3.5

164MainStage Effects
Peak level values are displayed numerically and graphically. You can reset these values by
clicking in the display.
Level Meter parameters
• Level pop-up menu: Choose a display setting using Peak, RMS, Peak & RMS, True Peak,
or True Peak & RMS characteristics.
• The True Peak options display interpolated sample values.
• RMS levels appear as dark blue bars. Peak levels appear as light blue bars. You can
also choose to view both Peak and RMS levels simultaneously.
• Target level handle: Drag to set a target level. Signals above this level and below 0 dB
are shown in yellow.
• View pop-up menu: Choose a Horizontal or Vertical display and set a size.
Note: You can also set a size by dragging the lower corners of the plug-in window.
Peak and RMS levels
The peak value is the highest level that the signal will reach. The RMS (root mean square)
value is the effective value of the total signal. In other words, it is a measurement of the
continuous power of the signal.
Human hearing is optimized for capturing continuous signals, making our ears RMS
instruments, not peak reading instruments. Therefore, using RMS meters makes sense
most of the time. Alternatively, you can use both RMS and Peak meters.
MainStage Loudness Meter
Loudness Meter shows the momentary, short-term, and integrated loudness levels.
Loudness indicates the perceived level of a signal that is indicative of human hearing,
making it a useful reference tool when mixing or mastering. Loudness Meter conforms to
the AES 128 specification.
Loudness is measured in Loudness Units, relative to Full Scale (LUFS). Each LU is
equivalent to one decibel.