Motion Sound PRO145 Dual Rotor Keyboard Combo Amplifier

Feature:
A footswitch pedal is included. There's 2 buttons, one for slow/fast and the other for stop. I think the most useful feature on here is the trimpots. They allow you to edit the speed parameters to your liking. Just be careful not to twist them too far and end up breaking them. I've already done that on two of them. Also the EQ's can come in handy.

Quality:
I took a look inside and I'll admit, I wonder about these belts. They're pretty thin and seem like they could snap easily. However, I've yet to hear about anyone having to replace the belts on the Pro-145 yet, so I guess they're pretty durable to last this long. I'm not sure what they call the finish but its the stuff they use on alot of amp which is good if you're using this on the road. It can withstand all the bumps and scratches from moving it around.

Value:
Worth every single penny. I was looking for a good leslie alternative without having to deal with a simulator. I don't have enough space for a leslie speaker (even a short one) so this was the next logical alternative.

Desirability:
I definately think is has a lot of "sex appeal". I can't get over how good this thing sounds. I can right good things about it all day but you'll never really know until you try it out for yourself. When I didn't have it, yes I still made good music, but the Pro-145 took it to the next level.

Sound:
Sounds EXACTLY like a real leslie speaker. Works great for gospel music. I'm not sure how well this speaker would work for rock organists, I haven't tried to push the overdrive yet. With the right tweaks, this puppy can sound just as good, if not better, than any leslie. I'm using a Roland VK-8 combo organ with this. The two together is a match made in heaven. I play a C3 connected to a Leslie 122 every week so I know what it's supposed to sound like.

Ease of Use:
Just plug everything in and turn it on. Changing the EQ's volume, etc, is all done through the front panel knobs. Editing the speed parameters can be a bit more difficult if you don't know what you're doing. My recommendating when changing the trimpots - first set up a chair and flashlight. Level it so that the flash light is shining directly into the trimpots. This will allow you to see which direction your screw driver needs to be positioned. My problem was I didn't do it this way to start out with and ended up scratching up the trimpots and even broke a couple of them. The manual is very clear about everything.

Support:
Motion Sound has excellent support. The guy that answers most of the question there is very helpful and knows what he's talking about. He doesn't give a "from the book" answer.

Overall:
I plan to keep this and my VK-8 for years and years. If you're looking for something smaller than a leslie but doesn't lose the quality of a leslie, this is it for you. I didn't have much space to work with and I didn't have the means of getting a leslie here, so it just worked out for me. If I ever lost it or should it be stolen, I would replace it in a heartbeat.

Feature:
Complete control over all relevant sound contouring parameters.

Quality:
Super solid roadworthy construction.

Value:
Expensive, but worth it. No comparable product on the market, unless you consider a Motion Sound KBR-M, which sounds great, but not as loud, and not as strong in the lower rotor section.

Desirability:
You MUST have it.

Sound:
Sound quality is virtually indistinguishable from a Leslie 145, except that it is much louder, more controllable, although somewhat less 'warm.' It is really a 'must have' if you play organ. I have used it with a CX3--and it really brings out its strengths. With the Nord Electro 2, it just sounds so strong and greasy (or clean, if you want) that even a pro would might not be able to tell it from a B3 and Leslie. REMEMBER, with a CX3 and Nord Electro, you must shut down all internal Leslie simulation. Also, you want to minimize (or eliminate) all built in 'overdrive.' The preamp section of the Motion Sound has a 12AX7 tube with gain control to create 'real' overdrive..so ditch any simulated overdrive or amp modeling on your keyboard.

Support:
Service quality is unknown--no problems yet which needed service or inquiry.

Overall:
Well, there will never be a need to replace it. How long did you own a Leslie 145 or 122 before you felt it was 'outdated?' If the answer is 'never,' the you will know what I mean.