Fender The Pinwheel Rotary Speaker Emulator Pedal

Introduction

The Fender The Pinwheel Rotary Speaker Emulator Pedal is designed to replicate the classic swirling sounds of a rotary speaker, a sound traditionally associated with organs but widely adopted in modern music. This pedal offers three distinct rotary speaker voices, including Fender's unique Vibratone effect, allowing musicians to integrate this rich, modulated tone into their setup. It features switchable slow and fast speeds, an onboard overdrive for added tonal texture, and a sensitivity control that adjusts modulation rate based on playing dynamics. The pedal is built with a durable anodized aluminum chassis and includes LED-backlit knobs for visibility in various lighting conditions.

Key Features

• Three distinct rotary speaker voicings, including 122, 145, and Fender Vibratone.
• Switchable slow and fast speeds for dynamic modulation control.
• Integrated onboard overdrive circuit to add texture and warmth.
• Sensitivity control for dynamic modulation rate changes based on playing intensity.
• True stereo inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity.
• Expression pedal/external footswitch input for enhanced control.
• LED-backlit knobs for clear visibility on dark stages.
• Durable, lightweight anodized aluminum chassis.

Setup

Before connecting your Fender The Pinwheel pedal, ensure all equipment is powered off to prevent damage.

1. Power Connection: Connect a 9V DC power adapter (center-negative, 310mA minimum) to the 'DC IN' jack on the rear of the pedal. The pedal does not operate on internal batteries.
2. Audio Connections:
   • Mono Setup: Connect your instrument to the 'IN' jack. Connect the 'L/MONO OUT' jack to your amplifier or next pedal in the signal chain.
   • Stereo Setup: Connect your instrument to the 'IN' jack. If your instrument has stereo output, connect it to both 'IN' and 'EXP/FS' jacks (ensure 'FS SELECT' switch is set to 'EXP'). Connect the 'L/MONO OUT' and 'R OUT' jacks to two separate amplifiers or stereo input devices.
3. External Control (Optional): For an expression pedal or external footswitch, connect it to the 'EXP/FS' jack. Use the 'FS SELECT' switch on the rear panel to choose between 'EXP' (Expression Pedal) or 'FS' (Footswitch).
4. Voicing Switch: On the rear panel, select 'GUITAR' or 'KEYBOARD' to optimize the pedal's frequency response for your instrument.
5. Dynamics Switch: On the rear panel, set 'DYNAMICS' to 'ON' to enable dynamic modulation rate changes based on your playing intensity, or 'OFF' for a consistent rate.
6. LEDs Switch: On the rear panel, set 'LEDs' to 'ON' to illuminate the control knobs, or 'OFF' to disable them.

Figure 1: Top view of the Fender The Pinwheel pedal, highlighting control knobs and footswitches.

Figure 2: Side view of the pedal, illustrating the input and output jacks for mono and stereo connections.

Figure 3: Rear view of the pedal, detailing the utility switches and power input.

Operating the Pedal

The Pinwheel pedal features two main sections: the overdrive/preamp emulation and the rotary speaker emulation.

Controls:

• DRIVE: Adjusts the amount of overdrive/distortion from the emulated tube power amplifier. Turn clockwise for more saturation.
• TONE: Shapes the overall tonal character of the overdrive.
• LEVEL: Controls the output volume of the overdrive section.
• FAST: Sets the speed of the fast rotary speaker effect.
• SLOW: Sets the speed of the slow rotary speaker effect.
• RAMP: Adjusts the transition time between slow and fast speeds. A higher setting results in a slower, more gradual ramp.
• MODE Switch: Selects one of the three rotary speaker voicings:
  • Top Position: Emulates a classic 122-type rotary speaker.
  • Middle Position: Emulates a classic 145-type rotary speaker.
  • Bottom Position: Emulates the Fender Vibratone speaker.
• SENS (Sensitivity): When the 'DYNAMICS' switch is 'ON', this knob determines how responsive the modulation speed is to your playing dynamics. Higher settings make the effect more intense with harder playing.

Footswitches:

• BYPASS: Toggles the effect on/off. When the effect is active, the main LED will be green.
• SLOW/FAST (BRAKE): Switches between the slow and fast rotary speeds. Holding this footswitch will engage the 'BRAKE' function, gradually stopping the rotation.

External Control:

If an expression pedal is connected and 'FS SELECT' is set to 'EXP', the expression pedal can continuously vary the rotary speed between the 'SLOW' and 'FAST' settings. If an external footswitch is connected and 'FS SELECT' is set to 'FS', it will toggle between slow and fast speeds, mirroring the 'SLOW/FAST' footswitch on the pedal.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Fender The Pinwheel pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or excessive moisture.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Power Supply: Always use a compatible 9V DC center-negative power supply with a minimum of 310mA. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit and void the warranty.
• Connections: Periodically check all cable connections for wear and tear. Ensure jacks are free of debris.
• Footswitches and Knobs: Handle footswitches and control knobs gently. Avoid excessive force that could lead to mechanical damage.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Fender The Pinwheel pedal, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Ensure the pedal is powered on and the power supply is correctly connected and functioning.
  • Check all audio cables for proper connection and integrity. Try swapping cables.
  • Verify the 'BYPASS' footswitch is engaged (LED is green).
  • Check the 'LEVEL' knob; ensure it is not set to minimum.
• Unexpected Sound/Noise:
  • Ensure you are using a regulated power supply. Unregulated power supplies can introduce noise.
  • Check for ground loops in your signal chain.
  • Adjust the 'DRIVE' and 'TONE' knobs to find a desirable sound.
  • If using the 'DYNAMICS' feature, adjust the 'SENS' knob or turn 'DYNAMICS' off to see if the issue persists.
• Rotary Speed Not Changing:
  • Ensure the 'SLOW/FAST' footswitch is functioning.
  • If using an external expression pedal or footswitch, verify the 'FS SELECT' switch on the rear is set correctly ('EXP' for expression, 'FS' for footswitch).
  • Check the 'RAMP' knob setting; a high 'RAMP' setting will result in a slow transition.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Fender customer support or an authorized service center.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Fender products are designed for reliability and performance. For detailed warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Fender website or contact your local authorized Fender dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Online Resources: www.fender.com