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 an 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, a general programmable loop won’t do in this situation. Furthermore, many players do not prefer pre-programming a preset for every case upfront, as it is tedious job. Rather, they prefer playing ad-hoc for some songs without presets, which utilized the 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; Therefore, while playing any patch, you can turn on/off the required modules. The tentatively turned-on modules will be off automatically when you switch to other patches. This provides a core function for professional players, as it has both merits of preset mode(as programmable loop) and manual mode(as plain pedalboard). In addition, advanced jam players may combine use with other special functions.
Q2) How do I take advantage of dual channel modules?
Let’s say you are using the normal single channel Tremolo and you want different speeds while playing. If so, 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. Otherwise, you’d need to stack with same effect. With 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 and red channel’s level to overdrive an amp.
Q3) In a certain modules, I see toggle switches labeled D/O in down position and D/+B in up position. What does this mean? Is it for signal route selection? If so, why is it required in the modules even though the LiberaToe platform has programmable functions to control signal chain?
You are right. The toggle switch lets you choose the signal chain inside the module, having both distortion and overdrive for example. With toggle down, you can put green channel (distortion only) to one patch, red channel (overdrive only) to another patch. However, toggle up, you may put green (distortion) to patch R, and 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 the best combinations, so that you can enjoy diverse tones with the heterogeneous effects module.
Q4) Selection of green/red channels can be done by making a preset in program(PG) mode or ambidextrous(Mb) mode. But in improvisation(IM) mode, how can I toggle the two channels with one foot switch action without bending to push buttons?
Other than PG(program) mode or Mb(ambidextrous) mode, which allows presets to engage multiple effects at once, IM(improvisation) mode works like a normal pedalboard without programming functions. That’s simple and intuitive. But we also thought about green/red channel switching. For example, you may push one foot switch to engage distortion (green channel) and push the same foot switch again to run overdrive (red channel). Another example can be imagined in same manner with other modules like chorus/vibrato, tremolo in different speeds, envelope filter in different frequencies etc. How do you do this? Just double-click the module button in advance. and the button starts flashing. Whenever you push the same foot switch (not the module button), you can switch between green and red channels. You also can turn it off by pushing the foot switch longer than 0.4 sec.
Q5) How and when would I utilize the reverse and parallel order change?
A typical example of a 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 gear tech installs a toggle switch to reverse the order. However, what do you do when you want to reverse the order in real time without bending to flip a toggle up and down? Also, different sequences between overdrive and distortion require us to adjust knobs accordingly. Together with dual channel (FAQ 2), reverse order function resolves this issue. You can enjoy overdrive as both gain boost and volume boost with the correct level of dynamics. Parallel can be used in many situations and guitarists, as well as bassists, prefer this function to create different tones, e.g., high tone and low tone can split and merge to cover a larger spectrum of sound. Space/time-based effects can create unique ambience as well, although the potential of what you can do with every slot/loop within our platform system can be somewhat extravagant. We believe one point each is enough in the signal chain. From the view point of 6 slots/loops within the LiberaToe platform system, the 2nd and 3rd slots/loops are best for reversal order while the 4th and 5th slots/loops are optimum for split & merge. In terms of the LiberaToe 4 slot/loops platform, parallel function works between 3rd and 4th.
Q6) I'm having an issue with the reversal and parallel function. A preset in MB mode includes reversal order by pressing both the 2nd and 3rd buttons (not foot switches) simultaneously, and just turn the 2nd slot/loop on. I found the reversal doesn’t work. Is that intended?
Your experience is correctly. Even if you set the function on, it won't work unless both slots/loops are on. And so, if you turn on just one slot/loop, reversal is suspended. At the time when you also turn the other slot/loop on, the function will work. This feature will inspire you with creative uses.
Let’s say you define a Mb patch for foot switch S(LiberaToe-6 platform), thus 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 bypass the 2nd and 3rd loops since you didn’t turn on both slots/loops. Reversal doesn’t work even if you include only one of the 2nd and 3rd slots/loops turned on in a preset. The signals reverses 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, and dual channel mode.
Q7) How do you connect a LiberaToe-4 system to a LiberaToe-6 system, in order to control a total of 10 slots?
We think 6 slots/loops provide a balanced capacity between usage and efficiency, since you easily can replace modules whenever you want. But when situations demand more than 6 slots/loops, you can connect the LiberaToe-6 and LiberaToe-4 systems for a total of 10 slots/loops via an extension cable. You can edit and save all 10 slots/loops to save in a preset, or engage them in Mb(ambidextrous) mode. Of course, centrally controllable functions include amp channel switching, as well as frequency enhancer, input buffer, etc., in addition to 10 slots/loops. Considering the number of effects to be turned on simultaneously, you still are not limited by the number of modules you want to use, since 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) Can I use the modules separately on my existing pedalboard? Can I also engage my own pedals in the signal chain within the LiberaToe platform systems?
Certainly. With a shell (LiberaToe-S), you can use the desired module separately as you would a typical pedal. Your existing pedals also can be part of the signal chain within the LiberaToe system, and in two ways. First, use one of the two connection modules, wherein 1X occupies one slot to provide 2 sets of send/return loops, or with 2X, which occupies two slots to provide 4 sets of send/return loops. A second way is through the Gnavatar module, which has two sets of send/return loops, 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 any input buffer 'off' due to the impedance issue. You can edit presets to include or exclude an input buffer. You also may choose to turn 'on' or 'off' the frequency enhancer to give a tone that 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 an amplifier together with modules?
Certainly, you can control amp channels, as well as modules, input buffer, and frequency enhancer together. For instance, a preset can include chorus with input buffer going to an amp’s clean channel, and then you may change to another preset of fuzz (perhaps with buffer turned off) to flow into an 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 that observe one of 4 switching mechanisms - LC(Latch Closed), LO(Latch Open), MC(Momentary Closed), MO(Momentary Open). You can get information of which switching method is used from the gear manufactures. And so, controllable resources are a total of 12, which comprises of 6 modules, input buffer, frequency enhancer, two external controls and reverse, parallel. You will need a Y stereo cable to control two devices or channels.
Q12) I understand LiberaToe have eliminated the mate structure of plug & jack to solve any chronic and associated problems. However, I am worried about interface contacts that wear out early.
We anticipated that concern. While famous jacks & plugs have 2 micro milli contact plating thickness, we have adopted 5 micro milli by way of 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 even a few flaws in production will not impact our electronics as would be found in a normal jack or plug.
Q13) I don’t hear popping noise on digital effects, but do on analog effects. Meanwhile I hear it less on LiberaToe; Does this mean LiberaToe is 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 created a fine balance between those two elements, to reduce it to a level that is not noticed during play.
Q14) Internal cab sim is useful to plug the effects directly to a mixer in an environment without a 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 an output signal via TRS which is pseudo-balanced. In a general environment of playing or recording in a studio/home, TRS output is enough, since most mixers support TRS as well as XLR for balanced output. Although we decided not to include an XLR output to keep the platform system reasonably sized, yet fully functional, you can use a TRS-XLR cable or bundled adapter to connect to gear having an XLR input. In the situation of a long distance, of more than 100ft between effects and mixer, we recommend using a dedicated DI box. When cab sim is used, the function always works while playing, which 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 do you 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 within the LiberaToe–6 platform system; with the LiberaToe-4 platform, these circulate the 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 behave the same as in the platforms. However, in the case of Foot switch-5 connecting to LiberaToe-4, there is an additional foot switch for tap tempo that the LiberaToe–4 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 also are found in many other features such as our dual channel technology, 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 signals flow from right to 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, 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 or philosopher’s names, while others have humerous names?
Our naming rule is to assign famous names for legendary effects that have been replicated.
Philosophers in part wisdom and open the world to new ideas and interpretations, and LiberaToe wanted to follow suit and to make the world better through its musical technology. While philosophers interpret the world in various ways, LiberaToe wants to make the music world more functional and playing more enjoyable through its interpretation of gear. On the other hand, our humorous names are for a laugh and to mock the current authoritarianism and fascism in the world. We welcome ideas to name any new modules.
Q20) I am curious why Gnavatar has two bolt holes on the top face, while most of other modules do not.
Excellent observation. Since Gnavatar connects external effects by two pairs of send/return jacks, it should be installed in the platform reliably and 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 via a knurled bolt, which is provided with Gnavatar. 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. This step not only is for fastening, but also for avoiding the clatter of the modules. The bolt can be tightened with the 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 a loaded pedal board with a similar pedal setup?
Presuming we're talking about all-analog pedals, the below comparison demonstrates LiberaToe's price/performance. Even with low-cost pedals or mix of budget $99 pedals, with some moderate cost pedals (e.g., $175-$200) and the price of a pedalboard, the cost can range from $1,000-$2,000, and even more than $3,000 if selecting 'boutique' gear. Based on this, the LiberaToe-4 platform has superior price/performance. Likewise, the LiberaToe-6 platform also does much better compared to a loaded pedalboard that can range from $1,500-$3,000. Even if we exclude LiberaToe’s own unprecedented features in the comparison, the economics should make the choice very clear.The table below is for LiberaToe-4, whereas the second table is for LiberaToe-6.
Cost of pedalboard having similar performance to LiberaToe-6
Cost of pedalboard having similar performance to LiberaToe-4
