for the input signal while keeping the effect
in ready status and starts the loop operation as soon as it receives the input signal. If the input signal level is lower than about -40
dBm, then the MOTION LOOP assumes that there is no input signal.
▼
▼▼
Sampling Input (Before FX ON)
FX ON
FX ON FX ON
Back the amount of time set
by the RATE knob
No input
at the prior
time position
set by the RATE knob
Input signal after FX ON
is added to fill up
the length set by the RATE knob
and then the segments are output
Input (After FX ON)
Input (After FX ON)
With BPM 30, the input signal equal to the maximum setting of the RATE knob
(4 seconds) can be copied
Loop Output This segment will be output if the time amount
set by the RATE knob setting is larger
Input (Before FX ON)

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RATE Knob and Grid Mode
When the MOTION LOOP performs the loop process, the length (in time) of the sampled sound to be looped depends on the duration
set by the RATE knob. When there is no BPM setting (i.e. OFF), the RATE knob operates with BPM 60 as its reference. If the knob is set
to the center position, a sampled sound about 250 ms in length is looped.
Although the loop time can be adjusted continuously by the RATE knob, by setting a BPM the RATE knob is automatically switched to
Grid mode. Seven patterns of the grid are prepared: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32. With BPM 120 setting, if the RATE knob’s
grid is set to 1/4, a 125-ms sampled sound is looped. By using this Grid mode, you can easily and effectively play along with a tune
without getting out of tempo.
Retriggering Function
The MOTION LOOP has a powerful Retriggering function that monitors new incoming signals even after activating the loop effect
and loops that signal. The retriggering sensitivity can be adjusted to the output level from various instruments or effects units. This
sensitivity setting can be saved in each preset.
Factory Presets
The MOTION LOOP is shipped with factory presets. They are stored in the user preset memory after No. 128 with the [F:] preset
number prefix. Users can turn the PARAMETER encoder to select and recall the desired factory preset.
Note that this factory preset area is protected against recall, write, or delete operation via MIDI signals.
Note that the parameters of the factory presets have already been copied into the user preset area to be used after being edited to the
user’s preference.
For more details about the factory presets, please refer to the product page on our website.

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Basic Operation
How to Adjust Sampling Duration
When the RATE knob is set to the center position, the rate is set to 1/4 length of the reference sampling duration. Turning this knob to
the left side shortens the sampling duration and turning it to the right side lengthens the duration.
If a BPM has been set, the RATE knob works in Grid mode and turning it to the left shortens the sampling duration for the looped sound
in the following steps: 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc. Similarly turning it to the right side lengthens the sampling duration as follows: 1/2, 1, 2,
etc. If Loop Rate mode is set to ENVELOPE or RANDOM in the Edit menu, this knob is deactivated.
How to Adjust Filter Operation
The FILTER knob adjusts the filter operation.
Turning the knob to the left side activates the low-pass filter and turning it to the right side activates the high-pass filter.
If Filter mode is set to ENVELOPE, SYNC BMP, or SYNC SPEED in the Edit menu, this knob is deactivated.
Recalling Presets
128 presets provided by the MOTION LOOP can be recalled in various ways.
Use PRESET Footswitch to Switch between Presets 1 and 2
Press the PRESET footswitch to switch the presets.
NOTE
Each time the PRESET footswitch is pressed, Presets 1 and 2 are switched instantly. It is useful to store frequently used presets in Preset 1 and Preset 2 and
switch them.

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Recall Desired Preset from 128 Presets
1. Press the HOME switch until the screen shows a preset number and preset name.
2. Turn the PARAMETER encoder until the desired preset number is shown in the display. The two red LEDs above the PRESET footswitch
flash alternately. At this time the preset is not recalled.
3. Press the PRESET footswitch to recall the desired preset. When the preset is recalled, the two red LEDs above the footswitch stop
alternate flashing.
Recall Preset by MIDI Signal
The MOTION LOOP’s presets are switched by receiving a program change number MIDI signal from an external MIDI device. The MIDI
channel of the device that sends the program change number has to be the same as the MIDI channel of the MOTION LOOP.

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Edit Menu
The effects unit’s parameters in each preset and the function of each knob, PARAMETER encoder, or footswitch, etc. are changed in
Edit mode.
How to Confirm Parameter Changes or Settings
1. Press the HOME switch to show the HOME or Assignment Display screen.
2. Press the ▶cursor key to show the HOME screen.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to show the desired setting menu.
4. Press the ◀/▶cursor key to select the desired setting.
5. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to change the parameter.
6. When confirmation or editing is completed, press the HOME switch. The display shows the HOME screen again.
How to Change Parameters and Saving Them in Preset
1. Press the SAVE switch. The SAVE LED and preset number display start flashing.
2. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to change the preset number shown in the display to the desired preset number. (Skip this step if
overwriting in the same preset number.)
3. Press the SAVE switch. The edited parameter is stored in the preset.
NOTE
To cancel the save operation, press the HOME switch (i.e., other than the SAVE switch) or ◀/▶cursor key when the number shown in the display is flashing. Or
move the LOOP RATE, E.LEVEL, or FILTER knob to cancel the save operation. If a parameter of a saved preset has been changed, a dot appears at the lower right
corner of the first digit of the PRESET number. This dot is turned off when the changed parameter is saved in the preset.

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Effect Settings
Effect sounds of the MOTION LOOP are created in the following workflow:
PITCH SETTING ➔LOOP SETTING ➔WAVEFORM SETTING ➔DELAY SETTING
PITCH SETTING
1) OCTAVE UP/DOWN: Setting for whether to change the pitch of the sampled sound.
Parameter: NONE: No pitch change (Default).
UP1: Shifted one octave higher.
UP2: Shifted two octaves higher.
DOWN1: Shifted one octave lower.
DOWN2: Shifted two octaves lower.
2) PITCH VALUE: Sets the pitch change range expressed as a percentage of the pitch set by the OCTAVE UP/DOWN.
Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 100)
3) PITCH SPEED: Sets the speed of pitch change.
Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 50)
4) PITCH SHIFT: Sets the number of pitch shift processes.
Parameter: REPEAT: Repeats the pitch shift. (Default)
SINGLE: Performs the pitch shift process once and then keeps the pitch set by that.
5) SLOW DOWN: Slows down the loop speed at the timing of downward pitch shift.
Parameter: OFF (Default)
ON

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LOOP SETTING
1) LOOP LEVEL: Sets whether to increase/decrease the signal level at every loop repeat.
Parameter: -100 to -001: The signal level decreases at every loop repeat.
000: Loops are repeated at the same level. (Default)
001 to 100: The signal level increases at every loop repeat.
2) RESET LEVEL: Sets whether to reset the level set by LOOP LEVEL. After resetting, the level change process set by LOOP LEVEL
starts again from the reference level.
Parameter: RETRGG: The loop level is reset by retriggering. (Default)
NONE: The level will not be preset.
3) RETRIGGER SETTING: If turned on, the Retrigger function performs a re-sampling during a loop and switches to the newly sampled
sound without stopping the loop operation.
Parameter: OFF (Default)
FOOTSW: Retriggering starts by pressing the RESET footswitch.
ATTACK: Detects a phrase that exceeds a certain threshold level and activates retriggering.
4) RETRIGGER SENS: Sets the retriggering sensitivity for when the RETRIGGER SETTING is set to ATTACK.
Parameter: 000 to 100 (default: 010)
NOTE
000 is the most sensitive setting and 100 is the lowest.
5) RETRIGGER FADE: Retriggering switches to the newly sampled sound with or without a fade-out of the previous sound.
Parameter: OFF
ON (Default)
6) BPM SETTING: Loops can be synchronized to the tempo of preset BPM. The playback duration of the loops is changed according
to the BPM setting (BPM30 to 600).
Parameter: SYNC: Loops are synchronized with the tempo of the MIDI clock received from an external device.
OFF (Default)
030 to 600

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7) LOOP RATE MODE: Sets Loop Rate operation mode. If set to ENVELOPE or RANDOM, the RATE knob is defeated.
Parameter: MANUAL: The RATE knob is manually operated.
ENV: Loop Rate changes according to the input waveform from the instrument.
RANDOM: Loop Rate changes at random.
WAVEFORM SETTING
1) FADE CURVE: Adjusts the rising waveform of the sampled sound.
Parameter: SHALLOW: Fastest waveform rise setting. (Default)
DEEP: Fades in to the 50% position of a loop.
A CURVE: The start of the waveform resembles the A curve (of variable resistors).
C CURVE: The start of the waveform resembles the C curve (of variable resistors).
REVERSE: The waveform is reversed.
2) FILTER RANGE: Adjusts the range to which the filter is applied.
Parameter: NARROW: Narrow filter range.
WIDE: Wide filter range. (Default)
3) FILTER MODE: In addition to manual use, the MOTION LOOP’s filter operation can respond to some external conditions.
Parameter: MANUAL: Filter operation is manipulated by turning the knobs by hand. (Default)
ENV: Filter operation responds to input waveform envelope.
SYNC BPM: Filter operation is automatically synchronized to BPM tempo.
SYNC SPD: Filter operation is automatically synchronized to pitch change speed.
4) SOFT CLIPPING: The MOTION LOOP clips the sampled sound using its operating software. Hard clipping increases harmonic
overtones of the sound and makes sounds that won’t be buried in the mix.
Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 000)

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DELAY SETTING
1) SUBDIVISION: Sets the delay length according to the current tempo.
Parameter: OFF: Turns off the delay effect. (Default)
1: The length of the delay sound is equal to a whole note (semibreve).
1/2: The length of the delay sound is equal to a half note (minim).
1/4: The length of the delay sound is equal to a quarter note (crotchet).
.1/8: The length of the delay sound is equal to a dotted eighth note (dotted quaver).
1/8: The length of the delay sound is equal to an eighth note (quaver).
2) FEEDBACK: Adjusts delay’s feedback amount. The higher the value, the greater the feedback amount.
Parameter: 000 to 100
3) DELAY MIX LEVEL: Adjusts the volume of delay sound. The higher the value, the louder the delay sound.
Parameter: 000 to 100
4) DELAY TRAIL: Selects whether to retain delay sound (Trail operation) when the effect is turned off.
Parameter: OFF (Default)
ON
DRY& FOOTSW - Dry Sound/Footswitch Settings
Output method for the incoming signal (dry sound) and operation mode of the footswitch can be set for each preset.
1) DRY SETUP: Selects the output method of for the dry sound.
Parameter: ON: The dry sound is mixed with the effect sound. (Default)
AUTO: The dry sound is muted when the effect is turned on and it is output when the effect is turned off.
OFF: The dry sound is muted irrespective of effect on/off status.
2) ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH: Sets operation mode of the ON/OFF footswitch.
Parameter: LATCH (Default)
UNLATCH

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KNOB&EXP ASSIGN - Assigning Second Function to Knobs, Encoder or EXP/CV/FS Terminal
A second function can be assigned to each knob or PARAMETER encoder. By pressing the HOME switch until the display shows the
Assignment Display screen, the function of each knob/PARAMETER encoder is switched to its assigned ones.
1) KNOB-L ASSIGN, KNOB-C ASSIGN, KNOB-R ASSIGN (common)
For functions assignable to each knob, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.
2) ENCODER ASSIGN
For functions assignable to the PARAMETER encoder, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.
3) EXP/FS PEDAL ASSIGN
For functions assignable to the EXP/CV/FS terminal, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.
Selecting how to use an external footswitch to select whether to output the input signal (dry sound) or not
An external footswitch (momentary) connected to the EXP/CV/FS terminal can be used to select whether to output (ON) the input signal
or not (OFF).
1. Press the HOME switch to show the HOME screen or Assignment screen.
2. Press the ▶cursor key to show the MENU screen.
3. Select the KNOB&EXP ASSIGN item.
4. Press the ▶cursor key to show the EXP/FS ASSIGN screen.
5. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select DRY ONOF.
6. Press the HOME switch. The display changes to the HOME or Assignment screen.
NOTE
When the effect is activated, the dry sound can be turned on/off by operating an external footswitch.
To save the changed setting in a preset, please refer to “How to Change Parameters and Saving Them in Preset.”

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PRESET NAME - Naming Presets
Each preset can be named.
A character can be inserted at the cursor position (inverted display). Press the ◀/▶cursor key to move the insertion point. Turn the
PARAMETER encoder to select the desired character. To delete a character, press the PRESET footswitch once: the character at the
cursor position is deleted and the entire label is shifted leftward. To enter a character, press the ON/OFF footswitch once. A space is
inserted and the entire label after the cursor position is shifted rightward. After entering/editing the preset name press the SAVE switch
to save it. Or to cancel the operation, press the HOME switch or turn any knob.
Global Settings
Setting Procedures for Global Functions
In the Global Settings screen, settings related to the entire operation such as MIDI receive channel selection, calibration of expression
pedal, etc. are configured.
1. Hold down the HOME switch for about 2 seconds to show the Global Settings screen.
2. Use the ◀/▶cursor key to show the desired setting screen.
3. Configure the desired function.
4. Press the HOME switch. The display changes to the HOME screen.
MIDI CH - Setting of MIDI Receive Channel
Selects a MIDI receive channel.
Parameter: OMNI (Default)
CH1 to CH16
OFF

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EXP CALB - Calibration of Expression Pedal
An expression pedal connected to the EXP/CV/FS terminal can be used to adjust a MOTION LOOP’s parameter in real time. Since
expression pedals have various operating characteristics, the MOTION LOOP can calibrate the expression pedal to be used. Use an
expression pedal with variable resistance from 10kΩto 25kΩ.
1. Select the EXP CALB screen.
2. Connect your expression pedal to the EXP/CV/FS terminal.
3. Press the SAVE switch.
4. The screen highlights “TOE MAX.” Set the expression pedal to its toe side end (max.) and press the SAVE switch.
5. The screen highlights “HEEL MIN.” Set the expression pedal to its heel side end (min.) and press the SAVE switch.
6. The calibration process completes when the display shows “EXT CALB IS DONE.”
EXP DISP - Display of Expression Pedal
This screen sets whether the screen shows the parameter changed by operating the expression pedal.
Parameter: ON (Default)
OFF

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ENCODER - Setting for PARAMETER Encoder
Selects the function of the PARAMETER encoder.
1. Select the ENCODER screen.
2. Press the SAVE switch.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select the desired function.
4. Press the SAVE switch to save the setting.
Parameter: PS SEL: Preset Select (Default)
PITC MD: Pitch Mode
PITC SP: Pitch Speed
DLY SD: Delay Subdivision
DLY FB: Delay Feedback
DLY MIX: Delay Mix Level
SFT CLP: Soft Clipping
LP LVL: Loop Level
NOTE
To prevent an unexpected function from being assigned to the PARAMETER encoder, Save operation is required to store settings. The contents of Global
settings other than the PARAMETER encoder settings are automatically saved after parameter changes.
PS FSW - Setting for PRESET Switch
Used to turn off the PRESET switch function in order to prevent misoperation.
Parameter: ON (Default)
OFF

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Usage of EXP/CV/FS Terminal
A standard expression pedal can connect to the EXP/CV/FS terminal by using a TRS cable.
For the functions that can be assigned to an expression pedal, refer to “List of Assignable Functions.”
Expression Pedal Requirements
Recommended resistance value: 10 kΩto 25 kΩ
TIP: Wiper of expression pedal (output)
RING: Power (5 V is supplied from MOTION LOOP)
SLEEVE: GND
NOTE: For recommended expression pedals, refer to Free The Tone website.
The EXP/CV/FS terminal accepts the control voltage (CV) with the range of 0 to 5 V. To connect, use a monaural phone cable.
Initialization
The following steps clears all presets and returns them to the factory status.
1. Hold the ▶cursor key down and turn on the power to the unit.
2. Release ▶cursor key when the display shows “INITIALIZING.”
3. This completes the initialization.
FIRMWARE - Firmware Update
Users can update the MOTION LOOP’s firmware to the latest one. For the latest firmware, instructions for update and connection,
please visit the product page or support page in our website.