HoRNet LUMeter MK2 Update – Advanced LU Meter with Automatic Gain Staging

We’re excited to announce the release of a new update for HoRNet LUMeter MK2, our advanced LU Meter designed with automatic gain staging for a more streamlined and efficient mixing process. This update not only improves performance but also brings a host of new features and fixes that enhance the functionality of the plugin, giving you even more precise control over your audio.

The HoRNet LUMeter MK2 is a powerful digital loudness meter that provides accurate, reliable readings to help you achieve balanced mixes. Measuring loudness in Loudness Units (LU), the system mimics human hearing more closely than traditional decibel (dB) measurements. This means that LUMeter MK2 takes into account how different frequencies are perceived at the same volume, ensuring more precise and reliable readings that result in better-informed mixing decisions.

Accurate Loudness Measurement with LU

LUMeter MK2 gives you three essential loudness readings based on the EBU R128 standard:

  • Momentary LU: Real-time loudness measured over a brief moment, offering insights into how your audio feels in the present.

  • Short-term LU: The loudness measured over a short period, providing a more stable measure of the track’s overall feel without being influenced by momentary peaks.

  • Integrated LU: Total loudness for the entire program or track, capturing the full picture of your audio’s loudness over time.

These readings are designed to give you a comprehensive view of the loudness characteristics of your mix, ensuring that each section is measured accurately and in line with your goals.

Automatic Gain Staging for Consistency

One of the standout features of LUMeter MK2 is its automatic gain staging function. This feature automatically adjusts the gain of your signal, ensuring consistent loudness levels throughout your mix. This means that as you make adjustments to your tracks, the auto gain feature will keep your mix level stable and balanced, saving you time and effort during your mixing process. It also reduces the need for constant manual gain tweaks, allowing you to focus on more creative aspects of your production.

With auto gain, you no longer have to worry about the occasional volume fluctuations that can make the mix sound uneven. Whether you’re working on a podcast, music track, or sound design, LUMeter MK2 ensures your audio remains consistent, which is crucial for maintaining a professional-sounding mix.

Flexible Loudness Metering

For added flexibility, the LUMeter MK2 allows you to operate in two distinct modes:

  • EBU Standard Mode: This mode combines all channels into one loudness reading. It gives you a quick, unified measurement of your mix’s overall loudness. This is ideal for stereo mixes or when you’re working in broadcast environments where the overall loudness consistency is key.

  • Non-Standard Mode: In this mode, you can manage each channel individually, allowing for more detailed and customized control over the loudness of individual tracks or elements. This is particularly useful when you want to treat each track separately to ensure that the loudness of each element fits perfectly into your final mix.

The ability to choose between these modes allows you to tailor your mixing approach to your specific needs. It makes LUMeter MK2 a versatile tool for both simple and complex mixing sessions.

Peak Protection for Clean Audio

While the LUMeter MK2 is primarily focused on loudness, there are times when the auto gain feature can cause peaks that exceed 0 dBFS. This can potentially lead to distortion in the mix. To combat this, we’ve integrated a peak protection feature that automatically reduces the gain when the peaks exceed the safety threshold you’ve set. This ensures that the audio remains clean and that you don’t experience clipping or distortion, even if you’re using automatic gain adjustment.

This feature is incredibly useful in maintaining the integrity of your sound, particularly in dynamic tracks where sudden loud spikes can sometimes occur. It works seamlessly in the background, allowing you to focus on your mix without worrying about potential problems with distortion.

Customizable Calibration for Tailored Mixing

The default calibration for LUMeter MK2 is set to -18 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale), which is commonly used as a reference in broadcast. However, LUMeter MK2 allows you to easily adjust this calibration to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re working in mastering, video production, or any other form of audio work, the ability to set a custom reference level helps you maintain consistent loudness across different projects.

The calibration flexibility allows you to adjust the meter’s behavior to match your specific loudness standards, whether you’re dealing with varying content types or production requirements. You can tailor the system to provide precise measurements that meet your target loudness standards and achieve the best results for your particular project.

Advanced Auto Gain Algorithm for Consistent Results

LUMeter MK2 features an advanced auto gain algorithm, which continuously adjusts the gain of your track to match the target loudness level you’ve set. This ensures that your mix remains consistent and balanced without requiring constant manual adjustments. By automatically adjusting the gain in real time, the algorithm saves you time and ensures a smooth, polished mix.

In addition, the auto gain algorithm adapts to different content, making it easy to apply consistent loudness across multiple tracks or entire mixes. Whether you’re mixing a dynamic song or a calm podcast, LUMeter MK2’s auto gain ensures that all of your elements sound balanced and cohesive.

New Features and Fixes in Version 2.1.0

The latest update, version 2.1.0, introduces several new features and fixes to improve both performance and user experience. Here are the key updates:

  • Fixed issues with plugin loading on some Windows systems: Ensures that LUMeter MK2 loads correctly and reliably across various Windows setups.

  • Removed 32-bit support: Focuses on modern, 64-bit systems to improve stability and performance.

  • Resolved GUI update problems on macOS Big Sur: Provides better graphical interface performance for macOS users.

  • Added hardware acceleration for the interface: Reduces the load on your CPU, ensuring that your system runs more efficiently.

  • Introduced support for Apple M1 chips (except for AAX): Optimizes the plugin for the latest macOS hardware.

  • Updated minimum macOS support to version 10.11: Ensures broader compatibility with newer macOS versions.

These improvements ensure that LUMeter MK2 is more stable, efficient, and ready for the modern audio production environment.

Free Update for Existing Users

If you’re already using HoRNet LUMeter MK2, you can download the latest version 2.1.0 update for free from the user area on our website. The update offers improved functionality, addresses previous bugs, and introduces new features that will enhance your mixing experience.

Why Choose LUMeter MK2

The HoRNet LUMeter MK2 is an essential tool for anyone serious about achieving consistent, professional loudness levels in their mixes. Whether you’re an audio engineer, a mastering professional, or a podcast creator, this plugin helps you manage gain staging with ease, ensuring that your mixes sound their best. The automatic gain adjustment and peak protection features make it even easier to maintain consistent levels, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your mix.

With advanced calibration options, a flexible user interface, and a robust feature set, LUMeter MK2 is a tool that every serious audio professional can rely on.


Download LUMeter MK2 Version 2.1.0 today and experience the next level of precision in your loudness metering and gain staging!

 

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