IGS Audio Tubecore 500 Series Vari-Mu Compressor

The IGS Audio TUBECORE 500 is a full symmetric transformer balanced 500-series compressor. The structure is based on the typical vari-mu solution. The TUBECORE 500 is a true tube mono compressor where compression is achieved using the remote cut-off of tube biasing. Can be used as a mono tracking compressor or (as a matched pair) as an advanced mastering tool.

Every single TUBECORE 500 is handmade with high quality, matched components (1% metal film resistors, Wima caps). It is equipped with JJ tubes and individually calibrated to give you the unique and unspoiled experience of one of the best vari-mu compressors in the history. We have spent hundreds of hours designing the TUBECORE, to make sure that it is as simple to use as it is versatile. Not only for harmonically rich drums and guitars, but also for huge vocals and bass instruments. Two audio transformers (Sowter and Carnhill) have been used to provide excellent performance.

TUBECORE 500 has an option of linking two mono modules into the stereo pair. The module with deeper compression set (or slower attack/release settings) will become the master module, that controls the other TC500 unit. You also have an option of choosing input and output levels of your Tubecore 500 unit with extra jumpers on the back of the PCB. Adjusting these levels might be handy if you would like to use extra deep compression.

Specifications:

• Vari-mu Compressor
• Hard wire bypass: Yes
• Stereo Link: Yes
• Input Impedance (balanced); 600 ohm
• Output Impedance (balanced): 600 ohm
• Audio transformers: Carnhill, Sowter
• Operating level: +4 dBu
• Max input level: +22 dBu
• Max output level: +22 dBu
• Noise level: -99 dBA
• Max gain: 40 dB
• Max gain reduction: 30 dB
• Attack: 10 - 300ms
• Release: 0.1 - 4s
• Frequency response: 8Hz - 20kHz, +/- 1 dB
• THD+N: 0.002% @ 0dBu
• VU Meters: GR (backlit)
• Voltage: API Standard, internal DC-DC conversion for powering tubes (250V DC)
• Power consumption: 12W
• Tube set: ECC82, 6AK5 x2