IGS / Products / 500 Series Modules / Tubecore 500

Tubecore 500

Nothing sounds better than the vari-mu hit hard

Master of the perfect sound

The 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. Could be used as a mono tracking compressor or (as a matched pair) as an advanced mastering tool.

"No compromise device - all tubes are powered by 250V DC!"

Every single TUBECORE 500 is hand made with high quality, matched components (1% metal film resistors, 2.5% 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 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 (IGS Custom) have been used to provide excellent performance.

Using two TC500 as a stereo pair will allow you to use it as an excellent mastering compressor!

  • Device type
    • Vari Mu CompressorYes
  • Basic features
    • Hard wire bypassYes
    • Stereo LinkYes
  • Input & Output
    • Audio transformersYes, IGS Custom
    • Input Impedance (balanced)600 ohm
    • Output Impedance (balanced)600 ohm
  • Levels
    • Operating Level+4 dBu
    • Max input level+22 dBu
    • Max output level+22 dBu
    • Max Gain Reduction30 dB
    • Max. gain40 dB
    • Noise Level-99 dBA
  • Time constants
    • Attack0.1 - 30 ms
    • Release0.1 - 4s
  • Bandwidth
    • Frequency response8 Hz - 20k Hz, +/- 1 dB
  • Distortion (@ 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    • THD+N0.002% @ 0dBu
  • Power
    • VoltageAPI Standard, internal DC-DC conversion for powering tubes (250V DC)
    • Power consumption12W
  • Packing box
    • Shipping weight3 kg
  • Front Panel
    • VU MetersYes, GR (backlit)
  • Others
    • Tube setECC82, 6AK5 x2