Playfair Audio Unveils Dynamic Grading 2.1

Playfair Audio has released Dynamic Grading 2.1, a free update for existing Dynamic Grading 2 owners that brings a built-in peak limiter, new listen modes and metering that stays aligned with the audio even when downstream plug-ins add latency. Alongside the in-plug-in improvements, the company has rebuilt its website, introduced customer accounts and moved away from iLok to an in-house licensing system that allows four activations per licence.

The standout addition is a brick-wall limiter integrated into the output stage. Dynamic Grading's punch expansion can lift peaks significantly; previously that often meant placing a separate limiter on the next insert and setting it carefully so it didn't undo the dynamics work. With version 2.1, the limiting happens in the same instance, letting users drive the punch harder while catching overs without juggling an extra plug-in. The limiter uses lookahead and a proprietary attack design to keep distortion low and accuracy high. It runs a fixed release so users only choose the ceiling, targeting the short, sharp overshoots that punch expansion can create.

New listen modes focus on speed and precision when setting the punch, body and floor. While the histogram visualises where each region sits, dense mixes can make it difficult to verify by ear. Users can now solo the punch to hear just the transient content, making it clear where the control shifts from transients into sustain as the marker moves. A second mode monitors the punch and body together, effectively soloing everything above the floor so it's easier to find where room tone and noise begin. Ratios benefit from the same clarity: expanding the punch on, say, a snare while monitoring it in isolation means you know exactly what you've added before checking the result in context. Playfair Audio says this has been one of its most requested features.

Version 2.1 also addresses what the company calls presentation latency. If you place a linear-phase EQ or a lookahead limiter after Dynamic Grading, the displays can lead the sound by however much latency is introduced, so you see the hits before you hear them. The update compensates for that, keeping meters and histograms in sync with the signal coming out of the speakers. The feature is available in AU and VST3 formats and relies on the host correctly reporting presentation latency (which most do). AAX currently does not support presentation latency reporting.

The biggest change outside the plug-in is licensing. Dynamic Grading licences now live in a Playfair Audio account, with iLok no longer used. Running licensing directly means support can diagnose and resolve activation issues without handing users off to a third party. Crucially, each licence now activates on up to four machines at once—double the previous two—covering a main studio computer, a laptop, a second room and a spare, with no dongle required. Offline activation remains available for computers that never go online.

Account tools also allow remote deactivation. If you need to free up a seat, you can revoke access without touching the original machine: locate the device in the product summary in your account and click "Revoke". This is especially useful when replacing a broken system or reallocating activations while away from the studio.

Existing customers have been migrated automatically. If you already own Dynamic Grading, your licence has been moved into a Playfair Audio account associated with your iLok email. To retrieve access, use the "Forgot password" function on the new login page with the same email address; you can change it later if needed.

Complementing the move, Playfair Audio has rebuilt its website around the customer account. It's now the hub for managing licences and activations, downloading the latest installers and redeeming retailer voucher codes—putting everything in one place so there's no need to hunt through old emails for serials or links.

Dynamic Grading can now be purchased via rent-to-own at 12.99 USD/EUR per month for 12 months. The full plug-in is available from the first payment, and ownership transfers outright once the final payment is made. Monthly payments can be paused or cancelled and resumed later, offering a more flexible route for studios that prefer spreading costs over time.

Dynamic Grading 2.1 is a free update for owners of version 2. iLok-based licences have already been migrated to Playfair Audio accounts, and email notifications have been sent. New users can try a fully functional 14-day trial—peak limiter and listen modes included. For a quick start, place it on a drum bus, use Source Learn, then refine the markers and ratios to taste.

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