Standard Audio Level OR MKII

Standard Audio Level OR MKII is a single-channel JFET limiter in the 500-series format, its name a nod to the notoriously trashy mid-century Shure Level-Loc limiter rather than a technical acronym. Instead of transparent VCA-style compression, it delivers aggressive, clearly audible gain reduction or controlled harmonic distortion. It's the single-channel version of the same circuit that ships in its own rack chassis as the Dual.

Two different circuits in one module

The MODE switch selects between three settings: LEVEL (an extreme feedback-type JFET limiter with a high ratio), BYP (hard relay bypass) and CRUNCH (several discrete Class-A transistor stages generating harmonic distortion instead of compression). These are two separate signal paths in one chassis, not one compressor with a bolted-on saturation mode.

SPEED changes meaning depending on the mode

In LEVEL mode the SPEED switch sets release time (FAST/MEDIUM/SLOW, with Medium added on the MKII), while in CRUNCH mode the same switch changes the output low-pass filter (15kHz or 8kHz), shaping the top end of the distorted signal. The front-panel 1/4" input auto-detects instrument-level (DI) signal, and the MKII runs 12-15dB quieter than the original Level-Or. The design comes from Ian MacGregor and Thom Flowers, who founded the Los Angeles-based Standard Audio in 2010 to build tools for modern record makers rather than faithful recreations of vintage classics.

KEY FEATURES

• Single-channel JFET limiter in 500-series format
• Name references the Shure Level-Loc limiter
• LEVEL mode: extreme feedback-type JFET limiter
• CRUNCH mode: harmonic distortion, discrete Class-A stages
• SPEED switch: FAST/MED/SLOW release (LEVEL) or 15/8kHz LPF (CRUNCH)
• Auto-detecting 1/4" DI input
• Noise floor 12-15dB lower than the original Level-Or
• Built by Standard Audio, Los Angeles

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Format: 500-series (API-standard compatible)
• Modes: LEVEL / BYP / CRUNCH
• Input: transformer-balanced, plus 1/4" DI
• Output: electronically balanced, drives loads down to 600Ω
• Controls: INPUT, OUTPUT, MODE, SPEED
• Indicator: MODE LED (green/red) doubles as a reduction/distortion meter