What is the IGS Audio Volf Compressor designed for?

The Volf Compressor is a stereo VCA-based bus compressor built to deliver punch, glue, and clarity on mix and drum busses. It’s inspired by classic console designs but refined for modern production standards.

How does the Volf differ from the IGS S-Type or Tubecore models?

While the S-Type offers traditional SSL-style compression and the Tubecore adds tube coloration, the Volf emphasizes transparency and precision. It maintains impact while keeping your mix open and detailed.

Can the IGS Volf Compressor be used for mastering?

Yes – its low noise floor, precise controls, and smooth VCA response make it suitable for both mixing and mastering tasks when used with moderate settings or gradually introducing the compressed signal into the audiotrack by using the dry/wet-mixknob.

What features make the Volf stand out in hybrid studios?

It offers sidechain filters, switchable ratios, and a built-in stereo link, allowing seamless integration into analog-digital workflows. Engineers value it for its fast response and musical compression curve.

Does the Volf Compressor color the sound?

The Volf delivers subtle harmonic richness typical for high-end analog gear, but its design focuses on control rather than coloration – perfect if you want clean, punchy compression.

Is the IGS Volf built in Europe?

Yes, every Volf is hand-assembled and tested in Poland by IGS Audio, ensuring consistent build quality and precision component matching.

IGS Audio Tubecore 3U – Vari-Mu Mastering Compressor

The finest Mastering Compressor to garnish your Masters!

The IGS Audio Tubecore 3U has become an IGS studio hardware classic since its 2017 launch. In a crowded tube compressor market, it has earned standard status in recording, mixing, and mastering studios worldwide.

Details

Housed in a sleek black chassis reminiscent of the legendary Fairchild 670, the Tubecore 3U stands as an independent design – no mere clone.

Variable Gain-Staging

The thoughtful gain-staging unfolds in 3–4 steps per channel:

Input gain: 1–24 dB
Compression amount: 0 to -12 dB
Output gain: 1–24 dB
Wet/dry blend for precise parallel compression control

Side-Chain Function

Built-in sidechain (60–120 Hz) prevents bass from overdriving the compressor, avoiding squashed/pumped effects. Six attack (0.1–30 ms) and release (0.1–4 s) times deliver punchy, warm results – from subtle to aggressive density.

Dual-Mono or M/S Mode

Two clever bypass switches allow instant mode switching without knob adjustments.

Clever feature: Dual bypass modes for dual-mono and M/S compression (image caption)

Two classic 1950s-style VU meters on the front panel lend a noble look, complemented by two bypass switches and a ruby-red power LED. The external power supply ensures even, clean, interference-free operation. Uniquely, direct rear access to the tubes prioritizes user sound taste and flexibility.

Your turn: Pick your favorite tube! Two rear slots await!

User-Customizable Tubes

Fixed Russian 6N1P-WE double-triodes pair with two user-selectable sockets for Fairchild 6386, 6BC8 (Universal Audio 176 style), or 5670 tubes – blending tight transparency to dark-warm coloration.

Premium components: Carnhill input/output transformers, NOS tubes, 1% metal-film resistors, Wima capacitors, relay-based sidechain low-cut.

In summary, the Tubecore 3U offers exceptional value: intuitive, high-build quality, versatile for mastering, drums, bass/vocals, parallel buses, and mixbus processing. Upgrade your chain – order now at Falkenstein ProAudio.

Discover the complete IGS Audio portfolio: IGS Audio Studio Equipment – One LA 500, V8 Bus Compressor & more.

IGS Audio Tubecore 3U - Vari Mu Tube Mastering Compressor

Rating is 5.0 out of five stars based on 2 reviews

€2,849.00

VAT Included |

Quantity

IGS AUDIO TUBECORE 3U manual

IGS AUDIO TUBECORE Recall Sheet
Variable-Mu compressor

Dual-Mono / Mid-Side

Internal Sidechain-Filter

IGS Custom Made Audio Transformers

24-stage Elma switches

Attack: 0.1 – 30 ms

Release: 0.1 – 4 s

Frequency range: 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.2dB

Operating level: +4dBu

Max. Input level: +22 dBu

Max. Output level: +22 dBu

Dynamic range: >107 dBA (@ 1kHz, +24 dBu)

Max. Gain: +35dB

Max. Gain reduction: 20 dB

SNR: 87 dBA

THD: 0.12 %

THD+N: 0.15 %

IMD (SMPTE): 0.32%

Crosstalk: 82 dB

Reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Based on 2 reviews

2 reviews

Alex KüpperMay 19
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
A modern classic
The IGS Audio Tubecore 3U is a modern classic and no simple knockoff from a retro unit.
This unit alone is worth going out in the analog domain.I use it daily and it really makes my masterings and stems shine!
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RobMay 07
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Studio-Workhose der Extraklasse
Der IGS Tubecore 3U veredelt mir regelmäßig Mixe/Master.

Essentielles Analogtool, man möchte ihn nicht mehr her geben!
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