7

Chapter 12 Helper 165
Note: Auto Gain is a display parameter only, and increases display levels in order to
enhance readability. The actual audio levels are not affected by this parameter.
Decay
The Decay parameter determines the time that it takes for the Goniometer trace to fade
to black.
Correlation Meter
This is another phase measurement tool that gauges the phase relationship of a stereo
signal. This meter is also available as a separate plug-in.
The Correlation Meter’s scale ranges from −1 to +1.
• A + 1 correlation value indicates that the left and right channels correlate 100%. In
other words, the left and right signals are in phase.
• Correlation values in the blue zone (between +1 and the middle position) indicate
that the stereo signal is mono compatible.
• The middle position indicates the highest permissible amount of left/right
divergence, which is often audible as an extremely wide stereo effect.
• Once the correlation meter moves into the red area to the left of the center position,
out-of-phase material is present. This will lead to phase cancellations if the stereo
signal is combined into a mono signal.
Level Meter (Peak/RMS Meter)
The stereo Level Meter shows the current signal level on a logarithmic scale—using
two blue bars. If the level is higher than 0 dB, the portion of the bar above the 0 dB
point will turn red.
This meter is also available as a separate small plug-in.
The current peak values are displayed numerically (in dB increments), above the Level
Meter. The values are reset by clicking into the display.
While the separate Level Meter plug-in is switchable between Peak and RMS
characteristics, the Level Meter of the Multimeter shows Peak and RMS values
simultaneously. The RMS level is represented by a dark blue bar while the Peak level bar
is light blue in color.