The Schaffer Replica EX Tower by SoloDallas employs a unique combination of several analog effects contained within the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) widely used during the mid-70s through mid-80s. Created in 1975 through a partnership between American radio engineer/inventor Ken Schaffer and the Vega Corporation of Santa Ana, CA, the SVDS was revolutionary for its time. Prior to Schaffer's involvement, Vega produced wireless microphones. Mr. Schaffer recognized the need to free up guitarists and bassist, giving birth to a new era of untethered performances.
Schaffer’s design incorporated several audio processes to preserve the integrity of the wireless signal and restore losses which occur during transmission. His design combined a compander to increase dynamic range, an optical limiter to prevent clipping, internal gain controls to boost signal, a 'goalpost' EQ to restore lost frequencies, a line buffer to restore signal and a 1/4" monitor out with an op-amp powerful enough to drive a small speaker.
As the SVDS became the wireless system of choice for over 50 major artists, guitarists and bassists accidentally discovered they could use the 1/4" monitor out to drive their amplifiers. This unintentional discovery appears to be the first full frequency boost ever used on stage. The sonic improvement was so drastic Angus Young had to use his SVDS in the studio to capture his lead tones and rhythm overdubs on Powerage, Highway To Hell, Back in Black, For Those About To Rock and Flick Of The Switch. Multiple other legends have also confessed to using the SVDS in studio and on live albums.
NOTABLE SVDS USERS: AC/DC, AEROSMITH, AMERICA, BAY CITY ROLLERS, BEACH BOYS, BILLY JOEL, BLACK SABBATH, BLONDIE, BOB SEGER, BOB WEIR, BOB WELCH, BOOTSY COLLINS, BOSTON, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (CLARENCE CLEMONS, STEVE VAN ZANDT), CHIC (NILE RODGERS), DERRINGER, EARTH WIND & FIRE, ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, ELVIN BISHOP, FLEETWOOD MAC, FOGHAT, FOREIGNER, FRANK ZAPPA, HEART, HEATWAVE, JANIS IAN, JOHNNY GUITAR WATSON, KANSAS, KISS, L.T.D., MAHOGANY RUSH, MANDRE, NEKTAR, PAT TRAVERS, PETER FRAMPTON, PETER GABRIEL, PINK FLOYD, RANDY BACHMAN, ROLLING STONES, RUFUS, STEPHEN STILLS, STEVE MILLER, STYX, A TASTE OF HONEY, THE 5TH DIMENSION, THE GRATEFUL DEAD, THIN LIZZY, TOM PETTY, TODD RUNDGREN, VAN HALEN, YES, ZZ TOP.
After producing about 1,000 SVDS units Schaffer ceased production of in 1982 due to stricter FCC regulations and the legendary “Schaffer Sound” slipped into obscurity, until...
Renowned AC/DC aficionado and SoloDallas founder Fil Olivieri happened upon a 1984 Guitar Player interview where Angus Young was asked if he uses any effects. Angus’ replied “I just have a Schaffer-Vega wireless system.” He later elaborated: “Yeah, I use the Schaffer-Vega. I’ve been using that since ’77. On the receiver you’ve got like a monitor switch you can boost the signal and in the transmitter you’ve got the same sort of thing. You can really give a guitar hell with ‘em. I have used them in the studio and it worked really good.”
Upon making this discovery, Fil tracked down SVDS inventor Ken Schaffer to see if he had any old SVDS units laying around... and he did!
Angus Young & Ken Schaffer at the NYC Palladium, 24th of August 1977, when the first Schaffer-Vega Diversity System was delivered to AC/DC.
After plugging into the only working SVDS in existence, FIl recognized the immensity of his discovery. The SVDS was not only the missing link to Angus Young's searing lead tone, but to an encyclopedia of the greatest guitar tones ever created. He knew this treasure was something that must be shared.
With the assistance of Ken Schaffer, Fil employed a pair of electronic engineers to untangle the complex audio circuit within his original SVDS transmitter and receiver from the outdated FM wireless tech. The finished product was appropriately named The Schaffer Replica and introduced at NAMM 2014 to much fanfare and magazine accolades.
THE SCHAFFER REPLICA: GT TOWER
The original Gold Tag Tower was a limited run of 100 hand signed units. Recipient of GT Tower #1 was Angus Young who has used it both live and in studio since “Rock or Bust,” He now credits Fil Olivieri for helping him rediscover his favorite lead tone.
THE SCHAFFER REPLICA: EX TOWER
Upon further inspection our engineer discovered an optical limiter and several other crucial components that were unintentionally excluded from the GT Tower. These new discoveries were incorporated into the EX Tower, which is housed in a beautiful enclosure, identical to the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System 63EX receiver. LEDs and a VU meter complete the vintage look. The EX Tower is on tour with over 30 major artists, including Angus Young, Keith Urban and Rich Robinson. The EX Tower is available for purchase at SoloDallas.com and through their worldwide network of dealers.
THE SCHAFFER REPLICA: STORM PEDAL
Recognizing the need for a pedalboard and budget friendly version of The Schaffer Replica circuit, SoloDallas introduced the Storm. This compact version contains the limiter, overdrive, boost and line buffer from the EX Tower. It only lacks the companding circuit due to size constraints. The Storm possesses the essential parts of the EX Tower and it will get you about 90% of the way there. For this reason, it has become the preferred lead boost for a long list of touring pros. The Storm is available for purchase at SoloDallas.com and through their worldwide network of dealers.
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