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Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 500-Series Limiter

Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 500-Series Limiter

$599.00 to $621.50 Price Tier: High-end

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$621.50 1 available Used

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4.0 (1)

$599.00

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Average Price: $610

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 500-Series Limiter is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

Price History

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Description

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Step into the world of sonic precision with the STANDARD AUDIO LEVEL-OR 500 SERIES LIMITER, a must-have for any serious musician or audio engineer looking to infuse their tracks with a unique tonal character. Inspired by the iconic Shure Level-Loc PA circuit, this unit offers a blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility. Whether you're crafting a gritty bass line or taming a dynamic vocal, the Level-Or provides a dual-functionality that seamlessly transitions between a limiter and a distortion unit.

This compact yet powerful 500 Series module is designed for easy integration into your existing setup. It features intuitive variable input and output controls that allow you to tailor your sound with surgical precision. The switchable time constant further enhances its adaptability, making it perfect for everything from subtle dynamic control to extreme sonic sculpting. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Level-Or ensures your sound is both bold and controlled, delivering the kind of rich, harmonic saturation that can elevate your mix to professional heights.

Key Features:

Single channel 500 Series distortion and JFET limiter
Based on the vintage Shure Level-Loc PA circuit
Variable input and output controls for precise sound shaping
Dual-functionality: switchable between limiter and distortion modes
Switchable time constant for versatile dynamic control
Compact design for easy integration into 500 Series racks

Product specs

Brand	Standard Audio
Model	Level-Or 500 Series JFET Limiter Module
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Categories	500 Series Modules and Frames, Compressors and Limiters

FAQs

What type of limiter is the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series?: The Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series is a JFET limiter module designed for 500 series racks, providing both limiting and harmonic distortion capabilities.
Can the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series be used for both mixing and mastering?: Yes, the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series can be used in both mixing and mastering settings, offering versatile control over dynamics and adding character to audio signals.
Is the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series compatible with all 500 series racks?: The Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series is designed to fit standard 500 series racks, ensuring compatibility with most 500 series enclosures.
How does the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series affect audio signals?: The Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series adds harmonic distortion and limits audio signals, enhancing the overall sound character while controlling peaks effectively.
What are the core features of the Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series limiter?: The Standard Audio Level-Or 500 Series offers JFET-based limiting, harmonic distortion, and a compact design for integration into 500 series racks, making it ideal for dynamic control and sound coloration.

Videos

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Max Bauhof

Standard Audio Level-Or Drum Demo

Max Bauhof

Standard Audio Level-Or Showcase On Drums and More

Music by MILANO

Standard Audio Level-Or

Max Bauhof

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Standard Audio Level-Or MK2 500-Series Limiter.

Features and functionality

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The Radial EXTC-500 allows analog plugin parallel processing, praised for its utility in creating unique sound chains like a 7X into a parallel Drawmer tube comp.
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The Level-Or is highlighted for its unique ability to introduce significant analog distortion, useful in creative studio applications beyond its original public speaking design.
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Mods and upgrades

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The don-classics 250EQ can be enhanced with discrete op-amps like the API 2520, allowing for tonal variation without soldering.
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Comparisons

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The JLM LA500 is likened to a budget-friendly CL1B, appreciated for its compression characteristics despite lower color saturation.
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The Standard Audio Level-Or is noted for effectively replicating the Shure Level Loc's function, praised by musicians who've worked with renowned engineers like Tchad Blake.
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Use cases and applications

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The Levelor is highlighted alongside other unique gear for creating creative, non-standard mixes, appealing to those seeking esoteric sound processing.
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Known for aggressive compression and distortion, the Level-Or is ideal for achieving gritty, old-school drum sounds similar to those in Tame Impala's music.
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User experience

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Owners of treated rooms emphasize the importance of proper acoustic treatment, noting that even well-equipped rooms can suffer from poor sound quality without it.
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Critic Reviews

Standard Audio Level Or 500-series

soundonsound.com

Standard Audio's Level Or 500 Series Limiter packs a punch, perfect for giving drums that gritty, crushing edge. With its straightforward controls and ability to blend distortion beautifully, it excels in rock and blues genres. However, it's a one-trick pony, lacking versatility for other applications, notably struggling with low bass frequencies. While the price point might be steep for casual users, for dedicated drum producers, its unique character and performance might just justify the investment.

positive

Full Review

Standard Audio: Level-Or | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Standard Audio Level-Or is a versatile 500-series limiter that defies its one-trick-pony reputation. While it's aggressive compression shines on drums—especially in its Crunch mode—there are limitations, such as a lack of a bypass switch and some noise issues in Level mode. That said, it offers unique sonic possibilities for a range of instruments and can even compete with pricier units for parallel compression tasks. If you're aiming for bold, character-driven sounds rather than transparent compression, the Level-Or is a compelling choice. Just be aware that for utilitarian needs, you might want to look elsewhere.

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