Wes Audio _DIONE Starlight is a stereo VCA compressor-limiter in 2U format with full digital integration — an analog processor with an analog signal path and analog VCA control that simultaneously supports automation, recall, and remote control via MIDI, USB, computer software, and DAW plug-ins (VST/AU). _DIONE belongs to the Wes Audio ng500/Starlight series, where Starlight designates the 2U desktop version as opposed to the 500-series module format. Two independent VCA channels with stereo link, a switchable input transformer (Transformerless or Transformer-Coupled mode), a full M/S matrix, and an external sidechain option make this a complete tool for mastering, stereo bus mixing, and hardware stereo processing. Automation resolution is 16-bit per parameter.
Analog VCA with digital automation and recall
The _DIONE signal path is entirely analog — VCA, input transformer (optional), detection circuit, timing network — with no digital processing anywhere in the audio path. The digital layer handles only parameter control: stepper motors or digital control systems move physical potentiometers and switches to positions matching a stored preset or DAW automation in real time. The result is full parameter recall without any compromise to the quality of the analog signal path. Ratio range: 1:1 to 1:20 in eight steps (1.5 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 20) — covering gentle compression, medium, hard, and limiter territory. Attack: 0.1 ms to 30 ms; Release: 0.1 s to 1.2 s or Auto. Stereo link mode couples both channels to a single pair of controls; dual mono mode allows independent control of each channel. The built-in switchable M/S matrix enables independent compression of the Mid and Side signals with full per-channel control. An optional external sidechain input per channel supports advanced compression shaping.
Input transformer and DAW integration
The input mode switch (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled) allows selection of the input character without hardware modification — the transformer adds subtle harmonic saturation and analog coloration typical of vintage transformer-coupled compressors; the transformerless mode delivers a clean, neutral input with minimal coloration. DAW integration via VST/AU plug-ins allows direct control of the _DIONE from the DAW automation window — every parameter change in the DAW translates to physical potentiometer movement in the hardware in real time. Preset recall via USB or MIDI eliminates calibration time when returning to a session. The _DIONE Starlight is the desktop version with an internal power supply in 2U format — the alternative _DIONE in 500-series format (a 2-slot module) is available separately for installation in 500-series racks. Starlight finish: black front panel with gold accents.
KEY FEATURES
- Stereo VCA compressor-limiter 2U with full digital integration (analog signal path)
- Two independent VCA channels — stereo link or dual mono mode
- Built-in M/S matrix — independent compression of Mid and Side channels
- Switchable input transformer: Transformerless or Transformer-Coupled
- External sidechain input per channel
- Ratio: 1:1 to 1:20 (8 steps: 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 20)
- Attack: 0.1 ms – 30 ms
- Release: 0.1 s – 1.2 s + Auto
- Full parameter automation via DAW (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall via USB and MIDI
- Remote control via MIDI, USB, and computer software
- Automation resolution: 16-bit per parameter
- Fully analog signal path — zero digital processing in the audio chain
- VU meters per channel with switchable mode (Input / Output / GR)
- Format: 2U desktop (Starlight); equivalent 500-series module available separately
- Finish: Starlight (black panel, gold accents)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: stereo VCA compressor-limiter, 2U rack (Starlight desktop)
- Signal path: fully analog, VCA
- Channels: 2 (stereo link or dual mono)
- M/S matrix: built-in encoder/decoder, switchable
- Input transformer: switchable (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled)
- Sidechain: external input per channel
- Ratio: 1:1.5 / 1:2 / 1:3 / 1:4 / 1:5 / 1:7 / 1:10 / 1:20
- Attack: 0.1 ms – 30 ms
- Release: 0.1 s – 1.2 s + Auto
- Digital integration: VST/AU plug-in, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer movement
- VU meters: per channel, Input / Output / GR modes
- I/O: balanced XLR (stereo in/out + sidechain in)
- Power: internal (Starlight 2U)
- Format: 2U rack desktop (Starlight)
- Finish: Starlight
