FREE THE TONE TA-2H Multi-Dimensional Chorus Owner’s Manual

FREE THE TONE TA-2H Multi-Dimensional Chorus

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 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.

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Adjusting chorus sound (Manual mode)

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.

Chorus sound adjustment steps

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

Recalling a preset (Preset mode)

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 MID

Switching between presets 1–4

1. Press the MODE switch to illuminate the PRESET LED.
2. Press the PRESET switch to switch the preset.
   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.

Switching presets 1–128 via MIDI

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.
   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

Confirming the position of each knob stored in the preset

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.
   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.

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.
NOTE
By pressing the EDIT switch again after turning the knobs to change parameters in Edit mode, your changes arecanceled and the TRI AVATAR returns to the status in which the original preset is recalled.

When the unit is put in Edit mode from Manual mode
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.

When the unit is put in Edit mode from Preset mode
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.

Realtime parameter control via expression pedal

An expression pedal connected to the EXP terminal can be used to control the RATE (modulation speed) or TONE parameter in realtime.

Controlling RATE parameter

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.
   NOTE
   The initial setting at factory before shipping is to control the RATE parameter.

Controlling TONE parameter

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.
   NOTE
   Please refer to the Free The Tone website for recommended expression pedals.

Configuring MIDI settings

The TRI AVATAR can switch presets and change each parameter by MIDI signals received from an external controller.

Changing 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 toggle the MIDI reception settings.
   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.

Setting MIDI receiving channels

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.

Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications

• O: LED on,
• X: LED off.

NOTE – Meaning of the ON/OFF LED statuses:
MIDI settings are automatically stored in the memory. No storing operation is required.

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.
  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

Correspondence between presets and MIDI program change numbers

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.

Correspondence between parameters and MIDI control change numbers

Initializing

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
   NOTE
   This operation clears all of the presets and resets them to the factory settings.

Updating Firmware

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.

Factory Presets

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.

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.
• 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
This symbol indicates that a risk of death or serious personal injury may result if precautions are ignored

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: [email protected]

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