Skip to main content

Level Magic

Applicability

This description applies to the Mono, Stereo, Surround, and Immersive versions of the Level Magic module.

Depending on the Processor, Level Magic may be used for a complete program path, a voice path, a downmix path, or an output processing path. In block diagrams and Processor layouts, the module may appear as Level Magic, LM, or Leveler, depending on its role in the signal chain.

Overview

Level Magic is a module for automatic loudness control with optional true peak limiting. It is used to keep the processed signal close to a controlled loudness target level while preserving a natural-sounding result.

The module combines long-term level control with short-term transient processing. In many Processors, it is placed near the end of the signal chain, after equalization and dynamics processing and before output conditioning or output metering. Its output signal can be considered “broadcast ready”.

Processing Principle

The leveler stage analyzes the input signal and applies automatic gain control to move the signal toward the configured loudness target. The amount and timing of the gain correction are controlled by the leveler settings. The transient processor controls short-term signal changes that may occur during loudness processing. It can help the module react to sudden level changes without relying only on long-term gain control.

The limiter stage controls output peaks and helps prevent the processed signal from exceeding the configured maximum true peak level.

Parameters

Leveler


Parameter - Leveler

Description

Enable Leveler

Enables or disables the Level Magic loudness control stage.

Input Gain

Adjusts the signal level before loudness processing.

Mode

Selects the loudness processing mode used by the module.

Processing Profile

Selects the processing profile used for transient handling in the leveler stage.

Loudness Target

Sets the target loudness level for automatic level control.

Leveler Time

Sets the response time of the automatic leveler.

Leveler Max Gain

Limits the maximum positive gain applied by the leveler.

Leveler Freeze Level

Sets the level below which the current leveler gain can be held or frozen.

Transient Processor Max Gain

Limits the maximum gain applied by the transient processor.

Transient Processor Response

Sets the response behavior of the transient processor.

AGC Recovery

Selects how the automatic gain control recovers after gain correction.

Processing Threshold

Sets the input level threshold used to determine when loudness processing is active.

Below Threshold Mode

Controls how the module behaves when the signal is below the processing threshold.

Initial Dynamic Gain

Sets the initial dynamic gain value used when processing starts or is initialized.

Clear Processing History

Clears the internal loudness analysis history and restarts processing from the current signal state.

Limiter


Parameter - Limiter

Description

Limiter Enable

Enables or disables the limiter stage.

Limiter Processing Profile

Selects the limiter processing profile.

Limiter Max True Peak

Sets the maximum true peak level for the limiter output.

Limiter Low Latency Mode

Enables or disables low-latency limiter operation.

Level Magic is used in the following Processors:

  • Automixer - Surround

  • Automixer - Stereo

  • FM Conditioner Channel Strip - Stereo

  • Program Processing Channel Strip - Stereo

  • Program Processing Channel Strip - Surround

  • Program Processing Channel Strip - Immersive

  • Voice Over Mixer - Stereo

  • Voice Over Mixer - Surround

  • Voice Processing Channel Strip - Mono

  • Voice Processing Channel Strip - Stereo

Back to top