Fender The Pinwheel Rotary Speaker Emulator Pedal

Introduction

Thanks for purchasing The Pinwheel! This Rotary Speaker Emulator pedal makes it easy to add this unmistakable swirling sound to your tonal toolbox. Switchable Slow and Fast speeds let you spin up the perfect sound for your music, while the onboard Drive adds some texture to your tone. The Sensitivity control allows modulation rate changes based on your playing dynamics—dig in and the effect gets more intense.

Designed in California, U.S.A.

Control Layout

The Fender The Pinwheel pedal features a user-friendly layout with various controls for shaping its rotary speaker emulation. Key elements include:

• Footswitches: Bypass and Slow/Fast speed control.
• Knobs: For adjusting Level, Drive, Tone, Ramp, Fast speed, Slow speed, and Sensitivity.
• Switches: For selecting modes, voicing, dynamics, and external control settings.
• LED Indicators: Visual feedback for effect status, speed, and sensitivity.
• Input/Output Jacks: For connecting instruments and amplifiers, supporting mono and stereo configurations.
• EXP/FS Input Jack: For external expression or footswitch control.
• DC Power Connector: For power supply.

A detailed breakdown of each control is provided below.

Detailed Control Descriptions

Drive

The Drive control adds amp-like saturation to your instrument's signal, just like classic rotary speaker cabinet and amplifier rigs.

Tone

This control affects the amount of high-frequency (treble) content in your instrument's signal. Counter-clockwise sounds are darker, while the clockwise sounds are brighter.

Fast

This control sets the speed of the modulation when The Pinwheel's Fast mode is engaged. Counter-clockwise settings are slower, and the clockwise settings are faster.

Rate LED

This LED blinks at the selected speed of The Pinwheel's modulation.

Slow

This control sets the speed of the modulation when The Pinwheel's Slow mode is engaged. Counter-clockwise settings are slower, and the clockwise settings are faster.

Level

The Level control adjusts the amount of the modulated signal added to your instrument's dry signal.

Ramp

The Ramp control adjusts the amount of time it takes for The Pinwheel to speed up or slow down between the Fast and Slow settings for realistic rotary speaker cabinet sounds.

Mode Switch

This toggle lets you change between three different rotary speaker modes. Mode 1 is voiced like the familiar 122-style twin rotor speaker cabinet. Mode 2 is modeled after a 145-style speaker cabinet—this voice has less pronounced low end and works well with both keys and guitars. Mode 3 is based on Fender's own Vibratone speaker cabinet—which created its unique sound by utilizing a rotating baffle in front of the speaker.

Sensitivity

When the Slow mode is engaged, the Sensitivity control adjusts the threshold for The Pinwheel's dynamically controlled rate. As the Sensitivity is turned clockwise, The Pinwheel can automatically switch from Slow to Fast settings with the changes in your instrument's volume—softer playing will keep The Pinwheel set to your Slow settings; louder playing will send The Pinwheel ramping up to your Fast settings. Turn the Sensitivity control fully counter-clockwise to disable this feature.

Sensitivity LED

This LED will illuminate when your instrument's signal passes the threshold set with the Sensitivity control to ramp The Pinwheel's chorusing speed from the Slow settings to the Fast settings.

Jewel Indicator

The Jewel Indicator shows when the modulation effect is active.

Bypass Footswitch

This footswitch is used to bypass the effect.

Slow/Fast Footswitch

This footswitch is used to toggle between the Slow and Fast modulation speeds. Push down and hold the footswitch to bring the virtual rotor to a stop.

EXP/FS Input Jack

Use this jack to connect any standard TRS connected expression pedal to remotely control the rate of The Pinwheel's modulation. You may also connect a remote footswitch to control to Fast/Slow Footswitch's functionality.

Right Input Jack

This is a high-impedance input suitable for electric guitar, bass, acoustic guitars with pickup systems, keyboards and other instruments. Use this jack in conjunction with the Left/Mono Input Jack to integrate The Pinwheel into stereo signal chains.

Left/Mono Input Jack

This is a high-impedance input suitable for electric guitar, bass, acoustic guitars with pickup systems, keyboards and other instruments. Use this jack in mono signal paths or in conjunction with the Right Input Jack to integrate The Pinwheel into stereo signal chains.

Right Output Jack

This is a low-impedance output jack that connects to the amp or to the next effect pedal in a stereo signal chain. Use this jack in conjunction with the Left/Mono Output Jack to integrate The Pinwheel into stereo signal chains.

Left/Mono Output Jack

This is a low-impedance output jack that connects to the amp or to the next effect pedal in a mono signal chain. Use this jack in mono signal paths or in conjunction with the Right Output Jack to integrate The Pinwheel into stereo signal chains.

DC Power Connector

This is a standard center-negative 9VDC jack for use with appropriate power supplies.

LED Kill Switch

This switch extinguishes the LEDs that illuminate the knobs.

Voicing Switch

This switch lets you choose between a platform ideal for either a guitar's frequency response or one designed for a keyboard's response.

Dynamics Switch

This switch will disengage The Pinwheel's dynamically controlled rate functionality.

FS Select Switch

Use this switch to set The Pinwheel's Exp/FS Input Jack for use with an expression pedal or an external footswitch.

Specifications

Important Safety Instructions

• WARNING: To prevent damage, fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit or its AC power to rain or moisture.
• Do not alter the AC plug of the connected power adapter.
• Do not drip or splash liquids on the unit.
• No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• WARNING: The unit must only be connected to a safety agency certified, regulated, power source (adapter), approved for use and compliant with applicable local and national regulatory safety requirements.
• Unplug the AC power adapter before cleaning the unit exterior. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning and then wait until the unit is completely dry before reconnecting it to power.
• Amplifiers and loudspeaker systems, and ear/headphones (if equipped) are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels which may cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. Use care when setting and adjusting volume levels during use.
• THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

Manufacturer Information

A Product of: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

Corona, California, USA

Fender® is a registered trademark of FMIC.

Copyright © 2019 FMIC. All rights reserved.

P/N 7715390000 - REV B

Additional Languages & Support

Manual available in additional languages at: www.fender.com/support

Hazardous Substance Information

This product's hazardous substance content information is provided in accordance with Chinese regulations (SJ/T 11364 and GB/T 26572). The primary reference for compliance remains the English documentation.