HUM Audio LAAL Look Ahead Analog Limiter

LAAL is the abbreviation of Look Ahead Analog Limiter - a high-quality, two-channel, analog limiter that was the missing link in the mastering chain. The experienced team at HUM Audio Devices notes that the innovative idea regarding detection and limiting processes allowed them to create a new standard when it comes to analog mastering at the highest level, which is additionally supported by the fact that the device was created for a period of two years! And finally, we have a processor on the market that will end the times when mastering engineers dreaming of a fully analog track had to use plug-in limiters. 

One of the most important points of the device is the fully analog, up to 0.2 millisecond delay, which allows to achieve the industry-known "Look Ahead" ability, from where the processor's partial name also comes from. This allows to achieve high RMS levels when needed, while minimizing side effects and compromise on the sound quality side. Additionally, even in a wide range of signal gain attenuation, the processed path will retain energy in the low band and that important "punch". It is worth noting that LAAL does not use soft clipping or other similar processes that artificially increase the RMS level. Everything happens in unique and advanced signal detection and amplification circuits. And the most interesting thing is that after mastering with the help of the LAAL processor , it is enough to look at the waveform to see that the processed material has not lost its energy, and at the same time has a range of air available in the high band!

Another, somewhat revolutionary function of the LAAL limiter is the 'DYNAMIC TRANSIENT' function. Its task is to regenerate transients in proportion to the signal limiting level specified by the engineer. In short, it allows to achieve high RMS power rating with minimal side effects.

The cherry on the cake is the 'STEREO WIDTH' circuit, which works differently than in competing devices, being described as "more musical". It allows to obtain the space of processed tracks, without losing energy in the lower band, located in the center of the stereo image. Additionally, it is fully compatible with the mono signal. 

Before leaving our headquarters,  each processor is precisely calibrated to better than 0.1dB for each channel. The detection circuit is thermally compensated, ensuring stability and repeatability during operation, regardless of studio conditions. 

In practice

LAAL allows you to adjust I/O levels with a resolution of 0.2dB, as well as choose one of six Release times - from 2 to 100ms. And what is always nice, all settings are made using real potentiometers, without clicking the mouse. The detection circuits for each channel can be linked in stereo, but we can also use them as two mono limiters. Appropriately sized meters with the 'Peak Hold' function allow for very precise (0.2dB) control of the gain reduction and the input signal level. 

In everyday use, LAAL provides an extremely clean, energetic, deep and simply musical sound, characterized by a high content of details, which allows for the most advanced mastering operations and achieving excellent results. Regardless of whether we are working on recordings intended for the audiophile market, which only need a subtle mastering touch, or modern music that often requires 'brickwall' type limiting - LAAL will work great, also thanks to the fact that the HUM Audio Devices team spent countless hours testing the device with all types of music.  

Quality you can trust

To achieve such excellent results, the HUM Audio Devices team designed their own operational amplifiers, using the best transistors on the market, resistors designed for the military market, top-class transformers, and gold-plated relays and switches. When creating the processor, there was no room for any compromises - each element is characterized by very low self-noise and has an impact on the final, fully musical sound of the device. The designers even decided to create their own, ultra-stable linear power supply, based on a custom, toroidal power transformer found in audiophile designs, which allows for additional reserve when it comes to power supply. Using double shielding, it is also a power conditioner, which allows for proper driving of the device and thanks to this, use in the most advanced mastering operations. 

Your mastering work is worth it! 

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