Exploring the Shure LEVEL-LOC, Standard Audio LEVEL-OR and Soundtoys DEVIL-LOC!!!

[@lebibibeige4068]

David you are setting a new stellar quality standard for gear reviews on YT. Hat off. Impeccable sound reviews with people like Josh into it explaining their technology is an out of this world concept. PLEASE keep them coming

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thank you very much. Doing my best. It's way more work than I would have expected.

[@4headgaming448]

My jaw dropped and my face lit up at the first time you put the Loc on the kit. Such a familiar sound from some of my favorite engineers and artists made so clear right there. Thank you for this!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@4headgaming448 It’s being copied for a reason! It does sound very sweet and I enjoy it like you do.

[@4headgaming448]

Loving your style and wisdom in these videos!

[@Intedencefer]

Very informative and useful! I did not realize the Crush vs. Crunch on the Devil Loc was Mic vs Line level inputs. Good to know.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Glad these vids are useful! I always learn thigns when I make them as well.

[@stevestoutmusic]

Man that musical example with the level or is sick! Absolutely miss it when it’s off

[@davidpetersmusic]

It's crazy how one track can define the whole sound!

[@marcoc2449]

As a huge fan of Dave Fridmann, I'm so glad I've found this channel! Thank you sir!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Hopefully I can do a video about my time with him, though it was a LONG time ago!

[@marcoc2449]

@@davidpetersmusic That would be so magical!

[@DoctorJezz]

Never knew the history behind my Sound Toys plug - loved this - thank you so much - excellent work 👍

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@DoctorJezz Glad to be of service! I’ll try to find some more fun stuff to cover.

[@lelandbobpalmer]

Portsmouth Sinfonia :) AWESOME, dude! My band use that track for opening our concerts... Anyways, great channel you have here - there is "respect" for your audience in a sense that it's fun engaging, direct and professional info. Mature and relaxed. Love it! AND...The Soft Bulletin changed my perspective on music and musical direction when I was younger AND was one of the reasons for me to drop out of high school to become an audio engineer (which I still am today) ...then of course me and my mates zoned out to Zaireeka experiments with the 4 CDs - so the other video about D.F. and the lips was awesome info. THANKS, dude! Great channel you have here!!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@lelandbobpalmer No one could ask for a nicer comment than this. I had no idea that was a known version by Portsmouth Symphonia. I thought it was some random find. So I learned on that one!

[@dragonemortale9056]

Best video concepts in a really long time, keep going, support from Italy!

[@davidpetersmusic]

The first few topics are easy to come up with, but you quickly run out of classic, under-covered gear that you also happen to have access to! Working on it, though. Thanks for the support from Italy!

[@darkstar.runner6669]

The Standard Audio Tool is winning the „competition“ in Sound 👍🙌👏

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@darkstar.runner6669 Everyone has a favorite! The comments have been really interesting that way.

[@someoneacomputer1905]

You're way too fun :D Thanks for the demo mister !!! xxxxx

[@davidpetersmusic]

Gotta keep my kids entertained as well! But thank you, I always appreciate hearing from everyone. ☺

[@maximilianwoerle]

Finally someone did it! Thanks!!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@maximilianwoerle Happy to serve! Credit goes to my friend, Patrick, though. It was his idea!

[@david_farmer]

I freakin loved this video so thanks for making it! I’ve been a big fan of the Devil Loc plugin for years and never heard the original box so that was a fun overview. The Shure is pretty special sounding alright! The plugin has always been super aggressive and I love it. Soundtoys have always done amazing analogizing imo. This and also Radiator. Cheers for showing these off!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Glad it was helpful! It's pretty amazing how far affordable plug-ins can get you. They're also a great way to learn what units speak to you as a creator and what hardware might be worth investing in for each of us.

[@soysos.tuffsound]

Very cool, I've never heard this thing in the raw. I didn't know that was what the Devil-Loc is based on. Sounds great. I'll stick to the plug in, but I do this type of thing with distortion pedals all the time for parallel processing.

[@davidpetersmusic]

When I learned no one had done a proper KZbin video of this I was shocked. It's a bit of a mystery box still in a lot of ways. I'm glad it helped shed some light on things! Parallel pedals are LOTS of fun in mixing.

[@adamwasthefirstman]

I'd be hard-pressed not to say the Devil-Loc is my favorite plug-in. It sounds like it's a bit lacking in the low end thump compared to the hardware units, but that just means I'm gonna try throwing a Pultec type eq or even RBass after it now!

[@davidpetersmusic]

The hardware has an effortless, natural thing about it. The plugin does a surprisingly good job of mapping the action. I've used it plenty and been happy!

[@thruzero]

Absolute blessing to my feed, your style is unique and fun! Thanks so much for covering this odd little piece of gear

[@davidpetersmusic]

Such a sweet comment, thank you. I love having under-covered units like this to talk about, but the supply such things is a bit limited. More fun stuff to come though as time allows!

[@DanielHolter]

Helllllllls yes, nice work! Favorite boxes for mixing and tracking.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks! Any other places or instrument where you like to use yours?

[@DanielHolter]

@@davidpetersmusic I almost always have a touch (2-10% usually) on vocals, mostly the lead, sometimes BGVs. I just used the Soundtoys plug on bass guitar room mics (yes) for a throwback grunge album I'm finishing up that was tracked at London Bridge Studio here in Seattle... that was RIDICULOUSLY insane and vibey. I should make a video on that one!

[@Rhuggins]

Your content is incredibly good. Thank you for your service

[@davidpetersmusic]

That is high praise. It is received with genuine appreciation. Thank you!

[@BlackenedNL]

Really realllyy like the weight the Shure unit gives it. And awesome video! You got a new sub I can't believe you are under 1000 subs that will skyrocket in no time

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks for the support! I've only done 6 studio-tool videos here, so it's pretty much a new channel. I appreciate the encouragement.

[@dirkchurlish4074]

thanks for the awesome video, man! i had no idea standard audio made a stereo rackmount level-Or. Devil Loc is a really popular compressor plugin. this demo really showcases the strengths of hardware compression over plug-in compression. the code just doesn't know what to do with the snare transient, bless its heart. more hardware compressors on drums please! i see you've got some monsters in the rack 👀

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thank you for chiming in! The rack mount version is pretty new. I heard a rumor a plugin might make an appearance in the new year. As far as drum compressors go, I've covered the Overstayer SFE and Pye, so I guess it's time to do the tube units. As plugins go, the Devil-Loc does a fair job, but in the room the hardware definitely speaks on an elevated level.

[@jackduxbury1632]

Such a great vid - thank you for taking the time to make it 🙏

[@davidpetersmusic]

It's crazy how much time little videos like this do take to create. But... It's worth it when so much nice feedback comes in. This is a topic that needed to be covered as well.

[@TheKierensaysmaybe]

Makes me happy to have Devil-loc. Really the best for drum excitment!

[@davidpetersmusic]

It's popular for a reason!

[@nedward5871]

Love it. Mis-using gear gives fun results! Tchad Blake famously used a Sansamp on everything except electric guitar. As Joe Meek has been quoted, "If it sounds good, it is good!" I have the Devil-Loc and the Mix knob is great to add the right amount.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Mix knobs and parallel processing are good friends to have in the studio, especially with heavy flavors like the Level Loc. I have also found good analog saturation can enhance just about anything. Sometimes I do quite a bit of it with my Overstayer boxes.

[@TheWeazel01]

Absolutely love your videos, all the gear I wanted to see a video of. Thank you for the time you're spending on all this stuff! I have a mono Level-Or in my 500 series rack, and have used the plugins loads. Love them both, just like you said; they speak differently, both great!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Please let me know what other equipment you're curious about. I need fresh ideas! 😇

[@TheWeazel01]

@@davidpetersmusic Kush Audio Tweezer, Clariphonic, ST550 HRK Audio, Acme XLA500, Mother Pro Audio Vivid & WAI2950. Just some ideas haha, would be awesome!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@TheWeazel01 I love the suggestions, i just don’t have any of those units!

[@ThisGuyDude]

That sad trombone beginning is priceless :-) This was a great demo and exposé, thank you! A couple of other goodies which I have that were designed with the same purpose in mind, but which took markedly different approaches to that problem of leveling are the IRP Knowles DI-4019 LevelMatic and the CBS Labs Max Brothers (Audimax III 444, Volumax 410). I love them! When used appropriately they can really offer some creative applications. If interested I would suggest checking out some of the technical documentation of the IRP and CBS offerings. They have very different approaches to sensing level and responding and preventing pump up and undulation. They were designed for broadcast in public address as well as meetings so not necessarily originally designed for music production per se. But fantastic and really unique attack release patterns that can't be found in any plug-in or any other compressor limiter around today.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Those sound fun! I appreciate the tips. I think I remember David Fridmann having some of those CBS units in the studio as well. The sad trombone intro was a Swedish middle school band trying their best, but not quite making it. 🤓

[@ThisGuyDude]

@@davidpetersmusic Ha! That is too funny. It's an absolutely perfect 'bad performance', I genuinely thought you worked hard to pitch/time adjust and warble a good performance into this catchy cacophany. That's not easy for a band to do by intent, so kudos to those kids :-)

[@eihthype6578]

Always baffled me, the lack of level-or gear review/demo vids on KZbin, so thank you for thisI. Such a cool unit. I had the 500 series version, loved it an now miss it. Felt like I was splitting hairs comparing it to the devil-loc plug-in, so I sold the it. Been on the fence about buying another, just can’t seem to justify it with that the price tag though.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Sometimes those split hairs make all the difference! But then again, sometimes they don't. I wish I could own it all, but that's not possible. To get Level-Loc vibes I've learned to dial in my Overstayer Modular Channel to get me as close as I can.

[@skylermann]

Would love to hear any other stories about Dave’s magic boxes! Thanks for making this

[@davidpetersmusic]

I'm planning a video on my time there, but what I learned from DF was less about magic boxes and more about a way of being. I hope folks won't be too disappointed!

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

Thanks for another really fun and informative video.

[@davidpetersmusic]

The topic deserved it! Thank you for the comment love and show of support.

[@Dekutard]

algo coming in clutch. i could’ve used this video for years now. thanks! liked.

[@davidpetersmusic]

I can't believe no one had done it before. When given the chance, I could not abdicate my responsibility!

[@Robert_Babicz]

cool video , thank you

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thank you too!

[@tobitweaks]

Yeah finally!!! Thanks man

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thank my friend Patrick, it was all his idea!

[@rome8180]

The Level-Or seems really cool. Having that mix knob means you can do some really cool parallel processing. I'm not someone who loves destroying my sounds. But I do love blending in a destroyed sound under a clean sound to add extra energy. I also actually liked the sound of the Level-Or the best for some reason.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Everyone has their tastes both in sound and in approach. Nothing wrong with that! They're all great and do their own thing. I love parallel processing, whether with a mix knob or extra channel on the mixer. If you like the Level-Or but aren't ready to buy a hardware unit yet, a little bird told me there might be a dedicated plugin coming in the new year.

[@Aleksandr_Igorevich]

Уникальный ролик 🙏 спасибо!) очень интересно было услышать оригинал. Devil loc one love 👾

[@davidpetersmusic]

I have no idea what this says, but I'm glad you liked it!

[@Aleksandr_Igorevich]

@@davidpetersmusic I'm saying that it's a truly unique video. I'm always wanted to hear the original level LOC compared to a devil LOC, which I'm using all the time. Tnx 🤙

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@Aleksandr_Igorevich Many thanks! I’m trying to keep it interesting. Glad to be of service!

[@Boleskinebeatz]

Weird.. The Devil-Loc sounded very thin and over bright also but seemed to lack that fatness of the two hardware units?

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@Boleskinebeatz Well, it’s a plug-in. What I heard here: It does a nice job with the action but it’s hard to match the comfortable tone of the original. The LevelOr has the sonic benefit of being hardware, but it has a bit of its own flavor and compression movement. They’re each their own thing!

[@rekocastren923]

I hear this in the Flaming Lips drum sound now! It was such a unique sound at the time, Soft Bulletin has such beautifylly overblown yet controlled durms. By the way both sound better than the plug in.. but usually anything to do with distortion is better with analog. Sounds like choosing some darker overhead mics might work better with these boxes, the top end igets quite the boost. This was such a well made and fun video I had to subscribe, thanks!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks! If I recall correctly, most of the Soft Bulletin drums were only two mics. A 47 overhead and something in front of the kick. The room and kit placement had a lot to do with it. I don't remember what he used to blow them up. In my tests, the Level Loc held its ground against the others. The Level-Or is cool but has more of a crunch vibe, the plugin did well on the movement but lacked the depth and low end. They were all good though.

[@rafaelocandof]

It's so cool that you were in the Zaireeka/Soft Bulletin sessions. Fridmann is a master of distortion. Thank you for sharing!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@rafaelocandof Yes, Fridmann is a master - unflappable and always up to try something that shouldn’t work, but does.

[@ManicMaximus]

He did it!

[@davidpetersmusic]

He did. It has been done. For now and for all time. ...or until the internet goes down. 😬

[@3str]

Great stuff!!

[@davidpetersmusic]

I appreciate the appreciation!

[@vibesstudiosessions]

Love this thanks so much for posting 🤟

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks for watching and sharing some energy here!

[@artprojectsnz]

Good to see the history of the level-loc - seen them but never used one - the Soundtoys is ace - and I never quite know how much to put on - this kind of helps me. Thx. JPMusic

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@artprojectsnz Happy it was helpful!

[@bradleypower4803]

wicked video man - A+

[@davidpetersmusic]

Many thanks! I've never had anything called "wicked" before, but I like it!

[@siniswhatitis]

Great videos!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks for the comment love!

[@joesalyers]

In Logic if you use the i/o plugin for outboard hardware to avoid the phase issue make sure to click the ping knob before playback this will allow logic to adjust the sample timing. Sometimes you have to click it twice if you hear phasing. Thats been an issue n Logic for about a year now. Great videos by the way, I think I want to get the Standard audio stereo version I didn't know it was even a product!!!! Cheers!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@joesalyers I use the Logic I/O plug-in all the time, but for some reason the Level-Loc kept confusing the ping function. Every click gave me a different reading. There’s some Voodoo in that unit! :-P

[@joesalyers]

@@davidpetersmusic Yea that happens sometimes its been a bug where Logic doesn't calculate the right timing for the i/o plugin for about a year now, I've reported it multiple times. Hopefully it gets fixed soon 😂 Great review!!

[@tihinter]

thanks for that great video! Further idea for upcoming clips showing rare hardware units: Michael Brauers bass trick with the Akai S612 sampler, abused as a realtime preamp / overdrive box.

[@davidpetersmusic]

This is a cool idea. I just need to find one!!!

[@bandrewes]

Sounds great! You are really tempting me to buy some standard audio gear with these last 2 vids.

[@davidpetersmusic]

They'll be happy to hear that! Ian has been very nice in letting me borrow stuff.

[@MadGearBand]

Great content, fella. I’m also a crunchy drums and Dave F. fan, and my go-to has been Tone Empire’s Loc-Ness. I’ve a/b’d it against Devil Loc more than once, and the Loc-ness keeps coming out on top. A hardware version would be amazing, but there doesn’t seem to be any reasonable options for a hobbyist like me. I’ll stick to the plugins for now 😂.

[@davidpetersmusic]

The hardware version isn't reasonable for a non-hobbyist either! ...that's why I borrowed it. 😉. I'll have to check out the Loc-Ness!

[@MadGearBand]

@@davidpetersmusic haha good point

[@shineliketko]

Love the videos! Keep em coming!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@shineliketko Thanks! The busy season is coming so I hope I can still find the time. Maybe I’ll just have to skip the ridiculous openings…

[@shineliketko]

@@davidpetersmusic no way. Gotta keep the ridiculous openings!

[@markseagraves5486]

Yes it is weird that you are a life coach… but in a good way. Awesome video. I have one of these along with a weird Sure mixer with transformer inputs and a Pioneer reverb thing. Patched together they make an excellent noise source. I do mostly post production and our Sure Mixer-Level-Loc-verb combo is great for up-smashing whispery dialog or for creating a certain ‘vintage public address’ futz. Super fun.

[@davidpetersmusic]

I love coaching as much as making records, so I was compelled to throw that in there. I think I have one of those Pioneer springs here as well. I should pull that out and see if that would be fun to cover. hmm....

[@JAMPROSOUND]

Man, the intro alone earned a sub.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Then the huge production budget and endless script revisions were well worth it! Welcome to this humble corner of the internet. 🤓

[@RomeHeroFoxes]

this is so awesome man, you could not find a video on the level loc in this detail anywhere! I’d love to see you maybe test the Shure M267 mixer’s as they are said to have a similar circuit for their master/limiter output

[@davidpetersmusic]

That's why my friend gave me the Level-Loc to try, he said it was crazy there hadn't been a proper video of it yet. Thanks goes to him! I'll look into the M267. I didn't know about that one.

[@mattg082]

I have one of those old Shure 80s broadcast 4 channels sitting in my office. Has the limiter at the end that gets tasty for gritty drums. Wasn’t Level Loc built into some Shure stuff pretty much? Difference?

[@davidpetersmusic]

I've heard they are similar but I've never dug into the subject too deeply or heard one for myself. Why not try it out?! 😎

[@SinclairSound]

Just found your channel this is great stuff!

[@davidpetersmusic]

You just found it because I pretty much just started it! Glad you're here. 😎

[@teddyedwardsmusic]

Great video! Do you use 9V battery to power the level loc? Would be curious if you remember how they powered theirs at Tarbox and if you remember it ever having phase issues (mine can act weird sometimes too)!

[@davidpetersmusic]

I powered this one with a 9V and it definitely could get weird with the phase stuff! It even appeared in this video on the comparison samples. My Tarbox days were almost 25 years ago so I don't remember the details on that Level Loc. There is a video on that experience coming up soon though!

[@_thaaatguy]

Instant follow 😮

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@_thaaatguy Instant thanks!

[@mind-brainstudio927]

What a pleasure (?) to hear The Portsmouth Sinfonia destroy Also Sprach Zarathustra! It's been quite a while since I had the original vinyl. Perfect!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Is that actually a well-known recording? I found it on KZbin labeled as a Swedish kids school band. Is there more to the story?!?!

[@MixedByDotRob]

Great video! Thanks for all the research! It's crazy what people are willing to pay for the old Shure boxes ;-)

[@davidpetersmusic]

The more I dug into it the more I had to admit it had something special. Maybe not $2500 special, but still...

[@MixedByDotRob]

@@davidpetersmusic 😀😀

[@charliekent-barker4903]

Amazing comparison! I actually didn’t know Level-Or was based on it, but I guess that should’ve been obvious

[@davidpetersmusic]

The Level-Loc is pretty unknown unless you closely follow Tchad Blake or are enough of a Tame Imapla fan to research his production techniques. The Devil-Loc however, is EVERYWHERE!

[@chrisdonlin7280]

Amazing video. When you compare all three back to back, it's interesting that the devil loc has more of a compression sound on the 'crunch' setting where as the level loc and level-or are more of just crunch. Im curious to look into this today, i noticed devil loc was on the fast release setting, this could have contributed to the compression effect

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks for the love! I thought the Level-Loc was pretty effortless and could really do a lot of compression without getting very crunchy. The Level-Or has a bit more crunch and smack in the attack generally. The Devil-Loc got the compression movement pretty good, but it's hard for plug-ins to compete in the "depth" and "aliveness" department. They're all pretty fun and useful!

[@BrainTraumatizer]

Instant like before even playing the clip... probably earns a sub, too...

[@davidpetersmusic]

haha, thanks! Gotta keep myself entertained as well.

[@BrainTraumatizer]

​@@davidpetersmusic Was of course expecting this to be informative, but I like your editing, and there's some funny moments as well. Good content!

[@greenflamingoguitar2758]

Awesome video - thank you!!! How did you set the HI/LO switches on the input and output in the two scenarios ("compression"/"crunch") and did you use the AUX or the regular output?

[@davidpetersmusic]

Thanks! Low on both impedance switches, aux out (the RCA jack) Mine may have been modded to make the XLR out a clean send. I can only get compression out of the AUX on mine.

[@greenflamingoguitar2758]

​@@davidpetersmusic thank you! so you used the same cabling and settings for the "crunch" setting except for the transformer impedance matching box?

[@davidpetersmusic]

Yes, exactly. The transformers bring the level back down to mic level. There's a switch on it for with -24 or 36dB (or something close to those numbers)

[@brianholtzmusicsound]

Dude luv that thing on drums. Almost reminded me of the Chandler tg on a kit. got to go play with some soundtoys now.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Lots of fun ways to blow up drums, but this is certainly a fun one!

[@krsp420]

What’s the budget JFET compressor these days then? Gotta be something out there!

[@davidpetersmusic]

I agree, there's always a hidden gem or two out there. If you find one, tell me first! 😉

[@SeemoreDunkan]

Such a great comparison.. Thanks a lot! I'm just confused by 1 thing.. How does one use the Deviloc in Mic level? Isn't everything that's already recorded is now Line Level? I'd love to use the Deviloc as a preamp

[@davidpetersmusic]

Glad you dig it! If you go back to about the 5:30 mark in the video I explain what you need to use it as a line level hardware insert.

[@SeemoreDunkan]

@@davidpetersmusic I meant the Deviloc (not Shure Level-Loc) since you use it in Mic Level at 17:27. And I actually watched the whole video but keep coming back to it for another listen. Thanks! Loving the channel.

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@SeemoreDunkan Devil-Loc CRUSH setting is like the Level Loc fed with mic level. DevilLoc CRUNCH setting is like feeding it with line level. The plug-in offer both sounds to be dialed in at the same time in whatever amount you like.

[@SeemoreDunkan]

@@davidpetersmusic Oh I see. Thanks for clarifying!

[@KiDAppleBorg]

Subscribed! will use my Devil-Loc, tonight. thanks

[@davidpetersmusic]

It's good to be inspired! Thanks for the sub!

[@user-wy6xd5ip8w]

I tracked Matt Chamberlin on a record, and his level loc had an American D22 going into it. Best if you use a mic that is steering off a fair amount of top and bottom, then the thing isn't swamped by the kick or flattened by the cymbals.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Great tip for anytime you want to smash drums! ...and I wish I got to track Matt Chamberlin.

[@user-wy6xd5ip8w]

@@davidpetersmusic It got even better, but anyway. That Dolby A301 you have is stunning!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@user-wy6xd5ip8w I bought my 301 not working and it sat here for a couple years until I finally had it serviced. I glad I did! It really has something.

[@merchannel7762]

Dave Friedmann adjacent video and I subscribe. Fun sense of humor too. Well done

[@davidpetersmusic]

Much appreciated. Fridmann is such a quiet legend. He's one of the most interesting music makers out there and has no interest in attracting attention for it. - understated and competent - I wish I was that cool.

[@KreativeDevices]

🔥

[@davidpetersmusic]

🙏

[@g_and_kikos_studio]

What do you think about using these units on a send to bring in a little in parallel. I have Devil Loc and Ive had trouble getting it to not overpower things too much. Another great video thanks David

[@g_and_kikos_studio]

You actually awnsered my question about parallel further into the video. Thanks

[@davidpetersmusic]

Yes, parallel is key!

[@TheSeafoams]

I have the same did you power with 9v or hook up power and if so how?

[@davidpetersmusic]

Just a simple 9V

[@paulov9626]

OOOh another fab video. Two ideas come to mind...one, that LEV-LOC contraption is an easy one to simulate with a simple plugin. Like you say a harsh compressor with a 100:1 ratio, crazy attack and release times and even a control to add noise, just like the real deal. As for over-driving it, uhmm a pre-clipper to give the audio some "nice" square edges, and as a bonus, it will also add loads of harmonics. Second thing, you seem to have loads of AUX sends and receives. Why not experiment with odd bits of kit? Things like old tape recorders but with the tape head being fed by another tape head. (Motor, etc just disabled, no tape involved). Those old tape cassette recorders had some crazy ALC circuits, why not take advantage of them? The output you feed via cheap 600 ohm transformers back into your DAW. Why use cheap audio transformers? Because they saturate at much lower levels and colour the spectrum, exactly what you want for a completely unexpected result. The transformers also protect your I/O's from DC offsets and earth/gnd loops. Another candidate, modify old intercom systems (the type you buy for a few bucks) for a LO-Fi sound done in hardware. Yet another, old carbon mics, can get them out of old rotary dial phones. These old phones are also a great source for audio transformers. Try different things and there will be "much rejoicing". Part of the fun is not knowing what magical sounds will emerge from bits of kit that were never intended for pro audio use.

[@davidpetersmusic]

These are all great ideas! Believe it or not, I do have stories of the tape head idea via something Josh of JCF had rigged up. Running signal through different transformers is always a favorite. We've used "phone mics" in a few recent productions and that was fun as well. For transistors, I feel like that's something that been done really nicely with things like the Overstayer Modular Channel, where they run things through transistors for saturation but add a million controls so you can shape the sound. There are so many fun ways to do things. In the future, if any of these things happen here, I'll try to capture them on camera!

[@paulov9626]

@@davidpetersmusic Please, do capture those experiments on camera. Whenever I have some free time, I always try and go to a few thrift shops and "junk yards". There is always some gadget that even if not completely working, can be partly cannibalised and placed in the audio path. One of absolute favs is buying older equipment (don't bother with digital stuff) that have lots of random inductors and caps then make my own Frankenstein versions of the pulteq eq filter. So many possibilities......

[@samuelswartz6029]

Great video! You should compare the level loc with the Shure se30 next. I’m pretty sure they have the same limiter circuit in both units, would be cool to hear that!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Someone in LA should lend me one!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

It looks like the five knob for channel show mixer I got when I first started out

[@davidpetersmusic]

Secret tip: Some of those old Shure mixers can be turning into awesome multi-channel DI boxes. Shhhhhh!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@davidpetersmusic hmmm..! I must have my one somewhere Any other fun things I can use it for?🤞

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@BeesWaxMinder I had mine turned into a DI and ReAmp box. Beyond that, only the limits of your imagination!

[@GreySH101]

Could you do a video on your time with Dave Fridman? Always loved his flaming lips through Tame Impala period. When I saw the level loc I thought of him blowing up drums immediately. Thanks! Digging the channel. Your sense of adventure is appreciated!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Dave is a sweet, understated and extremely competent guy. What I remember most is how warm and funny the Flaming Lips guys were. When I told them I was moving to LA they gave me a nice sit-down talk about not going into porn if things got tough!

[@isakrags3804]

I second this. Not that you have to give away all his secrets but the interest in Dave fridmann and tame impala esque audio engineering is sooo high demand. Please talk more about this stuff!!! Great video btw.

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@isakrags3804 It is a fun idea. My time with him was 25 years ago and I'm sure a ton has changed since then. My main takeaways were less about tools and tricks and more about approach and attitude. David has an endless calm and openness that makes many difficult things possible.

[@isakrags3804]

@@davidpetersmusic i see. Well, would still be interested in the things you describe.:)

[@blashuvec]

Such a fun video!! I just wanna say that you interning for Dave Fridmann while the Lips were making those two amazing records is such an awesome thing in itself!! Anyway... The Level-Loc being super expensive these days is the greatest scam in audio gear history!!

[@davidpetersmusic]

Those records were so formative for me, not just because I got to be around a bit, but they music itself, along with how they did the shows, opened up so many ideas and possibilities. And the fact that they are all such decent humans. It was all a gift.

[@analoguewings]

A “how they get that sound” series on The Soft Bulletin would probably do crazy numbers on youtube just saying

[@blashuvec]

@@analoguewings any dave fridmann album that he worked would be amazing tbh

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@analoguewings It definitely would, but it’s not my place to share someone else’s methods. I could definitely talk about how he was , though. I think that’s what the most valuable lesson was.

[@reallyoldcob]

Devil-Loc really holding its own...

[@davidpetersmusic]

As plug-ins go, it gets a lot right.

[@reallyoldcob]

just needs an output level control

[@GreySH101]

I appreciate the reply about Dave Fridman. Any chance you could get your hands on the new Avedis PYE compressor? And do a shootout with yours? I have been interested in PWM comps. I have the Waves and acoustical audio versions and dig the vibe of the grab. The Avedis is more then $5k though, I think that is what I read on his website. But it looks cool. No videos as of yet. I like that you are going the esoteric route, demoing less common videos. My love of alternative/ indie music as well as classic 60s/70s music is an itch that rarely gets scratched by other content creators. You are doing a fine job. Your also the right personality type and a solid instructor. Your son’s drawing as a tool to explain multi band compression expansion was also clever and wholesome.

[@davidpetersmusic]

A sincere thanks for a thoughtful comment! I knew Avedis was building a Pye but I didn't know it was available yet. I know the POM Pye can still be had, and for less than $5k. He builds to order, you just get on the list. I recently received the POM Fairchild, which is also fun.

[@GreySH101]

⁠@@davidpetersmusicdefinitely. Keep up the good work. I want both the Stanard audio stretch and level or. Thanks for covering both. and the POM Fairchild. Oh wow, I imagine you will do a video on that?

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@GreySH101 Thé POM is pretty new here and quite a subtle, classy box. I’m sure it will show up sometime, but I’m not sure the context yet.

[@tihinter]

I recently bought an used POM PIE for small money. It’s an interesting addition to my colour palette, but much more strange acting than my GreatvRiver 501 or a Crane Song STC8, which are PWM, too. Wondering how Avedis, POM, EMT156 would compare to a vintage original PYE! POMPIE doesn’t take parallel processing well. It seems to apply too much overall phase shift. Or even a time delay? I have to measure, when I’m back at the studio.

[@lovebirdsmusic]

thanks dave for another great video! 2,5 grand - wow. tame impala using this piece really upped the price a bit haha. they used to be around 700 a year ago i think. devil loc didnt sound too bad against it tho, the typical lack of "aliveness" that plugins come with but maybe running it through some analog goodness after it can cure that.

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@lovebirdsmusic Thanks for the thanks! The price is a good reason that one isn’t selling. I think of them being closer to the $1200 mark recently. The pandemic drove them up, tough times ahead will perhaps drive them back down a bit. The Devil-loc did a nice job with the movement of the compression, but yeah, the depth and impact is not quite the same, as is par for the course.

[@NamelessSmile]

The soundtoys plugin seems to be calibrated hotter than the others

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@NamelessSmile The biggest challenge was getting them set in similar ways. The knob settings don’t match, they each distort and compress a bit differently. While all related, they are not the same for sure.

[@Till_Lingenberg]

This thing is also part of the tame impala signature drum sound :)

[@davidpetersmusic]

I should have mentioned that in the video, because that's where most of the love for this thing is coming these days for sure!

[@isaacjohnklein]

Night and Day difference for sure. I know I'm in minority here, but I'm not a fan of super crunchy compression/saturation. Still very cool to see the live demonstration!

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@isaacjohnklein If I’m going to distort, I really need it to be beautiful distortion, which is hard to find. It seems like of all things, it shouldn’t matter there, but it really does. The subtleties count.

[@c1184701]

Great video David! I built a clone of a level loc, using transformers and other parts scavenged from a Shure M67 mixer. I'd love to compare its compression to your examples of the real thing, would you mind uploading the original/raw drum loop file please?

[@davidpetersmusic]

Sure thing. Got an email address? Or you can write me through the website, which should be linked in the description.

[@c1184701]

Thanks David, I'll send a message on your website

[@davidpetersmusic]

Sent you the file via email. If you didn't get it, let me know!

[@c1184701]

@@davidpetersmusic Thanks David I received the file, much appreciated

[@edjefferson9175]

Now we know why there was so much feedback in those church and school lunch rooms

[@davidpetersmusic]

Truth. 😆

[@Zenvo-uu9tm]

U think the relatively high noise is an inherent part of the box operating at mic level signal?

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@Zenvo-uu9tm If you’re pushing level hard enough to get that big compression, yes. It’s not as bad at at lighter levels, but there’s still added noise.

[@zumazmusic]

That intro is hilarious! 🤪🤭😬🤣

[@davidpetersmusic]

Is it sad to say that I'm actually proud of it? 🤓

[@zumazmusic]

@@davidpetersmusic If it's sad, then let's cry together.

[@sparella]

DIYRE offers a Level Loc inspired colour module, called Tonloc, for $100.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Looking inside the Level-Loc, I felt like it should only cost $100 to build. ...except for the transformers.

[@snubdawg1386]

didn't know devil-loc is based on something....thank you

[@davidpetersmusic]

That's a fun discovery! I'm glad I could be the conduit!

[@dighawaii1]

it's good weird.

[@davidpetersmusic]

I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And dog gonnit, people like me! ;-P

[@JJTFishing]

Shure m267 are still pretty cheap. Just move the Limiter trim pot on the bottom to the front and you're good to go. Just sayin. Great video by the way.

[@davidpetersmusic]

Uh oh, rush on m267's! I'll go check that out myself. 😎

[@cowboytonydee]

Crazy how the original sounds much better than the clone. Thanks for the video. Btw your parallel crunch definitely wasn't in phase.

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@cowboytonydee Yeah, no matter what I did the phase on that one level-loc sample never lined up! I never have that issue here… until it’s on video for all time, I guess. The original has a naturalness about it that is surprising considering how crazy it’s compressing.

[@cubaseman1487]

DEVIL LOC is BEST

[@davidpetersmusic]

You favorite of the three? If so, you just saved a bunch of $$$!

[@dingbatjack1234]

$1800 for the new version is insane

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@dingbatjack1234 It is pricy distortion. When I asked Ian about it he said they made almost no money on the rack unit, despite its cost. He expects most people will probably stick with 500 series for cost/benefit reasons. I don’t know him well, but i get the sense he’s the opposite of greedy.

[@jeremybernard5900]

I juste follow you for Krautrock music. 😅😉

[@davidpetersmusic]

I was today years old when I learned about Krautrock music! 😉

[@4thumbsdown]

Hill Larry Us!!!!!!!😂

[@davidpetersmusic]

If it makes my kids laugh, it passes the test and gets released!

[@TheJohnsofDoes]

Guess i am the only one who thinks the Devil Loc actually sounds broken? lol. got no love for that plugin what so ever. you can gainstage into it super quiet and even a slight turn of the crush knob from what is supposed to be off (it isn't off as it seems to even compress with that knob visually bypassed) will completely obliterate the envelopes. it seems to always without fail cause a quite severe dip midway between the transient the first part of the thump or tail of drums. you should try LOC-NESS by Tone Empire. it's a lot better than Devil Loc and might be a fairer comparision

[@davidpetersmusic]

The Loc-Ness is new to me, I'll have to check it out. I'm someone who likes plugins less and less as time goes on. I find myself adjusting parameters trying to remove the artifacts of the plugins until I realize simply taking it off solves the problem.

[@TheJohnsofDoes]

​@@davidpetersmusici wouldn't say i like them less and less, but it is annoying still needing to separate the wheat from the chaff even this far down the timeline some 25 odd years later, so i agree with that sentiment somewhat. Tone Empire's plugins are a step up though. Definitely worth trying out. Mixwave is good if you want proper distortion tones that rival an outboard mic preamp, or a decent fuzz pedal. I'm still using some analog on the stereo bus though, as very few plugin comps can handle full program material without the ass dropping out them. Unisum and Kotelnikov though in RMS mode are good for some levelling jobs. One place that plugins have hardware beat 100%, is limiters though. I'd choose a plugin limiter over a hardware one any day of the week(Limiter No6 and Elevate here)

[@davidpetersmusic]

@@TheJohnsofDoes I’m going to check some of those out!

[@TheJohnsofDoes]

@@davidpetersmusic let us know how it goes

[@kimseniorb]

the hardware blows the plugin out of the water. the plugin sounds very flat, thin and lifeless. almost phasey

[@davidpetersmusic]

As plugins go, it does a decent job, but the original has become sought after for a reason! It really stays natural, even when it's blowing things up.

[@johnnybregar]

I wonder if playing with the darkness knob on the Devil Loc would help get it closer? To me that was the main difference - the plugin seems to get the attack/release timing about right, but seems like it accentuates the midrange a bit.

[@JohnGauge790]

Aliasing

[@NamelessSmile]

Nonsense

[@Glasside]

I don’t agree at all. I preferred the level loc every time - then generally the devil loc, and finally the level-or. Though in a couple of instances I liked the level-or a bit more. Having said that all 3 are great. I remember watching a video of Tchad Blake mixing a Thomas Dybdahl song making use of devil loc - never have I heard one plugin add/change so much in a song.

[@mentalprogram5256]

I think everyone wherrying apple earbuds looking like an alien lose credibility.

[@Pedozzi]

well....i want. level loc now.😢 What drums did you use? they sound amazing

[@davidpetersmusic]

Those were old Camco shells. I don't remember the rest of the details. The drummer, Kiel Feher, is an established session drummer here in LA who knows how to make his drums sound great. It makes my job easy! We did a session yesterday with more Level Loc fun.

[@vidsforsquids]

I have two OG units. I should pull them back out !

[@davidpetersmusic]

Or send me one. Or sell it and buy a new car!

[@caspermaster-com]

Level loc sounds actually way better than Level-Or. In all the settings Loc has a bloom and connectedness in the sound. Surprised the plugin sounds actually really good and pretty close to HW original. But I am pretty biased towards the "bloom" factor in Shure HW, that is hard to get with any plugin what so ever. (dont tell me about oeksound bloom plugin, lol)

[@davidpetersmusic]

They each have their benefits. The Level-Loc was definitely unique in its ability to hold together and feel cohesive while doing radical things. I was impressed by the Devil-Loc because I started with such low expectations. I'm always trying to love plug-ins, but I struggle.