OWNER’S MANUAL

Ver 1.0
Thank you for choosing a Free The Tone product. In order to take full advantage of the features and performance it provides, please read this
Main Features of FT-1Y
owner’s manual thoroughly, and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
• Free The Tone proudly provides the finest delay • Rec & Repeat Function: Incoming signals can
Handling Precautions sound by concentrating analog and digital be recorded and looped. A preset delay effect
technologies cultivated through the development is applied to both the repeated sound that was
• Never connect or disconnect plugs to/from the input/output terminals on the FT-1Y when the external device that drives speakers is powered.
of its many products. The Free The Tone original just recorded and the sound played along with
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. HTS circuit and an analog mixer are implemented. the repeated sound. A 20-second recording is
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly. Since the output level control is also done in the possible. (Only one phrase can be recorded;
analog domain, the FT-1Y can output the supplied recording cannot be layered.)
Support/Service dry signals as analog, without passing through AD • Trail Function: You can switch to a new preset
and DA converters. while leaving the previous delay sound. A natural
Contact the following for support and/or repair service.
• High-speed calculation by a 32-bit high precision effect switching is obtained because the trail of the
  e-mail address:
DSP creates real delay sounds that differ from previous sound will not be cut off when the presets
  overseas@freethetone.com
simulation or modeling. are changed.
• High-precision delay time settings of studio • Delay Phase Function: The phase of the delay
equipment quality are realized by accurate sound can be inverted.
calculation. • Subdivision Function: Defines beat count for
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Precautions are identified by the two types of symbols below:
• The latency between the input and effects output the delay based on BPM. This function can be set
is kept very short. for each preset.
• Dry On/Off Function: You can set this to cut
Caution Warning World-first New Features the dry sound and feed the effects sound (delayed
This symbol indicates that a risk of serious personal injury or ma- This symbol indicates that a risk of death or serious personal (As of September 1, 2014, based on Free The Tone’s research) sound) only.
terial damage may result if precautions are ignored. injury may result if precautions are ignored. • Realtime BPM Analyzer: Delay time can be • Boost Function: Output level of the FT-1Y can
adjusted while applying realtime BPM analysis to be set for each preset. The output level can be
Be sure to read these precautions and the user’s manual before using this product.
the actual performance in the range of ±20% for boosted by up to +3 dB.
the tempo (BPM) information entered by tapping • Tap-Preferred Mode: In this mode, the preset
the footswitch. is recalled after applying the tempo information
Caution Warning • Delay Time Offset: Delay time can be offset in lastly entered from the footswitch. For example if
ms from the BPM of the piece to be played and you switch the presets after tapping in the tempo
Do not use or store the unit in environments where it will be Never try to disassemble, or modify the unit.
saved as a preset. at the beginning of a tune, the tempo information
exposed to:
Stop using the unit if you notice smoke or a strange odor com- remains unchanged. You do not have to enter the
Extreme temperatures (direct rays of the sun, heat sources ing from it and unplug the AC adapter from the outlet.
Main Features tempo by tapping the switch again.
such as radiators or stoves.)
Never try to repair the unit or replace parts unless so instructed • HPF and LPF: A LPF (low-pass filter) that cuts • Preset Recall Function: By holding down the
High humidity or moisture.
by the user’s manual. For other repair or parts replacement
Excessive dust or sand. high frequencies is useful to get a warm delay TAP-PLAY footswitch, you can select to recall
contact your local dealer or Free The Tone.
Excessive vibration or shock. sound. Phrases can loose sharpness if there is a specified preset (2-second press) or to recall
Never unplug the AC adapter while your hands are wet. a lot of low frequency components in the delay Preset 1 and Preset 2 alternately (4-second press).
Whenever leaving the unit unattended for long periods, be sure
to unplug the AC adapter from the power source to avoid cre- Do not apply too much pressure or tension or place a heavy sound. The HPF (high-pass filter) that cuts low • MIDI Functions: Each preset can be recalled by
ating a fire hazard. object on the power cord. Doing so may damage the power frequencies can be helpful in such a case. This can a MIDI program change number. Various features
cord and create a danger of fire or electrical shock.
Take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to exces- be set for each preset. can be remote-controlled by receiving control
sive pressure or weight. Turn off the unit and unplug the AC adapter from the outlet and • Modulation: Modulation effects can be applied change numbers assigned to them.
contact your local dealer or Free The Tone for repair in the case
Do not press the switches on the unit with a bare foot, or unex- to the delay sound. You can make widely varied
of any of the following:
pected injury may result. sounds from a beautifully modulated, open delay Miscellaneous Features
The power cord is damaged.
Do not use solvents (such as benzine, paint thinner) on the unit, Foreign objects (coins, pins, etc.) or liquid enter the unit. sound to an extreme siren noise. • 99 Presets (90 user and 9 factory presets)
since these may dull the finish or damage the surface. The unit gets wet from rain or other liquid. • Sound Hold Function: The FT-1Y has a unique • Tap Input Function
The unit is out of order. Hold function. Even when it is in effects off status, • Function Swapping for TAP and HOLD Switches
Be careful of heat radiation from the unit. pressing an external footswitch connected to the
Never cover the AC adapter with cloth or other objects. Built- rear panel triggers the delay sound stored in the
up heat can deform the case or cause a fire hazard. unit. You can also play your instrument over the
stored delay sound.
 Table of Contents
1 Specifications.............................................................................................................................   4
2  Front Panel...............................................................................................................................   5
FRONT PANEL
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

SPECIFICATIONS

q PRESET/MIDI CHANNEL Section w BPM/DELAY TIME Display 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.
n Specifications
• Input Impedance: min. 500 kΩ Based on these factory presets, you can easily create
• Output Load Impedance: min. 1 kΩ
delay settings to your own taste.
• Terminals: Standard 1/4” phone jack (IN, OUT, HOLD)
• Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter • CHANNEL: When the CHANNEL LED is illuminated,
For USA: FA-1220D-JA the receiving MIDI channel set by the user is indicated.
For UK: FA-1220D-UK
You can set to one of channels 1–16 or to Omni mode
For Europe: FA-1220D-EU
• Power Consumption: 12 VDC, approx. 400 mA (max.) (factory default setting) to receive all of the channels.
• 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.) When set to Omni mode, the display shows [AL].
• Weight (excl. AC adapter): approx. 570 g (20.11 oz.)
A change to the setting is automatically stored without
• Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AC Adapter for FT-1Y
pressing the STORE button.
Specifications and appearance subject to change without notice.
• 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 DELAY LED is illuminated, the delay
output level is indicated. This level can be set in the range
of 0–99.
• 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.
r FILTER/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 RATE 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
t SUBDIVISION/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.
y Parameter 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.
u BPM 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
i Other 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-PLAY switch after recording.
This starts the repeat playback instantly.
5. By pressing the TAP-PLAY 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.
REC & REPEAT FLOWCHART
Connect an unlatch (momentary) type footswitch
to the HOLD (REC) terminal on the rear panel.
Press the TAP-PLAY switch
• 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.
o ON/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.
HOLD
TAP-PLAY ON/OFF-STOP
(REC)
switch switch
switch
Press the ON/OFF-STOP Press & Hold down the

this waveform so that it starts from the negative (–) side: delay time. to stop recording and start switch to stop playback. HOLD (REC) switch for 3
HOLD HOLD playback. [STOP] illuminates. seconds to exit from Rec
press the DEC/– button when you are setting a value so Note 2: The realtime BPM analyzer may not be able to (REC) (REC) [PLAY] illuminates. Standby mode to usual
that the DOWN dot illuminates. recognize BPM for performances with irregular meters, switch switch mode.
Press & Hold down the Press the HOLD (REC) HOLD
• DEPTH: When the DEPTH LED is illuminated, the depth performances by orchestra or piano, etc. ON/OFF-STOP
HOLD (REC) switch for 3 switch to start recording. (REC)
switch
of the modulation is indicated. By increasing the set depth • MIC: This microphone is used to pick up the sound of seconds to put the machine [REC] illuminates steadily. switch
value, the modulation is applied more deeply (strongly). performance for BPM analysis. in Rec Standby mode. Press the ON/OFF-STOP Press the HOLD (REC)
[REC] flashes. switch to stop recording. switch to start recording.
[STOP] illuminates. [REC] illuminates.

REAR PANEL
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
HOW TO USE FT-1Y
4-1  Change Parameters
Each of the sections numbered from q to t in 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
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
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
Dot showing change in parameter 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.
(when the REC & REPEAT switch is turned on). Connect
Release the footswitch when you see the preset number display flash. Each time you press the TAP-PLAY switch, the
an unlatch (momentary) type footswitch to this terminal.
preset number increments by one. Each time you press the ON/OFF-STOP footswitch, the preset number decrements
1% MIDI IN Terminal
by one. (The preset number will change at the timing when the footswitch returns to its original position.) When the
Input terminal for MIDI signal. This terminal accepts MIDI
desired preset number is shown in the display, press and hold the TAP-PLAY footswitch again for two seconds. The
signals from an external MIDI device.
preset is recalled at the timing when the flashing preset number changes to illuminate steadily.
1^ MIDI THRU Terminal
• Preset Recall by using TAP-PLAY Footswitch (2): It is possible to recall Preset 1 and Preset 2 alternately. For
Used to output the MIDI signal received at the MIDI IN
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
terminal to an external MIDI device.
simply switching between them according to phrase being played.
1& POWER DC12V IN Terminal
If you press and hold the TAP-PLAY footswitch for four seconds when Preset 1 has been recalled, the Preset 1 display
Used to connect the dedicated AC adapter supplied with
flashes and then Preset 2 is recalled. Similarly if you press and hold the TAP-PLAY footswitch for four seconds when
your FT-1Y.
Preset 2 has been recalled, the Preset 2 display flashes and then Preset 1 is recalled.
If you press and hold the TAP-PLAY 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.
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
 TAP-PREFERRED MODE MIDI SPECIFICATIONS

In Tap-Preferred mode, the preset is recalled by applying the tempo information lastly entered via the footswitch. For
Controls MIDI CC Numbers Value Range
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. DELAY LEVEL 81 0–99

In Preset-Preferred mode (usual mode), BPM and delay time values stored in the recalled preset will be recalled. FEEDBACK (0–99) 82 0–99
<How to Setup>
FEEDBACK (1.1–9.9) 83 11–99
Press and hold down the ON/OFF-STOP and TAP-PLAY 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 OUTPUT LEVEL 84 10–99

shows “PrST”. off = 0, 22k = 22, 20k = 20, 18k = 18, 16k = 16, 14k = 14,
LPF 21 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

off = 0, 20Hz = 2, 40Hz = 4, 50Hz = 5, 60Hz = 6, 80Hz = 8,

100Hz = 10, 120Hz = 12, 140Hz = 14, 160Hz = 16, 180Hz = 18,
HPF 22
200Hz = 20, 250Hz = 25, 300Hz = 30, 400Hz = 40, 500Hz = 50,
FOOTSWITCH FUNCTION SWAPPING 600Hz = 60, 700Hz = 70, 800Hz = 80, 900Hz = 90, 1k = 99

The FT-1Y can swap the TAP-PLAY and HOLD (REC) footswitches physically. For example, you can use the HOLD RATE-UP 31 off = 0, 1–99

(REC) footswitch connected to the terminal on the rear panel when you want to enter a Tapped tempo. Or, according to RATE-DOWN 32 off = 0, 1–99
your application, while keeping the main unit of the FT-1Y on the pedal board, you can place the footswitch for tap-enter
DEPTH 33 off = 0, 1–99
operation at a place where you can easily step on it.
<How to Setup> Whole note = 1, Half note = 2, Dotted Quarter note = 3, Triplet in

To swap the functions, press and hold both the TAP-PLAY and HOLD (REC) footswitches for about three seconds. SUBDIVISION 41 four = 4, Quarter note = 5, Dotted Eighth note = 6, Triplet in two =
When the TAP-PLAY footswitch is set to act as a HOLD (REC) switch, the TIME display shows [Hold]. When the TAP- 7, Eighth note = 8, Triplet in one = 9, Sixteenth note = 10
PLAY footswitch is reset to its default TAP-PLAY switch function, the TIME display shows [TAP]. OFFSET (+) 42 0–99

OFFSET (–) 43 0–99

TRAIL 51 off = 0, on = 127

REC & REPEAT MODE 52 off = 0, on = 127

INITIALIZING
BPM ANALYZER 53 off = 0, on = 127

If you need to reset your FT-1Y to its default status when shipped from the factory, use this Initializing function. DELAY PHASE 54 off = 0, on = 127
While holding down both the INC/+ and DEC/– switches in the Parameter Edit section, turn on the power to the FT-1Y.
EFFECT ON/OFF 61 off = 0, on = 127
Doing this clears all of the presets and returns the unit to its factory shipment status.
TAP 62 on = 127

HOLD 63 off = 0, on = 127

PLAY 71 127

FACTORY PRESETS REC 72 127

STOP 73 127
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.