Free The Tone PA-1QG User manual

PA-1QG • PA-1QB • PA-1QA
PROGRAMMABLE ANALOG 10 BAND EQ
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER
Owner’s Manual
Ver 1.2
31Hz
62
125
250
500
1k
2k
4k
8k
16k

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
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the this unit 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 DIN connector on the this unit.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The
Tone directly.
Handling Precautions
Controls and indicators
Front panel
3
Pressed to turn on/off the equalizer
effects. The LED above the switch
illuminates when the switch is
turned on.
EFFECT ON/OFF switch
Pressed when switch presets 1–4. Each press selects
the preset as follows: PRESET-1 →PRESET-2 →
PRESET-3 →PRESET-4 →PRESET-1 ...
Recalling a Preset →P. 6
PRESET switch
Pressed when saving
parameters in a preset.
Editing/Writing Preset Contents
→P. 7
SAVE switch
Selects the frequency or
volume to be adjusted.
Adjusting Equalizer →p.5
◀▶cursor key switch
Turned when adjusting the boost
amount of the selected frequency or
the volume for the preset.
Adjusting Equalizer →P. 5
Pressed when confirming the
operation to save parameters in a
preset.
Editing/Writing Preset Contents →P. 7
PARAMETER encoder
Shows the boost amount of the selected
frequency or volume for the preset.
Adjusting Equalizer →P. 5
Adjusting Preset’s Volume →P. 5
LEVEL display
Shows the number for the
currently recalled preset.
PRESET display
Pressed when recalling a preset.
Recalling a Preset →P. 6
PRESET tact switch
Shows the currently recalled preset’
equalizer status or preset’s volume.
Adjusting Equalizer →P. 5
Adjusting Preset’s Volume →P. 5
Equalizer display
Controls and Indicators 3
Front Panel 3
Rear Panel 4
Adjusting Equalizer 5
Adjusting the equalizer 5
Adjusting a preset’s volume 5
Recalling a Preset 6
Switching between presets 1-4 6
Switching between presets 1-99 6
Switching presets via MIDI 6
Changing/writing preset contents 7
Configuring MIDI settings 7
Setting a MIDI receiving channels 7
Receivable MIDI Messages 8
Correspondence between presets and
MIDI program change numbers 8
Correspondence between parameters and
MIDI control change numbers 9
Initializing 10
Transmitting Data to/from an External Device 10
Updating Firmware 10
Factory Presets 11
Product Specifications 14
Safety Precautions 15

5
4
Used to connect a
guitar/bass, another
instrument, effects
unit, etc. This
terminal has the HTS
circuit that keeps
sound texture the
same when the effect
is turned on and off.
INPUT terminal
Used to send/receive MIDI signals
to/from a connected external MIDI
device. The external MIDI controller
can switch PA-1Q series presets and
receive/send preset data from/to the
PA-1Q series.
Recalling a Preset →P. 6
Transmitting Data to/from an
External Device →P.10
MIDI IN & OUT/THRU terminals
Use this terminal to connect to your
amplifier/mixer, etc.
OUTPUT terminal
For connecting an AC adapter
with 9V DC center negative
polarity. Requires at least
200mA of available current.
POWER DC 9V IN terminal
This switch is used to select
PA-1Q series input level
according to the output level of
the device connected to the
INPUT terminal. If you are
connecting an instrument level
device, set the switch to the
INPUT terminal side. Or to
connect a line level device,
set it to the OUTPUT terminal
side.
INPUT LEVEL select switch
DC9V IN
OUT MIDI OUT/THRUMIDI IN IN
INST LINE
INPUT LEVEL
721A001
Rear Panel Adjusting Equalizer
NOTE
The boost amount of the selected frequency is adjustable in the range of ±12 dB. The selected frequency is shown
in the equalizer display. The boost amount for the selected frequency is shown in the LEVEL display.
Double-clicking the PARAMETER encoder resets the boost amount of the selected frequency to zero. The previous
value returns by double-clicking the encoder again.
NOTE
The preset’s volume is adjustable from 0 to 127. The preset’s volume is shown in the LEVEL display. When all of
the frequencies of the equalizer are set to boost amount 0, unity level is obtained with the LEVEL value 100, and
when the value is 127, the volume can be increased up to +12 dB.
Double-clicking the PARAMETER encoder resets the volume back to 100. The previous value returns by double-
clicking the encoder again.
Adjusting the equalizer
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn on the LED above it.
2. Press the ◀▶ cursor key switch to select the frequency to be adjusted (blue dot) in the equalizer display.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to adjust the boost amount of the selected frequency.
Adjusting a preset’s volume
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn on the LED above it.
2. Press the ◀▶ cursor key switch to select the OUTPUT (green dot) in the equalizer display.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to adjust the volume for the preset.
You can create your favorite tone by adjusting various parameters.

76
Changing/writing preset contents
NOTE
When a preset’s parameter is changed, the dot at the PRESET display’s lower right corner illuminates. This dot
turns off when the save operation is confirmed by pressing the PARAMETER encoder and the parameters are
written to the preset.
If the SAVE switch is pressed again after pressing it, then the write operation is canceled.
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn on the LED above it.
2. Press the ◀▶ cursor key switch to select the parameter to be adjusted.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to adjust the selected parameter.
4. Press the SAVE switch.
5. The LEVEL display shows the destination preset number.
6. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select the desired preset number.
7. Press the PARAMETER encoder to store the preset to the selected numbered location
Switching between presets 1-4
NOTE
Each press of the PRESET switch changes the presets as follows: PRESET 1 →PRESET 2 →PRESET 3 →
PRESET 4 →PRESET 1, ...
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn on the LED above it.
2. Press the PRESET switch to switch the presets.
Switching presets via MIDI
NOTE
Be sure to set the same MIDI program change number on the sending device’s MIDI channel and the PA-1Q series
MIDI channel.
Setting a MIDI receiving channels →P. 7
Correspondence between presets and MIDI program change numbers→P. 8
1. Connect an external MIDI controller to the MIDI IN terminal on the PA-1Q series rear panel.
2. Press the PA-1Q series ON/OFF switch to illuminate the LED above it.
3. From the external MIDI controller, send the MIDI program change number corresponding to the preset to be
recalled.
Switching between presets 1-99
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn on the LED above it.
2. Press the PRESET tact switch to flash the PRESET display.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to show the preset to be recalled.
4. Press the PARAMETER encoder to recall the selected preset.
Recalling a Preset
The PA-1Q series can use up to 99 presets that can be recalled in various ways.
Setting a MIDI receiving channels
NOTE
User editable parameters: ALL (Omni mode), 1–16 (MIDI receiving channel), OFF
1. Turn on the power to the PA-1Q series while holding down the PRESET switch.
2. The PRESET display shows “ch”.
3. The LEVEL display shows the number of the MIDI receiving channel.
4. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to show the desired MIDI receiving channel.
5. Press the PARAMETER encoder to confirm the selected MIDI receiving channel.
Configuring MIDI settings
The PA-1Q series can receive MIDI signals sent from an external controller to switch presets and edit
parameters.

98
Receivable MIDI Messages
When the PA-1Q series receives a MIDI program change number 001-004, the corresponding LED 1-4 above
the PRESET switch illuminates and the PRESET display shows the corresponding preset number. If a MIDI
program change number 005 or later is received, then the LEDs 1-4 above the PRESET switch will not
illuminate but the PRESET display shows the corresponding preset number.
The PA-1Q series can switch presets or change all of the parameters via MIDI signals sent from an external
device. MIDI signals assigned to controllable functions are listed below.
Correspondence between presets and MIDI program change numbers
PRESET-1 001
PRESET-2 002
PRESET-3 003
PRESET-4 004
PRESET Number Program Change Number
Correspondence between parameters and MIDI control change numbers
Controls MIDI CC Numbers Value Range
PA-1QG PA-1QB PA-1QA Common to PA-1Q series Common to PA-1Q series
50Hz 40Hz 31Hz 97 0-127
100 80 62 98 0-127
200 125 125 99 0-127
400 250 250 100 0-127
800 500 500 101 0-127
1500 800 1K 102 0-127
2500 1200 2K 103 0-127
3500 2400 4K 104 0-127
7K 4500 8K 105 0-127
10K 8K 16K 106 0-127
OUTPUT LEVEL 107 0-127
EFFECT ON/OFF 66 Off＝0, On＝127
EQ LEVEL Value Range
+12 122
〜127
+11 117
〜121
+10 112
〜116
+9 107
〜111
+8 102
〜106
+7 97
〜101
+6 92
〜96
+5 87
〜91
+4 82
〜86
+3 77
〜81
+2 72
〜76
+1 67
〜71
0 61
〜66
EQ LEVEL Value Range
−1 56 〜60
−2 51 〜55
−3 46 〜50
−4 41 〜45
−5 36 〜40
−6 31 〜35
−7 26 〜30
−8 21 〜25
−9 16 〜20
−10 11 〜15
−11 6 〜10
−12 0 〜5

1110
PA-1QG (for Guitar) Factory Presets
50Hz 100 200 400 800 1500 2500 3500 7K 10K OUT
00 00 03 04 05 04 01 00 00 00 45
Preset 1: Fat sound with emphasized mid-low frequencies
50Hz 100 200 400 800 1500 2500 3500 7K 10K OUT
00 00 00 -02 -02 -02 00 01 01 00 110
Preset 2: Sound for arpeggio with reduced mid range level
50Hz 100 200 400 800 1500 2500 3500 7K 10K OUT
-04 00 00 04 04 00 00 00 -03 -07 100
Preset 3: Sound for jazz play with reduced high frequency level
50Hz 100 200 400 800 1500 2500 3500 7K 10K OUT
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 120
Preset 4: Sound with flat EQ but boosted volume
Transmitting Data to/from an External Device
The PA-1Q series can save or recall preset contents to/from a personal computer. For connection and setup
procedures, please confirm with the product or support page of the Free The Tone website.
Updating Firmware
The PA-1Q series can update its firmware. For the latest firmware or connection and setup procedures,
please confirm with the product or support page of the Free The Tone website.
NOTE
This operation clears all of the presets and resets all of the settings to the default status as shipped from the
factory.
Initializing
1. Turn on the power to the unit while holding down the ◀cursor key switch and PRESET switch.
2. The LEVEL display shows “
1nt
”.
3. Press the PARAMETER encoder to execute the initialization.
4. The PRESET display counts up from 01 to 99.
5. The LEVEL display shows the firmware version number.
6. All of the presets are returned to their factory default settings and usual operation resumes.

1312
PA-1QA (for Acoustic) Factory Presets
31Hz 62 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K OUT
00 00 01 00 00 00 00 02 00 00 100
Preset 1: Crisp sound for ensemble playing without changing the
nuance of the sound
31Hz 62 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K OUT
-02 -01 00 02 00 01 01 00 00 -01 100
Preset 2: Emphasizes the low mid range for chordal playing
31Hz 62 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K OUT
-01 00 00 00 00 01 01 00 00 01 102
Preset 3: Emphasizes the treble range for arpeggios and finger- style
playing
31Hz 62 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K OUT
-05 -03 00 00 00 00 01 00 01 00 100
Preset 4: For Rasqueado strumming a nylon string guitar with a
muted low bass range
PA-1QB (for Bass) Factory Presets
40Hz 80 125 250 500 800 1200 2400 4500 8K OUT
01 01 01 00 00 -01 -05 -05 -05 -03 100
Preset 1: Sound for finger picking with reduced high frequencies
40Hz 80 125 250 500 800 1200 2400 4500 8K OUT
00 00 01 00 -04 -06 00 03 03 04 106
Preset 2: Sound for plectrum picking with emphasized attacks
40Hz 80 125 250 500 800 1200 2400 4500 8K OUT
00 01 01 01 00 01 00 01 00 -04 86
Preset 3: sound for slapping with reduced mid range
40Hz 80 125 250 500 800 1200 2400 4500 8K OUT
-05 -01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 115
Preset 4: Sound with reduced low frequencies and boosted volume

1514
Specifications
• Number of presets: 99
• Input impedance: INST min. 1 MΩ/ LINE min. 300 kΩ
• Output load impedance: min. 10 kΩ
• Max. input level: INST +4 dBu / LINE +14 dBu (EQ setting = flat)
• Controls: ◀▶ cursor keys, PARAMETER encoder, INST(-10dB)/LINE(+4dB) level selector switch
• Frequencies
PA-1QG: 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2500 Hz, 3500 Hz, 7 kHz, 10 kHz (±12 dB)
PA-1QB: 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 800 Hz, 1200 Hz, 2400 Hz, 4500 Hz, 8 kHz (±12 dB)
PA-1QA: 31 Hz, 62 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz, 16 kHz (±12 dB)
• Terminals: 1/4" standard phone jack x 2 (input and output) 9V DC input jack (for AC adapter),
DIN 5-pin connector x 2 (MIDI IN and OUT/THRU)
• Power supply: 9V DC center negative polarity
• Current consumption: 200 mA
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 120 x 102.3 x 58.5 mm or 4.7 x 4.0 x 2.3 inches (incl. protuberances such as
footswitch, jacks, etc.)
• Weight (excl. accessories): approx. 350 g or 0.77 lbs
• Accessories: Warranty card, Quick Start Guide, Safety Precautions, rubber feet x 4
Specifications and appearance subject to change without notice.
Safety Precautions
Precautions are identified by the two types of symbols below:
WarningCaution
Be sure to read these precautions and the user's manual before using this product.
Warning
Never try to disassemble, or modify the unit.
Stop using the unit if you notice smoke or a strange odor
coming from it and unplug the AC adapter from the outlet.
Never try to repair the unit or replace parts unless so
instructed by the user's manual. For other repair or parts
replacement contact your local dealer or Free The Tone.
Never unplug the AC adapter while your hands are wet.
Do not apply too much pressure or tension or place a heavy
object on the power cord. Doing so may damage the power
cord and create a danger of fire or electrical shock.
Turn off the unit and unplug the AC adapter from the outlet
and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone for repair in
the case of any of the following:
• The power cord is damaged.
• Foreign objects (coins, pins, etc.) or liquid enter the unit.
• The unit gets wet from rain or other liquid.
• The unit is out of order.
Be careful of heat radiation from the unit.
Never cover the AC adapter with cloth or other objects.
Built-up heat can deform the case or cause a fire hazard.
This symbol indicates that a risk of serious personal
injury or material damage may result if precautions are
ignored.
This symbol indicates that a risk of death or serious
personal injury may result if precautions are ignored.
Do not use or store the unit in environments where it will
be exposed to:
• Extreme temperatures (direct rays of the sun, heat
sources such as radiators or stoves.)
• High humidity or moisture.
• Excessive dust or sand.
• Excessive vibration or shock.
Whenever leaving the unit unattended for long periods,
be sure to unplug the AC adapter from the power source to
avoid creating a fire hazard.
Take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to
excessive pressure or weight.
Do not press the switches on the unit with a bare foot,
or unexpected injury may result.
Do not use solvents (such as benzine, paint thinner) on
the unit, since these may dull the finish or damage the
surface.
Caution
Support / Service
Contact the following for support and/or repair service.
e-mail address: [email protected]