IGS Audio S-Type 500 VU – 500-Series VCA Stereo Buss Compressor

OVERVIEW

The IGS Audio S-Type 500 VU brings the iconic character of a classic British console buss compressor into the compact and versatile 500-series format. Designed to deliver the legendary “glue” that engineers rely on to tighten and unify a mix, the S-Type 500 VU uses modern THAT VCA technology combined with a fully balanced analog signal path and ultra-fast op-amps for exceptionally transparent compression and minimal noise.

At the heart of the unit is a precise RMS detection circuit and a high-headroom input stage, allowing it to control dynamics smoothly while maintaining the punch, depth, and clarity of your mix. Whether you’re applying gentle buss compression across a stereo mix or pushing the compressor harder for character and energy, the S-Type responds musically across a wide range of settings.

To enhance flexibility, IGS has included several powerful creative tools. A selectable sidechain high-pass filter prevents low frequencies from triggering excessive compression, keeping mixes open and punchy. An external sidechain input enables advanced processing and signal routing, while the onboard wet/dry mix control allows for parallel compression – perfect for achieving the classic New York drum sound. The result is a versatile stereo compressor capable of everything from subtle mix cohesion to aggressive dynamic shaping.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Classic British Console Buss Compression

The S-Type 500 VU captures the character of the legendary stereo buss compressor found in iconic British large-format consoles. It delivers the famous “mix glue” that tightens and balances mixes while preserving punch and clarity.

Modern VCA Design with Ultra-Low Noise

Using a modern THAT VCA integrated circuit and ultra-fast op-amps, the S-Type provides transparent compression with extremely low noise and excellent headroom, making it suitable for the most demanding professional audio applications.

Sidechain High-Pass Filter for Clean Mix Control

A selectable sidechain HPF allows low frequencies to bypass the compression detector, preventing pumping and maintaining a natural, breathing mix – especially useful when working with bass-heavy material.

Parallel Compression with Wet/Dry Mix Control

The built-in wet/dry mix control makes it easy to blend compressed and uncompressed signals, enabling powerful parallel compression techniques directly from the front panel.

External Sidechain for Advanced Processing

An external sidechain input allows engineers to use the S-Type in creative ways, including frequency-conscious compression, ducking, or dynamic control driven by another signal source.

FEATURES

• Classic stereo buss compressor inspired by legendary British large-format consoles
• Modern THAT VCA circuit delivering transparent compression
• Balanced analog signal path with ultra-fast op-amps
• RMS detection for smooth and musical dynamic control
• Sidechain high-pass filter with selectable frequencies
• External sidechain input for advanced compression techniques
• Wet/dry mix control for parallel compression
• Large VU gain-reduction meter for clear visual feedback
• Stereo linking for accurate buss compression
• High headroom input and output stages
• Low-noise design suitable for professional studio environments

TECHNICAL SPECS

DEVICE TYPE

• VCA Compressor: Yes

BASIC FEATURES

• Sidechain HPF: Ext, Off, 60, 90, 120, Hi-Pass
• WET/DRY Mixer: Yes

INPUT & OUTPUT

• Input Impedance (balanced): 10k ohm
• Output Impedance (balanced): 600 ohm

LEVELS

• Operating Level: +4 dBu
• Max Input Level: +20 dBu
• Max Output Level: +21 dBu
• Max Gain Reduction: 20 dB
• Max. Gain: 20 dB
• Noise Level: -102 dBA

TIME CONSTANTS

• Attack: 0.1 – 30 ms
• Release: 0.1 – 2s + auto
• Ratio: 2:1, 4:1, 10:1

BANDWIDTH

• Frequency Response: 8 Hz to 20 kHz, +/- 0.1dB

DISTORTION (@ 20 HZ – 20 KHZ)

• THD+N: 0.012% @ 0 dBu

POWER

• Power Consumption: 4.5W

PACKING BOX

• Shipping Weight: 1kg

DOWNLOADS

• User Manual
• Press Release
• Review Form