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Adds amp-like saturation to your signal, similar to classic rotary speaker rigs.
Selects between three rotary speaker modes: 122-style, 145-style, and Vibratone.
Adjusts threshold for dynamically controlled rate; links volume to speed changes.
Used to bypass the effect.
Toggles between Slow and Fast speeds; hold to stop rotor.
Covers warnings on preventing damage, shock hazard, liquid contact, and hearing damage.
Details input/output impedance, power requirements, dimensions, and weight.
Adds amp-like saturation to your signal, similar to classic rotary speaker rigs.
Selects between three rotary speaker modes: 122-style, 145-style, and Vibratone.
Adjusts threshold for dynamically controlled rate; links volume to speed changes.
Used to bypass the effect.
Toggles between Slow and Fast speeds; hold to stop rotor.
Covers warnings on preventing damage, shock hazard, liquid contact, and hearing damage.
Details input/output impedance, power requirements, dimensions, and weight.
The Fender Pinwheel is a Rotary Speaker Emulator pedal designed to add a distinctive swirling sound to your tonal toolbox. This pedal offers a range of features to shape and control the rotary speaker effect, making it a versatile addition for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and other instrumentalists.
The core function of The Pinwheel is to emulate the sound of a rotary speaker cabinet, providing a rich, modulated effect. It allows users to switch between "Slow" and "Fast" modulation speeds, enabling a wide spectrum of sonic textures from subtle undulations to rapid, intense swirls. An onboard "Drive" control adds amp-like saturation to your instrument's signal, mimicking the characteristics of classic rotary speaker cabinets and amplifier rigs. This allows for the introduction of grit and warmth, enhancing the overall tonal character.
The pedal also features a "Tone" control, which adjusts the amount of high-frequency (treble) content in your instrument's signal. Turning the knob counter-clockwise results in darker sounds, while clockwise adjustments produce brighter tones, offering precise control over the effect's presence and clarity. The "Level" control acts as a master volume or power attenuator for the virtual power amp, allowing users to compensate for different drive settings and maintain unity gain overall.
A unique aspect of The Pinwheel is its "Sensitivity" control. When the "Slow" mode is engaged, this control adjusts the threshold for the pedal's dynamically controlled rate. As the Sensitivity is turned clockwise, The Pinwheel can automatically switch from "Slow" to "Fast" settings based on changes in your instrument's volume. Softer playing will keep the pedal in "Slow" settings, while louder playing will cause it to ramp up to "Fast" settings. This dynamic response adds an expressive layer to your playing, allowing the effect to react to your performance nuances. Turning the Sensitivity control fully counter-clockwise disables this feature.
The "Ramp" control is another key feature, adjusting the amount of time it takes for The Pinwheel to speed up or slow down between the "Fast" and "Slow" settings. This creates realistic transitions, mimicking the mechanical acceleration and deceleration of a physical rotary speaker.
The "Mode Switch" provides three distinct rotary speaker modes, each offering a different sonic character. Mode 1 is voiced like the familiar 122-style twin rotor speaker cabinet, known for its classic rotary sound. Mode 2 is modeled after a 145-style speaker cabinet, offering a voice with less pronounced low end, making it suitable for both keys and guitars. Mode 3 is based on Fender's own Vibratone speaker cabinet, which achieves its unique sound by utilizing a rotating baffle in front of the speaker, providing a distinct alternative.
The Pinwheel is designed with user-friendly controls and versatile connectivity options. The "Bypass Footswitch" allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the effect, while the "Slow/Fast Footswitch" toggles between the two modulation speeds. Holding down the Slow/Fast footswitch brings the virtual rotor to a stop, providing a momentary brake effect.
For external control, The Pinwheel includes an "Exp/FS Input Jack." This jack can be used to connect any standard TRS expression pedal to remotely control the rate of The Pinwheel's modulation, offering continuous control over the effect's speed. Alternatively, a remote footswitch can be connected to control the "Fast/Slow Footswitch's" functionality, providing hands-free operation. The "FS Select Switch" allows you to configure this input for either an expression pedal or an external footswitch.
The pedal offers flexible input and output options for various setups. The "Right Input Jack" is a high-impedance input suitable for electric guitar, bass, acoustic guitars with pickup systems, keyboards, and other instruments. The "Left/Mono Input Jack" is also a high-impedance input, designed for use in mono signal paths or in conjunction with the Right Input Jack to integrate The Pinwheel into stereo signal chains. Similarly, the "Right Output Jack" and "Left/Mono Output Jack" are low-impedance outputs that connect to an amplifier or the next effect pedal, supporting both mono and stereo signal chains.
Visual feedback is provided by several indicators. The "Rate LED" blinks at the selected speed of The Pinwheel's modulation, giving a clear indication of the current effect speed. The "Sensitivity LED" illuminates when your instrument's signal passes the threshold set with the Sensitivity control, indicating when the pedal is ramping its chorusing speed from "Slow" to "Fast." The "Jewel Indicator" shows when the modulation effect is active, providing a classic Fender aesthetic touch.
The "Voicing Switch" allows users to optimize the pedal's frequency response for their instrument, offering a platform ideal for either a guitar's frequency response or one designed for a keyboard's response. The "Dynamics Switch" provides the option to disengage The Pinwheel's dynamically controlled rate functionality, allowing for a fixed modulation speed regardless of playing dynamics. For those who prefer a minimalist visual experience, the "LED Kill Switch" extinguishes the LEDs that illuminate the knobs.
Powering The Pinwheel is straightforward with its "DC Power Connector," a standard center-negative 9VDC jack compatible with appropriate power supplies.
The Pinwheel is designed for durability and ease of use, with minimal user maintenance required. For cleaning the unit's exterior, it is recommended to unplug the AC power adapter first. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning and ensure the unit is completely dry before reconnecting it to power. The device contains no user-serviceable parts inside, and any servicing should be referred to qualified personnel.
The pedal is built to comply with safety regulations, including FCC rules, and is designed to operate without causing harmful interference. It is important to connect the unit only to a safety agency certified, regulated power source (adapter) that is approved for use and compliant with applicable local and national regulatory safety requirements.
To prevent damage, fire, or shock hazards, the unit or its AC power should not be exposed to rain or moisture. The AC plug of the connected power adapter should not be altered, and liquids should not be dripped or splashed on the unit. When using amplifiers, loudspeaker systems, or ear/headphones with the pedal, users should exercise care when setting and adjusting volume levels to prevent temporary or permanent hearing damage, as these systems are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels.
General| Type | Rotary Speaker Emulator |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 9V DC power supply (not included) |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| Controls | Drive |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs |
| Technology | Analog |
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