Free The Tone TRI AVATAR User manual

Owner’s Manual
Ver 1.0

2 3
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.
Controls and Indicators ............................................................ 3
Front Panel ............................................................................. 3
Rear Panel .............................................................................. 4
Adjusting chorus sound (Manual mode) ..................................... 5
Chorus sound adjustment steps................................................. 5
Recalling a preset (Preset mode) ............................................... 5
Switching between presets 1–4................................................. 5
Switching presets 1–128 via MIDI............................................. 6
Confirming the position of each knob stored in the preset............ 6
Changing/writing preset contents (Edit mode)............................. 7
When the unit is put in Edit mode from Manual mode................. 7
When the unit is put in Edit mode from Preset mode................... 7
Realtime parameter control via expression pedal......................... 8
Controlling RATE parameter...................................................... 8
Controlling TONE parameter ..................................................... 8
Configuring MIDI settings ......................................................... 9
Changing MIDI reception settings.............................................. 9
Setting MIDI receiving channels................................................ 9
Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels
and PRESET LED indications............................................... 10
Receivable MIDI messages ..................................................... 11
Correspondence between presets
and MIDI program change numbers ...................................... 11
Correspondence between parameters
and MIDI control change numbers ........................................ 12
Initializing ............................................................................ 12
Updating Firmware ................................................................ 12
Factory Presets...................................................................... 13
Specifications & Ratings ........................................................ 14
Safety Precautions................................................................. 15
Contents
❙
Handling Precautions
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the unit when an external device that drives speakers is powered.
Doing so can cause noise and damage the speakers.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the rotary controls, tact switches, and connectors (DC jack, phone jacks) on the unit.
• Do not push or press the LEDs on the unit.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.
DEPTH LEFT Knob
Adjusts the pitch vibration
depth of the LEFT signal.
The signal appears at the
OUT-L (MONO) terminal.
Controls and Indicators
Front Panel
DEPTH CENTER Knob
Adjusts the pitch vibration
depth of the CENTER signal.
This signal appears at both
the L and R outputs. In
monaural operation, the
signal appears at the OUT-L
(MONO) terminal.
DEPTH RIGHT Knob
Adjusts the pitch vibration
depth of the RIGHT signal.
The signal appears at the
OUT-R terminal. In monaural
operation, the signal appears
at the OUT-L (MONO) terminal.
TONE Knob
Adjusts the chorus sound’s
timber. Turning the knob
clockwise cuts the low
frequencies and turning it
counterclockwise cuts the high
frequencies. This control is not
applied to original (dry) sounds.
RATE Knob
Adjusts the pitch vibration
speed. Turning the knob
clockwise increases the
vibration speed.
EDIT Switch
Used to put the TRI AVATAR
in Edit mode.
In Edit mode ➞p.7
In Manual mode ➞p.7
PRESET Switch
In Preset mode: Switches presets
1–4 cyclically, i.e.,
Preset 1➞Preset 2➞Preset 3➞Preset 4
In Edit mode (EDIT LED
illuminating): Selects the preset
number to save the current chorus
sound settings. The LED for the
selected preset number flashes.
In Manual mode: Selects the
preset to be recalled when the
TRI AVATAR is switched to Preset
mode.
MODE Switch
Used to toggle between
Manual and Preset modes.
DRY MIX Knob
Adjusts the mix balance between the effect and
direct (dry) sounds when the effect is turned on.
ON/OFF Switch
Turns on/off the chorus
effect. When on, the LED
above the switch illuminates.
LEVEL Knob
Adjusts the volume level
when the effect is turned on.

4 5
Adjusting chorus sound (Manual mode)
Recalling a preset (Preset mode)
Rear Panel
Chorus sound adjustment steps
Switching between presets 1–4
INPUT Terminal
Used to connect
your guitar or
effects unit, etc.
This terminal has
the HTS circuit that
keeps sound
texture the same
when the effect is
turned on and off.
DC 9V IN Terminal
For connecting an AC adapter with
9V DC center
negativepolarity.
Requires at least 150mA
of available current.
MIDI IN Terminal
Receives MIDI signals from an external
MIDI device.
EXP Terminal
Used to connect an expression
pedal having ariable resistance
10kΩ–25kΩ.
Realtime parameter control via
expression pedal ➞p.8
OUTPUT( L(MONO)-OUT-R) Terminal
In stereo operation: Outputs the signal set by the
DEPTH LEFT and DEPTH CENTER knobs.
In monaural operation: Outputs the signal set by
the DEPTH LEFT, DEPTH CENTER, and DEPTH
RIGHT knobs.
OUTPUT-R Terminal:
Outputs the signal
set by the DEPTH
RIGHT and DEPTH
CENTER knobs.
The MANUAL LED above the MODE switch illuminates when the TRI AVATAR is operating in Manual mode.
In Manual mode, chorus sound is set by the position of each knob. When an expression pedal is connected
to the EXP terminal, the setting defined by the RATE or TONE knob’s position is disabled and the parameter
can be controlled from the expression pedal.
The TRI AVATAR has presets numbered from 1 to 128 and they can be recalled in two ways. Presets 1–4
can be recalled by the operation on the TRI AVATAR alone and presets 1–128 can be recalled via MIDI.
NOTE
In Preset mode, turning each knob does not change the chorus sound. The TRI AVATAR outputs the preset chorus
sound. If an expression pedal is connected to the EXP terminal, the RATE or TONE setting stored in the preset is
disabled and the sound can be controlled via the expression pedal.
1. Press the ON/OFF switch to illuminate the LED above it.
2. Turn the DEPTH knob to adjust the depth of the signal’s pitch vibration.
3. Turn the RATE knob to adjust the speed of the pitch vibration.
4. Turn the TONE knob to adjust the chorus sound’s timber.
5. Turn the DRY MIX knob to adjust the mixture level between the original and chorus sounds.
6. Turn the LEVEL knob to adjust the volume level when the effect is turned on.
1. Press the MODE switch to illuminate the PRESET LED.
2. Press the PRESET switch to switch the preset.

6 7
Switching presets 1–128 via MIDI
When the unit is put in Edit mode from Manual mode
When the unit is put in Edit mode from Preset mode
NOTE
Be sure to set the same MIDI program change number on the sending device’s MIDI channel and the TRI AVATAR
MIDI channel. Setting up MIDI receiving channel ➞p.9
Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications ➞p.11
NOTE
By pressing the EDIT switch again after turning the knobs to change parameters in Edit mode, your changes are
canceled and the TRI AVATAR returns to the status in which the original preset is recalled.
NOTE
The PRESET 1 LED illuminates: The knob is moving in the counterclockwise direction comparing its current
position with the position stored in the preset.
The PRESET 4 LED illuminates: The knob is moving in the clockwise direction comparing its current position with
the position stored in the preset.
The PRESET 2 and PREST 3 LEDs illuminate: The knob is at the same position as stored in the preset.
1. Connect an external MIDI controller to the MIDI IN terminal on the TRI AVATAR rear panel.
2. Press the TRI AVATAR’s ON/OFF switch to illuminate the LED above the switch.
3. From the external MIDI controller, send the MIDI program change number corresponding to the preset to
be recalled.
The current Manual mode settings are saved in the preset.
1. Press the EDIT switch to enter Edit mode.
2. Turn the knob for the parameter to be adjusted.
3.
To select the preset for saving the settings, press the PRESET switch (preset 1–4) or send the MIDI program
change number corresponding to the desired preset number (preset 1–128) from the external MIDI device.
4. Press and hold the EDIT switch for about 1.5 seconds. The EDIT LED flashes and the saving operation is executed.
When completed, the TRI AVATAR automatically switches from Edit to Preset mode and recalls the preset you’ve
just saved.
You can adjust only the desired parameters of the current preset sound and store them in a preset.
1. Press the EDIT switch to enter Edit mode.
2. Turn the knob for the parameter to be adjusted.
3. To select the preset for saving the settings, press the PRESET switch (preset 1–4) or send the MIDI program change
number corresponding to the desired preset number (preset 1–128) from the external MIDI device. If you want to save
your changes to the preset currently being edited, do not select a preset, then proceed to the next step.
4. Press and hold the EDIT switch for about 1.5 seconds. The EDIT LED flashes and the saving operation is
executed. After saving, the contents of that preset number are recalled.
1. Recall the desired preset.
2. Press the EDIT switch. The PRESET LED for the selected preset flashes.
3. Turn the desired knob clockwise or counterclockwise to confirm its stored position in the preset.
The stored knob position is indicated by the PRESET 1–4 LEDs as explained in the note below.
Confirming the position of each knob stored in the preset
Changing/writing preset contents (Edit mode)
The EDIT LED above the EDIT switch illuminates when the TRI AVATAR is operating in Edit mode. This
mode, activated by pressing the EDIT switch, is for modifying and saving preset contents.

8 9
Realtime parameter control via expression pedal Configuring MIDI settings
An expression pedal connected to the EXP terminal can be used to control the RATE (modulation speed) or
TONE parameter in realtime.
The TRI AVATAR can switch presets and change each parameter by MIDI signals received from an external
controller.
Controlling RATE parameter Changing MIDI reception settings
Setting MIDI receiving channels
Controlling TONE parameter
NOTE
The initial setting at factory before shipping is to control the RATE parameter. NOTE – Meaning of the ON/OFF LED statuses:
• The ON/OFF LED illuminates: Omni mode is turned on. All of the MIDI channels will be accepted.
• The ON/OFF LED is flashing: Omni mode is turned off. Refer to “Setting MIDI receiving channels” (p.9).
• The ON/OFF LED is turned off: MIDI receiving function is turned off.
NOTE
Please refer to the Free The Tone website for recommended expression pedals.
1. Turn the RATE knob clockwise or counterclockwise while holding down the ON/OFF and PRESET
switches.
2. When the EDIT LED flashes twice, then the setting is completed.
1. While holding down the PRESET switch, turn on the power to the TRI AVATAR. Keep the switch pressed
until both the PRESET and MANUAL LEDs illuminate.
2. When both the LEDs illuminate, release the PRESET switch.
3. Press the ON/OFF switch to toggle the MIDI reception settings.
1. While holding down the PRESET switch, turn on the power to the TRI AVATAR. Keep the switch pressed
until both the PRESET and MANUAL LEDs illuminate.
2. When both the LEDs illuminate, release the PRESET switch.
3. Press the ON/OFF switch to flash the ON/OFF LED.
4. Press the PRESET switch to select the receiving channel while referring to the table on the next page
(Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications).
5. Press the MODE switch to end the operation.
1. Turn the TONE knob clockwise or counterclockwise while holding down the ON/OFF and PRESET
switches.
2. When the EDIT LED flashes twice, then the setting is completed.

10 11
Receivable MIDI messages
The TRI AVATAR can switch presets or change all of the parameters via MIDI signals. MIDI signals assigned
to controllable functions are listed below.
Note that when a preset is recalled on the TRI AVATAR via a MIDI program change number, the TRI AVATAR
will operate as follows according to its current mode:
• Preset mode: The specified preset is recalled.
• Manual mode: The specified preset is recalled and the TRI AVATAR enters Preset mode.
• Edit mode: The TRI AVATAR recalls the number for the preset to which the settings will be saved.
PRESET Number Program Change Number
PRESET 1 001
PRESET 2 002
PRESET 3 003
PRESET 4 004
When the TRI AVATAR receives a MIDI program change number 001–004, the corresponding LED 1–4 above
the PRESET switch illuminates. If MIDI program change number 005 or later is received, then all of the
LEDs 1-4 above the PRESET switch illuminate and the preset that has the same number as the received
MIDI program change number is recalled.
PRESET 1 LED PRESET 2 LED PRESET 3 LED PRESET 4 LED MIDI Channel to be set
MIDI Channel 1
MIDI Channel 2
MIDI Channel 3
MIDI Channel 4
MIDI Channel 5
MIDI Channel 6
MIDI Channel 7
MIDI Channel 8
MIDI Channel 9
MIDI Channel 10
MIDI Channel 11
MIDI Channel 12
MIDI Channel 13
MIDI Channel 14
MIDI Channel 15
MIDI Channel 16
: LED on, : LED off.
Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications
Correspondence between presets and MIDI program change numbers
NOTE – Meaning of the ON/OFF LED statuses:
MIDI settings are automatically stored in the memory. No storing operation is required.
NOTE
Parameter adjustment via MIDI is effective in all of Manual, Preset, and Edit modes. However if an expression
pedal is connected to the EXP terminal, that pedal has priority and MIDI control of the RATE or TONE parameter
is ignored.

12 13
Correspondence between parameters and MIDI control change numbers
Controls MIDI CC Numbers Value Range
RATE 85 0–127
TONE 86 0–127
DEPTH RIGHT 87 0–127
DEPTH CENTER 88 0–127
DEPTH LEFT 89 0–127
DRY MIX 90 0–127
LEVEL 91 0–127
EFFECT ON/OFF 64 off = 0, on = 127
Initializing
Updating Firmware
Factory Presets
NOTE
This operation clears all of the presets and resets them to the factory settings.
1. While holding down the MODE and PRESET switches, turn on the power to the TRI AVATAR.
2. Keep the two switches pressed until the PRESET 1–4 LEDs illuminate steadily. Release the switches
when the four LEDs are on.
3. All of the presets return to the factory shipment status and the TRI AVATAR is ready for usual operation.
The firmware of the TRI AVATAR can be updated. For the latest firmware or connection and setup
procedures, please confirm with the product or support page of the Free The Tone website.
PRESET 1 Spacious three-phase chorus sound
PRESET 3 Wide and round chorus sound
PRESET 2 Sound with vibrato effect
PRESET 4 Mixing dry (original) sound with three-phase chorus sound

14 15
Specifications & Ratings
• Number of presets: 128
• Input impedance: min. 500kΩ
• Output load impedance: min. 10kΩ
• Max. input level: +7 dBu
• Controls: RATE, TONE, DEPTH L/C/R, DRY MIX, LEVEL
• Terminals: 4 x 1/4” phone jacks (IN, OUT-L(MONO), OUT-R, EXP), 1 x DIN 5P IN connector (MIDI IN),
1 x DC9V input jack (for connecting AC adapter)
• Power supply: 9V DC center negative polarity
• Current consumption: 150 mA
• Dimensions (W x D x H, incl. protuberances such as footswitches, jacks): 120 x 102.3 x 58.5 mm
(4.72 x 4.03 x 2.30 in)
• Weight (excl. accessories): approx. 380 g (0.84 lbs)
• Accessories: Warranty card, Quick Start Guide, Safety Precautions, 4 x rubber feet
Specifications and appearance subject to change without notice.
Support/Service
Contact the following for support and/or repair service.
e-mail address: [email protected]
Caution
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.
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.
Safety Precautions
Precautions are identified by the two types of symbols below:
Caution
This symbol indicates that a risk of serious personal injury or material
damage may result if precautions are ignored.
Warning
This symbol indicates that a risk of death or serious personal injury may
result if precautions are ignored.
Be sure to read these precautions and the user’s manual before using this product.