The Free The Tone Quad Arrow Distortion QA-2 is a distortion pedal from Japanese maker Free The Tone, housed in a yellow, almost square, metal chassis1. Its conception came from pedal designer Yuki Hayashi, who wanted a pedal that would deliver tube amp-like distortion regardless of the amp it was plugged into, respond to a player's articulations, clean up when the guitar's volume is turned down, and stay transparent even with heavy gain chords1.
The QA-2 is discontinued: Free The Tone's product page lists it as production ended2. The company sells its Custom products only through its own online store and designated domestic dealers in Japan3.
The controls: Level, Bass, Treble and Gain
The QA-2 has four rotary controls: Level, Bass, Treble and Gain1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the drive amount. At zero it provides a light crunch with strong down picking and a bridge humbucker selected; at maximum it gives rich and thick sustain1 |
| Treble | Adds or subtracts much from the core tone1 |
| Bass | Adds or subtracts much from the core tone1 |
| Level | Sets the output volume1 |
The gain range is what defines the pedal's character. MusicRadar's review describes tones from crunchy to super saturated, with the QA-2 suited to rock and metal riffing and emotive lead work. The reviewer notes it will not achieve an 80's scooped thrash tone1.
Power: 9V, 90mA
The QA-2 runs on a DC9V battery (9V type 006P) or an AC adapter connected through its DC9V input jack2. Current draw is about 90mA at DC9V3, which is high for a battery-powered pedal, and Free The Tone recommends using an AC adapter for that reason2. MusicRadar's review agrees, finding that an alkaline battery lasts only a couple of hours, so an adapter is preferable for extended use1.
With a draw of about 90mA at 9V, the QA-2 will drain a 9V battery quickly. Free The Tone recommends an AC adapter, and MusicRadar measured battery life at only a couple of hours on alkaline31.
Internally, the pedal increases the voltage to +/-15Vdc, which MusicRadar reports overcame the tonal limitations common with a standard 9 volt power supply1.
How it sounds and works with different amps
MusicRadar's review describes the QA-2 as producing thick and rich distortion tones, and found that background noise is less than with other similar high gain pedals1. The design goal of tube amp-like distortion through any amp held up in practice: the reviewer found it also works very well with small practice amps or solid state amps, not just tube amps1.
"If you're a fan of flexible drive tones that range from crunchy to super saturated, the Quad Arrow Distortion QA-2 pedal" should be high on your list of pedals to check out.
At the time of the review, the QA-2 carried a suggested selling price of £365 in the UK1.
Videos
Brett Kingman
Brett Kingman
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Questions
Does the Free The Tone Quad Arrow QA-2 run on a battery?
Yes. It takes a 9V battery of the 006P type, or an AC adapter through its DC9V input jack. Free The Tone recommends the AC adapter because the pedal draws about 90mA at 9V, which is high for a battery-powered pedal.
How long does a battery last in the QA-2?
MusicRadar's review found an alkaline battery lasts only a couple of hours, so an AC adapter is preferable for extended use. Free The Tone itself recommends the adapter because of the high current draw of about 90mA at DC9V.
Is the Quad Arrow QA-2 still made?
No. Free The Tone's product page lists the QA-2 as production ended, so it is discontinued. The company sells its Custom products only through its own online store and designated dealers in Japan.
Does the QA-2 work with solid state amps?
Yes. MusicRadar's review found it works very well with small practice amps and solid state amps, not just tube amps. That fits the design goal of delivering tube amp-like distortion regardless of the amp it is plugged into.
Who designed the Free The Tone Quad Arrow?
The Quad Arrow's conception came from pedal designer Yuki Hayashi, according to MusicRadar's hands-on review. He wanted a pedal delivering tube amp-like distortion through any amp, responsive to articulation and cleaning up when the guitar's volume is turned down.
Sources (3)
- Hands-on with the Free The Tone Quad Arrow Distortion QA-2, MusicRadar, 2012-11-13
- QUAD ARROW DISTORTION / QA-2｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- QUAD ARROW DISTORTION / QA-2｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
