Frequently Asked Questions
LiberaToe Platform
Browse through these FAQs to find answers to commonly raised questions.
If you have a question that you can't find answer to, please use the Contact us page.
Q1) Why do I need Mb(Ambidextrous) mode?
In a typical programmable loop switcher which has mutually exclusive presets, when you push patch Q while playing patch P, all the modules assigned to P will be bypassed and the modules assigned to Q will be in action. Program mode works like that. You don’t have to tap dance for switching multiple pedals simultaneously. For example, while playing patch P (chorus for clean), your pushing foot switch for patch Q (distortion and delay for solo) will turn off chorus and turn on distortion and delay at once. However, if you want to turn on overdrive temporarily in patch Q for getting more gain, general programmable loop won’t do in this situation. Furthermore, many players do not prefer pre-programming the preset for every cases upfront as it is tedious job. They rather prefer playing ad-hoc for some songs without presets, which is so called manual mode. In this case, many players have to tap dance because they cannot turn on/off multiple effects at once in this mode. LiberaToe’s Mb (Ambidextrous) mode lets you turn overdrive on temporarily still under patch Q. While playing any patch, you can turn on/off the required modules. The tentatively turned-on modules will be automatically off when you switch to other patches. This provide a core function for professional players as it has both merits of preset mode(as programmable loop) and manual mode(as plain pedalboard). Advanced jam players may combine use with other special functions in addition.
Q2) How do I take advantage of dual channel module?
Let’s say you are using the normal single channel Tremolo and you want different speed while playing. Then you’d have to bend over to adjust the speed knob while playing. When you want low gain and normal level setting for backing, higher gain and more level for solo while keeping consistent textile, this cannot be achieved in a normal pedal. Or else, you’d need to stack with same effect. In LiberaToe, you can set up two sets of knobs differently on the green or the red channel. For example, due to analog effects’ different level and impedance, chorus after overdrive will be much louder than in clean. In this situation, you can set two levels of overdrive differently such as green channel’s level going to chorus, red channel’s level to overdrive an amp.
Q3) In a certain module, I see toggle switch labeled D/O in down position and D/+B in up position. What does it mean? Is it for signal route selection? If then, why is it required in the modules even though platform has programmable function to control signal chain?
You are right. The toggle switch lets you choose signal chain inside the module having both distortion and overdrive for example. With toggle down, you can put green channel (distortion only) to patch P for example, red channel (overdrive only) to patch Q. However toggle up, you may put green (distortion) to patch R, red to patch S (overdrive and distortion in series). The route control and channel selection can be done usually in a preset. But in some modules, we blended two effects in a module out of best combination so that you can enjoy diverse tones with the heterogeneous effects module.
Q4) Selection of green/red channel can be done by making preset in program(PG) mode or ambidextrous(Mb) mode. But in improvisation(IM) mode, how can I toggle the two channels by one foot switch action without bending to push button?
Other than PG(program) mode or Mb(ambidextrous) mode which can make presets to engaging multiple effects at once, IM(improvisation) mode just works like normal pedalboard without programming function. That’s simple and intuitive. But we thought about green/red channel switching in addition. For example, you may push P foot switch to engage distortion (in green channel) and push the same foot switch again to run overdrive (in red channel). Another example can be imagined in same manner in other modules like chorus/vibrato, tremolo in different speeds, envelope filter in different frequencies etc. How to do? Just double-click the module button ahead, then the button starts flashing. Whenever you push the same foot switch (certainly not button), you can switch between green and red channel. You may also turn it off by pushing the foot switch longer than 0.4 sec.
Q5) Where do I utilize the reverse and parallel order change?
A typical example of the reverse order is a combination of overdrive and distortion. Many players place overdrive before distortion as a gain booster. Overdrive after distortion however boosts volume. Some gears install toggle switch to reverse the order. However, what do you do when you want to reverse the order in real time without bending to lift up and down the toggle? Also, different sequences between overdrive and distortion require us to adjust knobs appropriately. Together with dual channel (FAQ 2), reverse order function resolves this issue. You can enjoy overdrive as both gain boost and volume boost with right level dynamically. Parallel can be used in many situations. Guitarists as well as Bassists prefer this function to make different tones. For example, high tone and low tone can split and merge to cover the full spectrum. Space/time based effects can create unique ambience as well. However, this function’s realization to every slot/loop is somewhat extravagant. We believe one point each is enough in the signal chain. From the view point of 6 slots/loops, 2nd and 3rd slots/loops are best for reversal order while 4th and 5th slots/loops are optimum for split & merge. In terms of 4 slots/loops platform, parallel function works between 3rd and 4th.
Q6) Further detail question about reversal and parallel. I defined a preset in Mb mode to include reversal order by pressing both 2nd and 3rd buttons simultaneously, and just turn 2nd slot/loop on.
I found the reversal doesn’t work. Is it intended?
You experienced correctly. Even if you set the function on, it won't work unless both the two slots/loops are on. So if you turn just one slot/loop on, reversal is suspended. At the time when you turn the other slot/loop on in addition, the function will start working. This feature will inspire you with creative uses.
Let’s say you define an Mb patch for foot switch S(in 6/6L platform) enabling reversal only(but without turning 2nd and 3rd slots/loops on) and 1st slot/loop on. Even if reversal between 2nd and 3rd slot/loop was enabled, the signals just flow bypassing the 2nd and 3rd loops since you didn’t turn on those two slots/loops. Reversal doesn’t work either even if you include only one of the 2nd and 3rd slot/loop turned on in a preset. The signals start to be reversed once you turn on the two slots/loops. There will be vast flexible usages by combining reversal/parallel and other functions such like Mb mode, dual channel.
Q7) How LiberaToe-4 can be connected to LiberaToe-6 to control total 10 slots together?
We think 6 slots/loops are balanced capacity between usage and efficiency as you can easily replace modules whenever you want. But when the situations demanding more than 6 slots/loops are sustained, we are planning to include the function that LiberaToe-6 and LiberaToe-4 can be connected to make total 10 slots/loops through extension cable. You can edit total 10 slots/loops to save in the presets, or engage them in Mb(ambidextrous) mode when it comes generally available. Of course, centrally controllable functions include amp channel switching as well as frequency enhancer, and input buffer in addition to 10 slots/loops. Considering the number of effects to be turned on simultaneously, you are not limited with the number of modules you want to use in reality as the modules can be replaced on the fly.
Q8) Can I replace the modules with the power on? Or even when they are turned on?
Although the modules are genuine analog effects, we don’t recommend the replacement when power is on. Please do it when power is off in order to keep integrity of sound without noise generated during the replacement as well as to avoid any electric/electronic damages.
Q9) May I use the modules separately on my existing pedalboard? Can I also engage my own pedals in the signal chain of LiberaToe?
Certainly. With a shell (LiberaToe-S), you can use the desired module separately as like a pedal. Your existing pedals can be also a part of signal chain in LiberaToe system with two ways. First off, use one of the two connection modules, 1X which occupies one slot to provide 2 sets of send/return loops or 2X which occupies two slots to provide 4 sets of send/return loops. Second way is through Gnavatar module which has two sets of send/return loop, though its main purpose is a parallel mix of two or three signals.
Q10) Can I choose whether or not to include the input buffer/frequency enhancer in a preset?
Some pedals like fuzz need input buffer off due to the impedance issue. You can edit presets to include or exclude input buffer. You may also choose to turn on or off frequency enhancer giving the tone final touch. In conclusion, the input buffer and frequency enhancer can be programmed in a preset just as the modules.
Q11) Is it possible to control both channels of amplifier together with modules?
Certainly, you can control amp channels as well as modules, input buffer, and frequency enhancer together. For instance, you use a preset for chorus with input buffer going to amp’s clean channel and then change to another preset of fuzz (perhaps you turn input buffer off) to flow into amp’s dirty channel with frequency enhancer. These two controls are not limited to amp channels. They can be applied to amp reverb control, or to any controllable gears which observes one of 4 switching mechanism - LC(Latch Closed), LO(Latch Open), MC(Momentary Closed), MO(Momentary Open). You can get information of which switching method is used from the makers. So controllable resources are total 12 which are comprised of 6 modules, input buffer, frequency enhancer, two external controls and reverse, parallel. You need Y stereo cable to control two devices or channels.
Q12) I understand LiberaToe have eliminated the mate structure of plug & jack to solve the chronic problems. However I am worried about interface contacts worn out early.
We counted in the concern. While famous jacks & plugs have 2 micro milli contact plating thickness, we have adopted 5 micro milli by special electric plating. Our scratch test has shown there was no flaw until 7,000 times of contact at all. We guess it might be well over 10,000 times and also even a few flaws do not impact as in a normal jack or plug. Whichever, it’s enough under normal circumstances.
Q13) I don’t hear popping noise on digital effects, but do on analog effects. Meanwhile I hear it less on LiberaToe, so isn't LiberaToe digital?
LiberaToe is an analog based multi-effects platform. Generally speaking, the analog effects have inevitable pop sound. There are trade-offs between transparent sound and noise attenuation. We made fine balance between them to reduce it to the level of being hardly noticed during the play.
Q14) Internal cab sim is useful to plug the effects directly to a mixer in an environment without guitar amplifier. However, some mixers only support XLR input. What can I do then? And why can’t cab sim be controlled by presets?
Internal cab sim sends output signal via TRS which is pseudo-balanced. In a general environment of playing or recording at studio/home, TRS output is enough since most mixers support TRS as well as XLR. Although we decided to not include XLR output for optimum size, you can also use TRS-XLR cable to connect to the gear having XLR input. In the situation of a long distance more than 100ft between effects and mixer, we recommend to use dedicated DI box. When cab sim is used, the function always works while playing, that means less need to control cab sim in real time.
Q15) I see a foot switch labeled MODE/TAP on top of the platforms. How to use mode change or tap tempo?
The switch does both. Whenever pushing the switch more than one second, you can circulate IM(Improvisation), Mb(Ambidextrous), and PG(Program) modes in –6/6L platform (in 4/4L platform, circulate IM(Improvisation), EX(Exclusive), and Mb(Ambidextrous modes)). For tap tempo control, you only need to push it briefly per milestone.
Q16) I know a separate switch box may be connected to the platforms. Does it function the same as the foot switches in the platforms?
Right. The external switches just behave the same as in the platforms (in case of Foot switch-5 connecting to LiberaToe-4/4L, there is additional foot switch for tap tempo which the LiberaToe–4/4L platform doesn’t provide). Further functions will be added continuously.
Q17) Is the pluggable module structure the core value of LiberaToe?
It's one of the core values. Although the concept of modular effects is fundamental, LiberaToe’s core values are also found in many other features such as dual channel, Ambidextrous mode, upward & downward compatibility, mobility, transformability and dynamic reverse/parallel control as described in the above FAQs.
Q18) Why are the patch switches named by P/Q/R/S instead of A/B/C/D?
Almost all the analog pedals signal flows from the right to the left. Module numbers follow the direction. However, patch switches don't have to be in order. Generally A/B/C/D looks sequential. We invite you to imagine what P/Q/R/S stands for. For LiberaToe-4/4L, we go with T/U/V/W. We want to hear any ideas for creative meaning of each representing letters.
Q19) Why do some modules have well-known’s or philosopher’s name while other ones have funny name?
Our naming rule is to put famous name for legendary effects replica. While philosophers interpret the world well, LiberaToe want to make the world better. On the other hand, certain funny names are to laugh at any shape of the authoritarianism and the fascism in the world. We welcome ideas to name the new modules.
Q20) I am curious why Gnavatar has two bolt holes on the top face while most of other modules do not have them.
Excellent observation. Since Gnavatar connects external effects by two pairs of send/return jacks, it should be installed in the platform reliably in order to stay fastened during your plugging/unplugging. You also need to grasp and push Gnavatar firmly from the top while plugging/unplugging the jacks though.
One more thing, every module has a hole at the bottom side to be screwed by a knurled bolt provided together with platform product. Though the module can stay in each slot tightly without the bolt, we recommend to use the bolt once you determine the module per slot, not just for fastening, but also for avoiding the clatter. The bolt can be handled by fingers.
Q21) I guess LiberaToe reduced redundant parts like jacks and switches, which may have resulted in cost optimization, but also added newer functions, which may have raised value. Can you compare the value/cost with that of the pedal board one by one?
Under the same atmosphere of analog sound preference, the below comparison shows how LiberaToe have price/performance. Even with schoolish $26 pedals or mix of budget $99 pedals and medium $175 pedals on the pedalboard which costs $945 or $1,893 in total, more than $3,000 in having all the boutique gears. LiberaToe-4 platform has superior price/performance. LiberaToe-6 platform also does much better compared to the pedalboard which costs $1,383 or $2,850 in total correspondingly. Even if we exclude LiberaToe’s own unprecedented features in the comparison, the economics is maintained as well. First table is for LiberaToe-4, second one is for LiberaToe-6.
Cost of pedalboard having similar performance to LiberaToe-6
Cost of pedalboard having similar performance to LiberaToe-4
