Reason Studios Rotor | Classic Rotary Speaker Emulation and Spatial Dynamics Shaping
Reason Studios Rotor is a Rack Extension rotary speaker emulator designed for organs, guitars, and synthesizers. It accurately recreates horn and rotor drum construction, mechanical inertia, and multi-microphone capture. From subtle wobble to intense rotation, it brings three-dimensional motion, warm saturation, and vintage character to arrangements and mixes, making it easy to reproduce classic sounds within modern workflows.
Key Features
- Authentically models the treble horn and bass rotor drum, offering Slow/Fast/Brake speeds and continuous acceleration/deceleration transitions.
- Adjustable acceleration and deceleration times to recreate motor inertia, rotational noise, and rhythmic movement.
- Microphone distance and angle controls, combined with stereo diffusion parameters, quickly create room and stage ambiance.
- Built-in drive/saturation and cabinet resonance add warmth, thickness, and presence to the tone.
- Independent volume and balance controls for the horn and rotor, plus crossover filtering for detailed frequency shaping.
- Rear-panel CV control ports allow modulation signals to control speed, blend, and additional parameters.
- All parameters are DAW-automatable; supports Combinator macros and live performance mapping.
- Low-latency, high-efficiency algorithms suitable for live playing, performances, and mixing scenarios.
- Seamless integration with Reason devices for easy serial/parallel and multi-mic creative effect chains.
- Includes useful presets for quickly applying classic rotary tones to organs, guitars, and synthesizers.
System Requirements
- Product type: Reason Rack Extension (RE) effect
- Operating systems: macOS and Windows (64-bit)
- Host requirements: Requires Reason DAW or Reason Rack Plugin; use with a compatible version
- Authorization management: Reason Studios account login and Authorizer activation
- Recommended: Use with a MIDI controller for real-time switching of speed and parameters
Plugin Formats
- Reason Rack Extension (RE) native in Reason
- Load via the Reason Rack Plugin into host formats: VST3, AU, AAX
Supported Applications and Workflow Integration
Rotor can be used in Reason as a track or bus effect and can build macro controls and multi-effect chains via the Combinator. When loaded through the Reason Rack Plugin, it integrates into major DAWs' tracks and mixing workflows, supporting automation, MIDI Learn, and offline export. It can also be paired with controllers or automation scripts to include speed switching, acceleration/deceleration times, and blend ratios in production or AI-assistant workflows, delivering consistent and reproducible sonic results.
