Light creates sounds in Miniot’s Wheel 3 turntable
Miniot designs Wheel 3, an upright turntable that spins and plays vinyl records using light instead of magnets or coils. The device uses optical technology instead of magnetic systems to read the records, which means it replaces traditional magnetic cartridges with an optical stylus system. Most record players convert stylus vibrations into electrical signals using magnets and coils, but with Wheel 3, it measures stylus position using light instead of magnetic fields. The record player has a diamond needle that sits in the record groove. When the record spins, the needle moves. A small piece connects to the needle, and light shines on this piece.
When the needle moves, the piece blocks different amounts of light, and then the embedded sensors measure these changes and turn them into music sounds. This method works better for low sounds than magnetic systems. The needle weighs less without magnets, so the one on Miniot’s Wheel 3 turntable follows the record groove better. For comparison, most vinyl record players use magnets to read records, meaning that the magnets attached to the stylus move near a metal coil, which creates electrical signals that become audio. The optical system, however, can detect when the stylus barely moves, and since the flat piece weighs less than magnets, the stylus can follow groove patterns more accurately, especially for high sounds that create quick movements.
all images courtesy of Miniot
direct drive motor system built specifically for the device
Miniot’s Wheel 3 turntable includes a direct drive motor system built specifically for this device. The team initially used belt drive systems but switched to direct drive for better control. They say that the motor development process took several months of additional engineering work. Specs-wise, the direct drive motor uses 24 neodymium N52 magnets in the rotor assembly. The motor design remains flat to fit within the turntable housing, while the optical stylus system remains unaffected by magnetic fields from the motor. A control system monitors motor performance using five optical sensors, calculating deviations during each 360-degree rotation.
This includes corrections for unbalanced, off-center, and warped records. The system also adjusts motor speed to maintain consistent playback. The tonearm uses a linear tracking design that moves from bottom to top across the record and slides along a track embedded in the aluminum rim. The optical system provides position data for tonearm control as well to maintain the pressure and angle between stylus and groove regardless if the Miniot Wheel 3 turntable is positioned upright, on the wall, or in a different location.
the front section uses aluminum billet material that receives turning, milling, and polishing touches
Vinyl record player that works upright, flat or wall-mounted
There are two main parts around Miniot’s Wheel 3 turntable, with the rear machined from composite material (a wooden variant is also available). The front section uses aluminum billet material that receives turning, milling, and polishing touches, and the construction includes circular polishing that creates reflective surfaces. This finish interacts with light from translucent vinyl records, with the polished aluminum mirroring light through colored vinyl during playback. The device works in multiple orientations, including upright, flat, and wall-mounted positions. The tracking system maintains groove contact regardless of orientation, and users can operate the turntable upside down without affecting performance.
A preamplifier connects to the optical stylus system, which processes optical signals and converts them to standard audio output levels. This component works specifically with the optical pickup system rather than magnetic cartridges. The turntable includes a dimmable display for operational information, and the display shows playback status and system settings when needed. An aluminum base supports the turntable for upright operation. The base connects using a carbon steel pin that slides into a slot. This design positions the turntable at an eight-degree backward angle. Then, a viscoelastic material in the base bottom dampens vibrations and prevents sliding. The team says that the production takes place in Europe using locally sourced materials and components.
the rear is machined from composite material (a wooden variant is also available)
an aluminum base supports the turntable for upright operation
the device uses optical technology instead of magnetic systems to read the records
a direct drive motor system is built specifically for the device
the direct drive motor uses 24 neodymium N52 magnets in the rotor assembly
the motor design remains flat to fit within the turntable housing
project info:
name: Wheel 3
company: Miniot | @wheelbyminiot
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