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Difference between revisions of "Rotary block"

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Revision as of 16:09, 7 June 2021

Rotary block.png

Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
  • FM3: 2 blocks
  • Axe-Fx II: 2 blocks
  • AX8: 1 block
  • FX8: 2 blocks

Channels or X/Y switching

  • Axe-Fx III and FM3: 4 channels
  • Axe-Fx II: X/Y
  • AX8: X/Y
  • FX8: X/Y

What is a rotating speaker

(Wikipedia) "The Leslie speaker is a combined amplifier and loudspeaker that projects the signal from an electric or electronic instrument and modifies the sound by rotating the loudspeakers. It is most commonly associated with the Hammond organ, though it was later used for the guitar and other instruments. A typical Leslie speaker contains an amplifier, a treble horn and a bass speaker—though specific components depend upon the model. A musician controls the Leslie speaker by either an external switch or pedal that alternates between a slow and fast speed setting."

Reverb.com: The continuing story of the Leslie rotating speaker cabinet

Factory presets

The Rotary block is present in many factory presets. Search the Factory presets page for "rotary".

Position of the Rotary block on the grid

Many players put the Rotary block after the Amp block for stereo output.

It also sound great before the Amp block, just like you would do with a digital or analog rotary pedal. Note that, unless you use two amp blocks, the Rotary will run in mono when placed before the Amp block.

Alternatively, run the Rotary in parallel to a Cab block.

Mono or stereo Rotary

The Rotary block is stereo by default. You can change to mono output by setting Mic Spacing to 0% (or setting Stereo Spread to 0%), or by summing its output to mono, i.e. by placing it before the Amp block.

Spread values beyond +/-100% increase the apparent image beyond the stereo field.

Parameters

Parameters table

Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3 Axe-Fx II
Input Select yes
Rate yes
Tempo yes
Drive yes
Hi Depth yes
High Level yes
Hi Time Constant yes
Rotor Length yes
Mic Spacing yes
Low Depth yes
Low Time Constant yes
Low Rate Multiplier yes
Mic Distance yes
Stereo Spread yes

Rate

Switch between two speeds

Part of the charm of the Rotary is switching between speeds. The effect will automatically ramp.

For authentic behavior, try 1.600 for slow speed and 6.300 for fast speed.

To switch between two speeds:

  • use X/Y switching or Channels and use the same settings except for Rate, or
  • use a switch:
    1. Assign the Rate parameter to an external controller (switch)
    2. Set Min to (example) 1.600 and Max to (example) 6.300 In the Rate's modifier menu
    3. Program the MIDI controller to send “127” for fast and “0” for slow (using the CC of the switch)

Brake function

Braking the rotary means that the speed is slowed down until it stops. The Rotary block does not provide a built-in brake.

Mic Spacing, Mic Distance

"There is Mic Spacing which controls how far apart the virtual mics are and Mic Distance which controls how far the virtual mics are from the cabinet. The effect is subtle though." source

Tweaking the parameters

  • If you want less or more throbbing, decrease Depth, or add some dry signal.
  • To add more shimmer, increase High Level.
  • Horn Length controls the modulation depth.
  • Change the relative speeds of both rotors by adjusting Low Rate Multiplier.
  • Adjust the Time Constant parameters to adjust the ramp up/down speeds.