Description
The Dynaset U311 was available as a single-channel compressor in vertical Danner module format or, as here, in stereo form in a 1U rack. It’s a dual-threshold, dual-slope compressor, very different to traditional designs
This early version of the Dynaset uses the famous dbx 202C “Gold Can” VCA modules, made famous by the SSL 4000E Quad Bus compressor. Signal path is short and there are no electrolytic caps in the audio path
This is quite a complex unit and it’s not immediately obvious how the controls function. There are separate controls for each channel plus a stereo link switch. Each channel has two thresholds – one for -30 to 0 dB and the other for over +12 dB – and two ratio controls with settings from 1:2 through 1:1 to 4:1 then limit. The ratio pot has a centre setting of 1:1 with negative compression (expansion) below and compression above. This allows for some creative settings – with large amounts of expansion and compression you can achieve great sucking, pumping sounds or effects like a Transient Designer. There’s plenty of control latitude so it’s easy to dial in the effect you want
The LED meter shows gain reduction from zero at the centre point so will swing from negative compression to positive according to the signal & control settings. In practice it’s easy to hear what the Dynaset is doing but the display can give you an insight into how it’s doing it!
The Dynaset rewards time spent in experimentation. It’s capable of extreme settings but is fine-grained enough to be used for subtle jobs as well – Sony Mastering in New York used them in their mastering rooms
This is a great-sounding compressor that is capable of gain manipulation that goes way beyond any other compressor I’ve tested. Using low ratios it’s capable of really fine dynamic adjustments but it’s capable of effect compression as well. There are very few compressors that do both with such ease & finesse
See the links tab for the manual and data pdf in German
“The Barth Dynaset (I have the unit 004) is the best compressor for drums that I’ve found. I think better than SSL. I only use for that. Only sometimes a UREI could do the job too.”
“I just got one of these and am LOVING it. A seriously nice piece of kit. I have only just tried it out today, so no in depth use, but what I am hearing is excellent… Another keeper “
“I am reinstalling my studio, so I can’t really comment in detail on the sound, but first impressions (on some drums and a synth) are VERY good. I really like what I am hearing. Very flexible and having 2 thresholds and ratios make it a very useful piece. I have some stuff like Tab U373a, LA Audio Classic comp, AD&R F700 and EMT 256II & 156 comps and it compliments these nicely and is certainly a serious piece of gear. Nicely put together too. I want to try this on the 2 buss…I like “
“Btw, another piece of gear I sometimes (rarely!) use as an insert on double tracked stereo distorted guitars, but not on a buss, is the vintage Barth Dynaset – it has 2 separate VCAs per channel, capable of both doing compression / negative compression / expansion, in whichever order U please… A tricky beast, but it can both save badly recorded or over-compressd & “killed” guitar tracks, or be used to enhance the strumming/plucking and really give a 3D quality to stereo guitar tracks.”
In very good condition for a vintage unit with minor case marks. All knobs & switches are original. The power supply has been recapped & pots & switches cleaned & lubricated as needed. Tested & working 100%. Photos show the compressor for sale