MOTION LOOP ML-1L Pitch Shiftable Short Looper Owner’s Manual

MOTION LOOP ML-1L Pitch Shiftable Short Looper

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 MOTION LOOP when the external device that drives speakers is powered. Doing so can cause noises and damage the speakers.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the knobs, tact switches, DC jack, and phone jacks on the MOTION LOOP.
• Do not push or press the display of the MOTION LOOP.
• If the unit malfunctions or behaves erratically, cease operation at once and contact your local dealer or Free The Tone directly.

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel

Top Panel

NOTE

• In addition to the AC adapter, the MOTION LOOP can be powered by a 006P (9 V) alkaline battery.
• Battery life for continuous use is about 2 hours (this depends on the type and usage condition of the battery). Please note that a manganese dry cell cannot be used due to its short life.
• When the battery voltage becomes too low, the display shows “LOW BATTERY”. Exchange the battery or use the AC adapter.
• When replacing batteries, remove the bottom plate after loosening the four screws on it and replace the battery with a new one.

Side Panel

Display Contents
By pressing the HOME switch the display alternately shows the HOME screen and Function Assignment screen.

1. HOME screen: Indicates a preset number and preset name.

2. Function Assignment screen: Indicates the function assigned to a knob or encoder. When this screen is displayed, each knob or PARAMETER encoder is used to change the parameter of the assigned function.
   Holding the HOME switch down for about 2 seconds brings up the SETUP screen.

3. SETUP screen: Displayed when the MOTION LOOP’s Global functions such as MIDI channel setting are set.
   By pressing the ▶ cursor key while the HOME or Function Assignment screen is shown, the MENU screen for setting up various functions.

4. MENU screen: Displayed when changing the effects unit’s parameter in each preset and changing functions for each control.

Welcome to the world of MOTION LOOP
The Free The Tone MOTION LOOP is a revolutionary short looper that performs short-term sampling and real-time effect processing such as pitch shift, delay, filter. Its real-time processing enables this short looper to be used as a tool handled like a musical instrument. Random processing of sampled waveforms can create accidental sounds. Enjoy the world of the MOTION LOOP that has unlimited potential.

How MOTION LOOP Works
The MOTION LOOP continuously monitors and samples the input signal. At the moment the footswitch is pressed to turn on the effects, the loop and effect processing for the sampled sound starts from a prior point in time set by the RATE knob and after turning on the effects, the sampling is continued. With the maximum RATE setting (BPM 30), the input sound can be sampled up to for 4 seconds.

If the sample sound is not enough at the start point of the process, the sampled sound taken after turning on the effect is added in order to automatically fill up the duration set by the RATE knob.
If there is no sampled input signal when the effect is turned on, the MOTION LOOP waits for the input signal while keeping the effect in ready status and starts the loop operation as soon as it receives the input signal. If the input signal level is lower than about -40 dBm, then the MOTION LOOP assumes that there is no input signal.

RATE Knob and Grid Mode
When the MOTION LOOP performs the loop process, the length (in time) of the sampled sound to be looped depends on the duration set by the RATE knob. When there is no BPM setting (i.e. OFF), the RATE knob operates with BPM 60 as its reference. If the knob is set to the center position, a sampled sound about 250 ms in length is looped.

Although the loop time can be adjusted continuously by the RATE knob, by setting a BPM the RATE knob is automatically switched to Grid mode. Seven patterns of the grid are prepared: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32. With BPM 120 setting, if the RATE knob’s grid is set to 1/4, a 125-ms sampled sound is looped. By using this Grid mode, you can easily and effectively play along with a tune without getting out of tempo.

Retriggering Function
The MOTION LOOP has a powerful Retriggering function that monitors new incoming signals even after activating the loop effect and loops that signal. The retriggering sensitivity can be adjusted to the output level from various instruments or effects units. This sensitivity setting can be saved in each preset.

Factory Presets
The MOTION LOOP is shipped with factory presets. They are stored in the user preset memory after No. 128 with the [F:] preset number prefix. Users can turn the PARAMETER encoder to select and recall the desired factory preset.

• Note that this factory preset area is protected against the recall, write, or delete operations via MIDI signals.
• Note that the parameters of the factory preset have already been copied into the user preset area to be used after being edited to the user’s preference.
• For more details about the factory presets, please refer to the product page on our website.

Basic Operation

How to Adjust Sampling Duration
When the RATE knob is set to the center position, the rate is set to 1/4 length of the reference sampling duration. Turning this knob to the left side shortens the sampling duration and turning it to the right side lengthens the duration. If a BPM has been set, the RATE knob works in Grid mode and turning it to the left shortens the sampling duration for the looped sound in the following steps: 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc. Similarly turning it to the right side lengthens the sampling duration as follows: 1/2, 1, 2, etc. If Loop Rate mode is set to ENVELOPE or RANDOM in the Edit menu, this knob is deactivated.

How to Adjust Filter Operation
The FILTER knob adjusts the filter operation. Turning the knob to the left side activates the low-pass filter and turning it to the right side activates the high-pass filter. If Filter mode is set to ENVELOPE, SYNC BMP, or SYNC SPEED in the Edit menu, this knob is deactivated.

Recalling Presets
128 presets provided by the MOTION LOOP can be recalled in various ways.

Use PRESET Footswitch to Switch between Presets 1 and 2
Press the PRESET footswitch to switch the presets.

NOTE
Each time the PRESET footswitch is pressed, Presets 1 and 2 are switched instantly. It is useful to store frequently used presets in Preset 1 and Preset 2 and switch them.

Recall Desired Preset from 128 Presets

1. Press the HOME switch until the screen shows a preset number and preset name.
2. Turn the PARAMETER encoder until the desired preset number is shown in the display. The two red LEDs above the PRESET footswitch flash alternately. At this time the preset is not recalled.
3. Press the PRESET footswitch to recall the desired preset. When the preset is recalled, the two red LEDs above the footswitch stop alternate flashing.

Recall Preset by MIDI Signal
The MOTION LOOP’s presets are switched by receiving a program change number MIDI signal from an external MIDI device. The MIDI channel of the device that sends the program change number has to be the same as the MIDI channel of the MOTION LOOP.

Edit Menu

The effects unit’s parameters in each preset and the function of each knob, PARAMETER encoder, or footswitch, etc. are changed in Edit mode.

How to Confirm Parameter Changes or Settings

1. Press the HOME switch to show the HOME or Assignment Display screen.
2. Press the ▶ cursor key to show the HOME screen.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to show the desired setting menu.
4. Press the ◀/▶ cursor key to select the desired setting.
5. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to change the parameter.
6. When confirmation or editing is completed, press the HOME switch. The display shows the HOME screen again.

How to Change Parameters and Saving Them in Preset

1. Press the SAVE switch. The SAVE LED and preset number display start flashing.
2. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to change the preset number shown in the display to the desired preset number. (Skip this step if overwriting in the same preset number.)
3. Press the SAVE switch. The edited parameter is stored in the preset.

NOTE
To cancel the save operation, press the HOME switch (i.e., other than the SAVE switch) or ◀/▶ cursor key when the number shown in the display is flashing. Or move the LOOP RATE, E.LEVEL, or FILTER knob to cancel the save operation. If a parameter of a saved preset has been changed, a dot appears at the lower right corner of the first digit of the PRESET number. This dot is turned off when the changed parameter is saved in the preset.

Effect Settings

Effect sounds of the MOTION LOOP are created in the following workflow :

PITCH SETTING

1. OCTAVE UP/DOWN: Setting for whether to change the pitch of the sampled sound.
   • Parameter: NONE: No pitch change (Default).
   • UP1: Shifted one octave higher.
   • UP2: Shifted two octaves higher.
   • DOWN1: Shifted one octave lower.
   • DOWN2: Shifted two octaves lower.
2. PITCH VALUE: Sets the pitch change range expressed as a percentage of the pitch set by the OCTAVE UP/DOWN. Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 100)
3. PITCH SPEED: Sets the speed of pitch change.
   • Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 50)
4. PITCH SHIFT: Sets the number of pitch shift processes.
   • Parameter: REPEAT: Repeats the pitch shift. (Default)
   • SINGLE: Performs the pitch shift process once and then keeps the pitch set by that.
5. SLOW DOWN: Slows down the loop speed at the timing of the downward pitch shift.
   • Parameter: OFF (Default)
     ON

LOOP SETTING

1. LOOP LEVEL: Sets whether to increase/decrease the signal level at every loop repeat.

   • Parameter: -100 to -001: The signal level decreases at every loop repeat.
   • 000: Loops are repeated at the same level. (Default)
   • 001 to 100: The signal level increases at every loop repeat.

2. RESET LEVEL: Sets whether to reset the level set by LOOP LEVEL. After resetting, the level change process set by LOOP LEVEL starts again from the reference level.

   • Parameter: RETRGG: The loop level is reset by retriggering. (Default)
     NONE: The level will not be preset.

3. RETRIGGER SETTING: If turned on, the Retrigger function performs a re-sampling during a loop and switches to the newly sampled sound without stopping the loop operation.

   • Parameter: OFF (Default)
   • FOOTSW: Retriggering starts by pressing the RESET footswitch.
   • ATTACK: Detects a phrase that exceeds a certain threshold level and activates retriggering.

4. RETRIGGER SENS: Sets the retriggering sensitivity for when the RETRIGGER SETTING is set to ATTACK.

   • Parameter: 000 to 100 (default: 010)
     NOTE
     000 is the most sensitive setting and 100 is the lowest.

5. RETRIGGER FADE: Retriggering switches to the newly sampled sound with or without a fade-out of the previous sound.

   • Parameter: OFF ON (Default)

6. BPM SETTING: Loops can be synchronized to the tempo of the preset BPM. The playback duration of the loops is changed according to the BPM setting (BPM30 to 600).

   • Parameter: SYNC: Loops are synchronized with the tempo of the MIDI clock received from an external device.
     OFF (Default)
     030 to 600

7. LOOP RATE MODE: Sets Loop Rate operation mode. If set to ENVELOPE or RANDOM, the RATE knob is defeated.

   • Parameter: MANUAL: The RATE knob is manually operated.
   • ENV: Loop Rate changes according to the input waveform from the instrument.
   • RANDOM: Loop Rate changes at random.

WAVEFORM SETTING

1. FADE CURVE: Adjusts the rising waveform of the sampled sound.
   • Parameter: SHALLOW: Fastest waveform rise setting. (Default)
   • DEEP: Fades in to the 50% position of a loop.
   • A CURVE: The start of the waveform resembles the A curve (of variable resistors).
   • C CURVE: The start of the waveform resembles the C curve (of variable resistors).
   • REVERSE: The waveform is reversed.
2. FILTER RANGE: Adjusts the range to which the filter is applied.
   • Parameter: NARROW: Narrow filter range.
   • WIDE: Wide filter range. (Default)
3. FILTER MODE: In addition to manual use, the MOTION LOOP’s filter operation can respond to some external conditions.
   • Parameter: MANUAL: Filter operation is manipulated by turning the knobs by hand. (Default)
   • ENV: Filter operation responds to input waveform envelope.
   • SYNC BPM: Filter operation is automatically synchronized to BPM tempo.
   • SYNC SPD: Filter operation is automatically synchronized to pitch change speed.
4. SOFT CLIPPING: The MOTION LOOP clips the sampled sound using its operating software. Hard clipping increases the harmonic overtones of the sound and makes sounds that won’t be buried in the mix.
   • Parameter: 000 to 100 (Default: 000)

DELAY SETTING

1. SUBDIVISION: Sets the delay length according to the current tempo.

   • Parameter: OFF: Turns off the delay effect. (Default)
   • 1: The length of the delay sound is equal to a whole note (semibreve).
   • 1/2: The length of the delay sound is equal to a half note (minim).
   • 1/4: The length of the delay sound is equal to a quarter note (crotchet).
   • .1/8: The length of the delay sound is equal to a dotted eighth note (dotted quaver).
   • 1/8: The length of the delay sound is equal to an eighth note (quaver).

2. FEEDBACK: Adjusts delay’s feedback amount. The higher the value, the greater the feedback amount.

   • Parameter: 000 to 100

3. DELAY MIX LEVEL: Adjusts the volume of the delay sound. The higher the value, the louder the delay sound.
   Parameter: 000 to 100

4. DELAY TRAIL: Selects whether to retain delay sound (Trail operation) when the effect is turned off.

   • Parameter: OFF (Default)
     ON

DRY & FOOTSW – Dry Sound/Footswitch Settings
The output method for the incoming signal (dry sound) and operation mode of the footswitch can be set for each preset.

1. DRY SETUP: Selects the output method of for the dry sound.
   • Parameter: ON: The dry sound is mixed with the effect sound. (Default)
   • AUTO: The dry sound is muted when the effect is turned on and it is output when the effect is turned off.
   • OFF: The dry sound is muted irrespective of effect on/off status.
2. ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH: Sets the operation mode of the ON/OFF footswitch.
   • Parameter: LATCH (Default)
     UNLATCH

KNOB &EXP ASSIGN – Assigning Second Function to Knobs, Encoder or EXP/CV/FS Terminal
A second function can be assigned to each knob or PARAMETER encoder. By pressing the HOME switch until the display shows the Assignment Display screen, the function of each knob/PARAMETER encoder is switched to its assigned ones.

1. KNOB-L ASSIGN, KNOB-C ASSIGN, KNOB-R ASSIGN (common)
   For functions assignable to each knob, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.

2. ENCODER ASSIGN
   For functions assignable to the PARAMETER encoder, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.

3. EXP/FS PEDAL ASSIGN
   For functions assignable to the EXP/CV/FS terminal, please refer to the List of Assignable Functions.

Selecting how to use an external footswitch to select whether to output the input signal (dry sound) or not An external footswitch (momentary) connected to the EXP/CV/FS terminal can be used to select whether to output (ON) the input signal or not (OFF).

1. Press the HOME switch to show the HOME screen or Assignment screen.
2. Press the ▶ cursor key to show the MENU screen.
3. Select the KNOB&EXP ASSIGN item.
4. Press the ▶ cursor key to show the EXP/FS ASSIGN screen.
5. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select DRY ONOF.
6. Press the HOME switch. The display changes to the HOME or Assignment screen.

NOTE

• When the effect is activated, the dry sound can be turned on/off by operating an external footswitch.
• To save the changed setting in a preset, please refer to “How to Change Parameters and Saving Them in Preset.”

PRESET NAME – Naming Presets

Each preset can be named.
A character can be inserted at the cursor position (inverted display). Press the ◀/▶ cursor key to move the insertion point. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select the desired character. To delete a character, press the PRESET footswitch once: the character at the cursor position is deleted and the entire label is shifted leftward. To enter a character, press the ON/OFF footswitch once. A space is inserted and the entire label after the cursor position is shifted rightward. After entering/editing the preset name press the SAVE switch to save it. Or to cancel the operation, press the HOME switch or turn any knob.

Global Settings

Setting Procedures for Global Functions
In the Global Settings screen, settings related to the entire operation such as MIDI receive channel selection, calibration of expression pedal, etc. are configured.

1. Hold down the HOME switch for about 2 seconds to show the Global Settings screen.
2. Use the ◀/▶ cursor key to show the desired setting screen.
3. Configure the desired function.
4. Press the HOME switch. The display changes to the HOME screen.

MIDI CH – Setting of MIDI Receive Channel

Selects a MIDI receive channel.

• Parameter: OMNI (Default)
  CH1 to CH16 OFF

EXP CALB – Calibration of Expression Pedal
An expression pedal connected to the EXP/CV/FS terminal can be used to adjust a MOTION LOOP’s parameter in real time. Since expression pedals have various operating characteristics, the MOTION LOOP can calibrate the expression pedal to be used. Use an expression pedal with variable resistance from 10kΩ to 25kΩ.

1. Select the EXP CALB screen.
2. Connect your expression pedal to the EXP/CV/FS terminal.
3. Press the SAVE switch.
4. The screen highlights “TOE MAX.” Set the expression pedal to its toe side end (max.) and press the SAVE switch.
5. The screen highlights “HEEL MIN.” Set the expression pedal to its heel side end (min.) and press the SAVE switch.
6. The calibration process completes when the display shows “EXT CALB IS DONE.”

EXP DISP – Display of Expression Pedal
This screen sets whether the screen shows the parameter changed by operating the expression pedal.

• Parameter: ON (Default)
  OFF

ENCODER – Setting for PARAMETER Encoder
Selects the function of the PARAMETER encoder.

1. Select the ENCODER screen.
2. Press the SAVE switch.
3. Turn the PARAMETER encoder to select the desired function.
4. Press the SAVE switch to save the setting.
   • Parameter: PS SEL: Preset Select (Default)
   • PITC MD: Pitch Mode
   • PITC SP: Pitch Speed
   • DLY SD: Delay Subdivision
   • DLY FB: Delay Feedback
   • DLY MIX: Delay Mix Level
   • SFT CLP: Soft Clipping
   • LP LVL: Loop Level

NOTE
To prevent an unexpected function from being assigned to the PARAMETER encoder, Save operation is required to store settings. The contents of Global settings other than the PARAMETER encoder settings are automatically saved after parameter changes.

PS FSW – Setting for PRESET Switch
Used to turn off the PRESET switch function in order to prevent misoperation.

• Parameter: ON (Default)
  OFF

Usage of EXP/CV/FS Terminal

A standard expression pedal can connect to the EXP/CV/FS terminal by using a TRS cable.
For the functions that can be assigned to an expression pedal, refer to “List of Assignable Functions.”

Expression Pedal Requirements

• Recommended resistance value: 10 kΩ to 25 kΩ
• TIP: Wiper of expression pedal (output)
• RING: Power (5 V is supplied from MOTION LOOP)
• SLEEVE: GND

NOTE: For recommended expression pedals, refer to the Free The Tone website.

The EXP/CV/FS terminal accepts the control voltage (CV) in the range of 0 to 5 V. To connect, use a monaural phone cable.

Initialization

The following steps clears all presets and return them to the factory status.

1. Hold the ▶ cursor key down and turn on the power to the unit.
2. Release ▶ cursor key when the display shows “INITIALIZING.”
3. This completes the initialization.

FIRMWARE – Firmware Update

Users can update the MOTION LOOP’s firmware to the latest one. For the latest firmware, and instructions for update and connection, please visit the product page or support page in our website.

List of Parameters and Corresponding MIDI CC Numbers

The MOTION LOOP can switch presets or change all of the parameters via MIDI signals. The table below shows the MIDI signal assignments.

List of Assignable Functions

| Title| Default| Parameter| Function
---|---|---|---|---

1

| ****

KNOB-L ASSIGN

| | NONE|
| PIT VAL| PITCH VALUE
| PIT SPD| PITCH SPEED
| DLY FB| DELAY FEEDBACK
| DLY MIX| DELAY MIX
| SFT CLP| SOFT CLIPPING
| LP LVL| LOOP LEVEL

2

| ****

KNOB-C ASSIGN

| | NONE|
| PIT VAL| PITCH VALUE
| PIT SPD| PITCH SPEED
| DLY FB| DELAY FEEDBACK
| DLY MIX| DELAY MIX
| SFT CLP| SOFT CLIPPING
| LP LVL| LOOP LEVEL

3

| ****

KNOB-R ASSIGN

| | NONE|
| PIT VAL| PITCH VALUE
| PIT SPD| PITCH SPEED
| DLY FB| DELAY FEEDBACK
| DLY MIX| DELAY MIX
| SFT CLP| SOFT CLIPPING
| LP LVL| LOOP LEVEL

4

| ****

ENCODER ASSIGN

| | NONE|
| OCT U/D| OCTAVE UP/DOWN
| PIT SHT| PITCH SHIFT
| SLO DWN| SLOW DOWN
| RETRGG| RETRIGGER
| RETGSNS| RETRIGGER SENSITIVITY
| BPM SET| BPM SETTING
| LP-R-MD| LOOP RATE MODE
| FAD CUV| FADE CURVE
| FLT RNG| FILTER RANGE
| Title| Default| Parameter| Function
---|---|---|---|---

4

| ****

ENCODER ASSIGN

| | FLT MOD| FILTER MODE
| SUBDIV| SUBDIVISION
| DLY TRL| DELAY TRAIL
| DRY SET| DRY SETUP

5

| ****

EXPRESSION PEDAL/ FOOTSWITCH ASSIGN

| | ONOF FS| ON/OFF FOOTSWITCH
| ONOF EP| ON/OFF EXP PEDAL
| DRY ONOF| DRY ON/OFF
| LP RATE| LOOP RATE
| PIT VAL| PITCH VALUE
| PIT SPD| PITCH SPEED
| EFX LVL| EFFECT LEVEL
| LP FIL| LOW-PASS FILTER
| HP FIL| HIGH-PASS FILTER
| DLY FB| DELAY FEEDBACK

Main Specifications/Ratings

• Number of presets: 128 user presets, 35 factory presets
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Output load impedance: min. 10 kΩ
• Max. input level: +10 dBm
• Terminals: 1 x 1/4” standard TRS phone jack (IN(TRS)), 3 x 1/4” standard TS phone jack (OUT/L, OUT/R, EXP/CV/FS), 9 VDC input jack (for AC adapter), 3.5-mm stereo mini jack (MIDI IN)
• Power supply: 9V DC center negative polarity, 006P (9V) 6F22 battery (alkaline type)
• Current consumption: approx. 185 mA
• Dimensions: 66 (W) x 125 (D) x 54 (H) mm (incl. protrusions such as jacks)
• Weight: approx. 335 g
• Accessories: Warranty card, Quick start guide, Safety instructions, Rubber feet

NOTE: Specification and external appearance may change without notice.

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.

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 repairs 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.
• When using a battery, be sure to set it in the correct +/– direction. Remove the battery if the unit is not used for long periods.

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 liquids 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 a 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.

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