===============================================================================
                              24LA v0.3.0
                         OPTICAL LEVELING AMPLIFIER
===============================================================================

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===============================================================================
PLUGIN INFORMATION
===============================================================================

Plugin:       24LA
Version:      0.3.0
Format:       VST3, 64-bit; standalone application
Type:         Program-dependent optical compressor / leveling amplifier
Creator:      Marko Damjanovic (MARCOD)
Studio:       24REC
Completed:    August 23, 2026

24LA is an original optical leveling amplifier inspired by the operating
principles of classic tube and photo-cell compressors. It combines a simple
two-knob workflow with program-dependent timing, transformer and tube-style
coloration, linked stereo gain reduction and a modern optical monitor.

Peak Reduction controls how strongly the incoming signal drives the virtual
light source. The changing light level controls a virtual photo-resistor in the
audio path. Multiple optical memory states create a fast initial recovery and a
longer release tail that changes according to how strongly and how long the
signal has been compressed.

24LA is an independent design. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by or
endorsed by Teletronix or Universal Audio.

===============================================================================
HOW 24LA WORKS
===============================================================================

THE SIGNAL PATH
---------------

1. INPUT CONDITIONING applies transformer-style low-frequency behavior and
   prepares a linked detector signal from mono or stereo input.

2. THE OPTICAL SIDECHAIN converts incoming signal energy into virtual light.
   PEAK REDUCTION changes the sidechain drive and therefore the compression
   threshold and amount of gain reduction.

3. THE T4-STYLE MEMORY MODEL uses fast, medium and slow response states. The
   fast state controls the initial recovery, while sustained or heavy reduction
   progressively loads longer states. This creates a release that adapts to the
   program instead of following one fixed release-time setting.

4. OPTICAL ATTENUATION reduces the signal before the modeled amplifier. The
   attenuation is smooth and capped at 40 dB.

5. THE AMPLIFIER PATH adds subtle asymmetric tube and transformer behavior.
   Coloration remains restrained at normal levels and becomes stronger as GAIN
   drives the output stage harder.

6. OUTPUT CONDITIONING applies the final bandwidth and level behavior before
   the signal returns to the host.

The stereo version derives one linked optical control signal from both channels
and applies equal gain reduction to each side, helping preserve stereo balance.

===============================================================================
CONTROLS
===============================================================================

GAIN
----

Controls the modeled amplifier and output level. The 50 position is nominal
unity gain in the DAW. Settings above 50 add level and drive the tube and
transformer model more strongly. Use GAIN to restore level after compression,
but compare processed and bypassed sound at similar loudness whenever possible.

PEAK REDUCTION
--------------

Controls the amount of sidechain drive. Turn clockwise for earlier and deeper
gain reduction. This control does not simply lower the output; it changes how
strongly the virtual light source reacts to the incoming program.

COMPRESS / LIMIT
----------------

COMPRESS selects a gentle slope of approximately 3:1 for smooth leveling.
LIMIT selects a much steeper response for controlling strong peaks. Attack and
release remain automatic and program-dependent in both modes.

POWER
-----

Switches between processed and bypassed audio using a short click-free
transition. The meter illumination and activity lamp follow the power state.

METER SELECTOR
--------------

The three-position rotary selector chooses what the optical monitor displays:

  OUTPUT +10       Output level with 0 VU aligned to -12 dBFS
  GAIN REDUCTION   Active optical attenuation from 0 to 20 dB
  OUTPUT +4        Output level with 0 VU aligned to -18 dBFS

===============================================================================
T4 OPTICAL MONITOR
===============================================================================

The smoked-glass display is a live measurement interface. Its segmented bar,
numeric value, printed scale and peak marker all use the same internal value,
so the visual context remains aligned with the measured signal.

In GAIN REDUCTION mode, the display reads from 0 to 20 dB. More illuminated
segments mean more attenuation. In either OUTPUT mode, it reads from -20 to
+3 VU using the reference selected by the meter knob.

The bright vertical marker holds recent peaks briefly before falling. Amber
segments show the normal operating range, while red segments identify high
output or unusually deep reduction. Subtle optical afterglow and illumination
variation provide movement without changing the measurement itself.

The output detector uses VU-style averaging. It is intentionally slower than a
sample-peak meter and represents perceived program level rather than individual
digital sample peaks. Keep a true-peak meter later in the signal chain when
final digital headroom must be verified.

===============================================================================
QUICK START
===============================================================================

1. Insert 24LA on a vocal, bass, guitar, keys or another source that benefits
   from smooth automatic leveling.

2. Set the meter selector to GAIN REDUCTION and begin with COMPRESS mode.

3. Increase PEAK REDUCTION until the monitor shows approximately 2 to 5 dB on
   normal passages. Heavier leveling may use 5 to 10 dB if the source suits it.

4. Adjust GAIN until the processed and bypassed levels are reasonably matched.
   Loudness matching makes tonal and dynamic judgments more reliable.

5. Try LIMIT mode when peaks still escape or a firmer envelope is wanted.

6. Check OUTPUT +4 or OUTPUT +10 according to the reference level used in the
   session. Leave sufficient headroom for later processing.

7. Listen through several loud and quiet passages. The optical release retains
   memory of earlier reduction, so isolated test hits do not reveal the whole
   behavior.

===============================================================================
INSTALLATION - WINDOWS VST3
===============================================================================

1. Close FL Studio or any other DAW currently using the plugin.

2. Extract the downloaded archive.

3. Locate the complete plugin bundle:

       24LA.vst3

4. Copy the complete .vst3 bundle to the standard Windows VST3 folder:

       C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

   If an older version exists, replace the complete old bundle. Administrator
   permission may be required when writing to the Program Files folder.

5. Open your DAW and rescan VST3 plugins. In FL Studio, open Plugin Manager,
   select Find installed plugins, and enable Verify plugins if necessary.

6. Confirm that the detected plugin is:

       24LA 0.3.0

The included standalone 24LA.exe can be opened directly for testing without a
DAW. It does not replace installation of the VST3 bundle for DAW use.

===============================================================================
COMPATIBILITY AND USE
===============================================================================

24LA is supplied as a 64-bit VST3 effect for Windows and requires a compatible
64-bit digital audio workstation. Mono and stereo channel layouts are
supported. Stereo processing uses linked gain reduction.

24LA is a creative audio effect, not a safety limiter. LIMIT mode can control
strong peaks musically, but it is not designed to guarantee inter-sample or
true-peak compliance. Use appropriate peak metering and final limiting when
preparing masters for delivery.

The present model is a deterministic, research-based grey-box interpretation.
Exact matching to one physical vintage unit would require calibrated captures
from that specific amplifier and optical cell, since real components and units
vary.

===============================================================================
CREDITS
===============================================================================

Created by Marko Damjanovic, an independent music producer from Croatia, also
known through his tech-house artist project, MARCOD.

24REC was created in Italy. 24LA v0.3.0 was completed on August 23, 2026.

Listen to MARCOD on Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music.
Instagram: @marcod24rec

Thank you for supporting independent music software. May 24LA bring smooth,
musical control and character to every signal that passes through it.

===============================================================================
                         MARCOD | 24REC STUDIO
===============================================================================
