GAMECHANGER Launches the MOTOR Pedal

You can find demos in previous posts here.

Check with dealers on the right on availability and price.

Press release follows:

"Gamechanger Audio Officially Releases the MOTOR Pedal

Electromechanical sound. A gas pedal for your guitar. The ultimate analog noise-machine.

Riga, Latvia – September 29, 2025

After years of development and anticipation, Gamechanger Audio is proud to announce that the MOTOR Pedal is finally available to the public. First teased as a wild experiment back in 2019 and reintroduced earlier this spring as a pre-order, the MOTOR Pedal is now shipping worldwide—bringing a completely new category in sound and performance machines to guitarists, producers, and sonic explorers everywhere.

At its core, the MOTOR Pedal is built on two groundbreaking technical achievements:
A fully controllable musical motor oscillator that transforms brushless DC motors into living, breathing sound sources.
An proprietary monophonic pitch-tracking engine that follows guitars and virtually any instrument with surgical accuracy.
These breakthroughs were forged over years of experimentation. From 2019 to 2022, Gamechanger Audio developed and released the MOTOR Synth MKI and MKII—the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers to use electric motors as vari-speed oscillators. More recently, the company perfected pitch tracking with its acclaimed AUTO Series pedals, released late 2024 The MOTOR Pedal builds directly on these innovations, fusing them into a compact stompbox—creating a powerful, unpredictable, and endlessly fun performance tool.

And in true Gamechanger style, it’s not just about the sound. The MOTOR Pedal introduces a completely new way to control it: a real acceleration foot pedal. This gas-pedal-style controller turns dynamics, pitch bends, and rhythmic sweeps into something you literally drive, delivering an adrenaline-fueled approach to expression that no other stompbox offers.

“Back in 2019, the original MOTOR Pedal was just a spark that set this whole journey in motion - what if we could play MOTORS as Oscillators!?” says Gamechanger Audio founder Ilya Krumins. “Since then, through the MOTOR Synth MKI and MKII and the AUTO Series, we’ve gone deeper and deeper into the world of electromechanical sound. At this point, we feel like we know pretty much everything there is to know about making music with motors and the MOTOR Pedal is the culmination of that knowledge, and the most fun, immediate and accessible way to experience it.”

Key Features:
● Real electromagnetic motor oscillator driven by precision pitch tracking
● Gas-pedal controller with five modes - for dynamic, physical expression
● Hybrid electromechanical + digital signal path for unique textures - five MOTOR engines - each with unique sound
● Compact form factor built for pedalboards, studios, and live rigs
● Replaceable motor block for extended lifetime and serviceability
● Powered by Gamechanger Audio’s MOTOR Synth (MKI & MKII) and AUTO Series technology

The MOTOR Pedal is now shipping worldwide from www.gamechangeraudio.com and with selected dealers world-wide.
The MOTOR Pedal is priced at 399 USD and 399 EUR (incl. VAT) respectively.
For more details, demos, and ordering information, visit www.gamechangeraudio.com."

Dystopian Space Ambient (GR1-Kalimba)

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is a dystopian space ambient, featuring a GR-1 granular synthesizer from Tasty Chips Electronics for soundscapes, generated from my own sound samples. In addition a Kalimba running through a DigiTech Genesis 3 were used for the solo plays, a Stylophone Theremine were used for the radio-like background tweet, the Dimmed Light Devices Radio Module for another radio-noise and the Spitfire Audio LABS for the deep bass

I used for the recording the following effects devices: DigiTech Genesis 3, Gamechanger Audio Motor Pedal, Boss Slicer SL2, Hologram Microcosm, Pigtronix Echolution² Deluxe and a GFI System Specular Reverb². Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track using iZotope Ozone. The picture in the video I created with Midjourney."

GAMECHANGER AUDIO MOTOR SYNTH MKII - PRICE DROP

Check with dealers on the right for avaialability.

Via GAMECHANGER AUDIO:

"ELECTROMECHANICAL SYNTHESIS - MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER

We are reducing the price of the MOTOR SYNTH MKII down to 1999 USD / 1650 EUR (+VAT)

and you are the first to know! This is a bold and exciting move, made possible by years of refinement, smart manufacturing, and our expanding motor tech ecosystem - Hello MOTOR PEDAL!

🚩 🚩 🚩

This is not a sale. This is the new price. Forever? We can't promise that, but for now, it’s your moment! We want to see the MOTOR SYNTH MKII in your hands!"

Some superb SuperBooth booths (2025 edition)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a walkthrough of SuperBooth '25!"

Table of contents:

00:00 Berlin-Wuhlheide
00:33 Polyend MESS
01:23 Some booths so busy you can never talk to anyone, ever
01:53 Wavy Industries Monkey (Updated)
02:33 Error Instruments Loopman
03:17 Zoom H5 Studio
03:41 Instruo Seashell
04:30 Storm Summoner
05:35 Chase Bliss Onward
06:34 GS Music Bree6
07:12 Gamechanger Audio Motor Pedal
07:34 Teenage Engineering
07:51 Waldorf Iridium
08:09 OXI2 Sequencer
08:58 Playtronica Orbita
10:08 Eternal Research Demon Box
10:48 Wildword Soundworks Express & Lightning
11:29 beetlecrabs Tempera
11:59 Torso S4 Firmware V2
13:07 Yamaha's Booth Montage M V3
13:40 napkey chord
14:42 flowfal
15:21 Zynaptiq
16:18 quray
17:13 Red Dot Audio Grand Blue
17:43 Soma Labs Flux
18:20 First Love Synthesizer Update
18:59 Dato Synths
19:14 Leaf Audio
19:53 MOOG Messenger
20:22 Trails
21:30 Conclusion

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Gamechanger Audio Motor Pedal Demo @Superbooth 2025

video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag

"DelayDude for AMAZONA Met Ilja from Gamechanger Audio presenting the Motor Pedal."

Motor Synth MkII and Synthstrom Deluge | downtempo synth performance

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
A live synthesizer jam performed entirely on hardware.

Full disclosure: Walrus sent me along the R1 MkII for free. I'm a big fan of their Slöer pedal and also really like the Meraki (both of which I bought with my own money), so I was happy to give the R1 MkII a spin. It's a decent workhorse pedal with full stereo, some cool algorithms (including a sort of granular-delay-reverb thing), and an easy interface. I think the Slöer is still the better pedal if you're choosing based on character/personality, but if you need versatility and a small footprint, the R1 MkII might be for you. I look forward to exploring it more!

Once again, the incredible Miles Away leant me some of his gear to try out. This time, it's the Motor Synth MkII. It's hard to justify at the price point and with a technology that is less known in terms of longevity, and it certainly has some quirks that won't be for some. But man alive, the Motor Synth sounds absolutely incredible: warbly, rich, binaural, capable of mellow lofi ambient all the way up to overdriven bananas cyberpunk. It's incredible.

Check out Miles Away's exploration of the Motor Synth MkII here, and be sure to check out the second jam (heavy industrial electro): • Is This The Most Unique Synth EVER???... [posted here]

Here, I leveraged the mellower side of the Motor Synth and paired it with the Deluge, which is a natural fit in terms of complementary sounds. The R1 MkII was the reverb on the Motor Synth and also was a perfect fit; there's something about the R1's algorithms that makes the good for fitting in a mix. And to glue the Deluge sound together and add a little more personality, I added the Chroma Console doing saturation, doubling, delay, and tape.

Thanks for listening.

Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MkII into Walrus R1 MkII - Main synth, played on keyboard, with reverb
Arturia KeyStep 37 - keyboard for Motor Synth
Synthstrom Deluge into Hologram Chroma Console - drums, bass, synths

Performed and recorded live, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

The AUTO Series by Gamechanger Audio

video upload by Gamechanger Audio

"Gamechanger Audio’s brand-new pedal line, The AUTO Series, is now available online and across all dealer channels, starting with three classic effect pedals – AUTO Reverb, AUTO Chorus, and AUTO Delay.

Each AUTO Series pedal turns your performance into sound design, with your touch, dynamics, and note choices automating the effects parameters and shaping tones in real time – The AUTO Series reimagines what a pedal can be.

Learn more: https://gamechangeraudio.com/auto/

Image: Ugis Olte
Camera: ABB-904014-29GJ
Sound: Nick Moss Rogers
Bass: MOTOR Synth MKII
Percussion: PLASMA Voice Module"

Press release follows:



"Gamechanger Audio Launches the Revolutionary AUTO Series Pedals

Gamechanger Audio’s brand-new pedal line, The AUTO Series, is now available online and across all dealer channels, starting with three classic effect pedals – AUTO Reverb, AUTO Chorus, and AUTO Delay.

ABOUT THE AUTO SERIES

Gamechanger Audio is thrilled to announce the launch of its new AUTO Series. This innovative pedal line features the AUTO Delay, the AUTO Reverb, and AUTO Chorus, designed to revolutionize the way musicians experience and interact with classic audio effects. By introducing a new layer of parameter automation that responds and reacts to the player's touch, dynamics, and note choices, The AUTO Series provides an unprecedented level of effects control and creative expression.

At their core, each AUTO Series pedal offers a meticulously crafted palette of sound algorithms, providing a vast range of foundational tones. The primary advantage is the ability to automate these sounds later, but even on their own, they already deliver exceptional quality, making them highly versatile and impressive standalone tools.

Each pedal's AUTO Section has two on-board signal analysis engines, engineered to transfer musical nuances onto the effects parameters. The DYNAMICS tracker is fine-tuned to capture all details of playing dynamics, and animate parameters based on the player's picking style as well as each instrument's loudness and decay. The PITCH tracker detects note choices, and changes in the instrument's tone. These automations can be linked to any of the four effect knobs, setting the parameters in motion.

The entire automation section is engaged with the AUTO footswitch. This allows for the automations to be prepared with the patch cables and then toggled ON or OFF as needed. The small PARAMETER AUTOMATION knobs directly below each of the main EFFECT PARAMETER knobs determine the amount of automation and direction for each parameter individually. The automation functions can be fine-tuned using calibration and several effect engagement modes.

The Design of the AUTO Series pedals draws inspiration from the world of modular synthesis. The series' unique patchbay interface allows to create a straightforward and robust connection between the two on-board trackers and any of the effects parameters using 3.5mm (1 ⁄ 8 inch) jack patch cables.
A batch of six patch cables are included with each pedal.

The AUTO Series PITCH and DYNAMICS trackers are extremely precise and versatile, flawlessly tailored for all styles of guitar playing, yet not limited to string instruments. All pedals feature an input level switch that lets you choose between instrument level (INST), line level (LINE), and Eurorack synthesizer level (EU) input.

While Gamechanger are not hiding their intention of releasing a wide array of popular effects types under the “Automation” banner, the AUTO Series is debuting with three classic time-based digital stereo effects:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Digital AND Analog Design with Toms @ Gamechanger Audio | Superbooth 2024

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Let's talk some more about Digital vs Analog at Superbooth 2024! Join me and Toms Lazdovskis (Marketing, content & product development from Game Changer Audio) to find out what innovations boutique designers are up to.

We'll learn about how they are using digital technology to make analog instruments more affordable for everyone, designing controllers and interfaces with "feel" and maybe even designing digital to sound better than analog. AND you'll hear Toms take on this question: "Does Analog Really Sound Bad & We Love it Anyway?". Toms is loaded with knowledge and always a fun hang! Please be sure to subscribe if you like this video.

00:00 Intro
00:43 "Digital is More Analog than Analog"
04:58 Is the Gamechanger Audio Light Pedal Digital or Analog?
08:43 People's Perception of Digital
11:20 Designing Controllers and Interfaces with "Feel"
18:20 Advantages of Designing in Digital
20:50 Designing digital to sound better than analog (Gamechanger Motor Synth)
23:03 Does Analog Really Sound Bad & We Love it Anyway?
25:15 Benefits of Designers Creating Instruments with Limitations
25:52 Making Synths Affordable
26:23 Summary
26:51 AMM Logo (theme music)"

*Website* - https://www.anthonymarinellimusic.com

KICK DRUM TRIGGERS MOTOR SYNTH | Oil & Gas at EVIL JOE's

video upload by Gamechanger Audio

"We have a feeling that Tom and Matiss from GAMECHANGER AUDIO may have created the heaviest Synth & Drums band around. Meet OIL & GAS, and the first track they wrote for MOTOR SYNTH MKII and drums, recorded at Evil Joe Barresi's studio in LA.

Notice how the kick drum triggers one of the MOTOR Synth’s voices thus creating a perfect bass line that's on time with every beat. Here's how the setup works:
The bass and lead parts are performed on the MOTOR Synth simultaneously. The lead line is performed on the built-in 8-button keybed and arpeggiator. The bass part sequences are programmed with the built-in sequencer that is being triggered by the kick drum mic connected to the MOTOR Synths audio input.

The MOTOR Synth is in split output mode, where each motor voice is routed through a separate output channel. Each voice is then routed through individual signal paths. The lead voice goes through the BIGSBY Pedal pitch shifter and a stereo delay. The bass voice goes through the PLASMA Coil, LIGHT Pedal, and into a bass amp. The final bass sound is a mix of a DI from the Motor Synth and a mic on the bass cabinet.

Learn more about the MOTOR SYNTH MKII here:
https://gamechangeraudio.com/motor-sy...

Special thanks to Joe “Evil” Barresi and his assistant Jun Murakawa for taking good care of us during the recording in their Pasadena studio.

OIL&GAS: Toms Lazdovskis, Matiss Tazans
Recording Engineer: Evil Joe Barresi
Assistant Recording Engineer: Jun Murakawa
Mixing: Edvards Broders
Video and Editing: Alise Golovacka
Production: Ilja Krumins, Gamechanger Audio"

Gamechanger Audio's New Motor Synth MKII | Superbooth 2022

video upload by Reverb

"Since its debut in 2019, the Motor Synth has gone through many forms, from a pedal-sized prototype to what is now a hefty desktop enclosure, with a performance keyboard, arpeggiator, sequencer, modulation section, and other features built in."

Post NAMM Live Sets at Perfect Circuit - VJ FRANZ K Videos

Motor Synth! ( prototype) performance in Burbank, CA ps5

Published on Jan 21, 2020 VJ FRANZ K

Also see Perfect Circuit's videos including Erica Synths posted earlier here.

"Here's a performance with a prototype of the interesting new Motor Synth, The Light Pedal and other devices made by Gamechanger Audio, and available at Perfect Circuit, who arranged this post-NAMM event"

Pulsar 23 Performance in Burbank CA! ps7 (Handheld camera view with zoom)

Published on Jan 21, 2020 VJ FRANZ K

"The first time I've seen the synth inventor in person - Vlad ( New Pulsar 23 drum machine ), Cenk ( Lyra 8 ambient synth ) , Blobby ( The Pipe vocal transformer ) These are made by SOMA, and available at Perfect Circuit, who arranged this post-NAMM event"

Brooklyn Synth Expo 2019 Recap

"Brooklyn, 06.14.2019 - This year the organizers of the Brooklyn Synth Expo (and its sister event the Stompbox Exhibit, now part of it) were able to take the event one step up with the adoption of a new large and suggestive venue in East Williamsburg, and the addition of informative classes and presentations - including a live performance by synthesist extraordinaire Lisa Bella Donna to close day one [third video in the playlist above and posted here].

Roughly 2,000 musicians attended the expo, evenly divided between guitarists and synth-heads, but with a good share of players interested in both formats.

The educational side of the show included a memorable class on FM synthesis by Yamaha's own Phil Clendeninn, a discussion about MPE featuring reps from ROLI and Sensel, introductory Eurorack courses curated by STEM Modular, and classes on synthesis by NYC music school 343Labs.com (who also shot this video of the event) [second video in the playlist above]. A more DIY walkthrough of the Synth side of the show can be seen here [first video in the playlist above].

Several synth companies used the stage to present their new products recently introduced at Berlin's Superbooth; the Brooklyn show's timing works well in this regard, being the first relevant synth event in the US after the big German synth convention, including the new and yet unreleased Motor Synth by Gamechanger Audio. The Latvian company's reps sported classy red and black clothing in perfect Kraftwerk style.

The Synth Expo organizers have other events coming up: the next one will be another synth and pedal expo called Sonic Circuits in collaboration with Montreal's electronic festival MUTEK on August 24-25."

Also see:
Spontaneous visitor feedback (with links to posts) here
Solicited visitor feedback here

Gamechanger | Audio unveils revolutionary electro-mechanical Motor Synth at SUPERBOOTH19

Published on May 9, 2019 Gamechanger Audio

All sounds produced by MOTOR SYNTH
(& 1970 Dodge Challenger)

8 Motors THAT MAKE MUSIC
4 Note poliphony
2 Voices per Key (with separate Envelopes and Portamento)
+
4 Analog Filters with Envelope and Distortion
1 LFO with Envelope and 3 sends
4 Analog Waveshapes with Cross-modulation
+
Integrated Arpeggiator, Sequencer and LOOP Modes
Performance mode with built in keys,
Full MIDI control
9 CV ins and outs

RIGA, LATVIA: having presented an initial proof-of-concept prototype product at The 2019 NAMM Show in Southern California, January 24-27, uncharted music electronics territories explorer Gamechanger | Audio is proud to unveil the revolutionary Motor Synth — a digitally-controlled analogue electro-mechanical synthesizer that uses a system of electromotors (to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy) as its main sound source — in its finished desktop design at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, May 9-11…

Motor Synth really represents a new method of analogue audio signal synthesis since digitally-controlled electromotors have never been used as the principal sound source for a commercial musical instrument — indeed, nothing like it has ever been built before! But actions always speak louder than words. So how, exactly, does the revolutionary Motor Synth work?

Well, simply speaking, Motor Synth produces sounds by accelerating and decelerating eight electromotors to precise rpm (revolutions per minute) that correspond with specific musical notes. Needless to say, the instrument in question’s eight-electromotor configuration means that it is a four- note true polyphonic synth with two voices per key played.

Digging deeper, Motor Synth takes a two-pronged approach to producing its core sound, starting with magnetic pickups placed on each of its eight electromotors; those electromotors’ spinning coils result in a very industrial-sounding, ridiculously over-the-top analogue tone — think eight harmonious revving engines pumping out an intimidating noise! Next, specially-designed reflective optical disks have been attached to the shafts of each electromotor. Each disk contains a graphical representation of some standard audio wave-shapes. As the electromotors spin, the disks are set into circular motion, and each wave-shape is read by a dedicated set of UV (ultraviolet) sensors, then converted into an audio signal. So the wave-shapes on the reflective optical disks become precise musical notes, corresponding to the speed of the electromotors.

Elsewhere, Motor Synth still features familiar analogue audio processing circuits — filters, envelopes, et al — alongside arpeggiation, cross- modulation sequencing, and multiple polyphonic mode facilities, as well as an innovative looping system that allows adventurous users to layer rhythm and melodies, just like when using a loop station.

Manifestly, Motor Synth is a desktop design — unlike its initial proof-of-concept prototype predecessor, but it can still be played out of the box via eight built-in control keys and four floating tuning pots. Performers and composers can, of course, connect any standard MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller, like a keyboard or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), while Motor Synth is also capable of tracking a monophonic audio signal, such as guitar or bass, via its 1/4-inch mono input. Interestingly, Motor Synth can be configured to act as a harmonizer for electric guitars or other melodic instruments, recognising the pitch of a musical tone and instantly generating a complimentary tone by operating an electromotor at a matching frequency. Furthermore, users can create intervals and chords based on the frequency of the incoming signal with no need (necessarily) for a MIDI controller or inputting preprogrammed musical information.

Whatever way anyone chooses to play Motor Synth, a stunning visual experience is guaranteed. Get this: Motor Synth’s see-through protective glass cover above its core sound system of eight electromotors enables users to receive visual feedback from the instrument itself by being able to see those spinning electromotors in action. But better still, the visual experience is enhanced still further by the also-visible set of reflective optical disks attached to the electromotors’ shafts being coupled to a set of eight mini strobe lights, so those spinning disks themselves turn into a hypnotic light show, courtesy of the strobe effect!

As an instrument that uses electromotors as its main sound source, Motor Synth inherently possesses many unique sound traits that will surely appeal to many musicians that favour analogue electronic instruments and synthesizers in particular. Put it this way: with its unusual tonal and timbral qualities, unlimited microtonal pitch adjustment and modulation abilities, and note attack and decay properties influenced by the acceleration and deceleration curves of electromotors, Motor Synth works well across a wide range of musical styles.

Showcasing its third revolutionary product, Gamechanger | Audio will be proudly unveiling Motor Synth on booth (H320) at SUPERBOOTH19 — Europe’s first and largest trade fair for electronic musical instruments — in Berlin, May 9-11. Thereafter, it will be following in the super-successful crowdfunding footsteps of Gamechanger | Audio’s PLASMA Pedal, perfectly realising a revolutionary approach within the realm of overdrive and distortion by transforming the connected instrument’s live signal into a series of continuous high-voltage discharges within a xenon-filled tube, thanks to achieving 921% funding on Indiegogo in April 2018 (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/plasma-pedal-high-voltage-distortion-unit--3#/). No doubt the equally- revolutionary electro-mechanical Motor Synth will follow suit, successfully realising a new method of analogue audio signal synthesis.

Explore and support the Indiegogo campaign for Gamechanger | Audio’s Motor Synth project

For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated Motor Synth webpage here.

CLICK FOR MORE »