Sonible true:level is a standalone metering plug-in that visualizes the relationship between loudness and dynamics, helping you prepare mixes for publication with reference-based targets.
Purpose and Overview
true:level is a metering plug-in that focuses on the interplay between loudness and dynamics in your audio. It is designed to make it immediately apparent whether a mix is ready for publication. The tool was developed as a standalone version of the monitoring section found in sonible’s smart:limit, responding to user demand for a dedicated metering solution.
Its key innovation is a unique visualization that shows both loudness and dynamics in a single coherent view. This helps you find the right balance between these two qualities, which is critical for professional-sounding masters. The plug-in avoids overwhelming you with complex details, instead presenting clear readouts supported by target indicators.
Reference-Based Targeting
true:level includes a set of predefined references covering loudness standards for various streaming platforms and dynamics targets for different musical genres. You can select these to match the intended distribution channel or style of your track. This ensures your mix meets common industry expectations, avoiding unpleasant surprises after publishing.
For project consistency, you can load up to eight custom reference tracks. The plug-in then calculates a reference zone based on either the chosen preset or your uploaded tracks. This allows you to compare your mix against specific material you admire or need to match, providing a clear goal for your adjustments.
Workflow with Level Check and Histograms
The Level Check feature is a central part of the workflow. When you activate it, the plug-in analyzes your current mix against the chosen reference zone and provides actionable hints. For example, it might suggest increasing loudness or adjusting dynamics to bring your track closer to the target. This guidance is practical and helps you make informed decisions.
To get a deeper understanding of your audio material, true:level offers loudness and dynamics histograms. These give you a detailed but coherent overview of the overall quality of your audio. Together, the histograms and the main visualization help you see both the big picture and specific data points, making it easier to identify and address issues.
Practical Applications and Suitable Use Cases
true:level is primarily useful during the mastering and finalization stage of music production. It helps you ensure that your mix meets loudness standards for platforms like streaming services, and that the dynamics are appropriate for the genre. This is especially important when you want to avoid overly compressed or too dynamic masters.
It is also valuable for comparing your work to professional references. By uploading reference tracks, you can see how your mix fares against them and make the necessary trade-offs. The plug-in is suitable for engineers and producers who need a clear, visual indication of two contrasting but related audio properties, without getting lost in technical jargon.
Key features
- Visualizes the interplay between loudness and dynamics
- Predefined references for streaming platforms and genres
- Upload up to 8 custom reference tracks
- Level Check offers action hints to achieve reference values
- Loudness and dynamics histograms for detailed coherence
- Target indicators on all key readouts
Best for
Mastering engineers and producers who need to finalize tracks for streaming or compare against reference material, wanting a clear visual guide to balance loudness and dynamics without guesswork.