Michell Engineering Orbe
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Overview
The Orbe turntable represents the culmination of over forty years of Michell Engineering expertise, bringing together in a single unit all the technical innovations developed since the creation of the legendary GyroDec. This record player combines sophisticated dual-level mechanical isolation, a massive 60 mm-thick platter, and a unique servo-controlled power supply to achieve outstanding performance levels.
Technical design and construction philosophy
The Orbe is based on a design philosophy where every element contributes to vibration isolation and rotational stability. The turntable uses a double base made of high-density acrylic, separated by three decoupling spikes. This configuration creates a particularly effective isolation platform against structural feedback while offering a rigid, non-resonant surface to mount the suspension system.
The weighted pendulum subchassis, suspended by three springs, is the mechanical heart of the turntable. This substantial mass, cast in pressure-molded aluminum, provides a dense, rigid platform for mounting the main bearing, the platter, and the tonearm arm. The system acts as a “sink” for resonance and vibration, drawing unwanted disturbances away from the turntable’s sensitive elements.
The solid aluminum feet are machined to minimize the contact area with the supporting furniture. This low-contact design drastically reduces the transfer of vibrations from the furniture to the turntable. Each foot incorporates inserts made of absorbing material to further enhance isolation.
The 60 mm-thick platter is made from a composite material chosen for its vibration-damping properties. This material exhibits acoustic characteristics close to those of vinyl. The platter’s substantial mass, several kilograms, provides high rotational inertia, contributing to stable playback speed.
The inverted oil-circulating bearing: precision engineering
Unlike traditional designs, the Orbe’s main bearing places the pivot point at the top of the assembly rather than at its base. This inverted orientation enables complete internal lubrication of the bearing while the platter rotates.
The system uses a modified Archimedes screw, precision-machined into the bearing’s internal bore. As the platter rotates, oil is drawn from a reservoir at the base of the main bearing up to the thrust ball at the top. The oil fully lubricates the bearing along its entire height, then returns to the reservoir through a drain port drilled along the bearing’s axis.
This continuous oil circulation eliminates any potential noise or vibration created by the platter’s rotation. The bearing uses hardened chrome steel grade 10, with a brass sleeve and an aluminum base. The platter spindle is made from high-precision stainless steel. This patented design, developed in the early 1980s, remains unique in the industry and ensures whisper-quiet operation over the very long term.
Standalone motor and Orbe Controller power supply
The Orbe’s motor is housed in a completely separate enclosure machined from solid aluminum. This standalone unit has no physical contact with the turntable itself—only the specially formulated polyurethane drive belt connects the motor to the platter. This total isolation prevents any transmission of motor noise or vibration to the turntable’s sensitive parts.
The Orbe Controller is the most sophisticated power system Michell has developed. It uses a high-capacity toroidal transformer, the patented “Never Connected” circuit, and a servo control technology. The Never Connected circuit electrically isolates the turntable from mains fluctuations and interference. It uses two storage capacitors and a MOSFET to transfer charge from the first capacitor to the second, thereby creating total electrical isolation from the mains.
The DC motor incorporates a tacho coil that continuously reports rotational speed back to the controller. If speed varies, even slightly, the controller automatically adjusts its output to correct the deviation immediately. This tight feedback loop guarantees absolute speed stability, with wow and flutter virtually eliminated.
Included accessories and available finishes
The Orbe comes with a high-quality, hinged dust cover made of clear acrylic. The two-piece hinges allow the cover to be easily removed if necessary. This protection keeps the turntable safe from dust and accidental damage while allowing the mechanics to be admired in operation.
The Orbe record clamp uses a screw-down system that enables significant force to be applied to press the vinyl firmly against the platter. This design surpasses standard clamps, effectively flattening warped or uneven records while eliminating resonances within the disc.
The turntable is available in black or clear acrylic finishes, with metal parts in natural aluminum or black lacquer. Tonearm mounting boards are pre-drilled to accommodate most arms on the market, including models from Rega, Linn, SME, and Michell’s own arms. The turntable is supplied without arm or cartridge, allowing each user to choose equipment that suits their preferences.
Technical Specifications
Suspension System
- Three-point suspension with fixed towers to adjust subchassis height
- Weighted pendulum subchassis: rigid, dense, and isolating, supports bearing, platter, and tonearm
- Double acrylic bases: maximum rigidity and isolation
Main Bearing
- Inverted oil-circulating bearing, fully lubricated during rotation
- Reduces noise and vibrations
Platter
- Heavy, impedance-matched platter, material close to vinyl for sonic neutrality
- High mass for rotational stability and inertia
Motor and Power Supply
- Standalone motor, separated from the turntable, belt-driven only
- Orbe Controller power supply with toroidal transformer and servo-controlled motor
- Precise maintenance of rotational speed
Accessories and Protection
- Hinged acrylic dust cover, easily removable, protects the turntable
- Screw-down Orbe record clamp to flatten records and reduce resonance
- Low-contact aluminum feet to limit vibrations
Dimensions and Weight
- Weight: 19 kg
- Width: 53 cm
- Depth: 41 cm
- Height: 21 cm
- With cover open: 53 × 49 × 55 cm
Highlights
- Ultimate quality, same performance as the Orbe SE but with all premium options
- Weighted pendulum subchassis and double acrylic bases for isolation
- Inverted oil-lubricated bearing for silent rotation
- Heavy, impedance-matched platter for stability and inertia
- Standalone motor with Orbe Controller power supply for perfect speed
- Dust cover and Orbe clamp included, isolating feet
Included Accessories
- Turntable supplied without tonearm or cartridge
- Pre-drilled for Rega / Linn / SME tonearms
- Dust cover and record clamp included
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Orbe and the Orbe SE?
The Orbe SE offers identical performance to the full Orbe but in a more compact and cost-effective format. It uses a single acrylic base instead of the Orbe’s double base and does not include the hinged cover. An Orbe SE can be upgraded to a full Orbe by adding the double base and the cover.
Does the Never Connected circuit really make an audible difference?
The Never Connected circuit creates total electrical isolation between the mains and the turntable, eliminating interference and voltage fluctuations. Users consistently report lower background noise, improved dynamics, and a more stable, better-defined soundstage. Developed with Trichord Research, this technology uses a charge-transfer system between capacitors rather than a direct connection to the mains.
Can a second tonearm be installed on the Orbe?
Installing a second arm is technically possible but requires significant modifications to the acrylic base. This delicate operation should be entrusted to a specialist. The second arm may also hinder the cover’s closure and sits in a less optimal position than the main arm.
Does the turntable require an additional isolation platform?
Although the Orbe incorporates two levels of isolation and low-contact feet, a quality isolation platform can further improve performance, particularly in vibration-prone environments. The Orbe’s three-point suspension system operates optimally on a flat, stable surface.
How can I precisely adjust the rotational speed?
The Orbe Controller includes a fine-tuning potentiometer accessible on the rear panel. The motor’s tacho coil provides constant feedback to the controller, which automatically maintains the correct speed. For users wishing to verify accuracy, Michell offers an optional strobe to visualize rotational stability.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
