How to Build a Rotating Speaker

A turntable can give you the base of rotation needed to make a simple Leslie speaker.

The Leslie speaker is a specially constructed type of speaker designed to rotate on a base and, as a result, create a unique type of sound output. The horn of the speaker system in a Leslie creates a vibrato tone by using the Doppler effect. Though the original Leslie speaker and the subsequent variants that became available after its introduction are somewhat complex in design, it is possible to make a simple rotating speaker that creates a similar type of sound with objects found around the home.

Things You'll Need

• Speaker horn
• Turntable
• Empty paint can
• Metal-cutting knife
• Speaker cable

Instructions

1. Cut the bottom out of your paint can with the knife.

2. Puncture two large openings in the sides of the paint can through which sound can emerge.

3. Place the paint can on the turntable, and center it around the axis of rotation as closely as possible.

4. Place the speaker horn face-down onto the top of the paint can, and connect it to your audio source. Allow enough slack so that the line can freely rotate around the top of the speaker without disconnecting the other end.

5. Turn on the turntable and the audio source. The sound will emerge from the holes you have cut in the paint can and produce a Doppler effect with the source of your audio.

References

• "Make: Technology on Your Time, Volume 5"; Mark Frauenfelder; 2006