The Free The Tone PA-1Q SERIES is a programmable analog 10-band EQ pedal: the equalizer circuit that your signal passes through is fully analog, while the parameters and presets are stored and recalled digitally. Free The Tone makes it in a guitar version (PA-1QG) and a bass version (PA-1QB), both of which could be purchased after January 22, 2018 through the company's North American dealers.1
MusicRadar's reviewer summed up the concept: "It's a 10-band EQ that combines the programmable memory of a digital device with the top-notch sonics of fully analogue" circuitry.2 The series builds on digital and analog technology Free The Tone developed for its AMBI SPACE and TRI AVATAR pedals.3
A programmable analog 10-band EQ
At first glance the PA-1Q looks like a digital equalizer, but as Premier Guitar's announcement put it, "it is an 'analog equalizer.'"1 On the bass model, the equalizer circuit, including the input and output sections, is built entirely from analog circuitry, with the digital section controlling it.15 MusicRadar's Jamie Dickson found "high-quality analogue EQ circuitry" in the pedal.2
The series renews Free The Tone's HTS circuit, which the maker says keeps sound quality the same with the effect on or off.3 With the EQ set flat, the frequency response is 10Hz to 40kHz within +/- 0.5dB.3
Controls and operation center on:
- Cursor keys and a PARAMETER encoder for setting the bands3
- An INST(-10dB)/LINE(+4dB) level switch, matching instrument or line-level gear3
- 99 presets, recallable instantly via MIDI3
Maximum input level is INST +4dBu or LINE +14dBu with the EQ flat, input impedance is 1MΩ or more on INST and 300kΩ or more on LINE, and output load impedance is 10kΩ or more.3 Firmware version 1.01 is available for download for the PA-1QG.3
Power and connections
The pedal connects through 1/4-inch input and output jacks, a DC9V input jack for the AC adapter, and two DIN 5-pin MIDI connectors (IN and OUT/THRU).3 Power comes from a DC9V AC adapter, sold separately in models FA-W0905D-JA and FA-0905D-JA, with a current draw of 200mA.3 The PA-1QA listing specifies 9V DC, center negative.6
There is no battery option: power arrives only through the DC9V adapter jack. At 200mA, the pedal also draws more than many compact analog pedals, so plan a power supply with enough current rather than a shared low-current daisy chain.3
Guitar, bass and acoustic versions
The series comes in three variants, each a programmable analog 10-band EQ tuned for a different instrument.3
| Version | Voiced for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PA-1QG | Electric guitar | 10 frequency bands chosen specifically for optimal use with electric guitar2 |
| PA-1QB | Bass | Frequency points set lower than the PA-1QG3 |
| PA-1QA | Acoustic | MIDI-capable analog EQ with digital control6 |
The PA-1QB's bands sit at 40Hz, 80, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1200, 2400, 4500 and 8K, each cuttable or boostable by +/- 12dB.7 Free The Tone notes that some guitarists prefer the bass version's lower frequency points for their own use.3 The PA-1QA listing describes it as a MIDI-capable analog EQ with digital control and 4 presets.6
Pedal of the Day called the PA-1QG a "Programmable Analog 10 Band EQ" from pedal innovators, noting the PA-1QB bass companion.8 Delicious Audio's EQ buying guide described it as "a high-quality analog 10 band EQ with programmable parameters and presets."4
For more on the effect type generally, see equalization pedals.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
BUZZBEE TV
Questions
What is the difference between the PA-1QG, PA-1QB and PA-1QA?
They are the same programmable analog 10-band EQ tuned for different instruments. The PA-1QG's frequency bands are chosen for electric guitar, the PA-1QB's points sit lower for bass, and the PA-1QA is voiced for acoustic. Some guitarists prefer the bass version's lower frequency points.
How many presets does the Free The Tone PA-1Q hold?
The series stores 99 presets, and any of them can be recalled instantly via MIDI control signals. The PA-1QA listing also describes 4 presets alongside its digital control, so check the specific version's documentation.
Does the PA-1Q work with MIDI?
Yes. The pedal carries MIDI IN and OUT/THRU on two DIN 5-pin connectors, and 99 presets can be recalled instantly with MIDI control signals.
What power supply does the PA-1Q use?
It runs on a DC9V AC adapter, sold separately (models FA-W0905D-JA or FA-0905D-JA). The PA-1QA listing specifies 9V DC, center negative, with a current draw of 200mA.
Can the PA-1Q run on a battery?
No. Power comes through a DC9V input jack for an AC adapter, which rules out battery operation. At 200mA it also needs a proper 9V supply rather than a shared low-current daisy chain.
Is the PA-1Q an analog or digital EQ?
It is a hybrid. The equalizer circuit, including the input and output sections, is all analog, but parameters and presets are controlled digitally. MusicRadar describes it as combining digital programmable memory with fully analog sonics.
Sources (8)
- Free the Tone Unveils Programmable Analog 10-Band EQ, Premier Guitar, 2017-12-01
- Free The Tone Programmable Analog EQ review, MusicRadar, 2018-08-22
- PA-1Q SERIES｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- 2023 UPDATE! Best EQ Pedals For Guitar: Graphic & Parametric, Delicious Audio, 2023-12-13
- PA-190 BASS｜CUSTOM SHOP カスタムショップ｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- PA-1QA by Free The Tone, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- PA-1Q SERIES｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- Free The Tone PA-1QG Programmable Analog 10 Band EQ, Pedal of the Day, 2018-02-09
