FREE THE TONE FLIGHT TIME DIGITAL DELAY FT-1Y

Free The Tone unveils “FLIGHT TIME”, a high sound quality digital delay unit with the world’s first Realtime BPM Analyzer and Delay Time Offset
By concentrating a vast amount of accumulated knowledge of analog and digital technologies into its new product “FLIGHT TIME,” Free The Tone has realized a sound quality that goes far beyond other pedal type delay units. With high-speed calculation performed by a 32-bit high-precision DSP, the FLIGHT TIME pursues sonic quality equal to that of famous classic rack type high quality delay units, without using simulation or modeling. Further, the FLIGHT TIME implements two ground-breaking features: Realtime BPM Analyzer and Delay Time Offset. The Realtime BPM Analyzer adjusts the delay time by automatically trimming the BPM based on realtime tempo analysis of the current performance within the range of ±20% of the tempo (BPM) information tap-entered by using a footswitch. Delay Time Offset can shift the delay time slightly against the set BPM by entering the desired numerical value. With a shorter delay time setting, you can give a high-speed impression to your playing. Reversely, a longer setting can help to render broader expressions with plenty of time for each tone. “FLIGHT TIME”, a delay effects unit that pursues better sound quality and higher usability and enables more musical expression.
Main Features
World-First: Realtime BPM Analyzer *
The Realtime BPM Analyzer adjusts the delay time by automatically trimming the BPM based on realtime tempo analysis of the current performance within the range of ±20% of the tempo (BPM) information tap-entered by using a footswitch. Even when the tap-entered tempo is not accurate or the actual tempo is changed during performance, the Realtime BPM Analyzer on the FLIGHT TIME automatically adjusts the delay time.
World-First: Delay Time Offset Feature *
A common delay setup is to offset the delay time compared to the BPM of the tune being played to make the delay sound of a guitar or bass more easily heard. When the delay time is set to be equal to the actual BPM, the delay sound will be masked by other on-beat sounds and become difficult to hear. With a shorter delay time setting, you can give a high-speed impression to your playing. Conversely, a longer setting can help to render broader expressions with plenty of time for each tone. Since the delay time offset amount can be set for each preset, you can keep the setting best suited to each tune.
*As of September 2014, based on Free The Tone’s research
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 delay time.
Note 2: The realtime BPM analyzer may not be able to recognize BPM for performances with irregular meters, performances by orchestra or piano, etc.
*BPM ANALYZER is a function that was jointly developed by Faudio and FREE THE TONE.
Implemented HTS circuit and analog mixer
HPF (high-pass filter) and LPF (low-pass filter)
Modulation
Sound Hold
Rec & Repeat
Delay Phase
MIDI support
Trail function
Subdivision Function
Dry On/Off
Boost Function
Tap-Preferred Mode
High-speed calculation by a 32-bit high-precision DSP
For further information for the functions、please click here.
Please download the operation manual for detailed information.
Please download the PRESET information from here.
Main Specifications
Number of Presets : 99 (User Presets:90, Factory Presets: 9)
Tap Input Feature
Input Impedance: min. 500 kΩ
Output Load Impedance: min. 1 kΩ
Terminals: Standard 1/4″ phone jack (IN, OUT, HOLD)
Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter
For USA: FA-1220D-JA
For UK: FA-1220D-UK
For Europe: FA-1220D-EU
Dimensions: 146 x 120.5 x 57 mm, 5.75 x 4.74 x 2.24 inches (incl. protuberances such as footswitches, jacks, etc.)
Weight (excl. AC adapter): approx. 570 g (1.26 lbs)
About HTS (Holistic Tonal Solution) Circuit
The newly developed Free The Tone HTS Circuit brings a brand new concept to effect pedals.
The HTS circuit essentially functions to manage the interface of the effector from signal input to the output. This solves not only the problem with a True-Bypass circuit and the weak point of a combination of a general buffer circuit and an electronic switch, but also totally and effectively manages the interface between effectors connected before and after the effect circuit inside of the HTS circuit.
The compatibility of pedals when they are connected together will be influenced by the signal level and the characteristics of the input and output impedance. The signal characteristics as a result of a combination of true-bypass effectors will be changed every time an effector is switched on or off. The change of signal characteristics will have a drastic affect on the sound quality and/or sound image. You may have felt a fundamental difference in sound quality or a feeling that something just isn’t right in the past. This is a major problem of effectors that is relatively unknown.
The HTS Circuit consists of 3 separate circuits: 1. Input Circuit, 2. Noiseless Effect On/Off Circuit and 3. Output Driver Circuit. The Input Circuit receives the signal properly depending on the conditions of the signal source, eliminates noise from unnecessary frequency bands and then sends the pure guitar signal to the effect circuit. The Free The Tone effectors have a very low S/N ratio thanks to the HTS Circuit.
The effected signal is sent to the Noiseless Effect On/Off Circuit. This circuit transfers the guitar sound faithfully without any feeling of dullness or distortion that is often unique to electronic switching circuits, because no switching element, such as an FET, is used. The effected sound signal or bypassed sound signal, selected by the Noiseless Effect On/Off Circuit, is sent to the Output Circuit and then to any other equipment connected after the effector in the signal chain. Regardless of whether the effector is on or off, the signal output impedance remains fixed so that a stable signal is provided all the time. And when the effector is turned off, the HTS Circuit outputs a signal that remains true to the original natural guitar sound.
The effected sound and bypassed sound managed by the HTS Circuit will always have the same sound quality, which solves a problem that has plagued players for years.