The Free The Tone PA-190 BASS is a programmable analog 10-band equalizer for bass, built as a limited signature edition of the PA-1Q BASS for bassist IKUO. Free The Tone describes the PA-1Q series as a fusion of digital and analog technology: the equalizer circuit the bass signal passes through, including the input and output stages, is all analog, and that circuit is controlled digitally1. The PA-190 BASS takes that design and customizes the power supply section and the HTS circuit section1.
The IKUO signature edition
The PA-190 BASS was made as a collaboration between IKUO, ESP Shop and Free The Tone to commemorate ESP's 45th anniversary, as a completely limited production run of 45 units1. Purchases and inquiries for the pedal go through ESP Shop & BIGBOSS1.
Visually it departs from the standard PA-1Q BASS:
- The exterior is changed to red, IKUO's image color1
- A "SPEED LIMIT" logo is added1
- The preset LEDs are changed to yellow, following the logo's image1
With only 45 units made, this is a limited edition rather than a standard catalog pedal. Free The Tone directs purchases and inquiries to ESP Shop & BIGBOSS1.
Presets and MIDI
The pedal stores 99 presets, and over MIDI signal control all 99 can be recalled instantly1. Connection is by two DIN 5-pin connectors, one for MIDI IN and one for OUT/THRU2. For a player running a MIDI switcher or controller on a board, that means a whole set's worth of EQ settings can sit in the pedal and change with one program change.
How it compares to the PA-1Q BASS
The standard PA-1Q series is a programmable analog 10-band EQ in which the band frequencies are not shared across instruments: separate frequency sets and EQ curves are optimized for guitar, bass and acoustic instruments2. The PA-1Q BASS is the bass version, and Free The Tone describes it as one of its most popular products, fusing digital and analog technology with an all-analog EQ circuit including the input and output stages, controlled digitally1. The PA-190 BASS keeps that platform and adds the customized power supply and HTS circuit sections, the red finish and the yellow preset LEDs1. Firmware version 1.01 is available for download for the PA-1QG, the guitar version of the series3.
For more of the maker's bass-oriented pedals, see the Bass Pedals page, or the Free The Tone BLACK VEHICLE BV-1V overdrive.
Questions
What is the difference between the PA-190 BASS and the PA-1Q BASS?
The PA-190 BASS is a signature edition based on the PA-1Q BASS, with a customized power supply section and HTS circuit section. The exterior is changed to red, described as IKUO's image color, with a SPEED LIMIT logo and the preset LEDs changed to yellow. It was built as a limited run of 45 units to mark ESP's 45th anniversary, while the PA-1Q BASS remains the standard production model.
How many presets does the Free The Tone PA-190 BASS store?
The PA-190 BASS stores 99 presets. Via MIDI signal control, all 99 can be recalled instantly, which suits players who switch equalization settings between songs or sections from a MIDI controller or switcher.
How many PA-190 BASS units were made?
45 units in total. It was a completely limited production run of 45 pieces, made as a collaboration between IKUO, ESP Shop and Free The Tone to commemorate ESP's 45th anniversary.
Does the PA-190 BASS have MIDI?
Yes. It has MIDI IN and OUT/THRU connections on two DIN 5-pin connectors, and MIDI is also the way presets are recalled: 99 presets can be called up instantly over MIDI.
Is the PA-190 BASS analog or digital?
It is a hybrid. Free The Tone describes the PA-1Q series as a programmable analog 10-band EQ: the equalizer circuit that the bass signal passes through, including the input and output stages, is all analog, while that analog circuit is controlled digitally.
Sources (3)
- PA-190 BASS｜CUSTOM SHOP カスタムショップ｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- PA-1Q SERIES｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- PA-1Q SERIES｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
