Ross Towbin - Rotary Speaker

Rotary Speaker

Product Design | Wood/Metalwork | Circuitry

Music profoundly influences my art, leading me to make a music-related object for an engineering project. Inspired by the unique sound of a 1969 Leslie amp, I aimed to recreate it with modern Bluetooth technology. I sketched designs, used CAD software, and developed technical skills including soldering, woodworking, and electronics. The resulting speaker, both aesthetically and functionally satisfying, is now my favorite for listening.

Design Objective

My aim was to design a speaker that replicates the unique sound qualities of a '69 Leslie Amp but complemented with the modern conveniences of Bluetooth. I was equally focused on crafting a visually attractive piece, an object that could be seamlessly integrated with the home. Additionally, I wanted to make it user-friendly and intuitive.

Ideation

After several sketches, I decided on an open-concept design that would showcase most of the inner workings. I planned to employ both wood and metalwork to craft a durable, high-quality piece that could become a lasting heirloom. I envisioned the foam cone as the centerpiece of my design, with most of the hardware integrated flush with the wood.

Research

The project presented a series of complex problems for me to solve. Firstly, I needed to understand and configure the appropriate circuitry, select the appropriate components and wiring to purchase, and learn how to connect them properly. Additionally, the task of designing a gear system capable of spinning the cone was also a key component of the project.

The infamous foam cone incident

Journal entry describing my challenges

Setbacks

Although most of the project progressed reasonably well, a significant challenge I encountered was making the foam cone that was to properly reverberate the sound. The material was the main issue, as finding a suitable reasonably priced solution proved difficult. I went through a couple of attempted solutions, including 3D printing and injection molding, but all were unsuccessful. Eventually, I decided to carve it by hand. While not as visually pleasing as I'd hoped, it did serve its purpose effectively.

Testing + Final Direction

After conducting a series of tests on various motor speeds and adjusting the Bluetooth connectivity settings, I was able to successfully get the speaker operational. It sounded great, selecting the high-quality driver was the right move. The speaker not only looks fantastic in the home but its sound also fills the room in a way only possible with a rotary speaker.