WesAudio Dione

500 series VCA bus compressor with digital recall

• Analog VCA stereo bus compressor for 500 series racks
• 100% analog architecture with headroom up to +24 dBu
• THAT 2181 VCAs for precise and musical compression
• Full digital recall and control via DAW plugins
• Mix knob for integrated parallel compression
• THD Medium and High modes for adding harmonic saturation
• Sidechain filters with HPFs at 60, 90 and 150 Hz and two Tilt filters
• Four selectable ratios for mixbus and creative processing
• Compatible with 500 and ng500 series racks (e.g., WesAudio TITAN)
• Analog automation directly from DAW

WesAudio DIONE bus compressor VCA 500 series

The WesAudio DIONE is a 500-series VCA stereo bus compressor designed to deliver the classic "mixbus glue" effect that has defined the sound of countless productions over the past 40 years. This module combines an all-analog audio chain with advanced digital recall and DAW integration, offering the perfect balance of analog character and modern workflow.

With +24 dBu headroom and the use of THAT 2181 VCAs, DIONE provides precise, musical and transparent compression, ideal for stereo buses, groups and mastering applications.

Analog VCA compression for mixbus and mastering

At the heart of the WesAudio DIONE is a 100% analog circuit that uses two THAT 2181 VCAs in the audio path and two in the sidechain detector, ensuring high performance and extremely controlled dynamic behavior.

Selectable 1.5:1 and 2:1 ratio settings are perfect for gentle mixbus compression, while 4:1 and 10:1 modes allow firmer control over groups and individual signals.

Digital Control and Total Recall with DAW Integration

One of the most powerful features of the DIONE is the Total Recall system. Via compatible VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and AAX DSP plugins, all compressor settings can be saved and recalled directly in the DAW session.

The device also supports analog automation, allowing you to control parameters such as Threshold, Mix and Make-Up directly from the DAW or by recording automation via the touch encoders on the front panel.

Parallel compression and harmonic saturation

The built-in Mix knob makes it easy to achieve parallel compression, mixing the compressed signal with the original signal to maintain natural punch and dynamics.

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) adds analog character and color to the signal. Two modes are available:

THD mode to add analog character.

Medium mode introduces more subtle harmonic saturation, while High mode offers a more pronounced effect to enrich the mix with more presence and depth.

Advanced sidechain filters for more control

DIONE incorporates an extremely flexible sidechain filtering section. Three high-pass filters are available at 60 Hz, 90 Hz and 150 Hz to prevent low frequencies from unduly affecting compression.

In addition, two Tilt filters with specially designed curves allow the behavior of the detector to be shaped, offering even more precise control over dynamic response.

Technical Specifications.

• Type: 500 series VCA stereo bus compressor
• Architecture: 100% analog
• Headroom: +24 dBu
• VCAs: THAT 2181
• Ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1
• Attack: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 ms
• Release: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 s, Auto
• Sidechain filter: 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 150 Hz, Tilt 1, Tilt 2
• THD: Medium (1%) and High (4%) modes
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• THD+N (WET): 0.008%
• THD+N (DRY): 0.004%
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ
• Output impedance: < 100 Ω
• Max gain: 21 dB
• Crosstalk: < -90 dB
• Recall connection: front mini USB or TITAN chassis
• Plug-in compatibility: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, AAX DSP
• Power consumption: 70 mA +16V / 50 mA -16V per slot
• Dimensions: 76 × 133 × 158 mm
• Weight: 0.6 kg
• Warranty: 2 years