Frap AudioDynamics 2806 500 Series Expander + Compressor

Frap Audio Dynamics 2806

Frap Audio's Dynamics 2806 is a stellar debut into the pro audio world as an immensely flexible 500-series dynamics processor, and is capable of functioning as a compressor, an expander, or a bit of both at the same time. Though it contains only a single VCA, the 2806 features totally independent compression and expansion circuits, yet when combined together provide a flexible toolkit for dynamics management.

The feedback compressor circuit found in the Dynamics 2806 is highly malleable, and provides a number of controls to shape it to your needs. The standard compressor controls of Threshold and Ratio define the level at which compression kicks in and the intensity of compression above that point. Attack and Release determine the rate at which compression activates and backs off, with a Classic mode button that applies a slower timing range. And if you want to reduce the impact of low-end frequencies on your compression, the Contour knob will gradually filter out bass-heavy content.

The Dynamics 2806 features a feed-forward downward expander, allowing you to push quieter signals further towards silence. Its Threshold and Expander controls respectively set the point at which lower level signals will be attenuated, and by how much. Attack and Release controls behave similarly to the compressor section, but dedicated highpass and lowpass filters provide more flexibility in shaping the analyisis signals hitting the expander circuit.

There are a few more global level controls on the Dynamics 2806 which put more creative opportunities at your disposal. Not settling for a mere bypass switch, the 2806 offers a third option which bypasses the dyanmics circuits but still uses the VCA for coloration. Though only a mono compressor, the 2806 is a double-wide 500 series module and supports external sidechain sources on the second input, and the External switch determines how this signal is used. You may route external sidechain to either the compressor or the expander, as well as sum the internal sidechain with the external signal on the compressor—the opposite circuit will always receive the internal sidechain signal. Finally, you can use the Makeup control to add gain at the ouput, and add in dry signal for Parallel compression effects.

Quite possibly one of the most stacked dynamics units to exist in the 500 series format, Frap Audio's Dynamics 2806 is truly the sonic craftsman's flexible tool of choice.

Dynamics 2806 Features

• Dynamics management module for 500 series
• Mono VCA
• Independent compressor and expander circuits may be used simultaneously
• Compressor ratios range from 1:1 to 10:1
• Compressor thresholds range form -inf to +10dB
• Compressor attack and release controls with Classic switch for slower time constants
• Contour switch rolls off low-end signals in the sidechain circuit
• Priority button nulls expander while compressor is active
• Reference switch defines feedback point in compressor circuit
• Downward expander with Threshold and Expand attenuation controls
• Expander attack and release controls
• Expander sidechain highpass filter ranges from 18Hz-1.7kHz
• Expander sidechain lowpass filter ranges from 200Hz-18kHz
• Makeup gain offers +/- 20dB of gain
• Parallel control adds, not blends, up to +10dB of dry signal
• Three-mode On/Off/Bypass switch allows for signals to pass-through just the VCA and transformer for coloration
• Lundahl LL1585 output transformer
• External sidechain on second input, auxiliary output on second output