After 10 years of production and over 1,000 units sold, we have decided that it is time to release a new version of the Level-Or that retains the sound and vibe of the original, but includes improvements and features suggested by our customers over the years.
For those not familiar with the original Level-Or, it is an aggressive JFET limiter and harmonic distortion generator inspired by the SHURE LevelLoc PA limiter from the 60s and 70s. The Mk2 version takes the original concept to a new level with improved performance and added features making it an extremely versatile studio tool.
CONNECTIONS
The Level-Or Mk2 is designed to be compatible with the API 500 series rack standard. The unit’s input and output both operate at nominal line level. The output of the LevelOr can drive a standard line level into a load impedance as low as 600 ohms. The ¼” jack on the front of the unit is factory configured as an instrument level DI. When a ¼” plug is inserted into the jack, the rear edge connector line input is disabled.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Input – Controls input gain. In “Level” mode, turn the input level up to get the desired amount of compression. In “Crunch” mode, turn the input level up to get the desired amount of distortion. Output – Use this knob to control output level to Tape, DAW, Console, etc
NEW AND IMPROVED CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Lower Noise – Due to the aggressive nature of the circuit, a common issue with the original Level-Or was the noise present in Level mode. With extensive R&D and listentesting, we found a way to lower the noise considerably while remaining true to the tone and vibe of the original circuit. As a result the Mk2 noise floor is 12-15dB BETTER than the original Level-Or.
Mode Switch – Switches between Level, Crunch, and Bypass modes. Level Mode: Sound of the unit is dominated by an extreme JFET limiter. Use this mode to slam, squash, and pummel your audio signal.
LED Indicator – A dual color LED serves two functions. When the unit is in Crunch mode, the LED is red and in Level mode, the LED is green. While in bypass, the LED is off. While in Crunch or Level modes, the LED will get brighter according to how much compression (Level) or THD (Crunch) is occurring. This can provide helpful feedback to the engineer.
Speed Switch – Formerly, the speed switch provides two release times (fast/slow) while in Level mode, and was un-used in Crunch mode. We have expanded to a 3 way switch and added functionality that changes, depending on mode.
Instrument DI - The original Level-Or had a line input via a front panel ¼” jack. While useful for interfacing with a drum machine or synthesizer, it was not useful for guitar, bass, or any other instrument level source. On the Level-Or Mk2, we have changed this to an instrument-level DI input.
DI MODES - The unit detects when a ¼” jack is inserted and switches over to the DI input.
*It is possible for the user to configure the front panel ¼” input to be configured as a line input if desired.
RELIABILITY
After delivering over 1,000 original Level-Or modules out into the world, the reliability of the design has been incredible. The Level-Or Mk2 ANNIVERSARY EDITION follows the same robust design approach and attention to detail.