Reviewed on 7/14/00 by Eric Gates (1347) Rating: I love this thing. If you like Leslie sounds I personally don't think it gets any better than this (except of course for the real thing, but who wants to deal with that except organists?) I have tried numerous Leslie simulators over the years, and I even pulled the leslie out of a cheap organ a couple years ago to have an "authentic" rotating speaker... the Rotosphere is the best sounding of all. The breaker switch along with the excelent acceleration/deceleration modeling is the high point of the rotosphere. The price is a little steep, but it's really a "you get what you pay for" kind of deal. I'd definitely buy one again if necessary. Model Year: 1999 Price: $280 (new) Where Obtained: www.zzounds.com Features: Three knobs: Drive, Level and Horn/Drum balance. Drive and level work the same as anywhere else and the h/d balance is sort of similar to a tone control; balances the horn (highs) with the drum (lows)... works well to simulate different mic scenarios. It is stereo (sweet sounding!) and has a single 12ax7 for drive (also sweet sounding). There are three foot switches: bypass, speed (slow or fast) and a breaker which simulates cutting the power to the motor... the speakers sould slow down to a halt. Sound Quality: This thing sounds awesome! If you want to get a good Leslie sound and don't want to deal with a peice of furniture that is that large and expensive, this is where it's at. Run in stereo with a little drive (for that leslie growl) this thing rips. Run slow it sounds similar to a really lush chorus, on fast the sound is swirling bliss. H&K did a great job of simulating the different acceleration speed of the two speakers (horn/drum) and it really comes through when using the breaker switch (which I usually ride a lot... get that magical trasition sound that is the heart of a great leslie vibe.) Ease of Use: It's not brain-dead, but it's close. The knobs are simple. Once you get used to the foot switches and how to use them it's easy, but mastering the breaker takes a little while. A great balance of function/ease of use. Durability: I haven't subjected it to anything to brutal yet, but it appears to be built like a tank... stomp to your hearts content :-)

Reviewed on 8/15/00 by Ned H Rating: If, as I have, you have been trying to get a Leslie sound without buying a Leslie search no more this is it. So sell all the other modulator pedals and buy this one. If could only have one effect this would be it. Price: $279 (new) Where Obtained: Guitar Center Features: "Break Switch" to simulate breaking speaker rotation in a Leslie cabinet. A/C powered The only feature I could use is two input capability to switch between guitar use and keyboard use. I will probably end up having to buy two Rotospheres to avoid unconnecting/reconnecting during a gig. It is stereo capable and has a bulit in tube. Sound Quality: I play an American Standard Strat through a Fender Concert Tube Amp and play Blues almost exclusively. The Rotosphere emulates the sounds heard on SRV's "Cold Shot" and "Couldn't Stand the Weather" as well as anything I have ever heard and I have tried everthing short of actually buying a Leslie to acheive the sound ( Univibes, Rotovibes, Phasers, Box fan in front of my amp)nothing came close until this. Leave it to a German engineer. Ease of Use: It could not be any easier to operate than it already is. Just plug it in and play. Durability: I can't speak to the durabiltiy as I have only had my Rotosphere for a month but it appears to be well constructed.

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