FREE THE TONE PHA-1 Phase Analyzer Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- FREE THE TONE
Table of Contents
FREE THE TONE PHA-1 Phase Analyzer
Controls and Indicators
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Basic Operation
Two Types of Phase Measurements and Phase Judgement Principle
The PHA-1 provides the two types of phase measurements.
< Repeated Pulse Measurement Mode >
In this measurement mode the PHA-1 outputs an in-phase test signal and judges
the phase of the subject device by checking if the test signal that goes
through it is in phase or reversed phase. This mode can measure the phase of
effects units such as a phaser, chorus, delay, etc. in which delay elements
are used, and devices that can cause a latency in the output due to AD/DA
converters or DSPs used in them.
NOTE To measure the phase of a delay or reverb’s dry sound, set the effect sound to zero (minimum). To measure the phase of a delay effects unit’s delay sound, cut the dry sound (Kill Dry) and set the number of repeats of the delay sound to 1.
< Continuous Measurement Mode >
In this measurement mode the PHA-1 performs phase analysis by comparing its
output test signal with the input waveform in the same length of time. A
440-Hz or 220-Hz measurement signal can be selected in this mode. Due to
characteristics of this device, phase judgement may change according to test
signal frequencies. Use the 440-Hz signal mainly for effects units for guitars
and the 220-Hz signal mainly for effects units for basses.
N.B. In this measurement mode the PHA-1 cannot measure the phase of the
effects units such as a phaser, chorus, delay, etc. in which delay elements
are used.
NOTE
Pulse waveforms are used as the test signal for the PHA-1’s MIC input in order
to minimize the influence from ambient noises. If the first edge of the test
signal waveform after passing through the device is rising, then it is judged
as in phase (+). If falling, then it is out of phase (–). If the waveform
level is too low, the waveform edges cannot be detected. Conversely if it is
too high, noises other than the test signal are too strong and the edges
cannot be detected precisely. Adjust the RANGE switch, TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob,
or the output level of the subject device so that 4 to 9 LEDs of the level
meter illuminate.
Display Contents
Adjusting Signal to be Measured
If signal waveform is too large to be shown entirely in Display or Display
shows “Over-Level”… To show the waveform properly: Press the RANGE switch to
increase the range level value shown in the right top corner of the Display.
Or if measuring the phase of the amplifier with speaker, increase the distance
between the speaker and the PHA-1 or lower the amplifier’s volume.
If waveform is too small to see or Display shows “Low- Level”…
To show the waveform properly: Press the RANGE switch to decrease the range
level value shown in the right top corner of the Display. Or if measuring the
phase of the amplifier with speaker, decrease the distance between the speaker
and the PHA-1 or raise the amplifier’s volume.
Measuring Phase of Electronic Device such as Effects Unit
Turn on the power to the PHA-1 and the device to be measured. Turn the TEST
SIGNAL LEVEL knob fully counterclockwise so that the test signal will not be
output.
- Press the SOURCE SELECT switch until “ANALYZER” is shown in the top line of the Display.
- Press the TEST switch to select the measurement mode to be used. Measurement modes switch each time when the TEST switch is held pressed for about 1 second. Two Types of Phase Measurements and Phase Judgement Principle p.5
- Slowly turn the TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob clockwise. The waveform and level of the signal fed to the PHA-1 are indicated. Adjust the TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob so that 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate.
NOTE It may be difficult to adjust the output level of a unit with high- gain distortion or fuzz sound. In such a case, adjust the volume at the subject effects unit. Before starting the measurement, set the device so that the volume from it is almost the same whether the effect is on or off.
Measuring Phase of Amplifier with Speaker
Turn on the power to the PHA-1 and the device to be measured. Turn the TEST
SIGNAL LEVEL knob fully counterclockwise so that the test signal will not be
output.
Lower the amplifier’s volume to mute it.
- Press the SOURCE SELECT switch until “MIC” is shown in the top line of the Display.
- Press the TEST switch. In this operation mode only Repeated Pulse Measurement mode is selectable.
- Slowly turn the TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob clockwise. Turn up the volume of the amplifier little by little until the test signal can be heard from the speaker. Bring the PHA-1’s MIC close to the speaker to show the waveform and level of the signal. Adjust the position of the PHA-1, TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob, or amplifier volume so that 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate.
NOTE If the amplifier to be measured is set to yield a high-gain distortion sound, sometimes it may be difficult to judge the phase. In such a case decrease the gain of the subject amplifier and perform the phase measurement.
Measuring Phase of Effects Unit Connected to ARC-4
Turn on the power to the PHA-1, ARC-4, and your effects unit(s). Turn the
TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob fully counterclockwise so that the test signal will not
be output.
-
Press the SOURCE SELECT switch until “OPTION-2” is shown in the top line of the Display.
-
Press the TEST switch to select the measurement mode to be used. Measurement modes switch each time when the TEST switch is held pressed for about 1 second. Two Types of Phase Measurements and Phase Judgement Principle p.5
-
Recall the desired ARC-4’s preset. By putting the ARC-4 in Direct mode and turning on the loops one by one, it is possible to check the phase of each effects unit.
-
Slowly turn the TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob clockwise. The waveform and level of the signal fed into the PHA-1.
Adjust the TEST SIGNAL LEVEL knob so that 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate. -
To set the device in the reversed phase from the phase judgement result, turn on the ARC-4’s Phase Invert function and save the setting in a preset.
NOTE If the recalled combination of effects units contains a delay or reverb unit, set the effect sound to minimum and perform the measurement.
Notes on Level Meter Display
Placing the level shown at the upper right corner of the Display as the
reference (0 dB), each LED element of the level meter illuminates when the
signal level reaches the corresponding level. For example, if “-10dBm” is
shown at the upper right corner of the Discplay, the 7th LED (reference)
illuminates when the signal level exceeds -10 dBm. Similarly for “-22dBm,” the
7th LED illuminates when the signal level exceeds -22 dBm.
Precautions for Battery Use
The PHA-1 can be driven by a 9-volt battery. When the Display shows “Low-
Battery,” replace the battery with a new one. If the PHA-1 is not used for a
long period of time, remove the battery and store them separately.
Examples of Measurement Results
< < Repeated Pulse Measurement Mode >>
- Example 1: “Over-Level” message appears because the input signal level is too high. Adjust the level so that the “Over-Level” message disappears and 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate.
- Example 2: The phase is judged properly but the input signal waveform is truncated. To show the whole waveform, switch the input level range. Alternatively, decrease the test signal output level or the device’s output level to lower the signal level fed to the PHA-1.
- Example 3: The input signal level is too low and the Display shows “Low- Level.” Adjust the level so that the “Low-Level” message disappears and 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate. If no level meter’s LED illuminates, confirm whether the connection is properly done and the power to the subject device is turned on.
- Example 4: The signal level is properly adjusted and the incoming signal’s entire waveform is displayed.
< < Continuous Measurement Mode >>
- Example 1: The input signal level is too high and all of the level meter LEDs illuminate. Adjust the level so that 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate.
- Example 2: The input signal level is too low and the Display shows “Low- Level.” Adjust the level so that the “Low-Level” message disappears and 4 to 9 LEDs of the level meter illuminate.
- Example 3: The signal level is properly adjusted and the incoming signal’s entire waveform is displayed. In this example, the shape of the waveform fed into the PHA-1 differs from that of the test waveform.
Please note that this is because that the test waveform has been effect processed by the subject device and is not a malfunction or failure.
Main Specifications / Ratings
- Test signal maximum output Level: 660 mVp-p (Repeated Pulse Measurement mode), -23 dBm (Continuous Measurement mode)
- Terminals: standard 1/4-inch phone jack x 2 (TEST SIGNAL OUT, ANALYZER IN), 7-pin DIN connector x 1 (for connecting ARC-4: OPTION-2), DC9-12V input jack (for connecting AC adaptor)
- Power supply: 9-volt battery, 9V DC center negative polarity
- Consumption current: approx. 52 mA (9-VDC operation)
- Dimensions: 110 (W) x 53 (D) x 46 (H) mm (incl. protrusions such as knobs, etc.)
- Weight: approx. 230 g
- Accessories: Warranty card, Owner’s manual
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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.
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.
Support/Service
Contact the following for support and/or repair service. e-mail address:
overseas@freethetone.com