How is the Leslie speaker simulated?

Leslie (Rotary) speaker can be simulated using tremolo and Doppler effect for both change in signal amplitude and pitch.

1. What's so special about the Leslie speaker?
2. How does Leslie speaker work?
3. How was the Leslie speaker invented?
4. How fast does a Leslie speaker spin?
5. Who used Leslie speakers?

What's so special about the Leslie speaker?

The Leslie speaker is a combined amplifier and loudspeaker that projects the signal from an electric or electronic instrument and modifies the sound by rotating a baffle chamber ("drum") in front of the loudspeakers. A similar effect is provided by a rotating system of horns in front of the treble driver.

How does Leslie speaker work?

The “classic” Leslie speaker design features two drivers—a treble driver with horns (only one works; the other simply acts as a counter-weight) and a bass driver. The horns of the treble driver and the sound baffle of the bass driver are physically rotated by electric motors.

How was the Leslie speaker invented?

Donald Leslie invented the speaker after he bought an electric Hammond organ in the 1940s that disappointed him. He wanted the vibrating, warbling sound of a pipe organ. To solve his problem, he created a rotating speaker cabinet, eventually known as the Leslie, that emulated those sounds.

How fast does a Leslie speaker spin?

According to a page I found, the Leslie speeds are 40 and 390 RPM. Dividing by 60, that translates to . 67 Hz and 6.5Hz, respectively.

Who used Leslie speakers?

Joe Walsh used it on guitar, piano, vocals, and organ on the early James Gang albums. In slightly more recent musical history, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell wrote “Black Hole Sun” while playing a Gretsch guitar through a Leslie speaker, and the rotary speaker sound is one of the trademarks of the production on that song.