TC Electronic LM2, User Manual

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5
INTROdUCTION
Once the relatively simple, yet accurate loudness model found by CRC had been independently verified through a number of
tests, the search began for a complementary and up-to-date measurement of peak level. To this end, the Audio Engineering
Society lent a helping hand. Consequently, our industry now holds a vastly improved and standardized way of measuring
peak level in the digital domain.
BS.1770-2 has recently been put to practical use in different recommended guidelines by BCAP, ATSC, EBU, as well
as Japanese and Australian broadcasters. In particular, EBU’s Expert Community on Audio, ECA, and its PLOUD group
has put great effort into standardizing important features of loudness measurement and normalization, building on top of
BS.1770-2, thereby specifying truly cross-genre, cross-platform solutions based entirely on open standards, the EBU R128.
A measurement standard with improved transparency and quality has finally arrived for the benefit of all music lovers,
cinema-goers and TV listeners. TC Electronic is proud to have contributed with research, verification, true-peak techniques
and new tools and descriptors to unleash the full potential of this global standard.
Introducing LM2
By itself, LM2 is a full-featured stereo loudness and true-peak level meter for use in post and live production, broadcast
ingest, linking and transmission. Either check the numbers you need to comply with on LM2’s front panel, or bring up the
Stats display for even more details. Connect to PC or Mac via USB and open the included Icon application to get the full
Radar screen picture.
Delivery Specs and Metadata
Global broadcast guidelines now recognize the need for keeping audio transmission easy and predictable, the main
facilitators being transparent normalization and fixed metadata. LM2 enables precision normalization and optimum use
of dialnorm metadata in AC3 transmission in order to avoid level jumps between regular programming and promos or
commercials.
Standard Compliance
LM2 comes pre-loaded with factory presets compliant with new ITU-R BS.1770-2, ATSC A/85, EBU R128, NABJ,
OP-59, BCAP and more guidelines. LM2 is field-upgradeable and will keep compliant with global practices as they refine.
Undoubtedly, standards will be updated within LM2’s warranty period – which is a whopping 5 years.
Connections
LM2 always offers a wide variety of 24-bit resolution audio inputs and outputs: AES/EBU, TOS, SPDIF / AES3id, ADAT and
Analog. Digital I/Os are fully synchronous while analog I/Os are scaled in the analog domain for max utilization of converter
dynamic range. Analog inputs can even be trimmed at 0.01 dB precision. LM2 may connect via USB to PC or Mac for
access to the Radar display, Logging, Remote Control, Preset Management and so on.