Fender Pinwheel User manual

THE PINWHEEL

6
19
23
1
3
4
17
13
12
11
7 8
1. Bypass Footswitch
2. Right Output Jack
3. Jewel Indicator
4. Left/Mono Output Jack
5. Level
6. Drive
7. Tone
8. Ramp
9. Fast
10. Rate LED
11. Slow
12. Exp/FS Input Jack
13. Sensitivity
14. Sensitivity LED
15. Right Input Jack
16. Mode Switch
17. Left/Mono Input Jack
18. Slow/Fast Footswitch
19. LED Kill Switch
20. Voicing Switch
21. Dynamics Switch
22. FS Select Switch
23. DC Power Connector
20 21 22
5
18
2
LEDs
9V DC
INPUT
VOICING DYNAMICS FS SELECT
THE PINWHEEL
LEVEL SENS
DRIVE FAST
MODE
1
2
3
SLOW
BYPASS SLOW/FAST
(BRAKE)
910
TONE
RAMP
16
14
15

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.
THE PINWHEEL
DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.

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 is a master volume or power attenuator for the
virtual power amp. Use this control to compensate for different drive
settings in order to keep the pedal at unity gain overall.
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 a 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.

Product specifications subject to change without notice
Specifications
IMPEDANCES:
POWER SUPPLY:
POWER REQUIREMENTS:
DIMENSIONS:
WEIGHT:
INPUT: 500kΩ OUTPUT LOAD: >10kΩ
9VDC regulated adapter,
5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel connector, center negative
350mA @ 9VDC
3.75” x 4.9” x 2.5” (95.25mm x 124.5mm x 63.5mm)
1.2lbs (.54kg)
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.
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 C
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.
Additional Languages
Manual available in additional languages at:
www.fender.com/support

© FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 2019