Wes Audio _DIONE is a mono (stereo when paired) VCA compressor-limiter in ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) with full digital integration — the 500-series module that forms a complete stereo bus compressor when two units are combined. _DIONE in ng500 format is the 500-series counterpart and design basis for the stereo _DIONE Starlight: the same VCA architecture, the same ratio, attack, and release parameters, the same M/S matrix and input transformer selection, and the same digital recall and automation system with physical potentiometer movement. Each module occupies 2 slots and handles one mono channel; two _DIONE modules form a stereo compressor with stereo link. Stepper motors move physical potentiometers in response to DAW automation. Zero digital processing in the signal path.
VCA with digital automation — architecture identical to _DIONE Starlight
The _DIONE signal path is entirely analog — VCA, input transformer (optional), detection circuit, timing network. The digital layer handles only parameter control: stepper motors set physical potentiometers and switches to positions matching a stored preset or DAW automation. Ratio range: 1:1 to 1:20 in eight steps (1.5 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 20). Attack: 0.1 ms to 30 ms; Release: 0.1 s to 1.2 s or Auto. Switchable input mode: Transformerless or Transformer-Coupled. Built-in M/S matrix with encoder and decoder — independent compression of Mid and Side channels. External sidechain input. Makeup gain automatic or manual. Stereo link mode couples both modules (in a paired configuration) to a shared detection circuit. VU meter with switchable indication mode (Input / Output / GR). Automation resolution 16-bit per parameter.
ng500 format and module pairing
The _DIONE in ng500 format occupies 2 slots per channel — one module handles one mono channel. Two _DIONE modules installed in the same 500-series rack form a complete stereo bus compressor with stereo link, identical in character to the _DIONE Starlight (2U desktop version). Identical VCA circuitry in both channels of a pair guarantees consistent stereo compression character. VST/AU plug-ins operate at the pair level — controlling both channels simultaneously or independently per channel. The ng500 format allows installation in any API-compatible 500-series rack. _DIONE is one of the ng500 line modules from Wes Audio, alongside _MIMAS, _HYPERION, _CALYPSO, NGLeveler, NGBusComp, _RHEA, and _Prometheus.
KEY FEATURES
- Mono (stereo when paired) VCA compressor-limiter, 2-slot 500-series module, with full digital integration
- 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
- Makeup gain: automatic or manual
- Switchable input transformer: Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled
- M/S matrix — independent compression of Mid and Side channels
- External sidechain input
- Stereo link when pairing two modules
- VU meter with switchable mode: Input / Output / GR
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
- Zero digital processing in the signal path
- Format: ng500, 2-slot module (API 500-series compatible)
- Two modules = complete stereo bus compressor (equivalent to _DIONE Starlight)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: mono VCA compressor-limiter, 2-slot 500-series module
- Signal path: fully analog, VCA
- 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
- Makeup gain: Auto / Manual
- Input transformer: switchable (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled)
- M/S matrix: encoder/decoder, switchable
- Sidechain: external input
- Stereo link: when pairing two modules
- VU meter: Input / Output / GR, switchable
- Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer movement
- I/O: balanced (500-series standard)
- Power: from 500-series rack (API standard)
- Format: ng500, 2-slot (API 500-series compatible)
