Abstract: An axial drag regulator for large-volume radial compressors includes a flow channel which transitions from a first cylinder section via a spherical nozzle-like section into a second cylinder section, which in turn has a barrel face which has an inclination of slightly above 0.degree. and up to 10.degree. with reference to a barrel face which is parallel to the axis of the cylinder sections. The guide vanes supported in the transition plane from the first cylinder section to the spherical section have an axis of rotation which divides the guide vane face at a ratio of 1/3:2/3. The ratio of the diameter of the first cylinder section to the diameter at the intake of the second cylinder section is between 1.1 and 1.4. The rotation of the guide vanes is carried out by an adjusting ring placed upon the outside of the casing, which actuates the rotatable axle shafts of the guide vanes by the intermediation of an articulated lever.