Admittedly, there are fewer and fewer, but they still exist, the manufacturers of 19 inch outgear, which have dedicated themselves to the real dinosaur segment. Just those who with large, heavy and expensive equipment either try to keep a legendary sound alive with high-quality copies, or to develop new products with a construction-related high technical effort, which want to set new standards in the genre. The Polish company IGS Audio definitely belongs to the mentioned manufacturers, which among other things has a 19 inch and a 500 version on the market with the IGS Audio One LA, which wants to prove once again that an analog signal routing is still sonically superior to a plug-in.
The construction of the IGS Audio One LA
To make one thing clear up front, I have absolute understanding for the fact that the vast majority of all productions are only done in the box with appropriate plugin solutions. The administration is easier, the total recall a boon and above all, corresponding plugin copies are much, much cheaper than the analog originals. The constantly dwindling income in the music sector can be compensated to a certain extent and in the final product it is only possible to hear out whether and what was stored with which signal flow with a very high level of specialist knowledge and a correspondingly trained ear. Nevertheless, you can hear very well even on the YouTube videos with less sound quality in the A/B comparison, why economically stable producers still prefer to fall back on the analog original in the free choice.
The IGS Audio One LA is just such an original, or rather a copy of an original. The experienced reader will quickly realize that it is a copy of the legendary LA-2A Leveling Amplifier made by Teletronix Engineering Company, later renamed United Recording Electronics Indistries, better known as UREI. The compressor combines two control possibilities of the first hour, we are talking about an analog tube circuit in combination with the control possibility of a photocell. For a more detailed explanation of the different working methods of the various compressor types, I like to refer to the workshop "What is a compressor", which can be viewed at this link )https://www.amazona.de/workshop-was-ist-ein-kompressor/).
The compressor sits in a massive 2U cabinet and is designed as a mono compressor. For stand alone operation without rack mounting, the IGS Audio One LA has 4 stout, unscrewable rubber feet on which the product rests in this mode of operation. Those who want to operate the compressor in stereo can order a matching pair from IGS. A link jack on form of an RCA-RCA cable is located on the rear panel. This is all that is needed to synchronize two devices. Perfect stereo tuning is achieved by hand-selected tubes and Elma switches.
The IGS Audio One LA is based on an all-analog circuit and uses balanced input and output transformers, the input transformer being a Sowter 4383 and the output transformer being an Edcor 15k/600. Two 6N2P-EW or 6N1P-EW dual triodes are used to amplify the signal, while the compressor unit is also equipped with a 6N2P-EW triode or a 6AQ5 pentode. The compressor unit is controlled by a T4BX photocell. The original solution used the TELETRONIX electroluminescent plate, which illuminated the photoresistor. IGS Audio has developed its own photocell on this basis, which is equivalent to the T4B and is called T4BX. The operating voltage of the 4 tubes is 245 volts, and the entire unit runs on a balanced 4 dBu signal.
The control possibilities of the compressor
Due to the IGS Audio One LA's design as an opto-compressor, the product comes with a clear, almost spartan front panel layout, but this undoubtedly makes it easier to use. The IGS Audio One LA offers a completely centerline mirrored layout, which is dominated by two powerful knobs and a large VU meter. At first glance, the arrangement of the 24-position gain and peak reduction knobs may seem a bit confusing, as the gain knob on the left controls the Make Up function and the peak reduction knob on the right controls the reduction of dynamics. In most cases, the Make Up knob is located on the front panel on the right as the last link in the signal chain.
The VU Meter can be switched in its mode of operation with a toggle switch to the left of the VU Meter. Either it shows the amount of dynamic reduction or it shows the output level of the signal. To the right of the VU Meter is a bypass switch that removes the compressor from the signal path. Attention, the switch position "IN", means, the bypass is inactive, speaks a signal processing takes place. Another toggle switch selects the compressor or limiter function, with the compressor fixed at 4:1 in soft knee mode and the limiter operating at ∞:1 ratio. The On / Off switch and the corresponding red lamp on the front panel are the final touches. All switches and controls seem to come from another century in their design and haptics, but all components seem in their solidity, as if they would survive the next decades without any problems. The rear panel offers only XLR balanced In / Out, a power socket and a fine-wire fuse.
The IGS Audio One LA in practice
It is quite great how the simple switching of a powerful toggle switch or turning the gridded knobs sends the user on a time travel almost 6 decades into the past. Every movement of the knobs / switches is concluded with a corresponding haptic "clack" or "clonk", so that every change of the level setting is also concluded acoustically once again. This makes even screwing with the product really fun!
From the very first notes, you get the feeling that the IGS Audio One LA has an "Auto Mode" switch. No matter how you turn it, a completely "wrong" setting can hardly be set on this compressor. The basic parameters are set very tastefully and allow especially in the first recording stage very quickly and very intuitively a good to very good sound. As flexible and fast as current VCA compressors may be, they cannot achieve the musical approach of an opto compressor, especially in the vocal range.
The IGS Audio One LA is really very discreet and compresses very well, especially in the medium dynamic range. Due to the sluggish response, the one or other fast dynamic peak slips through its fingers (listen to the first note in the acoustic guitar sample), but the IGS Audio One LA nevertheless also processes this peak by tastefully catching up the following notes to a round overall picture without any dynamic break.
This compressor is one of those "ear-pleasers" that settle in your brain within milliseconds and which you immediately perceive as a standard in your perception. If you switch the compressor to bypass, this notorious emptiness in the sound comes to bear, which immediately diminishes the expressiveness of any unprocessed sound, or significantly reduces its intensity. Yet it is precisely the fine resolution of the IGS Audio One LA that makes it seem unspectacular on the one hand, essential on the other. Even if no active compression is set on the device and the signal is only sent through the electronics more or less unprocessed, especially somewhat "brittle" recorded signals clearly gain in warmth and "pleasantness", so that their sound image appears rounder and more balanced.
This compressor undoubtedly has this legendary addictive potential, which leads to the fact that at some point you would like to send every signal, except for highly compressed signals such as high gain guitars, through the IGS Audio One LA. I therefore give to consider, who tries this compressor once, should absolutely count on the fact that he would not like to give the same back again, too good is the standard that can be achieved, which sets in within a very short time.
Conclusion
With the IGS Audio One LA, the Polish company once again introduces an outstanding compressor in its portfolio. The product, whose circuitry is based on the legendary LA-2A Leveling Amplifier from Teletronix Engineering Company, convinces with an outstanding basic sound and almost foolproof operation. Especially in the area of vocals, the IGS Audio One LA refines the output signal many times over and, due to the tube / photocell circuit, gives it a rich portion of warmth without coloring the signal too much.
An outstanding product, definitely test it once!
Additional informations:
IGS Audio is a prominent company in the pro audio industry, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-quality analog audio equipment. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail, IGS Audio has established itself as a trusted brand among audio professionals worldwide. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the history, product range, and reputation of IGS Audio.
Company History: IGS Audio was founded in 1997 in Poland by engineer and musician Jacek Gawłowski. From its inception, the company's mission has been to create audio gear that combines vintage analog sound with modern reliability. Drawing inspiration from classic studio equipment, IGS Audio has developed a reputation for producing units that capture the warm, musical character of vintage gear while incorporating modern features and reliability.
Product Range: IGS Audio offers a diverse range of analog audio equipment, catering to various aspects of the recording and mixing process. Their product line includes microphone preamps, equalizers, compressors, limiters, tape simulators, and more. Each unit is meticulously designed and built to meet the demands of professional audio engineers and musicians seeking high-quality sound and exceptional performance.
Build Quality and Craftsmanship: One of the hallmarks of IGS Audio is its unwavering commitment to exceptional build quality and craftsmanship. Each piece of equipment undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure that it meets the highest standards. The company utilizes top-grade components and employs skilled technicians who handcraft and assemble the units with great precision. This dedication to craftsmanship results in audio gear that is not only sonically impressive but also reliable and durable, with a long lifespan.
Sound and Performance: IGS Audio's analog audio equipment is widely acclaimed for its exceptional sound quality and performance. The company's products are designed to impart a unique analog character and warmth to audio signals, adding depth, dimension, and musicality to recordings and mixes. Engineers and musicians appreciate the sonic richness and harmonic detail that IGS Audio gear brings to their productions. Whether it's the smooth and musical tones of their preamps, the transparent and dynamic control of their compressors, or the vintage vibe of their equalizers, IGS Audio delivers equipment that inspires creativity and elevates audio productions.
Innovation and Customization: While IGS Audio draws inspiration from classic analog designs, they also incorporate innovative features and functionalities into their products. The company continually seeks to push the boundaries of analog audio technology, offering unique solutions that enhance the creative possibilities for users. Additionally, IGS Audio provides customization options, allowing customers to tailor their equipment to specific needs and preferences. This commitment to innovation and customization further sets IGS Audio apart in the pro audio market.
Reputation and Industry Recognition: Over the years, IGS Audio has earned a stellar reputation within the pro audio community. Their equipment is trusted and used by renowned recording engineers, producers, and musicians worldwide. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has garnered them numerous industry awards and accolades, further solidifying their position as a respected brand in the audio industry.
Conclusion:
IGS Audio has firmly established itself as a leading manufacturer of analog audio equipment, offering a wide range of high-quality products that combine vintage warmth with modern reliability. Their dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to innovation have made them a trusted choice among audio professionals. With their exceptional sound quality, versatility, and customization options, IGS Audio continues to be at the forefront of analog audio gear, providing engineers and musicians with the tools they need to create outstanding recordings and mixes.
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