The Ace Tone Rhythm Ace Full Auto, model FR-2L, is an electronic rhythm instrument designed to provide a wide range of rhythmic variations for musicians. Unlike earlier percussive instruments that relied on mechanical components, the FR-2L utilizes a non-mechanical, solid-state electronic brain, incorporating precision-manufactured transistors. This design choice aims to eliminate the mechanical malfunctions that were a significant drawback of previous models, offering a "troublefree" operation.
Function Description:
The Rhythm Ace FR-2L generates percussive sounds electronically, offering 16 distinct rhythm selections. These include Waltz, Dixieland, Western, Rock'n'Roll, Slow Rock, Bosa Nova, Fox Trot, Swing, Tango, Beguine, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Cha Cha, Shuffle, and March. The device is capable of mixing two or more rhythms simultaneously, allowing for complex and interesting rhythm combinations. For example, combinations like Tango + Mambo, Tango + Rock'n'Roll, Slow Rock + Shuffle, Swing + Western, Swing + Tango + Waltz, Shuffle + Swing + Dixieland, Rock'n'Roll and Bosa Nova, or Rock'n'Roll and Rumba are highlighted as particularly interesting.
In addition to rhythm selection, the FR-2L features three cancel buttons that allow for the cancellation of specific percussive sounds: Cymbal, Claves, and Snare Drum. This feature further enhances the rhythm variety by enabling users to tailor the percussive elements to their preference.
The device includes a volume control with a switch, a tempo control knob for adjusting the speed of the rhythm, and a start button. For hands-free operation, a footswitch can be connected to the "Start Jack" on the rear panel.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Rhythm Selector: 16
- Percussive Sound: 10
- Cancel Button: 3 (for Cymbal, Claves, Snare Drum)
- Volume with Switch: 1
- Speed Control: 1
- Power Pilot Lamp: 1
- Speed Pilot Lamp: 1
- Start Button: 1
- Output Jack Low: 1
- Output Jack High: 1
- Start Jack: 1
- Transistor: 38
- Diode: 107
- Measurement: 300 × 600 × 83mm
- Weight: 6 kg
- Accessories: Connecting Cord (1), Footswitch (1)
Usage Features:
- Power and Connection: To begin, the power cord is inserted into a power outlet. For connection to an amplifier, one end of an output cord is inserted into either the "low" or "high" output jack on the rear panel, and the other end into the amplifier's input jack. The "high" output is recommended if the amplifier does not include a pre-amplifier or has low impedance.
- Footswitch Integration: A footswitch can be connected to the "Start Jack" on the rear panel, offering convenience for musicians whose hands are occupied with other instruments.
- Power On and Volume Control: Turning the volume knob clockwise, located on the left-hand corner of the front panel, will turn on the power. Further clockwise movement increases the volume.
- Rhythm Selection and Start: To reproduce rhythms, the start button (located on the right-hand corner of the front panel) is pressed, followed by pressing any of the 16 rhythm selector buttons.
- Tempo Adjustment: The tempo knob, when turned clockwise, increases the rhythm speed. A pilot lamp indicates the first beat; for Slow-Rock rhythms, the lamp lights on the first and third beats.
- Consistent Start Beat: The Rhythm Ace FR-2L is designed to always start rhythms from the first beat, ensuring consistent timing. This applies whether using the start button or the footswitch.
- Stopping Rhythms: Rhythms can be stopped by releasing the start button to its original position or by pressing the footswitch again.
- Rhythm Customization: The cancel buttons allow users to remove Cymbal, Claves, or Snare Drum sounds from the selected rhythm, providing greater flexibility in sound design.
- Unlimited Rhythm Variations: The ability to mix two or more rhythms simultaneously, combined with the cancellation of specific percussive elements, offers a vast array of unique rhythmic patterns.
Maintenance Features (Precautions):
- Environmental Considerations: Users are advised to avoid operating the device near fluorescent lights, neon lights, or transformers. These external sources can create undesirable noise and interfere with the sound quality.
- Amplifier Compatibility: The Model FR-2L Rhythm Ace is built to withstand heavy use and is designed to be free from sound distortion. However, it is crucial to play the device within the capacity rating of the connected amplifier. Connecting to amplifiers with high output power is recommended, as this provides a comfortable percentage of allowance and helps maintain optimal sound quality.
- Tone Quality Variation: Due to the wide range of tones the device can produce, the quality of these tones may vary depending on the type of amplifier used. To achieve the best sound, it is advisable to use amplifiers that possess high selective qualities.
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