Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $584

High-end/Boutique

$199

$500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 is a versatile MIDI Foot Controller that seamlessly integrates into any musician's setup, offering both precision and flexibility. Designed to meet the demands of professional musicians, this controller is perfect for managing complex rig configurations with ease. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the ARC-3 allows you to focus on your performance by effortlessly handling multiple audio signals and MIDI commands.

With its intuitive design, the ARC-3 provides an efficient way to control and switch between various effects and instruments. Its robust footswitches are both durable and responsive, ensuring reliability during live performances. The ARC-3 is equipped with advanced MIDI routing capabilities that enhance your creative workflow, making it an indispensable tool for any musician looking to streamline their setup.

The ARC-3 also features programmable presets, allowing you to customize your settings according to your unique sound preferences. Its compatibility with a wide range of devices makes it a versatile addition to any musician's gear collection. From seasoned pros to budding artists, the Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 is an essential component for those seeking to elevate their musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Versatile MIDI foot controller for complex rig management
  • Advanced MIDI routing capabilities for enhanced creativity
  • Durable and responsive footswitches for reliable performance
  • Programmable presets for personalized sound settings
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices for versatility
  • Intuitive design for easy integration into any setup

Product specs

Brand Free The Tone
Model ARC-3 Audio Routing Controller
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Made In Japan
Pedal Format Floor Unit

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Free The Tone ARC-3 Audio Routing Controller?

The Free The Tone ARC-3 is designed to manage complex audio routing setups, allowing musicians to switch between different effects and signal paths seamlessly during performances.

Can the ARC-3 Audio Routing Controller be used with both MIDI and non-MIDI devices?

Yes, the ARC-3 can integrate both MIDI and non-MIDI devices, providing versatile control over a wide range of gear in a single setup.

Is the Free The Tone ARC-3 suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the ARC-3 is built for live use, offering robust construction and intuitive controls to facilitate quick and reliable switching during performances.

How many presets can the Free The Tone ARC-3 store?

The ARC-3 can store 100 presets, allowing users to easily recall complex routing configurations for different songs or sections of a performance.

Does the Free The Tone ARC-3 require a specific power supply?

The ARC-3 typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power solutions.

pedalspark

pedalspark

Quick Test : Free The Tone : ARC-3 Routing System

Video thumbnail for Quick Test : Free The Tone : ARC-3 Routing System by pedalspark

Quick Test : Free The Tone : ARC-3 Routing System

pedalspark

pedalspark

Video thumbnail for 【池部楽器店】Free The Tone ARC-3 [Routing Controller] 製品紹介 by Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

【池部楽器店】Free The Tone ARC-3 [Routing Controller] 製品紹介

Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

Video thumbnail for L.A. SOUND DESIGN PEDALBOARD OF THE WEEK. by L.A. SOUND DESIGN

L.A. SOUND DESIGN PEDALBOARD OF THE WEEK.

L.A. SOUND DESIGN

L.A. SOUND DESIGN

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3.

Features and functionality

  • The Free The Tone ARC-3 allows programming of each switch to engage specific loops, providing flexibility in combining pedals without manual switching.

    Source
  • The ARC-3 includes expression lines and MIDI outputs to control compatible pedals, offering versatility for users integrating digital effects into their setups.

    Source
  • Incorporates a dedicated tuner output allowing noiseless tuning by muting the signal, which is beneficial for live performance settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's effective for stacking pedals like Klon KTR and MXR Duke of Tone to maintain mids while adding dimension, appealing for users who enjoy layered overdrive sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The fifth loop is recommended for fuzz pedals due to potential compatibility issues with other effects, highlighting its consideration for pedal-specific needs.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
edgedancer

Powerful but complex

Not the friendliest switcher out now. Doesn't have stereo outs which means you'll need a separate interface for stereo. They remedied that with the ARC-4. Aesthetics wise, it's the best looking switcher out there imo. Made in Japan which means it's sturdy and well built with top tier craftsmanship. I took 1 star out because it's a lil less simple to use compared to the Mastermind or Boss.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Malia uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Lee Malia

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee's guitar tech talks about Lee's Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 at 17:45 in this rig rundown video. He says, "There's so many controllers on the market so finding one that works for you is a bit of a task...it's just been a life saver."

See how Toru Yamashita uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Toru Yamashita

Guitarist

One Ok Rock

...
See how Kanami Tono uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Kanami Tono

Guitarist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via CDJapan

The World Domination score book contains photos and a listing of the guitarists' pedalboards.

See how Sugizo uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Sugizo

Guitarist, Composer

X Japan

...
Verified via Photo

A "Free The Tone ARC-3 Audio Routing Controller" can be spotted on this photo.

See how Haruka Kudo uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Haruka Kudo

Singer, Guitarist

Roselia

...
Verified via Twitter

Found in her Roselia pedalboard that was posted on her Twitter account. She appears to be using two of them as shown in both pictures in the tweet, one for her main pedalboard and one to control the Digitech Whammy, Ricochet, and Boss Harmonizer.

See how Mami Sasazaki uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Mami Sasazaki

Guitarist, Composer

SCANDAL

...
Verified via Photo

MAMI uses two ARC-3s - one on her own pedal board and the other on the board controlled by her guitar tech, Motchy.

ARC - 3 is the flagship model of Free The Tone completed by conducting a test under a practical environment such as a live venue and a rehearsal studio to improve operability and reliability. Built-in HTS (Holistic Tonal Solution) circuit which operates with internal voltage +/- 15 V DC so that you can make the best use of the individuality of guitar, bass, effector and amplifier, send and return to input side, output side, effect pedals, and management of the entire signal line. -FREE THE TONE (Google Translated)

See how Sae Otsuka uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Sae Otsuka

Singer, Guitarist

Poppin'Party

...
Verified

This tweet shows a picture of Otsuka Sae's pedalboard, with the ARC-3 sitting in the bottom row.

See how Chiaki Sato uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Chiaki Sato

Singer, Guitarist

????? (Kinoko Teikoku)

...
Verified via Photo

You can see a Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 on the lower right of Chiaki Sato's pedalboard on this picture from her Instagram account.

See how Rimi Nishimoto uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Rimi Nishimoto

Singer, Bassist

Poppin'Party

...
Verified via Twitter

Rimi Nishimoto uses the Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 during the Tour No Girl No Cry, as mentioned in her Twitter post.

See how Sumire Yoshida uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Sumire Yoshida

Singer, Guitarist

Silent Siren

...
Verified via Photo

Sumire Yoshida uses the Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3, as shown in a post by makiogawa666 on Instagram. She utilized it during the GIRLS POWER tour.

See how Alex Milovic uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Alex Milovic

Bassist

Northlane

...
Verified via Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Alex posted a photo about all of his pedals and there you can find the Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

See how Koga Hayato uses Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3

Koga Hayato

Guitarist

Kana-Boon

...
Verified via Shimamura

In the article on Shimamura's website, Koga Hayato is shown using the Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3, likely to manage his second effects board.

Album Usage

The Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Free The Tone Audio Routing Controller ARC-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2
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Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
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2
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Boss PS-6 Harmonist Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
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Eventide PitchFactor Harmonizer Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

Show yours
edgedancer

edgedancer

Gear IQ 26286

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