Free The Tone ARC-4 User manual

ARC-4
AUDIO ROUTING CONTROLLER
OWNER’S MANUAL
Ver 1.1

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.
Table of Contents
Controls and Indicators .................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Terminals in Detail ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Signal Flow .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
How to Store/Recall Effect Loop Combinations or Various Functions (Preset Mode) ................................................................................................... 9
Organization of Presets .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Managing Presets ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Switching between Preset and Direct Modes ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Storing an Effect Loop Combination ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Recalling a Preset ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Storing Phase Invert Function (INVERT) Setting in a Preset ........................................................................................................................ 10
Storing Boost Function Setting in a Preset .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Storing Mute (MUTE-A, MUTE-B) Setting in a Preset .............................................................................................................................. 10
How to Control External Devices from ARC-4 (Preset Mode) .......................................................................................................................... 11
Storing Control Terminal Setting in a Preset ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Storing MIDI Program Change Number Transmission in a Preset .................................................................................................................. 11
Storing MIDI Control Change Number Transmission in a Preset .................................................................................................................... 11
Setting MIDI Control Change Number to be Sent (Preset Mode) ................................................................................................................... 12
How to Perform Detailed Settings of ARC-4 (Edit Mode) .............................................................................................................................. 12
Basic Operation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
PS/L Switch Menus ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Screens Displayed in Edit Menu Operation and Flow of Setup Operation ........................................................................................................... 13
PRESET ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Copying Presets (PS-CP): ON/OFF switch 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Copying Banks (BK-CP): ON/OFF switch 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Deleting Presets (PS-DL): ON/OFF switch 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Deleting Banks (BK-DL): ON/OFF switch 4 ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Switching Preset Contents (PS-SW): ON/OFF switch 5 ............................................................................................................................ 14
Switching Bank Contents (BK-SW): ON/OFF switch 6 ............................................................................................................................. 14
TITLE ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Setting Preset Titles (PS-TT): ON/OFF switch 1 .................................................................................................................................... 14
Setting Bank Titles (BK-TT): ON/OFF switch 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Setting MIDI Channel Name (MD-TT): ON/OFF switch 3 ........................................................................................................................... 15
Setting Duration in which Recalled Preset Title is Being Shown (TT-DP): ON/OFF switch 4 ....................................................................................... 15
SETLIST ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Setting Setlists (ST-LS): ON/OFF switch 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Copying Setlists (SL-CP): ON/OFF switch 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Deleting Setlists (SL-DL): ON/OFF switch 3 ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Switching Setlist Contents (SL-SW): ON/OFF switch 4 ............................................................................................................................. 16
MIDI .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Setting MIDI Receive Channels (RX-CH): ON/OFF switch 1 ........................................................................................................................ 17
Setting MIDI Transmit Channels (TX-CH): ON/OFF switch 2 ....................................................................................................................... 17
Setting Expression Pedal’s MIDI Transmit Channel (EP-CH): ON/OFF switch 3 .................................................................................................... 17
Setting MIDI Control Change Number to Each Function (CC-NM): ON/OFF switch 4 .............................................................................................. 17
Setting whether to Transmit Each Function’s MIDI Control Change Number when Presets are Switched (CC-TX): ON/OFF switch 5 ............................................. 18
Handling Precautions
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the ARC-4 when the external device that drives speakers is powered. Doing so can cause noises and
damage the speakers.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the footswitches, tact switches, and phone jacks on the ARC-4.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.
2 3
Showing Bank Title on 12-DIGIT LED DISPLAY/LDP-1 (option) (EX-DP): ON/OFF switch 6 ....................................................................................... 18
Setting MIDI OUT/THRU Terminal (OT/TH): ON/OFF switch 7 ..................................................................................................................... 18
Setting MIDI Program Change Number’s Start Number: ON/OFF switch 8 ........................................................................................................ 18
CSW/TAP .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Setting MIDI Control Change Number to be Sent using CSW Switch (CS-CC): ON/OFF switch 1 ................................................................................. 19
Setting Operation Type of CSW Switch (CS-TP): ON/OFF switch 2 ................................................................................................................ 19
Setting Footswitch Assigned to TAP Tempo Input (TP-FS): ON/OFF switch 3 ..................................................................................................... 19
Setting Operation Type of MIDI Clock (MD-CK): ON/OFF switch 4 ................................................................................................................ 20
Setting whether to Output TAP Information or Not (TP-DT): ON/OFF switch 5 .................................................................................................... 20
SETUP ................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Setting Operation Mode when Two ARC-4 Units are Connected with Dedicated Link Cable (LK-MD): ON/OFF switch 1 ........................................................ 20
Setting Initial Operation Mode when ARC-4 is Powered On (OP-MD): ON/OFF switch 2 ......................................................................................... 20
Setting Function to be Assigned to EFS-3 Connected to OPTION-1 (EFS-3) Terminal and PS/L Switch on ARC-4 (FS-AS): ON/OFF switch 3 ................................. 21
Setting Operation Type of Control Signal to be Sent (RL-CT): ON/OFF switch 4 .................................................................................................. 21
Setting Operation Type of MUTE Switch (MT-MD): ON/OFF switch 5 ............................................................................................................. 21
Selecting Mute Circuit to be Activated when MUTE Switch is Turned On (MT-PT): ON/OFF switch 6 ............................................................................ 22
Selecting Control Terminal to be Activated Simultaneously when MUTE Switch is Pressed (MT-LK): ON/OFF switch 7 ......................................................... 22
Setting Operation when Same PS/L Switch is Pressed (SC-PS): ON/OFF switch 8 .............................................................................................. 22
UTILITY ................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Locking Out Setting Changes from Front Panel (AT-LC): ON/OFF switch 1 ....................................................................................................... 22
Protecting Memory Contents from Change (MM-PR): ON/OFF switch 2 .......................................................................................................... 23
Adjusting LED Brightness (LD-BR): ON/OFF switch 3 ............................................................................................................................. 23
Setting Expression Pedal’s Calibration (EP-CB): ON/OFF switch 4 ............................................................................................................... 23
Receiving ARC-4’s Data (DP-LD): ON/OFF switch 5 .............................................................................................................................. 23
Sending ARC-4’s Data (DP-LD): ON/OFF switch 5 ................................................................................................................................. 24
Initializing to Factory Reset Status (INITI): ON/OFF switch 6 ....................................................................................................................... 24
Updating Firmware via MIDI (FW-UD): ON/OFF switch 7 ........................................................................................................................... 24
Using ARC-4 Efficiently ............................................................................................................................................................... 25
Connection Examples .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Basic Connection ............................................................................................................................................................... 25
Using Two Guitars Separately ................................................................................................................................................... 25
Switching between Two Amplifiers ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Switching between Two Amplifiers or Using Two Amplifiers Simultaneously ................................................................................................... 26
Leaving Delay Sound when MUTE Switch is Pressed .......................................................................................................................... 26
Connecting a Fuzz or Wah-wah Pedal .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Connecting a Device to be Controlled Directly to Insert Terminal ............................................................................................................... 27
Using L6 and L7 as Stereo Loops .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Further Connection Examples ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
Using LB-2 to Add Loops (1) .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Using LB-2 to Add Loops (2) ................................................................................................................................................... 28
Using LB-2 to Add Loops to Amplifier Send/Return ............................................................................................................................ 29
Details of MIDI Data Sent When CSW is Turned On/Off .............................................................................................................................. 29
Details of ON/OFF and SELECT Switches ............................................................................................................................................. 29
ARC-4’s Bank Presets and MIDI Program Change Numbers ......................................................................................................................... 30
Main Specifications/Ratings .......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Safety Precautions .................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Shows various information about the ARC-4’s status.
Display-1
Multi-status LED
MUTE Switch
BOOST LED
INVERT LED
BANK /L8 Switch
BANK /STORE Switch
ON/OFF Switch
SELECT Switch
MIDI PC# Switch
PARAMETER Encoder
Display-2
Shows the on/off status of the FUNCTION, CSW (CC#),
and LOOP in a preset.
Press this switch to mute the output sound (Factory
setting).
You can assign various functions to this switch by
settings done in Edit mode.
When this switch is turned on, the LED above it
illuminates.
Selecting Mute Circuit to be Activated when MUTE Switch
is Turned On p.22
Selecting Control Terminal to be Activated Simultaneously
when MUTE Switch is Pressed p.22
Illuminates when the Boost function is active.
Illuminates when the Phase Invert function is active.
Pressing this switch in Preset mode decrements the bank
number.
The Display flashes if a bank number is changed. But
your change is not accepted until you press the PS/L
switch.
Press this switch in Direct mode to turn on/off LOOP 8
(L8). Note that various functions can be assigned to this
switch by the setting done in Edit mode.
Pressing this switch in Preset mode increments the bank
number.
The Display flashes if a bank number is changed. But
your change is not accepted until you press the PS/L
switch.
Press this switch in Direct mode to store the setting. Note
that various functions can be assigned to this switch by
the setting done in Edit mode.
Press this switch to select the on or off status of
FUNCTION, CSW (CC#), or LOOP.
Press this switch to select a function you want to set in
a preset. Each press of this switch illuminates the FUNC,
CSW (CC#), and LOOP LEDs by turns.
Press this switch when you set a MIDI
program change number.
Turn this encoder to select a function or
change a value.
Shows various information about the ARC-
4’s status.
LOCK Switch
MODE Switch
PS/L Switch
UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT Switches
ENTER Switch
STORE Switch
Hold down this switch for about 3 seconds to lock the
switches on the control panel (to prevent unintentional
changes). To unlock, hold it again for about 3 seconds.
When locked, the LED above the switch illuminates.
Switches between Preset and Direct modes. Hold down this
switch for about 3 seconds to enter Edit mode.
In Preset mode the PS LED illuminates in blue. In Direct mode
the DIR LED illuminates in red.
Switching between Preset and Direct Modes p.10
How to Perform Detailed Settings of ARC-4 (Edit Mode) p.12
Press this switch in Preset mode to switch presets or select
a bank. The blue LED of the selected preset illuminates. You
can assign various functions to the PS/L switch.
Press this switch in Direct mode to select a loop. The red LED
of the selected loop illuminates.
Setting Function to be Assigned to EFS-3 Connected to
OPTION-1 (EFS-3) Terminal and PS/L Switch on ARC-4 p.21
Setting Operation when Same PS/L Switch is Pressed p.22
Used in Edit mode to move the cursor and to select a
parameter/value. Holding down the switch increases the
speed of change.
Pressed when confirming your change/operation.
Pressed when storing your preset setting.
FUNC LED
CSW (CC#) LED
LOOP LED
Press the SELECT switch to illuminate this LED when you perform on/off setting of the control
terminal, Phase Invert, Boost, or Mute functions. You can change the operation type of CTL1–CTL4
without entering in Edit mode by holding down the C1–C4’s ON/OFF switch for about 3 seconds when
the FUNC LED is illuminating.
Storing Control Terminal Setting in a Preset p.11
Storing Phase Invert Function (INVERT) Setting in a Preset p.10
Storing Boost Function Setting in a Preset p.10
Storing Mute (MUTE-A/MUTE-B) Setting in a Preset p.10
Setting Operation Type of Control Signal to be Sent p.21
Press the SELECT switch to illuminate this LED when you want to perform on/off setting of the CSW
(control switch) to which you have set a MIDI control change number. You can change the detailed
settings of CSW1–CSW8 without entering in Edit mode by holding down the S1–S8’s ON/OFF switch for
about 3 seconds when the CSW (CC#) LED is illuminating.
Storing MIDI Control Change Number Transmission in a Preset p.11
Setting MIDI Control Change Number to be Sent using CSW Switch p.19
Setting Operation Type of CSW Switch p.19
Press the SELECT switch to illuminate this LED when you want
to perform on/off setting of a loop.
Storing Effect Loop Combinations p.10
Controls and Indicators
Front Panel
4 5
Bank Number
MIDI SIG dot: Illuminates when
MIDI signals are being sent or
received.
M.PROTECT dot: Illuminates when
the Memory Protect function is
active.
MIDI CLOCK dot:
Illuminates when MIDI
clock is being sent.
EDITING dot: Illuminates when a preset
data has been changed. Turns off when
the change is stored or canceled.
Preset Number

Controls and Indicators
Rear Panel
HTS-IN Terminal HTS-OUT Terminal IN Terminal OPTION-1 (EFS-3) Terminal
E4 (EXP) Terminal
BOOST-A Knob
POWER DC12V IN Receptacle
TUNER Terminal
LINK Terminal
MIDI IN and OUT/THRU Terminals
OUT-B Terminal
OUT-A Terminal
S-INS-R Terminals (Insert Terminal)
S-1–5, R-1–5 Terminals (Monaural)
S-6/A·B–S - 7/A·B, R- 6/A·B–R - 7/A·BTerminals (Stereo)
STEREO/PARA Switch
C1–C4 Terminals
OPTION-2 (PHA-1) Terminal
IN-8, S-8 (N.C), R-8, OUT-8 (N.O) Terminals (Separate Loop)
Connect your guitar/bass,
etc. to this terminal. When
a guitar/bass is connected
to the HTS-IN terminal, the
HTS input circuit optimizes
its signal and sends it to
an effects unit or amplifier
connected to the ARC-4.
Output terminal that sends the signal fed to the HTS-
IN terminal to another signal line. Bassists can use
this terminal as a line to feed a D.I. box. This signal
line can be interlocked with the MUTE switch.
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
Selecting Mute Circuit to be Activated when MUTE
Switch is Turned On p.22
Input terminal located just after the HTS input circuit.
Connect your guitar/bass, etc. to this terminal if you
do not want to let its signal go through the HTS input
circuit.
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
The function assigned to this terminal can be
activated from the EXTERNAL FOOTSWITCH/EFS-3
(option) connected to the ARC-4 using the dedicated
link cable.
Terminals in Detail p.8
An external footswitch or expression pedal
is connected to this terminal.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Adjusts the boost level at the
OUT-A terminal when the Boost
function is activated.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Used to connect the
dedicated AC adapter.
When the connected AC
adapter is plugged in an
AC outlet, the ARC-4 is
powered on.
N.B. Be sure to use the
AC adapter supplied
with your ARC-4.
Used to connect to an external tuner.
The signal fed to the HTS-IN or IN
terminal appears at this terminal
even when the MUTE switch is turned
on.
Used to connect to another ARC-4 for linked operation. Use
a dedicated link cable RC-5X (option). For more detailed
information on this dedicated cable please contact your local
dealer or Free The Tone directly.
These terminals are used to send/receive MIDI signals to/from the connected
external MIDI device.
MIDI OUT/THRU setting is switched in Edit mode.
Setting MIDI OUT/THRU Terminal p.18
This terminal outputs signals that go through from the effect loops 1 to 7.
The flow of output signals changes according to the selection by the STEREO/
PARA switch.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Signal Flow p.9
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
This terminal outputs signals that
go through from the effect loops 1
to 7.
Signals are always being output
irrespective of the STEREO/PARA
switch selection.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Signal Flow p.9
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
The INS-S terminal is an output terminal that feeds signals that went
through from the effect loops 1 to 5. This output will not be muted even
when the MUTE switch is turned on.
The INS-R terminal is an input terminal located just before the effect loop 6.
The S-INS-R terminals are internally connected unless a plug is connected
to either of them.
Effect loop terminals.
The S-1–S-5 terminals send signals to
the connected effects unit and the R-1–
R-5 terminals receive the signals that went
through the effects unit.
Stereo effect loop terminals.
Signals are sent from the S-6/A, S-6/B – S-7/A, and S-7/B terminals to the
connected effects units. Signals that went through the effects unit are
received at the R-6/A, R-6/B – R-7/A, and R-7/B terminals.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Press this switch to select either
Stereo or Parallel Output mode.
STEREO Mode p.9
PARA Mode p.9
Control terminals that can operate in Latch or Momentary mode and are used to control amplifier channel
switching, reverb on/off, etc. External control devices can be connected to these terminals by using standard
stereo plugs (TRS).
C1 terminal: When C1 is turned on, the tip and ground of the plug are
electrically connected.
C2 terminal: When C2 is turned on, the ring and ground of the plug are
electrically connected.
C3 terminal: When C3 is turned on, the tip and ground of the plug
are electrically connected but the ring and ground of the
plug are disconnected. When C3 is turned off, the tip and
ground of the plug are disconnected: the ring and ground
of the plug are electrically connected.
C4 terminal: When C4 is turned on, the tip and ground of the plug
are electrically connected but the ring and ground of the
plug are disconnected. When C4 is turned off, the tip and
ground of the plug are disconnected: the ring and ground
of the plug are electrically connected.
N.B. If you use a standard monaural plug cable to connect the device, you can use C1, C3, and C4 only.
The function assigned to this terminal can be
activated from the PHASE ANALYZER/PHA-1 (option)
connected to the ARC-4 using the dedicated link
cable.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Effect loop terminal electrically isolated from other loops. Signals are sent
to the connected effects unit from the S-8 terminal. Signals that went
through the effects unit are received at the R-8 terminal.
Terminals in Detail p.8
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
C2/C3/
C4
C1/C3/
C4
Tip : Hot
Ring : Cold
Sleeve : GND
STEREO PHONE
PLUG
6 7
RETURN
SEND
BOOST-B Knob
Adjusts the boost level at the OUT-B
terminal when the Boost function
is activated and the STEREO/PARA
switch is set to STEREO mode.
Terminals in Detail p.8

Terminals in Detail
8 9
OPTION-1 (EFS-3) and OPTION-2 (PHA-1) Terminals
Connect the optional product EXTERNAL FOOTSWITCH/EFS-3 or PHASE
ANALYZER/PHA-1 using the optional link cable for the ARC-4. Regarding
the functions of the connected optional device please refer to the owner’s
manual of the product. For more detailed information about the dedicated
link cable, contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.
NOTE
Setting Function to be Assigned to EFS-3 Connected to OPTION-1 (EFS-3)
Terminal and PS/L Switch on ARC-4 p.21
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25
OUT-A Terminal
The mute circuit (MUTE-A) is located just before this output terminal. The
signal at the OUT-A terminal is muted by pressing the MUTE switch or turning
FUNCTION “MUTE-A” on.
Block Diagram p.8
Selecting Mute Circuit to be Activated when MUTE Switch is Turned On p.22
OUT-B Terminal
The mute circuit (MUTE-B) is located just before this output terminal. The
signal at the OUT-B terminal is muted by pressing the MUTE switch or turining
FUNCTION “MUTE-B” on.
Block Diagram p.8
Selecting Mute Circuit to be Activated when MUTE Switch is Turned On p.22
S-6/A·B–S -7/A·B and R-6/A·B–R-7/A·B Terminals (Stereo)
Connect stereo type effects units to these terminals. By using only the A
side, these terminals can also be used as usual monaural effect loops.
NOTE
Turning on/off of the stereo effect loop is done at the return side. Since the stereo
effect loops continue sending the send side signals, you can output delay effects
instantly when for example a delay effect unit is connected to one of them.
IN-8, S-8 (N.C), R-8, & OUT-8 (N.O) Terminals (Separate Loop)
In addition to the usage as an effect loop, the S-8 (N.C) terminal can be used
as a control terminal (normally closed) for amplifier channel switching, etc.
When Loop 8 is turned off, the tip and ground of the jack are electorically
connected. The OUT-8 (N.O) terminal can be used as a control terminal
(normally open): When Loop 8 is turned on, the tip and ground of the jack
are electrically connected.
BOOST-A Knob: This knob adjusts the output level at the OUT-A terminal
when the Boost function is activated.
To set to unity gain, turn it fully counterclockwise. The adjustable range is
up to about +14 dB.
When the STEREO/PARA switch is set to PARA mode, the output signal level
of the OUT-B terminal is adjusted to the same output level as that of the
OUT-A terminal.
BOOST-B Knob: This knob adjusts the output level at the OUT-B terminal
when the Boost function is activated and the STEREO/PARA switch is set to
STEREO mode.
To set to unity gain, turn it fully counterclockwise. The adjustable range is
up to about +14 dB.
When the STEREO/PARA switch is set to PARA mode, signals are output from
the OUT-B terminal at the output level adjusted by the BOOST-A knob.
E4 (EXP) Terminal
The function assigned to this terminal can be activated by the connected
external footswitch. Use an expression pedal with 10k–25kΩvariable
resiststance.
Setting Expression Pedal’s Calibration p.23
Block Diagram
Signal Flow
How to Store/Recall Effect Loop Combinations or Various Functions (Preset Mode)
HTS-IN
HTS-OUT
INSERT
TUNER-OUT
CONT
GUITAR SIG
OUTPUT SIG
TEST SIG.
OPTION 2 (PHA-1)
TO PHASE ANALYZER
L1
L6/A L7/A
L6/B L7/B
L2 L3 L4
MUTE-A OUT-A
OUT-B
PARA
BOOST-A
BOOST-B
STEREO MUTE-B
L5
PHASE
INV
RELAY
CONTROL
IN
F.G
MUTE-C
STEREO Mode
In this mode, L6 and L7 are used as stereo loops. Signals from the A side loop are fed from the OUT-A terminal and signals from the B side loop are fed from the
OUT-B terminal.
N.B. When the loop of L6 and L7 is turned off, signals same as at the OUT-A terminal are output from the OUT-B terminal, simarly to PARA mode.
PARA Mode
In this mode, L6 and L7 are used as monaural loops. Signals are fed from the OUT-A and OUT-B terminals in parallel.
N.B. When in PARA mode, the send/return terminal of L6 and L7 uses the A side.
Preset mode is a mode in which effect loop combinations, settings for MIDI and control signal transmission, etc. can be stored in the ARC-4 and the contens of
the memory can be recalled by pressing the PS/L switch. In contrast with Preset mode, a mode in which a footswitch can be used to turn on/off each effect loop is
called “Direct mode.”
Organization of Presets
What we call a “Preset” is a compilation of effect loop combinations and
various control signals settings, etc. The ARC-4 can handle 10 presets as a
collection (Bank) and can store 2,000 presets (10 presets x 200 banks).
Preset-6
Preset-7
Preset-8
Preset-9
Preset-10
Bank
Preset-1
Preset-2
Preset-3
Preset-4
Preset-5
Bank Number Preset Number
NOTE
PS8–PS10 (Preset No.8 to Preset No.10) cannot be recalled from the ARC-4
main unit. By connecting the EXTERNAL FOOTSWITCH/EFS-3 (option) to the
OPTION-1 (EFS-3) terminal, it becomes possible to recall presets externally.
Setting Function to be Assigned to EFS-3 Connected to OPTION-1 (EFS-3)
Terminal and PS/L Switch on ARC-4 p.21
Using ARC-4 Efficiently p.25