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Schaffer-Vega Diversity System

5.0 (3)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Schaffer-Vega Diversity System

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Step into the world of wireless guitar performance with the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System, a legendary instrument cable alternative revered for its iconic sound. Originally developed in the 1970s, this system was crafted to deliver unparalleled audio clarity and stability, making it a favorite among rock legends. It utilizes a unique companding circuit to ensure your guitar tones remain pristine and dynamic, whether on stage or in the studio.

Designed for musicians who demand the best, the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System offers seamless connectivity with a robust and reliable performance. Its dual antenna diversity feature ensures a stable connection by automatically switching to the best signal path, reducing dropouts and interference. This classic system has been meticulously updated to meet modern standards while preserving the vintage tonal characteristics that made it famous.

Ideal for those seeking to capture the authentic sound of the golden era of rock, the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System is not just a tool—it's an essential piece of musical history. Whether you're shredding a solo or laying down rhythm tracks, this system guarantees your sound will cut through with brilliance and clarity.

Key Features:

Unique companding circuit for exceptional sound quality
Dual antenna diversity for stable and reliable connections
Emulates the original system used by iconic rock guitarists
Updated with modern technology while maintaining vintage tonal qualities
Suitable for both live performances and studio recordings

Videos

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SoloDallas

AC/DC's "Back in Black" with an original Schaffer-Vega Diversity System

SoloDallas

AC/DC talk about their first night with the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System

SoloDallas

AC/DC's "Riff Raff" (Studio Version, Schaffer-Vega Diversity Series)

SoloDallas

More Information & Updates on The Schaffer-Vega Diversity and its Replica. Brief Gear Tour.

SoloDallas

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schaffer-Vega Diversity System.

Features and functionality

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The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System's boost is significant but can introduce noise due to the LM386; experimenting with variants may reduce noise levels.
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The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System functions as a compressor with an EQ boost, enhancing tonal consistency and clarity in both studio and live settings.
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Mods and upgrades

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The NSL-32 Optocoupler is used for a subtle limiter effect, offering control without overwhelming the original tone.
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Owners often pair the Schaffer-Vega with Pedal PCB Closed Circuit and Lovepedal JTM, integrating these for a fuller range of tonal control and vintage aesthetics.
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User experience

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The unit is praised for its ability to enhance chugging sounds, providing ample gain for rock and metal styles.
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Comparisons

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Known for its historical use by iconic bands like Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones, this system adds a distinctive punch reminiscent of classic rock sounds.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for achieving AC/DC's Angus Young tone, this system captures the distinct sound used in iconic albums, appealing to fans of classic rock.
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Build quality

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LED cover light dispersion quality is enhanced when sourced from Antique Electronic Supply, providing a more uniform and appealing visual effect.
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Critic Reviews

The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Schaffer-Vega Diversity System is lauded as a groundbreaking wireless system that revolutionized live guitar performance in the late '70s and early '80s. Known for its reliability and sound-enhancing qualities, it garnered fans like Angus Young, Jerry Garcia, and even Mick Jagger. The system eliminated common wireless issues such as signal dropouts and enhanced dynamic range, which became a studio favorite for its tonal colorations and clarity. However, despite its legendary status, production ceased in the early '80s, and the system became a rare gem. The review is overwhelmingly positive, celebrating its impact and the revival efforts by SoloDallas.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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artbarsnstripes

655

over 11 years ago

The Golden Age of Wireless

Using other Cetec Vega Wireless units, having the SVDS definitely takes the cake! At the moment, the X10 transmitter is on the fritz and i'm looking for a replacement unit. Overall, this is one hell of a wireless unit!

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues

From Gear Setup

blake_fowers

7 years ago almost 7 years ago

Did you get your transmitter working? I have fixed several Cetec units and can fix it for you. I would be interested in hearing what the difference is between the Dynex units and the Schaffer.

Artist usage

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David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

Verified via Photo

The SVDS is a revolutionary Guitar Wireless System designed in the early '70s by Ken Schaffer and manufactured by Cetec Vega. Many popular artists of the '70's had an SVDS, a key component on the big stages. David Gilmour used two systems for both his Electric and Acoustic guitars.

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

Verified via Woodytone

The SVDS is a revolutionary Guitar Wireless System designed in the early '70s by Ken Schaffer and manufactured by Cetec Vega. Many popular artists of the '70's had an SVDS, a key component on the big stages. (http://www.solodallas.com/the-schaffer-vega-diversity-system-the-original-1977-unit/#more-4582)

Phil Manzanera

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified

Listed on page 44 of Musician No. 28 (November 1980), as part of an interview with Bryan Ferry.

Phil Manzanera's guitars are a Red 1963 Custom Firebird Black Beauty and a 1957 Les Paul Custom. His amps are a Mesa Boogie and a Gender [sic] Twin Reverb, both with Electro Voice K 120 speakers and he uses a Conn Strobotuner. Phil's effects are Eventide Harmonizer, Roland Chorus Echo Unit, Roland Analog Echo, Mutron Wah-Volume pedal and a Schaeffer Vega Radio Mic System.

Mariah Carey

Singer, Composer

Artists Stand Up to Cancer

Verified via YouTube

Mariah Carey used this along with a Cetec Vega T82B for her MTV Unplugged recording in 1992.

George Kooymans

Singer, Guitarist

Golden Earring

Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot the wireless next to the Conn tuner

Selena

Singer, Composer

Verified via YouTube

In the live performance of "Como La Flor" at the Astrodome, Selena is seen using the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System. This system, known for its reliability in live stage settings, was a staple in her concerts since she acquired it in January 1994. Notably, her trademark lipstick often left marks on the microphone head, a testament to her frequent use.

Andy Mackay

Composer

The Venus in Furs

Verified

Listed on page 44 of Musician No. 28 (November 1980), as part of an interview with Bryan Ferry.

Saxaphonist Andy MacKay blows the Selmer Alto, Soprano and Tenor Sax, the Malerne Oboe with a Schaeffer Vega Radio Mic System with Shure SMII Mini mics and a Roland Chorus Echo. Peter Cornish uses a custom built pedal board which includes 2 MXR Phase units, MXR Flanger and Octave Splitter and Mutron Wah Volume pedal.