IGS Audio VOLF Stereo FET Compressor

General

The VOLF from IGS-Audio is a stereo compressor based on FET transistors. The electronics are inspired by the UREI 1176, a legendary compressor that ushered in the era of solid-state equipment. Warm compression with tight bass is what the VOLF stands for. The input, output and mix knobs are swiss-made rotary switches that, with their 24-step and clear numeration, give a lot of control but also allow you to recall a particular setting. The link switch connects the two channels so that when applied to a stereo signal, the left and right channels receive the same treatment.

Flexible in use

AMP mode, which can be switched on with the high-pass filter switch, removes the compression but still routes the signal through the transistors. This turns the compressor into an amplifier of sorts, capable of boosting the signal by up to 45 dB. In the process, a subtle but warm and vintage character is given to the sound. For the input, you can switch between transformers or IC chips, giving more flexibility. Both channels have a meter with illumination, which provides a quick visual overview of the applied compression even in a dark studio. The VOLF fits in a 19-inch rack and occupies 3 units.