FLIGHT TIME FT-1Y

FEATURES
SPECS
DEMO
FAQ

Model	FLIGHT TIME FT-1Y
Type	DIGITAL DELAY
Download	FLIGHT TIME FT-1Y Firmware Version 3.1 Download
Manual	FLIGHT TIME FT-1Y Manual FLIGHT TIME FT-1Y Factory Presets FLIGHT TIME Firmware Update Procedure Manual Supplementary Notes to FLIGHT TIME Firmware Version 3.1

Combining FREE THE TONE’s analog and digital technologies and achieving high-speed calculation by using a 32-bit high precision DSP, we have realized a sound quality that far exceeds that of usual pedal type delays.

By concentrating a vast amount of accumulated knowledge of analog and digital technologies into its new product “FLIGHT TIME,” Free The Tone has realized a sound quality that goes far beyond other pedal type delay units. With high-speed calculation performed by a 32-bit high-precision DSP, the FLIGHT TIME pursues sonic quality equal to that of famous classic rack type high quality delay units, without using simulation or modeling. Further, the FLIGHT TIME implements two ground-breaking features: Realtime BPM Analyzer and Delay Time Offset.

The Realtime BPM Analyzer adjusts the delay time by automatically trimming the BPM based on realtime tempo analysis of the current performance within the range of ±20% of the tempo (BPM) information tap-entered by using a footswitch. Delay Time Offset can shift the delay time slightly against the set BPM by entering the desired numerical value.

With a shorter delay time setting, you can give a high-speed impression to your playing. Reversely, a longer setting can help to render broader expressions with plenty of time for each tone. “FLIGHT TIME”, a delay effects unit that pursues better sound quality and higher usability and enables more musical expression.

World-First: Realtime BPM Analyzer *

World-First: Delay Time Offset Feature *

A common delay setup is to offset the delay time compared to the BPM of the tune being played to make the delay sound of a guitar or bass more easily heard. When the delay time is set to be equal to the actual BPM, the delay sound will be masked by other on-beat sounds and become difficult to hear. With a shorter delay time setting, you can give a high-speed impression to your playing. Conversely, a longer setting can help to render broader expressions with plenty of time for each tone. Since the delay time offset amount can be set for each preset, you can keep the setting best suited to each tune.

* As of September 2014, based on Free The Tone’s research
Note 1: If the BPM of the tap-entered tempo information differs more than ±20% from that of the actual performance, then there is no automatic adjustment of delay time.
Note 2: The realtime BPM analyzer may not be able to recognize BPM for performances with irregular meters, performances by orchestra or piano, etc.
* BPM ANALYZER is a function that was jointly developed by Faudio and FREE THE TONE.

FEATURES

HPF (high-pass filter) and LPF (low-pass filter): A LPF (low-pass filter) that cuts high frequencies is useful to get a warm delay sound. Phrases can loose sharpness if there is a lot of low frequency components in the delay sound. The HPF (high-pass filter) that cuts low frequencies can also be helpful in such a case. This can be set for each preset.

Modulation Feature: Modulation effects can be applied to the delay sound. You can make widely varied sounds from a beautifully modulated, open delay sound to an extreme siren noise.

Sound Hold Function: The FLIGHT TIME has a unique Hold function. Even when it is in effects off status, pressing an external footswitch connected to the rear panel triggers the delay sound stored in the unit. You can also play your instrument over the stored delay sound.

Rec & Repeat: Incoming signals can be recorded and looped. A preset delay effect is applied to both the repeated sound that was just recorded and the sound played along with the repeated sound. A 20-second recording is possible. Only one phrase can be recorded; recording cannot be layered.

Trail function: This function allows you to switch to a new preset while keeping the previous delay sound. A natural effect switching is obtained because the trail of the previous sound will not be cut off when the presets are changed. When the Trail function is turned off, the new preset is activated without keeping the delay sound. This function can be set for each preset.

Delay Phase Function: This function inverts the phase of the delay sound. When there are sounds from other instruments, the delay sound of a guitar or bass can sometimes be difficult to hear even if its level is raised (this may not be noticed if you are hearing the guitar/bass sound only). This problem can be solved by inverting the phase of the delay sound.

Subdivision Function: This function defines the beat count for the delay based on BPM. This function can be set for each preset.

Dry On/Off: There is a switch on the rear panel to turn on/off the dry sound. This can be helpful when putting together a system with an external mixer, etc.

Boost Function: Output level of the FLIGHT TIME can be set for each preset. The output level can be boosted by up to +3 dB.

MIDI Function: Each preset can be recalled by a MIDI program change number. Various features can be remote-controlled by receiving control change numbers assigned to them.

Tap-Preferred Mode: In normal operation mode, the delay time stored in a preset or the BPM value has priority and is recalled along with the preset. In Tap-Preferred mode, a preset is recalled after applying the tempo information lastly entered from the footswitch. For example if you switch presets after tapping in the tempo at the beginning of a tune, the tempo information remains unchanged. You do not have to enter the tempo again by tapping the switch.

DEMO

SPECIFICATIONS

Number of Presets : 99 (User Presets:90, Factory Presets: 9)
Tap Input Feature
Input Impedance: min. 500 kΩ
Output Load Impedance: min. 1 kΩ
Terminals: Standard 1/4″ phone jack (IN, OUT, HOLD)
Power Supply: Dedicated AC adapter
For USA: FA-1220D-JA
For UK: FA-1220D-UK
For Europe: FA-1220D-EU
Power Consumption : 12 VDC, approx. 400mA(max).
Dimensions: 146W × 120.5D × 57H mm (incl. protuberances such as jacks)
Weight: approx. 570 g (excl. accessories)
Accessories: warranty card, manual, AC adapter (FA-1220D-JA/UK/EU), 4× rubber feet

Warning to customers:

Please use the MIDI Interface we recommend (Yamaha MIDI-USB UX16/Roland UM-ONE MARK 2/M-Audio UNO*) to update the firmware of the FLIGHT TIME. FREE THE TONE and our dealers will not accept returns for refund due to problems updating caused by using an incompatible MIDI Interface. Before purchasing the FLIGHT TIME please be certain that you have access to the right MIDI interface.
*The MIDI Interface of the M-Audio Uno may not work correctly under MAC OS X after Yosemite. Please contact M-Audio for information on compatibility between your OS and MIDI interface.

FAQ

Must I update the firmware in the order of release to step up the versions?: No. We create the latest firmware based on its previous version and therefore it contains corrections done in all of the preceding versions. So simply install the latest version.

Can I use the Flight Time with my amplifier’s send/return (effect loop)?: The Flight Time can receive signals up to +4 dBm but will distort if the level exceeds this limit. If your amplifier’s send/return circuit has a send level trim, then lower the send level in order not to distort the Flight Time. If you need to use the send/return of an amplifier whose send/return level does not support -10 dB or-20 dB, then additionally connect a mixer to adjust the level.

When do you use the Flight Time’s DRY ON/OFF switch?: The Flight Time’s DRY ON/OFF switch should be turned off (no original sound will be output) when you mix original and delay sounds using the amplifier’s send/return circuit or a mixer.

What is your recommendation for the MIDI interface for firmware updates?: Please use a stable data transmissionable MIDI / USB interface cable for connecting a MIDI device to a PC. We recommend the Roland UM-ONE MARK 2 MIDI interfaces. Refer to the release notes for firmware update procedures.

Is the Flight Time a stereo device?: No. It is a mono delay unit.

Can I switch presets by just one press of a footswitch?: No. It is impossible to switch presets instantly by using a footswitch on the Flight Time.
The Flight Time was designed to be more convenient when it is used with a routing controller such as the ARC-3 or ARC-53M. There are many modes available to recall programs on the Flight Time unit. Please refer to its manual.

After firmware update, I turned on the power to the Flight Time in Edit mode while holding down the Enter and Store switches. But it did not initialize itself but the screen indicated “SO OF”. Is this a failure?: Yes. The firmware has not been installed correctly. If installed correctly, such a problem will never occur. Please try to update the firmware again.