Level-Loc is Back: Shure Revives the Legend with Black Lion Audio & Korneff Audio
A Cult-Classic Tool
The return of the Shure M62V Level-Loc audio level controller is great news – and not just for studio and sound geeks. Originally developed in the 1960s, the hardware’s unique sonic characteristics have now been faithfully recreated by Korneff Audio and Black Lion Audio. The new edition combines analog nostalgia with modern features and is available as both a boutique hardware compressor and a versatile software plugin. Very cool!
A Piece of Audio History Returns: Level-Loc Reloaded
The Level-Loc hardware replica has been taken over by Black Lion Audio. It stays true to the roots of the original, but adds modern elements such as a TRS input and output, 48V phantom power, and more precise compression control. The faithful reproduction of the components preserves the characteristic sound of the hardware, which is especially appealing to vintage fans.
The Korneff Audio plugin offers a digital recreation that allows you to flexibly use the characteristic features of Level-Loc technology in current DAWs. The developers have focused on authentically reproducing the unpredictable dynamics and interactivity of the original – and they have succeeded – while adding additional customization options such as variable attack and release times and adjustable impedances. Nice!
From Studio Classic to Modern Legend
Grammy Award-winning engineer Tchad Blake, who rediscovered the Level-Loc sound, played a pivotal role in the device’s renaissance. His assistance in developing the plugin and testing it in conjunction with Shure was instrumental in ensuring that the result was both sonic and functional. He describes the new, authentic-sounding software as an indispensable tool for his creative sound processing.
Shure and its partners have succeeded in combining the best of analog and digital technology. Level-Loc is not only a symbol of audio history, but also an exciting solution for engineers, producers and creatives to create warmth and independent compression. The renaissance of this cult hardware brings the legendary device convincingly into the modern production world: as hardware and software – and that’s what we audio nerds like best!
Pricing and Specifications
Black Lion Audio Level-Loc will be available at an MSRP of $499.00 / €649.00 and will ship in Q2 2025. The Level-Loc plugin is currently available on the Korneff Audio website at an introductory price of $74.99 instead of $149.99. The plugin runs as VST3, AU and AAX in 64 bits on MacOS (10.14 or higher) and Windows (7 or higher). You can download a free trial from the manufacturer’s website. Presets are included.
Learn More About Shure, Black Lion Audio and Korneff Audio
- Korneff Audio product page
- Black Lion Audio product page
- More about Black Lion Audio
- More about Korneff Audio
- More about Shure
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