Manual

Table Of Contents
M2 – The LM8 Meter
Clarity X software version 1.3.00 – Build 3275 – Reference manual (updated 2016-10-18) 129
LM8 – introduction
M1 vs. M2
ClarityX has two high-end LM8 Radar meters.
The meters/meter set in the main monitoring
engine are called M1. They always reflect what
you are listening to.
In addition to this, ClarityX offers a dedicated
metering engine with its own, independent
routing called M2. This second LM8 instance
will measure and display the channels you
have selected for metering at all times regard-
less of whether you’re listening to them or not.
For more information on viewing and editing
signal routings, see “Signal routing” on page
59.
For a signal flow overview, see “ClarityX signal
flow diagram” on page 26.
The parameters for M1 and M2 are very similar,
with some signal flow and user interface-related
differences.
The current chapter (“M2 – The LM8 Meter)
explains the basic concepts behind TC’s Radar
Meter and all M2 parameters.
For specific information about configuring M1,
see “M1 Meter configuration” on page 149.
LM8 features
The LM8 Loudness Radar Meter algorithm
shows the user the essence of the “loudness
landscape” at a glance for a complete and in-
stant overview, including:
Loudness History
Momentary Loudness
True-peak Level
Program Loudness and
Loudness Range
all this in a single view.
LM8 also features a detailed 24/7 logging func-
tion that will generate a text file which you can
use to document adherence to a specific broad-
cast standard.
What is LM8?
LM8 represents a quantum leap away from sim-
ply measuring audio level to measuring per-
ceived loudness.
The old level method is responsible for unac-
ceptable level jumps in television, for music CDs
getting increasingly distorted, and for different
audio formats and program genres becoming in-
compatible: Pristine music tracks from the past
don’t coexist with new recordings, TV commer-
cials don’t fit drama, classical music or film and
broadcast don’t match. The most fundamental
audio issue of all – control of loudness – makes
millions of people adjust the volume control over
and over again, every day.
LM8 is part of a universal and ITU-standardized
loudness control concept, whereby audio may
easily and consistently be measured and con-
trolled at various stages of production and dis-
tribution.
LM8 works coherently together with other TC
products, or with third-party equipment adhering
to the same global standard. Follow the guide-
lines given to allow audio produced for different
purposes to be mixed – without low dynamic
range material (such as commercials or pop
CDs) always emerging as the loudest.