We designed an articulated device capable of complex dynamic processing with a single VCA stage. As a result, we minimized the possible causes of sound deterioration and kept the architecture light and responsive.

The expander sidechain monitors the VCA input signal (feed-forward), while the compressor sidechain monitors the VCA output (feedback). However, a switch selects if the feedback point is pre- or post-makeup, for even more control over the makeup gain.

The Dynamics 2806 can compress and expand at the same time. The Priority switch adds another degree of control: when pushed, the expander works exclusively when the compressor is not reducing the signal’s gain.

A significant component of a signal’s dynamics is its energy distribution over time. For this purpose, we finely calibrated Dynamics 2806 to react to the incoming sound according to its articulation: faster with fast sources, slower with slow ones.

Sometimes one needs surgical precision to manage a sound’s amplitude non-destructively; other times, one needs a more creative compression to add peculiar dynamic effects. Dynamics 2806 uses two different time constants sets: by default is sharp and precise but can add harmonic distortion if used recklessly; The Classic mode, on the other hand, can add some noticeable artifacts (the “pumping” sound) but with less harmonic distortion.

A versatile sidechain circuit accepts a second input that can drive the compressor or the expander. It can also be summed to the internal sidechain when routed to the compressor.

The sound is always filtered before both sections, whether the Dynamics 2806 works with an internal or external sidechain. The expander has a low-pass and a high-pass filter, while the Contour has a precise shelf control that attenuates the low end.

The Listen switch allows you to monitor the sidechain sound of either the compressor or expander for precise filtering.

When switching the Dynamics 2806 off, it is possible to choose between a hard bypass mode, where a relay routes the input straight to the output, or an off mode, where the sound still passes through the circuit with no active modulation. This last option allows you to retain the VCA color.

We refuse the idea of obsolescence, and we want our products to be the lifelong partners of every professional audio engineer. Dynamics 2806’s design allows for easy maintenance and reliability over time through careful choices in terms of design, assembly, and individual components.

After choosing a Lundahl LL1585, one of the best output transformers available today, we designed an audiophile-grade discrete output current stage to feed the transformer with the most pristine sound possible.

Following our philosophy of simplicity, we avoided signal deterioration by removing unnecessary decoupling capacitors. Instead, we placed high-end capacitors on inputs and insert outputs to prevent damage followed by incorrect connections (e.g., phantom power) or defective sources with DC offset.

We used active filter stages on every section to guarantee the best performance regardless of their application environment.