Free The Tone FT-1Y User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Ver 1.0

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 cre-
ating a fire hazard.
Take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to exces-
sive pressure or weight.
Do not press the switches on the unit with a bare foot, or unex-
pected 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 com-
ing 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.
• Free The Tone proudly provides the finest delay
sound by concentrating analog and digital
technologies cultivated through the development
of its many products. The Free The Tone original
HTS circuit and an analog mixer are implemented.
Since the output level control is also done in the
analog domain, the FT-1Y can output the supplied
dry signals as analog, without passing through AD
and DA converters.
• High-speed calculation by a 32-bit high precision
DSP creates real delay sounds that differ from
simulation or modeling.
• High-precision delay time settings of studio
equipment quality are realized by accurate
calculation.
• The latency between the input and effects output
is kept very short.
World-first New Features
(As of September 1, 2014, based on Free The Tone’s research)
•Realtime BPM Analyzer: Delay time can be
adjusted while applying realtime BPM analysis to
the actual performance in the range of ±20% for
the tempo (BPM) information entered by tapping
the footswitch.
• Delay Time Offset: Delay time can be offset in
ms from the BPM of the piece to be played and
saved as a preset.
Main Features
• HPF and LPF: A LPF (low-pass filter) that cuts
high frequencies is useful to get a warm delay
sound. Phrases can loose sharpness if there is
a lot of low frequency components in the delay
sound. The HPF (high-pass filter) that cuts low
frequencies can be helpful in such a case. This can
be set for each preset.
• Modulation: Modulation effects can be applied
to the delay sound. You can make widely varied
sounds from a beautifully modulated, open delay
sound to an extreme siren noise.
• Sound Hold Function: The FT-1Y has a unique
Hold function. Even when it is in effects off status,
pressing an external footswitch connected to the
rear panel triggers the delay sound stored in the
unit. You can also play your instrument over the
stored delay sound.
• Rec & Repeat Function: Incoming signals can
be recorded and looped. A preset delay effect
is applied to both the repeated sound that was
just recorded and the sound played along with
the repeated sound. A 20-second recording is
possible. (Only one phrase can be recorded;
recording cannot be layered.)
• Trail Function: You can switch to a new preset
while leaving the previous delay sound. A natural
effect switching is obtained because the trail of the
previous sound will not be cut off when the presets
are changed.
• Delay Phase Function: The phase of the delay
sound can be inverted.
• Subdivision Function: Defines beat count for
the delay based on BPM. This function can be set
for each preset.
• Dry On/Off Function: You can set this to cut
the dry sound and feed the effects sound (delayed
sound) only.
• Boost Function: Output level of the FT-1Y can
be set for each preset. The output level can be
boosted by up to +3 dB.
• Tap-Preferred Mode: In this mode, the preset
is recalled after applying the tempo information
lastly entered from the footswitch. For example if
you switch the presets after tapping in the tempo
at the beginning of a tune, the tempo information
remains unchanged. You do not have to enter the
tempo by tapping the switch again.
• Preset Recall Function: By holding down the
TAP-PL AY footswitch, you can select to recall
a specified preset (2-second press) or to recall
Preset 1 and Preset 2 alternately (4-second press).
• MIDI Functions: Each preset can be recalled by
a MIDI program change number. Various features
can be remote-controlled by receiving control
change numbers assigned to them.
Miscellaneous Features
• 99 Presets (90 user and 9 factory presets)
• Tap Input Function
• Function Swapping for TAP and HOLD Switches
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.
Handling Precautions
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the FT-1Y 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 FT-1Y.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.
Support/Service
Contact the following for support and/or repair service.
e-mail address:
[email protected]
Main Features of FT-1Y
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Precautions are identified by the two types of symbols below:
Caution
This symbol indicates that a risk of serious personal injury or ma-
terial 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.

SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT PANEL
q PRESET/MIDI CHANNEL Section
• PRESET: When the PRESET LED is illuminated,
the preset number for the currently recalled preset is
indicated. There are 99 presets in the unit and user
presets are numbered from 01 to 90.
Factory presets are set to Nos.91–99 and users cannot
change these presets. Note that the same parameters as
the factory presets are copied to Nos. 01–09 in advance.
Based on these factory presets, you can easily create
delay settings to your own taste.
• CHANNEL: When the CHANNEL LED is illuminated,
the receiving MIDI channel set by the user is indicated.
You can set to one of channels 1–16 or to Omni mode
(factory default setting) to receive all of the channels.
When set to Omni mode, the display shows [AL].
A change to the setting is automatically stored without
pressing the STORE button.
w BPM/DELAY TIME Display Section
• BPM: When the BPM LED is illuminated, the currently
set BPM value is indicated. The BPM value can be set in
1/10-unit steps. This means that you can set the tempo
very precisely.
* BPM: Beats Per Minute. Unit used to show the tempo of
performance indicated by the number of quarter notes (crotchets)
counted in one minute.
ex) If ♩= 120, then 1 BPM is 500 ms. 1 minute ÷ 120 (BPM) = 0.5
(s) = 500 ms
• msec: When the msec LED is illuminated, the current
delay time is shown in the unit of msec. The delay time
can be set in the range of 1–9999 msec (up to approx.
10 seconds).
e OUTPUT Section
• DELAY: When the DEL AY LED is illuminated, the delay
output level is indicated. This level can be set in the range
of 0–99.
Table of Contents
1 Specifications............................................................................................................................ 4
2 Front Panel .............................................................................................................................. 5
3 Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................... 8
4 How to Use FT-1Y....................................................................................................................... 8
4-1 Change Parameters ............................................................................................................... 9
4-2 Store Presets ....................................................................................................................... 9
4-3 Recall Presets ...................................................................................................................... 9
5 Tap-Preferred Mode.................................................................................................................... 10
6 Footswitch Function Swapping ....................................................................................................... 10
7 Initializing................................................................................................................................ 10
8 Factory Presets......................................................................................................................... 10
9 MIDI Specifications..................................................................................................................... 11
nSpecifications
• Input Impedance: min. 500 kΩ
• Output Load Impedance: min. 1 kΩ
• Terminals: Standard 1/4” phone jack (IN, OUT, HOLD)
• Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter
For USA: FA-1220D-JA
For UK: FA-1220D-UK
For Europe: FA-1220D-EU
• Power Consumption: 12 VDC, approx. 400 mA (max.)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 146 x 120.5 x 57 mm, 5.75 x 4.74 x 2.24 inches (incl. protuberances such as footswitches, jacks, etc.)
• Weight (excl. AC adapter): approx. 570 g (20.11 oz.)
• Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AC Adapter for FT-1Y
Specifications and appearance subject to change without notice.

• FEEDBACK: When the FEEDBACK LED is illuminated,
the feedback amount is indicated. This amount can be set
in the range of 0–9.9. Note that 1.1 denotes 110%.
Since a feedback higher than 100% can be set, you can
create a feedback effect that increases the volume of the
delay sound at each repeat. Excessive feedback settings
can damage your speakers. Be careful of the volume.
When a feedback value higher than 91% is set, a 50-Hz
high-pass filter is automatically activated.
• OUT: When the OUT LED is illuminated, the output level
is indicated. When the display shows 70, the unit is set to
the unity level at which the signal is output at the same
level as the received level. When set to 99, a +3-dB boost
can be attained. Variable range is 10–99.
rFILTER/MODULATION Section
• LPF: When the LPF (low-pass filter) LED is illuminated,
the LPF frequency is indicated.
The unit for the displayed value is kHz. If, for example,
16 is shown, then a 16-kHz low-pass filter is activated
(frequencies higher than 16 kHz will be cut).
A low-pass filter is highly useful to attain a warm delay
sound like that obtained with a tape echo machine.
• HPF: When the HPF (high-pass filter) LED is illuminated,
the HPF frequency is indicated.
The unit for the displayed value is 10 Hz. If, for example,
20 is shown, then a 200-Hz high-pass filter is activated
(frequencies lower than 200 Hz will be cut).
A high-pass filter is highly useful when creating a delay
sound for solo playing. If the delay sound contains a lot
of low frequency components, your playing in a lower
register can become hard to hear. By applying this filter
to the low frequencies, you can have settings that will not
loose the edges of phrases.
• RATE: When the R ATE LED is illuminated, the rate
of the modulation is indicated. By increasing the rate
value, the modulation speed is increased. Variable range
is 0–99. Usually the waveform used when applying a
modulation starts from the positive (+) side. You can flip
this waveform so that it starts from the negative (–) side:
press the DEC/– button when you are setting a value so
that the DOWN dot illuminates.
• DEPTH: When the DEPTH LED is illuminated, the depth
of the modulation is indicated. By increasing the set depth
value, the modulation is applied more deeply (strongly).
tSUBDIVISION/OFFSET Section
• SUBDIVISION: When the SUBDIVISION LED is
illuminated, the set subdivision value is indicated. Delay
time can be set by counting the reference tempo with
quarter notes.
The default value is quarter note (crotchet). You can select
from: Whole note (Semibreve), Half note (Minim), Dotted
Quarter note, Triplet in four, Quarter note (Crochet), Dotted
Eighth note, Triplet in two, Eighth note (Quaver), Triplet in
one, and Sixteenth note (Demiquaver). When you select
dotted quarter or eighth note, the DOTTED dot LED in the
first digit will illuminate.
* When the time display is set to “msec”, the delay time
is automatically calculated and the display will change
based on the setting. If the time display is set to “BPM”,
then the display will not change.
• OFFSET: Delay time can be offset in the range of ±99
ms for each preset.
A shorter delay time can result in a speedy, vigorous delay
sound and a longer delay time can make a spacious and
expressive delay sound.
yParameter Edit Section
• INC/+: Increases the parameter value.
• DEC/–: Decreases the parameter value.
• STORE: Press this button to store the setting.
• ENTER: Used to confirm the parameter or to store the
setting.
uBPM ANALYZER & MIC Section
• BPM ANALYZER: The on/off switch for the BPM
Analyzer function. When the function is active, the LED
illuminates. The tempo of the actual performance is
analyzed in realtime within the ±20% of the tempo (BPM)
information entered via the TAP footswitch and the BPM
is automatically adjusted in about five- to ten-second
intervals to change the delay time.
Note 1: If the BPM of the tap-entered tempo information
differs more than ±20% from that of the actual
performance, then there is no automatic adjustment of
delay time.
Note 2: The realtime BPM analyzer may not be able to
recognize BPM for performances with irregular meters,
performances by orchestra or piano, etc.
• MIC: This microphone is used to pick up the sound of
performance for BPM analysis.
iOther Features
• REC & REPEAT: The Rec & Repeat function records
and repeats the incoming signal. This function is activated
when the LED illuminates. Connect a footswitch to
the HOLD terminal on the rear panel and use it as the
footswitch for Rec function. The preset delay effect will
be applied to both the recorded repeated sound and the
sound played along with the repeated sound. You can
record the input for 20 seconds. (Only one phrase can be
recorded; recording cannot be layered.)
This function can be set for each preset.
How to Use Rec & Repeat Function
1. Press and hold down the switch (momentary/unlatch
type) connected to the HOLD (REC) terminal for
about three seconds. (This switch is called the “REC”
switch.)
2. The TIME display flashes [REC].
3. Recording will start by pressing the REC switch. Start
performance in sync with the timing.
4. To start the repeat playback of the just recorded
sound, press the TAP-PL AY switch after recording.
This starts the repeat playback instantly.
5. By pressing the TAP-PL AY switch during a repeat
playback, the playback starts from the beginning of
the recording.
6. Press the ON/OFF-STOP switch to stop recording or
playback.
7. To exit Rec & Repeat mode and return to usual mode,
press and hold the REC switch again for about three
seconds.
NOTE: The Hold function does not function if the Rec &
Repeat function is turned on.
• TRAIL: This function switches to the new preset while
leaving the delay sound. This allows you to attain a natural
effect switching. This function can be set for each preset.
• DELAY PHASE: Switch used to invert the phase of
the delay sound. The LED illuminates when the phase of
the delay sound is inverted. This feature can be set for
each preset.
oON/OFF-STOP / DOWN Footswitch
Switch to turn on/off the delay effects. When set to ON,
the LED above the switch illuminates. When the Rec &
Repeat function is active, this switch acts as a STOP
switch to stop recording or playback.
1)
TAP-PLAY / hold (PS SEL>PS1/PS2) / UP Footswitch
This footswitch is used to enter the tap tempo. The entered
tempo is counted with quarter notes (crotchets) and this
timing is used to calculate the BPM value. This footswitch
is use as a PLAY switch when the Rec & Repeat function
is active.
By holding down this footswitch, you can recall Preset 1
and Preset 2 repeatedly. For example, you can set a short
delay in Preset 1 and a long delay in Preset 2 and switch
between them easily.
REC & REPEAT FLOWCHART
Connect an unlatch (momentary) type footswitch
to the HOLD (REC) terminal on the rear panel.
HOLD
(REC)
switch
HOLD
(REC)
switch
TAP-PLAY
switch
ON/OFF-STOP
switch
ON/OFF-STOP
switch
HOLD
(REC)
switch
HOLD
(REC)
switch
Press & Hold down the
HOLD (REC) switch for 3
seconds to put the machine
in Rec Standby mode.
[REC] flashes.
Press & Hold down the
HOLD (REC) switch for 3
seconds to exit from Rec
Standby mode to usual
mode.
Press the HOLD (REC)
switch to start recording.
[REC] illuminates steadily.
Press the HOLD (REC)
switch to start recording.
[REC] illuminates.
Press the TAP-PLAY switch
to stop recording and start
playback.
[PLAY] illuminates.
Press the ON/OFF-STOP
switch to stop recording.
[STOP] illuminates.
Press the ON/OFF-STOP
switch to stop playback.
[STOP] illuminates.

REAR PANEL
HOW TO USE FT-1Y
1! IN Terminal
Input terminal for the FT-1Y. Connect your guitar or effects
unit to this terminal.
1@ DRY ON/OFF Switch
Selects whether to output the supplied original sound (dry
sound) or not. When set to ON, the original sound is mixed
with the effect (delayed) sound and output from the FT-1Y.
When set to OFF, the original sound is muted and only the
effect sound is fed from the output.
1# OUT Terminal
Output terminal for the FT-1Y. Connect this output to an
external device such as an effects unit or amplifier.
1$ HOLD (REC) Terminal
External output terminal for the Hold and Rec functions
(when the REC & REPEAT switch is turned on). Connect
an unlatch (momentary) type footswitch to this terminal.
1% MIDI IN Terminal
Input terminal for MIDI signal. This terminal accepts MIDI
signals from an external MIDI device.
1^ MIDI THRU Terminal
Used to output the MIDI signal received at the MIDI IN
terminal to an external MIDI device.
1& POWER DC12V IN Terminal
Used to connect the dedicated AC adapter supplied with
y ou r F T-1Y.
4-2 Store Presets
If you make a change in a parameter, the lowest preset number’s dot illuminates. This dot does not illuminate when the
current parameter is stored.
To save the changed parameters, perform the following steps.
ex) To change the parameters in Preset 01 and save to Preset 10
Dot showing change in parameter
Press the STORE button.
↓PRESET No. 01 flashes
Use the INC/+ button to show the storing destination preset number 10.
↓PRESET No. 10 flashes
Press the ENTER button to store the setting.
Note: Presets 90–99 are assigned as the factory preset area and users
cannot save their presets here.
4-3 Recall Presets
Presets can be recalled in the following three ways. Select the one most suitable to your application.
• Preset Recall by using TAP-PLAY Footswitch (1): Press and hold the TAP- PLAY footswitch for two seconds.
Release the footswitch when you see the preset number display flash. Each time you press the TAP-PLAY switch, the
preset number increments by one. Each time you press the ON/OFF-STOP footswitch, the preset number decrements
by one. (The preset number will change at the timing when the footswitch returns to its original position.) When the
desired preset number is shown in the display, press and hold the TAP-PL AY footswitch again for two seconds. The
preset is recalled at the timing when the flashing preset number changes to illuminate steadily.
• Preset Recall by using TAP-PLAY Footswitch (2): It is possible to recall Preset 1 and Preset 2 alternately. For
example, this function is useful if you want to save a short delay in Preset 1 (PS1) and a long delay in Preset 2 (PS2) for
simply switching between them according to phrase being played.
If you press and hold the TAP-PL AY footswitch for four seconds when Preset 1 has been recalled, the Preset 1 display
flashes and then Preset 2 is recalled. Similarly if you press and hold the TAP-PL AY footswitch for four seconds when
Preset 2 has been recalled, the Preset 2 display flashes and then Preset 1 is recalled.
If you press and hold the TAP-PL AY footswitch for four seconds when a preset number other than Preset 1 and Preset
2 has been recalled, the currently displayed preset number flashes and then Preset 1 is recalled.
• Preset Recall via MIDI: On receiving a program change number MIDI signal from an external MIDI device, the FT-
1Y’s preset will be switched. The MIDI channel on the device sending the program change number and the MIDI channel
on the FT-1Y must be matched. If the FT-1Y’s MIDI channel is set to Omni ([AL]), it will accept program change numbers
on all of the MIDI channels and switch its preset accordingly.
4-1 Change Parameters
Each of the sections numbered from qto tin the figure on page 5 has a tact switch for selection. By pressing the
switch, the section is selected and the displayed numeric value starts flashing. When flashing, the parameter value can
be changed by using the INC/+ and DEC/– switches.
Pressing the tact switch repeatedly changes the indicated items in turn.
ex) Output Section
Tact Switch
INC/+ & DEC/– Switches
OUTPUT LEVEL display (illuminates) OUT LED illuminates
↓Press the tact switch
OUTPUT LEVEL display (flashes) OUT LED illuminates
↓Press the tact switch
FEEDBACK LEVEL display (flashes) FEEDBACK LED illuminates
↓Press the tact switch
DELAY LEVEL display (flashes) DELAY LED illuminates
↓Press the tact switch
OUTPUT LEVEL display (flashes) OUTPUT LED illuminates

FOOTSWITCH FUNCTION SWAPPING
TAP-PREFERRED MODE
In Tap-Preferred mode, the preset is recalled by applying the tempo information lastly entered via the footswitch. For
example, if you change presets after entering the tempo by tapping at the beginning of a piece (tune), the tempo
information remains unchanged. You don’t have to perform a Tap-entering again.
In Preset-Preferred mode (usual mode), BPM and delay time values stored in the recalled preset will be recalled.
<How to Setup>
Press and hold down the ON/OFF-STOP and TAP-PL AY footswitches for about three seconds to switch the modes.
When in Tap-Preferred mode the TIME display shows [TAP]. When in Preset-Preferred mode (usual mode) the display
shows “PrST”.
The FT-1Y can swap the TAP- PL AY and HOLD (REC) footswitches physically. For example, you can use the HOLD
(REC) footswitch connected to the terminal on the rear panel when you want to enter a Tapped tempo. Or, according to
your application, while keeping the main unit of the FT-1Y on the pedal board, you can place the footswitch for tap-enter
operation at a place where you can easily step on it.
<How to Setup>
To swap the functions, press and hold both the TAP- PL AY and HOLD (REC) footswitches for about three seconds.
When the TAP- PL AY footswitch is set to act as a HOLD (REC) switch, the TIME display shows [Hold]. When the TAP-
PLAY footswitch is reset to its default TAP-PLAY switch function, the TIME display shows [TAP].
INITIALIZING
If you need to reset your FT-1Y to its default status when shipped from the factory, use this Initializing function.
While holding down both the INC/+ and DEC/– switches in the Parameter Edit section, turn on the power to the FT-1Y.
Doing this clears all of the presets and returns the unit to its factory shipment status.
FACTORY PRESETS
MIDI SPECIFICATIONS
Presets stored in the factory preset region 91–99 cannot be overwritten. For the contents of the presets, please refer to
the Free The Tone web site.
Controls MIDI CC Numbers Value Range
DELAY LEVEL 81 0–99
FEEDBACK (0–99) 82 0–99
FEEDBACK (1.1–9.9) 83 11–99
OUTPUT LEVEL 84 10–99
LPF 21
off = 0, 22k = 22, 20k = 20, 18k = 18, 16k = 16, 14k = 14,
13k = 13, 12k = 12, 11k = 11, 10k = 10, 9k = 9, 8k = 8,
7k = 7, 6k = 6, 5k = 5, 4k = 4, 3k = 3, 2k = 2, 1k = 1
HPF 22
off = 0, 20Hz = 2, 40Hz = 4, 50Hz = 5, 60Hz = 6, 80Hz = 8,
100Hz = 10, 120Hz = 12, 140Hz = 14, 160Hz = 16, 180Hz = 18,
200Hz = 20, 250Hz = 25, 300Hz = 30, 400Hz = 40, 500Hz = 50,
600Hz = 60, 700Hz = 70, 800Hz = 80, 900Hz = 90, 1k = 99
RATE-UP 31 off = 0, 1–99
RATE-DOWN 32 off = 0, 1–99
DEPTH 33 off = 0, 1–99
SUBDIVISION 41
Whole note = 1, Half note = 2, Dotted Quarter note = 3, Triplet in
four = 4, Quarter note = 5, Dotted Eighth note = 6, Triplet in two =
7, Eighth note = 8, Triplet in one = 9, Sixteenth note = 10
OFFSET (+) 42 0–99
OFFSET (–) 43 0–99
TRAIL 51 off = 0, on = 127
REC & REPEAT MODE 52 off = 0, on = 127
BPM ANALYZER 53 off = 0, on = 127
DELAY PHASE 54 off = 0, on = 127
EFFECT ON/OFF 61 off = 0, on = 127
TAP 62 on = 127
HOLD 63 off = 0, on = 127
PLAY 71 127
REC 72 127
STOP 73 127