The Free The Tone PA-1QG-CS is the Custom Shop version of the PA-1QG, a programmable analog 10-band EQ for guitar. Free The Tone describes the PA-1QG as a product fusing digital and analog technology, and one of the most popular products in its range. In the CS version, the company customizes the power supply section and the HTS circuit section, and the pedal is sold through the Custom Shop as a special modified product with a footswitch and MIDI1.
What it is and how it differs from the standard PA-1QG
The PA-1QG-CS starts from the same circuit as the PA-1QG, which Free The Tone announced in December 2017 alongside the bass-oriented PA-1QB as analog 10-band equalizers with digital parameter control21. The Custom Shop treatment modifies two sections of the pedal: the power supply and the HTS circuit. Free The Tone positions the CS units as special modified versions of the PA-1QG and PA-1QB sold through its Custom Shop1.
Delicious Audio's buying guide described the design approach behind the PA-1Q series as "Inspired by the analog circuit / digital control philosophy"3. In practice that means the audio path stays analog while the band settings are handled digitally and recalled as presets, with MIDI for integration into a larger rig12.
Controls and connections
The front panel carries cursor keys and a PARAMETER encoder for editing, plus an INST/LINE level switch1.
| Control or connection | Function |
|---|---|
| Cursor keys | Navigate parameters |
| PARAMETER encoder | Adjust the selected parameter |
| INST/LINE switch | Selects instrument level (-10dB) or line level (+4dB)1 |
| MIDI IN | Receives MIDI program changes and control data1 |
| MIDI OUT/THRU | Sends MIDI and passes incoming data through1 |
The INST/LINE switch is what lets the pedal sit either on a pedalboard in front of an amp or in an effects loop or rack setup. Delicious Audio noted the series has a "Switchable input from instrument to line level"3. Input impedance is 1 megohm or higher on INST and 300 kilohms or higher on LINE1.
The EQ bands
The ten bands sit at 50Hz, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 2500, 3500, 7K and 10K, each with plus or minus 12dB of boost or cut1. Delicious Audio summed it up as "12db of boost/cut and a wide frequency range from 50hz to 10khz"3. RockBoard's PedalPedia notes that on the guitar version the frequencies are tailored to guitar4.
Power
The PA-1QG-CS runs on DC9V and does not include an adapter. Free The Tone specifies its FA-0905D-JA or FA-0905H-JA AC adapter, both sold separately1.
Price and availability
Premier Guitar's press release gave the PA-1QG and PA-1QB a suggested retail price of $380.00 as of December 2017, with the pedals available for purchase after January 22, 2018 through Free The Tone's North American dealers2. On the maker's own Japanese product page, the PA-1QG is listed at 52,800 yen including tax5. The PA-1QG-CS itself is a Custom Shop item rather than a regular dealer product1.
Questions
What is the difference between the PA-1QG and the PA-1QG-CS?
The PA-1QG-CS is a Custom Shop modified version of the standard PA-1QG. Free The Tone customizes the power supply section and the HTS circuit section, and the CS version is sold through the company's Custom Shop rather than as a regular catalog product. The underlying pedal is the same programmable analog 10-band EQ with digital parameter control.
Does the Free The Tone PA-1QG-CS have MIDI?
Yes. The PA-1QG-CS has MIDI IN and MIDI OUT/THRU on two DIN 5-pin connectors, so it can be controlled from a MIDI controller or integrated into a MIDI-switched rig, and it can pass MIDI data along to other units.
Does the PA-1QG-CS come with an AC adapter?
No. The pedal runs on DC9V and uses the FA-0905D-JA or FA-0905H-JA AC adapter, both of which are sold separately.
What frequencies does the PA-1QG-CS EQ cover?
The ten bands sit at 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz, 1500Hz, 2500Hz, 3500Hz, 7K and 10K, each with plus or minus 12dB of boost or cut. The guitar version's frequencies are tailored to guitar.
Can the PA-1QG-CS take a guitar and a line-level signal?
Yes. An INST/LINE level switch selects between instrument level, rated at +4dBm maximum input with the EQ set flat, and line level, rated at +14dBm. Input impedance is 1 megohm or higher on INST and 300 kilohms or higher on LINE.
How much does the PA-1QG cost in the US?
Premier Guitar's 2017 press release gave the PA-1QG a suggested retail price of $380.00. The maker's own Japanese product page lists the PA-1QG at 52,800 yen including tax.
Sources (5)
- PA-1QG-CS / PA-1QB-CS｜CUSTOM SHOP カスタムショップ｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- Free the Tone Unveils Programmable Analog 10-Band EQ, Premier Guitar, 2017-12-01
- 2023 UPDATE! Best EQ Pedals For Guitar: Graphic & Parametric, Delicious Audio, 2023-12-13
- PA-1QA by Free The Tone, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- PA-1Q SERIES｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
