IGS / Products / Compressors / Tubecore

TUBECORE

The finest mastering compressor ever created

The design

The TUBECORE is a fully symmetric transformer balanced stereo mastering compressor. The structure is based on the typical vari-mu solution. Apart from the classic INPUT, THRESHOLD and OUTPUT controls it introduces a switchable high pass filter in the sidechain, parallel compression (MIX knob), independent ATTACK and RELEASE switches, and user replaceable tubes accessible from the back of the unit.

The TUBECORE adds density and dimension to your mix in a magical way

Comfort of use

The Tubecore was designed as a studio mastering compressor. It is built using the 3U enclosure, which improves front panel clarity and makes it easier to replace tubes located at the back. The compressor allows you to work either in dual mono or mid/side mode (M/S). The Mode switch has two bypass positions – they both do the same, but we added the second one for your comfort and quick A/B comparing.

We have spent hundreds of hours designing the TUBECORE to make sure that's simple to use and versatile

The tubes

The design of the Tubecore is based on the possibility to replace the tubes. As a user, you can choose between a few types: 6N1P-EW (6N3P-EW) – standard set of tubes, “standard” IGS compression, 6BC8/6BZ8 – tight, transparent, punchy compression, 6386 – legendary compression, by famous twin triode, 5670 – deep and dark tube compression. The User’s Manual describes in detail how to replace tubes, so it is quick and straightforward.

The user decides how the device should sound

The quality

Every single TUBECORE is hand made with high quality, matched components (1% metal film resistors, Wima caps). It is equipped with 6N1P-EW (6N3P-EW) NOS tubes and individually calibrated to give you the unique and unspoiled experience of one of the best vari-mu compressors in history. It is equipped with IGS Custom Made audio transformers.

TUBECORE uses 24 step Elma switches
  • Device type
    • Vari Mu CompressorYes
  • Basic features
    • All stepped manipulators24 pole Elma switches
    • MID/SIDE ProcessingOpAmp M-S encode/decode
    • Sidechain HPF120Hz, 60Hz, Off
    • WET/DRY Mixer0 - 100%, 4 dB step
  • Input & Output
    • Input Impedance (balanced)XLR, 10k Ohm, IGS Custom Transformers
    • Output Impedance (balanced)XLR, 600 Ohm, IGS Custom Transformers
  • Levels
    • Operating Level+4dBu
    • Max input level+22 dBu
    • Max output level+26 dBu
    • Dynamic Range>107 dBA (@ 1kHz, +24 dBu)
    • Max Gain Reduction20 dB
    • Max. gain+35dB
  • Time constants
    • Attack0.1 - 30 ms
    • Release0.1 - 4s
  • Bandwidth
    • Frequency response20Hz to 20kHz; +/- 0.2dB
  • Distortion (@ 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    • Signal to Noise Ratio95 dBA @ +4dBu, 1kHz
    • THD0.12 %
    • THD+N0.15 %
    • IMD (SMPTE)0.32%
    • Crosstalk82 dB
  • Power
    • Voltage115/230V AC, 50-60Hz
    • Power consumption44 Wats
    • Power supplyExternal
  • Packing box
    • Dimensions70x50x30 cm
    • Shipping weight9kg
  • Others
    • Tube setStandard: 6N1P-EW or 6N3P-EW, Optional: 6BC8, 5670, 6386