Safaripedals Standard Audio Level-Or License Code

A character-defining compressor and limiter with cult status, crunch and uncompromising punch

The Standard Audio Level-Or is not a polite compressor for the background, but a genuine character tool with a distinct signature. In collaboration with Standard Audio, Safari Audio has translated the iconic 500 Series hardware into a modern in-the-box format, not simply copying it but sensibly expanding upon it. The result is an aggressive compressor and limiter that imbues drums, vocals, buses and effects tracks with just the right blend of punch, aggression, density and attitude.

Legendary hardware, now directly in your DAW

Even in the original, the appeal of the Level-Or never lay in transparency, but in its uncompromising character. It is precisely this behaviour that the software version also delivers. Rather than simply capturing signals cleanly, the Level-Or pushes them forward, making them bigger, more aggressive and significantly more present. It immediately demonstrates its strengths on drum buses, room mics, parallel tracks, vocals or any track that needs a bit more edge.

Mk2 for greater reach and control

The Mk2 mode audibly expands on the concept. The sound retains its distinctive character, but comes across as slightly more open, controlled and flexible. This makes this mode suitable not only for extreme distortion, but also for applications where punch and colour are required without the signal completely falling apart. This is a major advantage, particularly in modern mixes.

New features for more precise sound shaping

Pre/Post Tone Shaper for attack or body

One of the most exciting new features is the Tone Shaper with Pre/Post switching. This allows you to decide whether you want to sharpen the transients or shape the body of the signal. This makes the Level-Or significantly more versatile than many pure character compressors, as the effect can be integrated into the mix with greater precision.

Crunch, Slow and Fast for different levels of aggression

In addition, Crunch, Slow and Fast are available as different dynamic ‘flavours’. This allows you to decide very quickly whether a signal should be tackled more aggressively, pushed along a little more slowly, or react more directly to impulses. It is precisely these quick sonic decisions that make the plug-in so effective in day-to-day production.

Blend and oversampling for modern workflows

With the Blend control, parallel compression is also built right in. This allows you to blend the processed ‘Level-Or’ sound very precisely with the original signal and find exactly the sweet spot between energy and control. Oversampling also ensures that the sound remains defined and pleasant, even when used more aggressively.

System requirements

macOS

VST3, AU, AAX

Windows 64-bit

VST3, AAX

Processor

1 GHz Intel Dual Core or AMD equivalent

RAM

at least 4 GB

8 GB recommended

Operating systems

Mac OS X 10.15 or later

Windows 8 or later