Nugen Audio LM-Correct 2 is a powerful loudness correction plugin designed to streamline audio post-production workflows. This versatile tool offers automatic, faster-than-real-time loudness analysis and correction for a wide range of audio formats, from mono to 7.1.4 surround sound. LM-Correct 2 is built to ensure compliance with various global broadcast standards, including ATSC A/85 (CALM Act), EBU R128, and ITU-R BS.1770. The plugin’s intuitive interface allows users to quickly analyze and adjust audio to meet specific loudness targets, making it an invaluable asset for audio professionals working in film, television, and broadcast industries. LM-Correct 2 can be used as a standalone application or integrated into popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) and video editing software, providing flexibility for different production environments. With its ability to handle complex loudness specifications while preserving audio quality, LM-Correct 2 has become a go-to solution for many audio post-production facilities and broadcasters worldwide.
Pros:
• Faster-than-real-time processing for efficient workflow
• Supports multiple audio formats up to 7.1.4 surround sound
• Compliant with global broadcast standards
• Intuitive interface for quick loudness analysis and correction
• Available as both a plugin and standalone application
Cons:
• Limited creative control compared to manual loudness adjustment
• May require additional tools for more complex loudness management tasks
LM-Correct 2 boasts an impressive array of features designed to simplify loudness compliance and enhance audio post-production workflows. At its core, the plugin utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze and correct audio loudness based on user-defined parameters. The software supports a wide range of loudness standards, including ITU-R BS.1770, EBU R128, ATSC A/85, and ARIB TR-B32, among others. This comprehensive support ensures that users can meet the requirements of various broadcasting regulations worldwide.
The plugin’s interface is clean and straightforward, presenting users with essential information and controls. The main display shows key loudness metrics such as Integrated Loudness, Short-term Loudness, Momentary Loudness, and Loudness Range (LRA). Users can set target values for these parameters, and LM-Correct 2 will automatically adjust the audio to meet these specifications.
One of the standout features of LM-Correct 2 is its True Peak limiting capability. This function ensures that the audio signal never exceeds a specified peak level, preventing digital clipping and maintaining audio quality. The True Peak limiter operates with look-ahead processing, allowing it to anticipate and smoothly handle potential overs.
LM-Correct 2 also offers dialog gating options, which can be crucial for accurately measuring loudness in content with varying levels of speech. This feature allows the plugin to focus on dialog-heavy sections when calculating overall loudness, resulting in more accurate measurements for content like TV shows and films.
The plugin’s ability to handle multi-channel audio up to 7.1.4 configurations makes it particularly valuable for surround sound and immersive audio projects. It can analyze and correct each channel independently, ensuring consistent loudness across the entire soundfield.
LM-Correct 2 includes presets for common loudness standards, streamlining the setup process for users working with specific broadcast requirements. These presets can be easily customized to meet unique specifications or internal standards.
For users requiring even more advanced loudness management, Nugen Audio offers an optional DynApt extension. This powerful add-on provides dynamic adaptation capabilities, allowing for more nuanced control over loudness range and dynamics while preserving dialog intelligibility and respecting intentional dramatic transitions.
The plugin’s faster-than-real-time processing is a significant time-saver, especially when working with long-form content or batch processing multiple files. This efficiency is further enhanced by the availability of a standalone application, which can be used for offline processing of audio files outside of a DAW environment.
LM-Correct 2 also includes reporting features, generating detailed logs of loudness measurements and corrections applied. This documentation can be invaluable for quality control purposes and for demonstrating compliance with broadcast standards.
In the realm of loudness correction plugins, LM-Correct 2 stands out for its combination of speed, accuracy, and ease of use. When compared to alternatives like iZotope RX Loudness Control or Waves WLM Plus, LM-Correct 2 offers a more streamlined approach to loudness correction. While iZotope’s solution provides more extensive audio restoration tools alongside its loudness features, LM-Correct 2 focuses solely on loudness management, resulting in a more specialized and potentially faster workflow. The Waves WLM Plus offers similar functionality but lacks the standalone application option that LM-Correct 2 provides. TC Electronic’s LM2n is another competitor, known for its accuracy, but it doesn’t match LM-Correct 2’s faster-than-real-time processing capabilities. Overall, LM-Correct 2 strikes a balance between comprehensive features and user-friendly operation, making it a strong contender in the loudness correction plugin market.
This plugin is best for:
• Post-production professionals working in film and television
• Broadcast engineers ensuring loudness compliance
• Podcast producers aiming for consistent audio levels
• Music mastering engineers targeting streaming platform loudness standards
• Video editors needing quick loudness normalization
Nugen Audio LM-Correct 2 is a robust and efficient solution for loudness correction in audio post-production. Its ability to quickly analyze and adjust audio to meet various loudness standards makes it an invaluable tool for professionals working under tight deadlines. The plugin’s support for multiple audio formats, including surround sound configurations, ensures its relevance across a wide range of production environments. While it may not offer the same level of creative control as manual loudness adjustment, its automated approach significantly speeds up workflows and reduces the risk of human error. The inclusion of True Peak limiting and dialog gating further enhances its utility, allowing for more accurate and nuanced loudness management. The optional DynApt extension adds even more flexibility for handling complex loudness specifications. Despite its focus on technical compliance, LM-Correct 2 manages to maintain audio quality, preserving the integrity of the original mix while ensuring it meets required standards. For audio professionals dealing with loudness compliance on a regular basis, LM-Correct 2 represents a valuable investment that can save time, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity in the post-production process.