{"product_id":"standard-audio-level-or-anniversary-edition","title":"Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 Anniversary Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter 10 years of production and over 1,000 units sold, Stand Audio 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 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 Level- Loc 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. To celebrate 10 years of smashing and crunching, the first run of the \u003cstrong\u003eStandard Audio Level-Or MK2\u003c\/strong\u003e is released as a limited “ANNIVERSARY EDITION” in black.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNEW AND IMPROVED CONTROLS AND FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLower Noise: Due to the aggressive nature of the circuit, a common issue with the\r\noriginal Level-Or was the noise present in Level mode. With extensive R\u0026amp;D and listen testing,\r\nStandard 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 - 15 dB BETTER than the original Level-Or.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMode Switch – Switches between Level, Crunch, and Bypass modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eBypass Mode: Standard have included a relay based true-bypass.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLevel Mode: Sound of the unit is dominated by an extreme JFET limiter. Use this mode to slam, squash, and pummel your audio signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrunch Mode: Sound of the unit is dominated by distortion generated from a series of discrete transistor based, Class A amplifier stages. Use this mode to provide subtle saturation and harmonic enhancement all the way to heavier distortion and outright destruction of your audio signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLED 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpeed Switch – Formerly, the speed switch provides two release times (fast\/slow) while in Level mode, and was un-used in Crunch mode. Standard have expanded to a 3-way switch and added functionality that changes, depending on mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLevel Mode: There are now 3 release times, FAST, MED, and SLOW. The FAST and SLOW settings are the same as the original, with the added medium time constant in between.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrunch Mode: The speed switch now controls a 3-way low pass filter on the output. This can be very useful for reducing harsh, higher harmonics while distorting. When set to FAST, the filter is bypassed. When set to MEDIUM, the LPF is 15 kHz. When set to SLOW, the LPF is 8 kHz.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInstrument DI - The original Level-Or had a line input via a front panel 1\/4” 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, Standard have changed this to an instrument-level DI input.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDI MODES - The unit detects when a 1\/4” jack is inserted and switches over to the DI input.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDI Bypass Mode: When the DI is used, putting the unit into Bypass mode sends the clean DI signal to the output of the unit. The unit functions as a clean DI with gain, no external amplifier required. The output control is active to adjust level as needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDI Crunch Mode: The DI signal is sent through the input gain stage and all controls work as normal including the filter switch.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDI Level Mode: The DI signal is sent to the limiter and all controls work as normal.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is possible for the user to configure the front panel 1\/4” input to be configured as a line input if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFULLY ENCLOSED STEEL CHASSIS\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA 100% enclosed steel chassis reduces the chance of electrical interference or noise from adjacent modules, gear, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eRELIABILITY\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Standard Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44450274934887,"sku":"100180","price":570.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/8848\/5479\/files\/standard-audio-level-or-mk2-anniversary-edition_100180_1_e157f0e2-104c-4043-9140-e3941c280590.jpg?v=1787092414","url":"https:\/\/vintageking.com\/products\/standard-audio-level-or-anniversary-edition","provider":"Vintage King","version":"1.0","type":"link"}