Systems and methods for automatic level control (ALC) are provided. In one embodiment, an ALC system for communications signals comprises: a multi-threshold programmable ALC controller; and at least one signal path that includes: a digital step attenuator configured to receive an analog communications signal and attenuate the analog communications signal in response to an attenuation adjustment signal from the ALC controller; and an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the analog communications signal as attenuated by the digital step attenuator and generate samples of the attenuated analog communications signal, wherein the ALC controller receives the samples. The ALC controller comprises a plurality of clip detectors that function in parallel. Each of the clip detectors are programmed with a respective amplitude and time threshold. Based on which of the plurality of clip detectors determine that the samples exceed their respective amplitude and time threshold, the ALC controller generates the attenuation adjustment signal.