LevelView

LevelView by Grimm Audio is a comprehensive real-time rainbow (arc) loudness meter. It comes in both plugin and application form. The package also includes LevelViewS, which is a simpler version with less information. Both versions can do it all, but LevelView is more visually suited for extended files like film scores, classical music, etc., and LevelViewS is more suited for sound bytes, trailers, pop tracks, and so on. I am using this metering system for educational purposes, mixing, and mastering; however, it has recently become mandatory that television broadcasting (both in Europe and the US), use loudness meters like this to comply with an array of new standards.

The cool blue color is easy on the eyes. It clearly displays headroom and overloaded signals. I prefer LevelView's rainbow display over bar, the old style VU, jellyfish, and radar. This certainly is VU meter 2.0! It's easier for me to read and follow. Using LevelView can be aurally and visually addictive. It provides an excellent reference and indicator over time to help users to make the necessary adjustments to optimize volumes and create the best sounding track.

I quickly discovered the following:

1. Outside Arc: fast momentary loudness.
2. Outer Arc: maintains up to three seconds of audio.
3. Inner Arc: displays longer times (tripled).

PROS

• Easy to use, yet powerful.
• Looks great and helps make audio sound great.
• Automatically follows DAW's transport activity.
• Excellent developer support and communication.

CONS

• None to speak of. LevelView is beyond what I expected.

CONCLUSION

LevelView is a fascinating loudness metering system that is hard to go without once you try it. Compared to the other high-end volume metering systems available, this one is a great value. If there is such a thing as a "loudness war," once it's ended LevelView will help make sure your audio is still standing! I highly recommend LevelView to anyone who is serious about seeing, hearing, and feeling their production (tracking, mixing) and post production (mastering) audio levels and then making the necessary adjustments to optimize their creation. Tommy Zai gives LevelView two LOUD thumbs up. Thank you Grimm Audio for creating a plugin/app that helps me create music that sounds (and looks) so cool.