can i still use the volume adjustment kernel, or is it tied to a specific version of the empeg software?

Since it is a recompile of the kernel, and since the kernel usually gets changed between versions, yes, it is tied to a specific version. Occasionally, a minor empeg upgrade won't change the kernel, and you'll be able to use the previous voladj kernel with no ill effects. But usually, you need to version-match them.

You should be able to find a proper version of the voladj kernel if you know where to look...

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Tony Fabris