Standard Audio Level-Or Standard Audio

Standard Audio Level-Or

The Standard Audio Level-Or is an API 500-Series rack compatible JFET limiter / distortion processor. The design was inspired by the Shure Level-Loc PA limiter, popular for its trashy, ultra compressed sound. The extended features of the Level-Or allows it to achieve what the Level-Loc does and much, much more.

In “Level” mode, the Level-Or acts very much like the Level-Loc. An additional, faster release time has been added for even more flexibility and a broader range of compressed sounds.

In “Crunch” mode, the Level-Or sets itself apart from anything else like it. By sweeping the input level over the range provided, a huge palette of sounds can be reached from slight harmonic enhancement, to aggressive crunch, to buzz-saw like distortion, to complete and utter destruction of the original source material.

Between these two available modes, there is a huge array of sounds that can be produced from this unit. Simple drum loops can be taken from boring to unique and drum room mics can be crushed or distorted to taste adding size and character to the overall sound. Bass, guitar, and keyboard sounds can be manipulated, taking on completely new and different sounds than the original source material.

*Note: Due to the nature of the design of this unit, it is very aggressive sounding; with noticeable pumping, distortion, and some noise.

We consider this a good thing!

Sound Samples:
Drums (click for mp3 sample): 0-4 seconds = straight signal; 4-9 seconds = level mode; 9-13 seconds = crunch mode; 13-17 seconds = crunch mode maxed

Synth Bass (click for mp3 sample): 0-5 seconds = straight sound; 5-19 seconds = crunch mode gradually; turning up input until maxed

Piano (click for mp3 sample): 0-5 seconds = straight signal; 5-10 seconds = level mode; 10-15 crunch mode gradually turning up input until maxed

Features:

•     Transformer balanced input
•     Electronically balanced, line level output stage capable of driving balanced loads as low as 600 ohm
•     Additional release time added that is twice as fast as original release
•     Output level control to enable the input of the Level-Or to be driven hard without clipping the device that the Level-Or is driving (DAW input, Tape Machine, Console Line Amplifier, etc)
•     Fast / Slow – (Level Mode only) Switches between slow (same as original Level-Loc release) and fast release times
•     ¼” line input on front panel
•     Hand wired and assembled in the USA

Two Modes of Operation:

•     Level – Sound of unit is dominated by JFET limiter
•     Crunch – Sound of unit is dominated by harmonic distortion from the discrete transistor-based, Class A amplification stages