Name: IGS Audio Alter 500 - FET Limiting/Compressor Amplifier
Brand: IGS AUDIO
Price: 759 EUR
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

The IGS Audio Alter 500 is a mono FET limiting and compressor amplifier for API 500 Series compatible racks. It is inspired by classic 1176-style FET compression and combines stepped controls, selectable time constants, relay bypass, a transformer-balanced output and a 20-segment LED gain-reduction meter.

Question 2

Is the IGS Audio Alter 500 a 500 Series module?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Alter 500 is a single-slot 500 Series module and requires an API 500 Series compatible rack or power chassis. It cannot operate as a standalone device without a compatible powered 500 Series rack.

Question 3

What type of compressor is the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 is a FET compressor and limiting amplifier. Its design is inspired by the fast FET compression approach associated with classic 1176-style studio compressors, while adding stepped controls, three attack settings, three release settings and Slam Mode.

Question 4

Is the IGS Audio Alter 500 based on an 1176 compressor?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 is inspired by the classic FET compressor approach first made famous by the UREI 1176. It is an IGS Audio design with its own control layout, stepped controls, output transformer and additional operating features.

Question 5

What ratio settings does the IGS Audio Alter 500 offer?

Accepted Answer

The IGS Audio Alter 500 provides six ratio positions ranging from 1:1 to 20:1. It also includes a separate Slam Mode switch, which can be engaged independently of the selected ratio setting for a more aggressive compression character.

Question 6

What are the attack and release times of the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 has three selectable attack times of 20 microseconds, 400 microseconds and 800 microseconds. Its three release settings are 50 ms, 600 ms and 1.1 seconds.

Question 7

What is Slam Mode on the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

Slam Mode is a separate operating switch that can be activated regardless of the ratio setting. It is designed for more assertive FET compression and is useful when a stronger, more energetic dynamic effect is wanted.

Question 8

Does the IGS Audio Alter 500 have stepped controls?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Alter 500 uses stepped Input, Output and Ratio controls. Stepped settings support consistent recall and repeatable compression settings in studio workflows.

Question 9

Does the IGS Audio Alter 500 have a bypass function?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Alter 500 includes a front-panel relay bypass switch for fast A/B comparison between the processed and unprocessed signal.

Question 10

What metering does the IGS Audio Alter 500 provide?

Accepted Answer

The IGS Audio Alter 500 uses a 20-segment LED bar meter to display the amount of gain reduction.

Question 11

Does the IGS Audio Alter 500 use a transformer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The input is electronically balanced with a low-noise operational amplifier, while the output is transformer-balanced using an IGS Custom UTM3556 transformer. Its amplifier stages are based on the discrete 990 circuit.

Question 12

What are the key technical specifications of the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 operates at +4 dBu, has a maximum input level of +20 dBu, maximum output level of +22 dBu, maximum gain of 36 dB and up to 20 dB of gain reduction. Its frequency response is specified from 8 Hz to 20 kHz within +/-0.1 dB, with THD+N specified at 0.012 percent at 0 dBu.

Question 13

What are the input and output impedances of the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

The IGS Audio Alter 500 has a balanced input impedance of 10 kOhm and a balanced output impedance of 600 Ohm.

Question 14

What sources is the IGS Audio Alter 500 suitable for?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 is suitable for mono sources that benefit from fast, controlled FET compression, including vocals, bass, drums, percussion, electric guitar, acoustic instruments and individual mix elements. Settings should be adjusted according to the source, desired dynamic control and creative intent.

Question 15

Can two IGS Audio Alter 500 units be stereo linked?

Accepted Answer

The Alter 500 is specified as a mono compressor module. For stereo-bus processing, use a dedicated stereo compressor or confirm the appropriate stereo-linking method with IGS Audio before purchasing two units.

Question 16

How much power does the IGS Audio Alter 500 consume?

Accepted Answer

The IGS Audio Alter 500 has a specified power consumption of 2.5 W. It receives power from the compatible 500 Series rack in which it is installed.

Question 17

What warranty is provided with the IGS Audio Alter 500?

Accepted Answer

IGS Audio specifies a three-year warranty for the Alter 500. Please refer to the supplied warranty documentation and retailer terms for full coverage conditions.