The Solodallas EX Tower recreates one of the most influential tone-shaping circuits hidden inside the legendary Schaffer Vega Diversity System - the wireless system used by countless iconic guitarists throughout the 1970s and 1980s. More than just a boost or compressor, the EX Tower combines studio-grade compression, expansion, optical limiting, EQ enhancement and clean boost in a fully analogue circuit designed to add sustain, punch and unmistakable musical presence.

At the heart of the EX Tower is Ken Schaffer’s signature compander circuit. Companding means the signal is first compressed and then expanded, helping to control transients, enhance harmonic detail and restore natural amplitude without the flat, lifeless feel often associated with heavy compression. The result is a richer, more immediate sound that feels alive under the fingers - with the kind of sustain and authority heard on countless classic recordings.

The Input control shapes the gain circuit and enhances the crucial low-mid frequencies that help guitar, bass and other instruments cut through a mix. The Output control then delivers up to 30dB of clean analogue boost, making it ideal for pushing the front end of an amplifier, lifting lead lines, adding body to a clean rig or driving your signal into full classic-rock saturation.

The built-in optical limiter adds another layer of refinement, smoothing harsh peaks while allowing notes and chords to bloom naturally. This gives the EX Tower its famously musical feel - tight, controlled and powerful, but never sterile. Whether used on guitar, bass, keys or synths, it is designed to make the instrument feel more complete, more present and more connected.

Built in the USA with 100% analogue circuitry, the EX Tower is housed in an extruded aluminium enclosure modelled after the original 63EX “tower” receiver. With front-panel access, illuminated VU metering, 1/4” and transformer-isolated balanced XLR outputs, and professional-grade construction, it is made for serious stage and studio use.

Features:

• Exact recreation of the tone-enhancing circuit from the original Schaffer Vega Diversity System
• 100% analogue circuitry
• Studio-grade compression, expansion, optical limiting, boost and EQ enhancement
• Signature compander circuit for enhanced sustain, harmonics and dynamic response
• Input control enhances low-mid punch and controls the compander circuit
• Output control provides up to 30dB of clean analogue boost
• Optical limiter helps smooth excessive attack while preserving natural note bloom
• Illuminated VU meter displays real-time output signal strength
• Front-panel power switch, audio input and status LEDs for easy access
• Rear-panel 1/4” audio output and transformer-isolated balanced XLR output
• Footswitch jack for effect bypass
• Boost mode switch to engage or disengage the boost function
• Bypass switch to engage or disengage the optical limiter
• True-bypass operation when off or via compatible latching A/B footswitch
• High-quality components throughout
• Extruded aluminium enclosure based on the original 63EX “tower” receiver
• Power requirements: 15-18VDC centre positive, 250mA
• Country-suited power supply included
• Dimensions: 8.25” D x 3.6” W x 7” H
• Made in USA