The Free The Tone PA-1QB is a programmable analog 10-band EQ made for bass. It is the bass version of the PA-1QG, Free The Tone's programmable analog EQ for guitar, and part of the PA-1Q series. Premier Guitar's announcement described the pair as "an epoch-making device produced by pursuing integration of di..."1
Analog signal path, digital control
At first glance the PA-1QG and PA-1QB look like digital equalizer effects units, but Premier Guitar's announcement is clear that each is an "analog equalizer." The digital side handles parameter control and preset storage, while the audio itself stays in the analog domain.1
The ten bands sit at 40Hz, 80, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1200, 2400, 4500 and 8K, with plus or minus 12dB of cut or boost on each, according to Free The Tone's product page.2
PA-1QB, PA-1QG and the Custom Shop version
The PA-1QB and the PA-1QG share a platform but are voiced for different instruments312:
| PA-1QB | PA-1QG | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended for | Bass4 | Guitar1 |
| Frequency points | Set lower than the PA-1QG2 | Standard guitar voicing2 |
Free The Tone notes that because the PA-1QB's frequency points are set lower than the guitar-focused PA-1QG's, some guitarists prefer the bass version anyway.2
The Custom Shop version, the PA-1QB-CS, is a modified PA-1QB: Free The Tone's Custom Shop customizes the power supply section and the HTS circuit section of the standard pedal, while keeping the same ten frequency points.5
MIDI control and presets
The PA-1QB stores 99 presets. "Any of 99 presets can be recalled instantly by control via MIDI signals," Premier Guitar reported at launch, which makes the pedal straightforward to slot into a MIDI-switched rig.1
Price and availability
Premier Guitar's announcement gave the PA-1QG/PA-1QB a suggested retail price of $380.00, with the pedals available for purchase after January 22, 2018 through Free The Tone's North American dealers.1 Free The Tone's own product page lists the PA-1QB at 52,800 yen including tax.2
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Questions
What is the difference between the Free The Tone PA-1QB and PA-1QG?
The PA-1QB is the bass version of the PA-1QG programmable analog 10-band EQ. Free The Tone sets the PA-1QB's frequency points lower than the guitar-focused PA-1QG, and the maker notes that some guitarists actually prefer those lower points. Both share the same analog signal path with digital parameter control, MIDI preset recall and 99 stored presets.
How many presets does the PA-1QB store?
The PA-1QB stores 99 presets. According to Premier Guitar's announcement, any of those 99 presets can be recalled instantly by control via MIDI signals, which makes the pedal usable inside a larger MIDI-switched rig without bending down to adjust sliders mid-song.
Is the Free The Tone PA-1QB analog?
Yes. Premier Guitar's press announcement describes the PA-1QG and PA-1QB as analog equalizers, noting that although they look like digital EQ units at first glance, the audio path is analog. The digital side handles parameter control and preset storage rather than processing the signal itself.
Can the PA-1QB be controlled by MIDI?
Yes. The PA-1QB can be controlled via MIDI signals for preset recall, so any of its 99 presets can be brought back instantly from a MIDI controller or switching system.
What does the PA-1QB-CS change?
The PA-1QB-CS is Free The Tone's Custom Shop modified version of the PA-1QB. The Custom Shop customizes the power supply section and the HTS circuit section of the standard pedal, while keeping the same ten EQ frequency points: 40Hz, 80, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1200, 2400, 4500 and 8K, each with plus or minus 12dB of cut or boost.
Sources (5)
- Free the Tone Unveils Programmable Analog 10-Band EQ, Premier Guitar, 2017-12-01
- 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, Pedal of the Day, 2018-02-09
- PA-1QA by Free The Tone, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- PA-1QG-CS / PA-1QB-CS｜CUSTOM SHOP カスタムショップ｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
