Solodallas | CompanDrive 65 | Studio-Grade Companding OverDrive
The SoloDallas CompanDrive 65 captures the studio-grade magic of classic companding in a compact, all-analogue pedal format. Inspired by the type of compression and expansion circuitry found across countless studio tape recordings since the introduction of early Dolby noise reduction in 1965, this pedal is designed to bring warmth, depth, harmonic richness and mix-ready polish directly to your guitar signal.
At the heart of the CompanDrive 65 is a carefully balanced signal path that moves through four key stages: Vintage Console Gain Circuit, 65 Compressor, 65 Expander and Vintage OpAmp Boost. Together, these stages create a tone that feels fuller, more dimensional and more refined than a standard overdrive or compressor pedal.
Companding means the signal is first compressed and then expanded. The compressor stage smooths the attack, enhances note separation and adds musical harmonic character, while the expander stage restores amplitude and reduces the unwanted “pump and squish” that can come from traditional compression. The result is a lively, responsive feel with added sustain, clarity and studio-style movement.
The Vintage Console Gain Circuit uses the famed LM308 op-amp to deliver rich, hi-fi drive with harmonic detail, fullness and presence. From subtle enhancement to warm driven texture, the CompanDrive 65 helps your guitar sit forward in the mix without sounding overly compressed or flat.
The final Vintage OpAmp Boost stage preserves clarity as the output level increases, making the CompanDrive 65 equally useful as an always-on tone enhancer, a studio-style drive, a polished boost or a dynamic front-end tool for your pedalboard.
Features:
- Faithful recreation of a classic studio-style companding circuit
- Inspired by compression and expansion circuitry used across vintage tape recording systems
- 100% analogue circuitry
- Four-stage signal path: Vintage Console Gain Circuit, 65 Compressor, 65 Expander and Vintage OpAmp Boost
- Vintage Console Gain Circuit uses the famed LM308 op-amp
- Produces rich, hi-fi overdrive with harmonic detail, fullness and clarity
- 65 Compressor delivers smooth soft-knee attack and enhanced note separation
- 65 Expander restores signal amplitude and reduces unwanted compression artifacts
- Helps avoid the “pump and squish” feel of traditional compression
- Adds warmth, sustain, harmonics and dynamic response
- Vintage OpAmp Boost preserves delicate frequencies while increasing output level
- Suitable as an always-on tone enhancer, boost, studio-style drive or front-end pedal
- Commercial-grade PCB
- Heavy-duty true bypass footswitch
- Blue LED when effect is engaged
- Neutrik jacks
- Power requirements: 12-15V DC centre negative, 200mA (15V recommended for optimal LM308 op-amp performance & audio quality)
- PSU power only - power supply sold separately
- Enclosure dimensions: 4.69” D x 2.52” W x 1.57” H
- Made in USA
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
The SoloDallas CompanDrive 65 captures the studio-grade magic of classic companding in a compact, all-analogue pedal format. Inspired by the type of compression and expansion circuitry found across countless studio tape recordings since the introduction of early Dolby noise reduction in 1965, this pedal is designed to bring warmth, depth, harmonic richness and mix-ready polish directly to your guitar signal.
At the heart of the CompanDrive 65 is a carefully balanced signal path that moves through four key stages: Vintage Console Gain Circuit, 65 Compressor, 65 Expander and Vintage OpAmp Boost. Together, these stages create a tone that feels fuller, more dimensional and more refined than a standard overdrive or compressor pedal.
Companding means the signal is first compressed and then expanded. The compressor stage smooths the attack, enhances note separation and adds musical harmonic character, while the expander stage restores amplitude and reduces the unwanted “pump and squish” that can come from traditional compression. The result is a lively, responsive feel with added sustain, clarity and studio-style movement.
The Vintage Console Gain Circuit uses the famed LM308 op-amp to deliver rich, hi-fi drive with harmonic detail, fullness and presence. From subtle enhancement to warm driven texture, the CompanDrive 65 helps your guitar sit forward in the mix without sounding overly compressed or flat.
The final Vintage OpAmp Boost stage preserves clarity as the output level increases, making the CompanDrive 65 equally useful as an always-on tone enhancer, a studio-style drive, a polished boost or a dynamic front-end tool for your pedalboard.
Features:
- Faithful recreation of a classic studio-style companding circuit
- Inspired by compression and expansion circuitry used across vintage tape recording systems
- 100% analogue circuitry
- Four-stage signal path: Vintage Console Gain Circuit, 65 Compressor, 65 Expander and Vintage OpAmp Boost
- Vintage Console Gain Circuit uses the famed LM308 op-amp
- Produces rich, hi-fi overdrive with harmonic detail, fullness and clarity
- 65 Compressor delivers smooth soft-knee attack and enhanced note separation
- 65 Expander restores signal amplitude and reduces unwanted compression artifacts
- Helps avoid the “pump and squish” feel of traditional compression
- Adds warmth, sustain, harmonics and dynamic response
- Vintage OpAmp Boost preserves delicate frequencies while increasing output level
- Suitable as an always-on tone enhancer, boost, studio-style drive or front-end pedal
- Commercial-grade PCB
- Heavy-duty true bypass footswitch
- Blue LED when effect is engaged
- Neutrik jacks
- Power requirements: 12-15V DC centre negative, 200mA (15V recommended for optimal LM308 op-amp performance & audio quality)
- PSU power only - power supply sold separately
- Enclosure dimensions: 4.69” D x 2.52” W x 1.57” H
- Made in USA
