A DCA can refer to two different things depending on the context.

1. In the context of audio engineering, a DCA stands for Digitally Controlled Amplifier. It is a convenient way to adjust the levels for several channels at the same time. A DCA is a freely assignable and unassignable fader to control other faders. It is helpful in any situation where you need to adjust multiple channels at the same time. For example, if you have 10 channels of drums and you wanted to lower their volume without messing up your mix, you could go to each channel, one-by-one and lower their volumes by exactly the same amount or you could just assign them all to a DCA and use that DCA fader to lower each channel’s volume simultaneously. DCAs are also handy if you need to adjust the faders of two or more channels that exist on different input layers.

2. In the context of finance, DCA stands for Dollar-Cost Averaging. It is an investment strategy in which the intention is to minimize the impact of volatility when investing or purchasing a large block of a financial asset or instrument. Instead of making one lump-sum purchase of a financial instrument, the investment is divided into smaller sums that are invested separately at regular predetermined intervals until the full amount of capital is exhausted. DCA minimizes volatility risk by attempting to lower the overall average cost of investing. An investment of $200,000 in equities using DCA can be made over eight weeks by investing $25,000 every week in subsequent order. DCA can reduce regret feelings through its provision of short-term, downside protection against a swift deterioration in a security price. A declining market is often viewed as a buying opportunity; hence, DCA can significantly boost long-term portfolio return potential.