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Average Price: $840

High-end/Boutique

$100

$251+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere, an embodiment of German ingenuity in the world of music. Born out of the pursuit for tube-driven effects, this Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedal is a testament to Hughes and Kettner's commitment to pushing the boundaries since 1985. The Tube Rotosphere I forms the foundation of this innovative Leslie-emulator, bringing a unique blend of vintage and modern tones to your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • Exemplifies Hughes and Kettner's innovative tube-driven effects
  • First iteration of the Tube Rotosphere series
  • Exceptional Leslie-emulator
  • Delivers a unique blend of vintage and modern tones

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Tube Rotosphere I
Finish Metal
Year 2000s
Made In Germany
Categories Chorus and Vibrato

FAQs

What type of effect does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere produce?

The Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere is designed to emulate the classic rotary speaker effect, providing rich, swirling modulation that mimics the sound of a Leslie speaker.

Does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere use tubes in its design?

Yes, the Tube Rotosphere incorporates real tube circuitry to deliver authentic rotary speaker sounds with warm, organic modulation.

Is the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere suitable for both guitar and keyboard?

The Tube Rotosphere is versatile and can be used with both electric guitars and keyboards, making it ideal for musicians looking to add rotary effects to different instruments.

What power supply does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere require?

The Tube Rotosphere requires a 12V power supply, which is essential for powering its tube circuitry and achieving optimal performance.

How does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere differ from a traditional chorus pedal?

Unlike a traditional chorus pedal, the Tube Rotosphere specifically emulates rotary speaker effects, offering a more complex and dynamic modulation that includes both vibrato and tremolo characteristics.

PJ and the Beard

PJ and the Beard

The Tube Rotosphere by Hughes and Kettner - That Leslie Sound Series

Video thumbnail for The Tube Rotosphere by Hughes and Kettner - That Leslie Sound Series by PJ and the Beard

The Tube Rotosphere by Hughes and Kettner - That Leslie Sound Series

PJ and the Beard

PJ and the Beard

Video thumbnail for EHX Neo Clone & H&K Tube Rotosphere Hughes&Kettner leslie/rotary Quick guit demo by Rob World

EHX Neo Clone & H&K Tube Rotosphere Hughes&Kettner leslie/rotary Quick guit demo

Rob World

Rob World

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, full, and round sound quality

  • Exceptional slow/fast speed transition

  • Tube-driven analog circuitry for superior tone

  • Preferred over actual Leslie speakers by some

  • Jeff Beck endorsement hints at professional quality

  • Breaker switch offers unique functionality

CONS

  • Bulky size may be inconvenient

  • Slow mode lacks depth compared to fast mode

  • Does not fully replicate a true Leslie speaker sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere.

Features and functionality

  • The Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere includes a tube, contributing to its unique sound, which some users find difficult to replicate with other pedals.

    Source
  • The Rotosphere's tube-driven design contributes to its distinctive sound, but it also makes it more cumbersome compared to digital alternatives.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Strymon Lex and Neo Instruments Ventilator are often recommended as alternatives, though the Neo Ventilator has a similar price range to the Rotosphere.

    Source
  • The Neo Vent II is considered a viable alternative to the Rotosphere, praised for its sound quality without the bulk and noise issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners emphasize the Rotosphere's distinct sound, noting it doesn't precisely simulate a Leslie but offers a unique vibe pedal experience.

    Source
  • Some users find the Rotosphere challenging to dial in, but when adjusted properly, it delivers a unique and funky sound that isn't easily matched.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Fans of Gov't Mule/Warren Haynes particularly appreciate the Rotosphere for its ability to capture the sound heard in the album "Dose".

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Rotosphere for its ability to produce a unique vibe, which is particularly effective in capturing the sound of specific albums like Gov't Mule's "Dose".

    Source

Build quality

  • The Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere is noted for being large and requiring its own adapter, which can be a drawback for some setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

soundonsound.com

The Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere delivers a strikingly authentic Leslie speaker simulation with its analog processing and real tube overdrive. While its rugged design and simple controls are commendable, the lack of MIDI control and a non-latching breaker switch are minor drawbacks. Despite these, the Rotosphere's rich sound and fair price make it a must-have for enthusiasts seeking genuine rotary effects.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sun_sarasa

so real.

It's more splendid if this pedal can change speed. but,I satisfied with this tone. Breaker switch is Interesting.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

Noel Gallagher used a MK1 Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere in 2000. The Rotosphere can be seen at 43:09 and 2:50 on the left end of Noel's pedalboard during the 2000 Oasis 'Later With Jools Holland' special [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mOnK6-b5n8]. The pedal was used by Noel on live performances of 'Who Feels Love?', and quite possibly to play the beginning riff of 'Gas Panic!'. The Rotosphere can also be spotted in a grainy picture of Noel's pedalboard [https://images.app.goo.gl/K7nSxCmk1UfReyhFA].

See how Andy Summers uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

In this image posted to Andy's Instagram account, a Rotosphere is visible on the lowest shelf, to the right of the stringed gourd-shaped instrument. It's identifiable based on the knob configuration (one on the far right, two on the left).

See how Elliott Smith uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Elliott Smith

Guitarist, Singer

Heatmiser

...
Verified via New Monkey Studio

He used in a few songs of From a Basement on A Hill, as A Fond Farewell or King's Crossing. That pedal simulates the ''Leslie Rotative Speaker''. He had one of these in New Monkey Studio

See how Andreas Kisser uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Angelfire

Andreas Kisser of Sepultura has used the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere, as noted in a profile on Angelfire.

See how Tim Reynolds uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Tim Reynolds

Guitarist

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via facebookapp

In this Facebook post, Tim Reynolds confirms using a Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere.

See how Ryan Roxie uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Ryan Roxie

Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram, guitarist Ryan Roxie used a Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere rotary simulator.

See how Carlos Cavazo uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Carlos Cavazo

Guitarist

Ratt

...
Verified via YouTube

In this featurette on the making of Quiet Riot's album "Guilty Pleasures" A Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere can be spotted at 2:41. It can be identified by layout of the knobs and lettering. Not sure where it was used on the album.

See how Davey Johnstone uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Davey Johnstone

Guitarist

Fire Inc.

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In an interview with MusicRadar, Davey Johnstone discusses his use of the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere, highlighting its role in his career with Elton John.

E

Eric “King” Zapata

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

King Zapata discusses his Rotosphere at 32:09.

And then it goes to this Rotosphere, which again I think is probably one of the first pedals I got. It's great. It hasn't broke down in like 12 years. I don't know how. It's also a curse because it's huge and requires its own power supply. But I haven't found anything that sounds quite like it.

See how Brock Pierce uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere

Brock Pierce

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Brock Pierce was seen using the Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere on his Instagram story, as documented on his Instagram profile.

Album Usage

The Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
h_helliott

h_helliott

Gear IQ 178

3 alternative and related items for Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere, curated by the Equipboard community.

Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere MKII The Analog Leslie Simulator

 

Vintage or Discontinued newer

Successor version, now discontinued: http://blog.hughes-and-kettner.com/the-classic-hughes-kettner-rotosphere-rotary-pedal-true-leslie-speaker-sounds-in-compact-form/

Strymon Lex

$299.00 - $352.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

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