A precision audio meter combining sample-accurate peak and loudness measurement with K-System calibration, intersample peak detection, correlation metering, and pink noise output for monitoring.
Purpose and Design
The Sonoris Meter is a professional audio metering tool that measures peak and loudness simultaneously on a single scale. It incorporates the K-System metering standard developed by mastering engineer Bob Katz, offering three calibration sets for different production contexts: K12 for broadcast, K14 for pop and rock, and K20 for wide dynamic range music.
A regular non-K scale is also available for general use. The meter provides high-resolution readings of both peak and loudness, and its design closely follows K-System specifications, including Leq(A) loudness weighting and bandlimited pink noise output for monitor calibration.
Key Capabilities
The SMTR features an oversampling peak meter mode that catches intersample peaks, which can cause distortion on consumer CD players with limited headroom. By modeling the D/A conversion process, this mode helps users maximize levels while avoiding ear-fatiguing distortion from clipped or digitally manipulated audio.
A correlation meter at the bottom of the interface monitors the phase relationship between left and right channels, aiding stereo imaging decisions. The meter also includes peak hold functions with resetable indicators or a ten-second hold, resettable clipping indicators and counters, and adjustable overs before clipping is flagged.
Workflow and Integration
The Meter supports loudness measurement via RMS/flat (AES-17) and Leq(A-weighted) methods, providing flexibility for different monitoring standards. It outputs pink noise in left, right, or stereo for calibrating monitors to a reference level of 0dBr at 83dB, a common practice in mastering environments.
Mousewheel support and the ability to save settings streamline workflow adjustments. The meter operates with all sample rates and has a low CPU load, making it suitable for use across a session without significant performance impact. Its 64-bit resolution ensures precise metering.
Practical Applications
The Sonoris Meter is well-suited for mastering and mixing tasks where accurate level monitoring is critical. The K-System scales help engineers set monitoring levels consistently across different genres, while the intersample peak mode is valuable when preparing audio for CD release or other consumer formats.
The correlation meter assists in checking mono compatibility and stereo phase issues. The pink noise generator simplifies monitor calibration, and the peak hold and clipping indicators aid in identifying problem areas during loudness normalization or limiting. This tool is practical for broadcast, home theatre, and music production.
Key features
- Sample-accurate peak metering
- K-System metering with K12, K14, and K20 sets
- Intersample peak detection in oversampling mode
- Correlation meter for phase monitoring
- Peak hold with resetable indicators or ten-second hold
- Loudness measurement via RMS/flat and Leq(A)
- Pink noise output for monitor calibration
Best for
Mastering engineers and audio professionals who need precise peak and loudness metering with K-System calibration, intersample peak detection, and phase correlation monitoring for broadcast, home theatre, and music production.