DIONE - 500 Series VCA Bus Compressor with Digital Recall and DAW Automation
DIONE is a high-end analogue VCA bus compressor that captures the legendary sound of classic mixbus compression, widely known as the industry-standard “mixbus glue.” Designed with 100% analogue circuitry and digitally controlled precision, DIONE delivers warm, transparent, and punchy dynamics-now with plugin control, total recall, and automation for seamless integration into modern hybrid studios.
Analogue Character. Digital Precision.
Powered by THAT 2181 VCAs in both the signal and sidechain paths, DIONE provides +24dBu of headroom and a fully balanced analogue signal path. The unit supports full plugin control via VST3, AU, AAX, and AAX DSP, with automation features and total recall via USB or ng500-compatible TITAN chassis.
Key Features
- 100% analogue signal path with digitally controlled parameters
- +24dBu of headroom for pristine dynamic processing
- Parallel compression made easy via dedicated MIX knob
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) circuit with Medium and High saturation modes for analogue colour
- Sidechain filters: 3 high-pass filters (60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz) and 2 tilt filters (T1, T2)
- Four ratio settings: 1.5:1, 2:1 (gentle), 4:1, 10:1 (aggressive)
- DAW-controlled automation with 3 touch-sensitive encoders (Threshold, Mix, Make-Up Gain)
- Digital sidechain input from any DAW track
- True bypass and integrated A/B comparison function
- Analogue gain reduction meter with matching plug-in simulation
- Firmware and plugin updates included
Hybrid-Ready for Modern Studios
DIONE is fully compatible with both the 500 Series and the ng500 standard, including full integration with the TITAN chassis. Whether you’re using it as a standalone unit or as part of a larger modular system, DIONE offers the perfect blend of analogue warmth and digital workflow efficiency.
Technical Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)
- THD+N (Wet): 0.008% @ 1kHz, 0dBu
- THD+N (Dry): 0.004% @ 1kHz, 0dBu
- Input Impedance: 10kΩ
- Output Impedance: <100Ω
- Maximum Gain: 21dB
- Crosstalk: <-90dB
- Attack Times: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 ms
- Release Times: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 s, Auto
- Ratio Settings: 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1
- SC Filters: 60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz, T1, T2
- THD (Medium): 1%
- THD (High): 4%
- Power Consumption: 70mA @ +16V / 50mA @ -16V per slot
Perfect For:
- Mix and mastering engineers needing reliable VCA-style bus compression
- Producers working in hybrid analogue/digital environments
- Studios seeking total recall and plugin integration for analogue gear
Experience Analogue Compression with Total Control
DIONE redefines what a stereo bus compressor can do-offering the classic sound professionals love, with the power of digital control, recall, and automation. Whether you’re gluing your mix together or adding punch and character, DIONE delivers world-class results with modern workflow enhancements.