The Free The Tone FUTURE FACTORY FF-1Y-K is a delay pedal the maker describes as a "RANDOM FLUCTUATING PHASE MODULATION DELAY". It is a variant of the Future Factory FF-1Y with one addition: a BOOST function for lifting your volume by +6 dB when you want to step forward, such as for a solo. Like the standard FF-1Y, it stores 128 presets and is a digital design built on a 32-bit high-precision DSP. It was released in Japan on April 20, 2020 as a limited-period, made-to-order production run, at a list price of 55,000 yen including tax1.
What it does
Free The Tone positions the FF-1Y-K as a delay whose character comes from random fluctuation of phase modulation, rather than a conventional straight repeat. The maker's page labels the effect type "RF PHASE MODULATION DELAY" on both the FF-1Y-K and the FF-1Y it is based on12. The 128 presets mean a player can store a large library of delay settings and recall them rather than dialing in sounds by hand each session1.
The BOOST function is what separates the K version from the standard pedal. Free The Tone describes it as an addition to the FF-1Y's basic functions, useful for raising the volume for solos, with a boost level of +6 dB1. The standard FF-1Y instead carries a PRESET 1-4 switching function for calling up four presets directly from the front panel2.
Inputs, outputs and MIDI
The FF-1Y-K uses 1/4-inch standard phone jacks for audio: A-IN and B-IN on the input side, A-OUT and B-OUT on the output side, plus an EXT jack. For MIDI it has a DIN 5-pin connector that can be selected as either IN or OUT, so the pedal can receive MIDI from a controller or send it onward1.
| Connection | Detail |
|---|---|
| A-IN, B-IN | 1/4-inch standard phone jacks1 |
| A-OUT, B-OUT | 1/4-inch standard phone jacks1 |
| EXT | 1/4-inch standard phone jack1 |
| MIDI | DIN 5-pin connector, IN or OUT selectable1 |
| DC 9V | Input jack for AC adapter connection1 |
Power and specifications
The pedal takes DC 9V through its input jack, and Free The Tone specifies its dedicated AC adapter, the FA-0905D-JA1. Input impedance is 500 kOhm or higher1. The unit measures 145.4 mm wide by 120.5 mm deep, including protrusions such as the footswitch and jacks, and weighs approximately 470 g excluding accessories1.
The FF-1Y-K was a limited-period, made-to-order production released April 20, 2020, so availability depends on Free The Tone's current production plans1.
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Questions
What does the Free The Tone Future Factory FF-1Y-K do?
It is a delay pedal that Free The Tone calls a random fluctuating phase modulation delay. It stores 128 presets and adds a BOOST function on top of the standard FF-1Y's features, raising the volume by 6 dB for moments such as solos. It is a digital design built on a 32-bit DSP.
What is the boost function on the FF-1Y-K?
The BOOST function is the FF-1Y-K's addition over the standard FF-1Y. Free The Tone describes it as a convenience for raising the volume when you want to cut through, for example during a solo, with a boost level of +6 dB.
What power supply does the FF-1Y-K use?
The pedal runs from a DC 9V input jack intended for an AC adapter connection. Free The Tone specifies its dedicated DC9V AC adapter, the FA-0905D-JA. There is no battery option mentioned on the maker's page, so plan your pedalboard power accordingly.
Does the FF-1Y-K have MIDI?
Yes. It has a DIN 5-pin connector that can be set as a MIDI IN or a MIDI OUT, so you can either receive program changes and clock from a controller or send MIDI from the pedal.
Is the Future Factory FF-1Y digital?
Yes. The FF-1Y platform is a digital design built around a 32-bit high-precision DSP, according to Free The Tone's product page. Firmware version 1.3 is available as a download from the maker.
Sources (2)
- FUTURE FACTORY / FF-1Y-K｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- FUTURE FACTORY / FF-1Y｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
