Akai Rotator VST Plug-In Software

The Rotator is a VST plug-in that uses modeling technology to accurately reproduce the sound of a rotating speaker. Such speakers (also known as "Leslies" after the company who manufactured them) are widely used with organs to give a more animated sound and the "speaker" is commonly associated with the Hammond organ.

Basically, baffles in the cabinet are spun around on motors and this has the effect of (literally) throwing the sound around to create a rich stereo effect. As the baffles move, not only does the sound move but, due to the Doppler effect (the phenomena that causes ambulance sirens to change pitch as they drive past), a subtle pitch shift is also achieved.

The result is a thick, stereo chorus sound that has been an integral component in many prog rock, gospel and other classic organ sounds. It cannot be reproduced using simple chorus units and other attempts at recreating this unique sound in musical history have been nothing more than simple autopan effects. Until now...

Audio Samples