Neo Instruments is a German boutique effects pedal company based in Fulda, founded in 2007 by Guido Kirsch. Kirsch previously co-founded Access Music, where he partnered with Christoph Kemper to develop the iconic VIRUS virtual analog synthesizer. After departing Access Music, Kirsch channeled his engineering expertise into Neo Instruments with a singular focus: creating the most authentic rotary speaker emulation available in pedal form.

The company's flagship product, the Ventilator, is a meticulous digital recreation of the Leslie 122 rotary cabinet, modeling the independent bass and treble rotor speeds, the 800Hz crossover, and the characteristic tube-driven warmth of the original. The Ventilator II expanded on this with stereo inputs, separate slow and fast speed controls, and expression pedal integration. Neo Instruments also offers scaled-down versions — the mini Vent II and the micro Vent (available in 122 and 16 voicings) — that pack the same core DSP into smaller enclosures. Beyond rotary effects, the Drive In overdrive pedal, co-designed with Uli Rodenberg of Rodenberg Amplification, marked the company's expansion into gain pedals.

The Ventilator line has earned a strong reputation among touring professionals, with keyboard players and guitarists on major tours — including those for Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Chicago, Bob Seger, Lenny Kravitz, and the Steve Miller Band — relying on Neo Instruments pedals as lightweight alternatives to hauling a full Leslie cabinet. Keyboard Magazine named the Ventilator "Best Rotary Stomp Box," cementing its status as the benchmark in the category.

Neo Instruments has 9 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals, Effects Pedal Accessories, and Overdrive Effects Pedals. Their gear is featured by 18 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Blues, and Funk / Soul. Notable users include Lulu Santos, Jeff Beck, and Paul Gilbert.