FREE THE TONE AS-1R Digital Reverb Owner’s Manual

FREE THE TONE AS-1R Digital Reverb

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 the external device that drives speakers is powered. Doing so can cause noise and damage the speakers.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the footswitches, tact switches, and DIN connectors 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

Side panel

INPUT LEVEL SELECT switch
This switch is used to select the input level of the AMBI SPACE to match the output level of the device to be connected to the Input terminal. When connecting a device with instrument level signals, set the switch to the rear side (closer to the I/O jack). To connect a device with line level signals, set the switch to the front side. Use a small flatblade screw driver to slidethe switch

Bottom panel

KILL DRY switch
This switch is used to prohibit the original (dry) sound from being output from the Output terminal. When this switch is set to the on position, the original (dry) sound will not be output. To turn on the KILL DRY switch, set it to the front side (closer to the foot switch). Use a small flatblade screw driver to slide the switch.

Adjusting reverb (Manual mode)

The MANUAL LED above the MODE switch illuminates when the AMBI SPACE is operating in Manual mode. In Manual mode, reverb sound is set by the position of each knob.

Adjusting reverb sound

1. Press the ON/OFF switch to illuminate the LED above it.
2. Turn the MODE encoder to select the desired reverb type.
3. Turn the MIX knob to adjust the mixture level between the original and reverb sounds.
4. Turn the TONE knob to adjust the tone of the reverb sound.
5. Turn the DECAY knob to adjust the decay time of the reverb sound.
6. Turn the PRE DELAY knob to adjust the delay to start feeding the reverb sound.

Reverb types

SPRING| Simulates a spring reverb. Note that a real spring reverb does not have the PRE DELAY function but the AMBI SPACE is deliberately designed to enable this function.
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PLATE| Simulate a steel plate reverb. Metallic sounds with extended highs can be obtained
ROOM| Simulates reverberations in a room. Natural and warm reverberation sounds can be obtained.
HALL| Simulates reverberations in a hall. Spatial and clear reverberation sounds can be obtained.
CAVE| Reverb that can be used for sound effects or volume swell. Magnificent and pure reverberation sounds as if you are playing in a cave can be obtained.
SERENE| Frequency bands of reverberation sounds will also change according to the complex reverberation pattern design. You can get pleasing reverberation sounds as if they were resonating from another space.

Use the MODE encoder to select one of the reverb types.

Trail Function

• Trail Function You can set whether the reverberation sound will remain or not when you turn off the effects.
• Press and hold down the MODE switch for 1.5 seconds.
• The MANUAL LED (green) above the MODE switch flashes twice and the Trail function is turned on.
• Reverberation sound will remain when you turn off the effects. (Default)
• The PRESET LED (red) above the MODE switch flashes twice and the Trail function is turned off. Reverberation sound will not remain when you turn off the effects.

NOTE
It is not possible to set this function for each preset independently. This setting is applied globally to all of the presets. When you are switching presets, if the Reverb type of the newly selected preset is the same as that of the previous preset, then the Trail function is applied in the same way as when turning off the effect. If the Reverb type of the newly selected preset differs from that of the previous preset, then the reverberation sound is muted and then the preset is switched regardless of whether the Trail function is turned on or off.

Recalling a preset (Preset mode)

When the PRESET LED above the MODE switch illuminates, the AMBI SPACE is in Preset mode. In Preset mode, the reverb sound stored in the preset selected by the PRESET switch is recalled.

Switching between presets 1-4

• Press the MODE switch to illuminate the PRESET LED.
• Press the PRESET switch to select the preset

NOTE

In Preset mode turning each knob does not change reverb sounds. Only the reverb sound in the preset is output.

Switching 1-128 presets via MIDI

1. Connect an external MIDI controller to the MIDI IN terminal on the AMBI SPACE rear panel.

2. Press the effect ON/OFF switch to illuminate the LED above it.

3. From the external MIDI controller, send the MIDI program change number corresponding to the preset to berecalled.

NOTE
Be sure to set the same MIDI program change number on the sending device’s MIDI channel and the AMBI SPACE MIDI channel.
Setting up MIDI Receiving Channel P10.
Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications P11.

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. urn 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 shown 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 PRESET 3 LEDs illuminate: The knob is at the same position as stored in the preset.

Changing/writing preset contents (Edit mode)

When the LED above the EDIT switch illuminates, the AMBI SPACE is in Edit mode. Edit mode is used to change/write preset contents and pressing the EDIT switch puts the AMBI SPACE in this mode

When the unit is put in Edit mode from Manual mode

The current Manual mode setting is written to the preset.

1. Press the EDIT switch to enter into Edit mode.
2. Turn the knob of the parameter you want to change.
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 1.5 secs., the EDIT LED will flash and the writing operation will be executed. After writing, the contents of that preset number are recalled and the AMBI SPACE enters Preset mod

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

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 the preset.

1. Press the EDIT switch to enter into Edit mode.
2. Turn the knob of the parameter you want to change.
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 1.5 secs., the EDIT LED will flash and the writing operation will be executed.After writing, the contents of that preset number are recalled. When the LED above the EDIT switch illuminates, the AMB

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

Configuring MIDI settings

The AMBI SPACE 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 AMBI SPACE. 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.
4. Press the MODE switch to complete the setting.

NOTE — Meaning of the ON/OFF LED statuses:

• ON/OFF LED illuminates: Omni mode is turned on. All of the MIDI channels will be accepted.
• ON/OFF LED is flashing: Omni mode is turned off. MIDI receiving channels can be set. Setting MIDI receiving channels P10.
• ON/OFF LED is turned off: MIDI receiving function is disabled.

Setting MIDI receiving channels

1. While holding down the PRESET switch, turn on the power to the AMBI SPACE. 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 until the ON/OFF LED blinks.
4. Press the PRESET switch to select the receiving channel while referring to the table of Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications.
5. Press the MODE switch to complete the setting.

Correspondence between MIDI receiving channels and PRESET LED indications

NOTE
MIDI settings are automatically stored in the memory. No storing operation is required.

Receivable MIDI messages

The AMBI SPACE can switch presets or change all of the parameters via MIDI signals sent from an external device. MIDI signals assigned to controllable functions are listed below.
Note that when a preset is recalled on the AMBI SPACE via a MIDI program change number, the AMBI SPACE 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 AMBI SPACE enters Preset mode.
• Edit mode: The AMBI SPACE leaves Edit mode without writing, recalls the specified preset number, and enters Preset mode.

NOTE
Parameter adjustment via MIDI is effective in all of Manual, Preset, and Edit modes.

Correspondence between presets and MIDI program change numbers

When the AMBI SPACE receives a MIDI program change number 001-004, the corresponding LED 14 above the PRESET switch illuminates and the PRESET display shows the corresponding preset number. If a MIDI program change number 005 or later is received, then the LEDs 1-4 above the PRESET switch will not illuminate but the PRESET display shows the corresponding preset number.

Correspondence between parameters and MIDI control change numbers

Initializing

1. While holding down the MODE and PRESET switches, turn on the power to the AMBI SPACE.
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 AMBI SPACE is ready for usual operation.

NOTE
This operation clears presets and returns all settings to the factory settings.

Updating Firmware

Updating Firmware The firmware of the AMBI SPACE can 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

• Number of presets: 128
• Input impedance: INST min. 1MΩ / LINE min. 300 kΩ
• Output load impedance: min. 10 kΩ
• Maximum input level: INST +3 dBu / LINE +11 dBu
• Controls: PRE DELAY, DECAY, TONE, MIX, MODE, INST (-10 dB) / LINE (+4 dB) level select switch, KILL DRY switch
• Terminals: 4 x 1/4″ phone jack = L (mono) / R INPUT, L (mono) / R OUTPUT, 1 x DIN 5-pin connector (MIDI IN), 1 x 9V DC input jack
• Power supply: 9V DC center negative polarity
• Current consumption: 280 mA
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 120 x 102.3 x 58.5 mm / 4.72 x 4.03 x 2.3 inches (incl. protuberances such as footswitches, jacks)
• Weight: approx. 385 g / 0.85 lbs (excl. accessories)
• 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.

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: overseas@freethetone.com

References

• DOWNLOAD｜SUPPORT｜Free The Tone

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