Playfair Audio’s Dynamic Grading plug-in takes an innovative approach to dynamics processing, combining a mixture of compression, expansion and transient shaping with a histogram-based GUI. The company have now announced the launch of Body, a free one-knob plug-in that relies on the same DSP engine, offering users a convenient way to see and hear what Dynamic Grading is capable of but without the learning curve presented by the full version.
Where most dynamics processors focus on traditional compression and expansion, Dynamic Grading reacts to the ‘centre’ of a signal, an approach which the company say results in a more natural, musical response than is typical of most dynamics plug-ins. If you’re keen to find out more, it’s worth checking out our full review from the June 2025 issue.
Body employs Playfair Audio’s Spectrum and timing engine along with the Source Learn feature from the full version of Dynamic Grading, but features a fixed set of parameters that have been carefully set to deliver fast, musical results. The amount of processing applied is governed by a single Body control, which is followed by a Gain parameter, and that’s it! Check out the video below to hear it in action.
“We wanted a simple way for people to try the core of Dynamic Grading. Body gives immediate, useful results. If people want more control or deeper metering they can download the Dynamic Grading demo.” - Christian Luther, Founder, Playfair Audio
Compatibility
Body is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Availability
Body is available now, and can be obtained for free by signing up to Playfair Audio’s newsletter.
