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 from the 1960s, popular now for its trashy, ultra-compressed sound. The Level-Or delivers the same aggressive compression sounds as it’s predecessor but with added features, less noise, and its own unique sound.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Transformer balanced input
• Electronically balanced, line-level output stage – capable of driving balanced loads as low as 600 ohms.
• Three modes of operation:
• Level – The sound of the unit is dominated by JFET limiter
• Bypass
• Crunch – The sound of the unit is dominated by harmonic distortion from the discrete transistor-based,  Class A amplification stages
• Additional release time added that is twice as fast as the original release
• Output level control – enables 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).
• ¼” line input on the front panel

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 subtle saturation and harmonic enhancement to aggressive crunch, to buzz-saw-like distortion, to 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 Clips: Click instrument for sample

Drums: 0-4 seconds = straight signal; 4-9 seconds = level mode; 9-13 seconds = crunch mode;   13-17 seconds = crunch mode maxed
Synth Bass: 0-5 seconds = straight sound; 5-19 seconds = crunch mode gradually; turning up input until maxed
Piano: 0-5 seconds = straight signal; 5-10 seconds = level mode; 10-15 crunch mode gradually turning up input until maxed

FEATURES & TECHNICAL SPECS

• MODE Switch – the MODE toggle switch selects between 3 different operating modes:
  • LEVEL (Level Mode): JFET limiter enabled – high ratio, feedback compression circuit.
  • BYP (Bypass Mode): True relay bypass enabled. 
  • CRUNCH (Crunch Mode): Harmonic distortion enabled – multiple discrete, Class-A transistor stages generate harmonic distortion. 
• SPEED Switch – the SPEED toggle switch function depends on operating mode:
  • LEVEL: Speed Switch controls JFET limiter release time – FAST/MED/SLOW.
  • CRUNCH: Speed Switch controls output Low Pass Filter frequency – ideal for taming higher-order harmonics generated by distorting transistor stages:
    • FAST: Filter disabled.
    • MED: 15kHz LPF.
    • SLOW: 8kHz LFP. 
• INPUT Pot: Controls input level into the JFET Limiter or Harmonic distortion generating transistor stages. 
• MODE Led – displays operating mode and indicates the amount of gain reduction or distortion:
  • LEVEL: GREEN – brightness indicates the amount of gain reduction. 
  • BYP: OFF.
  • CRUNCH: RED – brightness indicates the amount of Harmonic Distortion.
• OUTPUT Pot: Controls output level.
• 1/4″ Input Jack: Instrument level Direct Inject input (can be configured for line level input with PCB jumpers). 1/4″ plug is automatically detected and DI enabled. In BYPASS mode, DI passes clean, unaffected signal to output with gain control via OUTPUT pot. 
• 500 Series Format: Compatible with the API 500-series format standard – tried and tested in hundreds of racks around the world.