View Full Version : VU Meters
Just noticed that the banner at the bottom of the page has a very nice pic of an amp with vu meters. I was surprised to see this as I get the impression that most vu meters are crap and simply for aesthetic pleasure - which is prob why the pic was put up. Completely useless but I think they look great. There are some on ebay for a £5iver each. I am going to get some for my Gainclones so that they look mega expensive:lol:
'If a man is tired of VU meters he is tired of life'
I think they are supposed to let you know if you are clipping the amp - assuming you were deaf or just thought it was meant to sound that way. But apparently some are not really calibrated and are just for show.
Must confess I have considered buying a stand alone VU unit myself. No room on the rack for it, though.
StanleyB
10-01-2016, 10:34
Just noticed that the banner at the bottom of the page has a very nice pic of an amp with vu meters. I was surprised to see this as I get the impression that most vu meters are crap and simply for aesthetic pleasure - which is prob why the pic was put up. Completely useless but I think they look great.
Vu meters are great things to have on an amp. It shows you when the amp is being overloaded.
Just noticed that the banner at the bottom of the page has a very nice pic of an amp with vu meters. I was surprised to see this as I get the impression that most vu meters are crap and simply for aesthetic pleasure - which is prob why the pic was put up. Completely useless but I think they look great. There are some on ebay for a £5iver each. I am going to get some for my Gainclones so that they look mega expensive:lol:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-pair-audio-level-db-level-meter-TA7318P-VU-header-driver-board-13-/272098633480?hash=item3f5a57a708:g:Po0AAOSw0HVWE51 t
You need the control board as well to get them to work
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/Tk4AAOSwPgxVN4lS/$_57.JPG
The Black Adder
10-01-2016, 13:13
oooh no... VU's are lovely things and even preferred to digital peak meters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-pair-audio-level-db-level-meter-TA7318P-VU-header-driver-board-13-/272098633480?hash=item3f5a57a708:g:Po0AAOSw0HVWE51 t
You need the control board as well to get them to work
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/Tk4AAOSwPgxVN4lS/$_57.JPG
Thanks Rupert.
Techno Commander
10-01-2016, 16:05
Cant beat good VU meters. :)
http://www.luxman.com/images/product/lux00007_20130804033445_72.jpg
RA: Why should I use VU meters?
http://www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1467
Another great article, Jostein :)
As it says:
Essentially what I am trying to convey is the necessity of a good gain structure and how the VU will help.
Precisely... VU meters rock!
Marco.
RobbieGong
15-01-2016, 10:59
Precisely! I love VU's. I've always known they wernt there just for aesthetics but never knew the exact technical reason. Love the look, they make a set up look cool and like it means business :)
Lodgesound
15-01-2016, 15:27
In the ideal world you use a set of Analogue VU's alongside a set of analogue PPM's which between them tell you almost everything you need to know at a glance during a session......the disadvantage being that things at this level start to get a little expensive.
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss270/Lodgesound/IMG_0159_zpsecqjktqn.jpg (http://s582.photobucket.com/user/Lodgesound/media/IMG_0159_zpsecqjktqn.jpg.html)
I recognise that image from somewhere... Maybe from our lower banner? ;)
Marco.
Lodgesound
15-01-2016, 20:30
LOL Marco!!!
Rumbled...
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
Ninanina
15-01-2016, 21:33
I must be the odd one out here as I dislike VU meters with a passion, or in fact anything 'moving' on an amp... :doh:
walpurgis
15-01-2016, 22:16
I must be the odd one out here as I dislike VU meters with a passion, or in fact anything 'moving' on an amp... :doh:
I agree Bev. I don't want 'extras' of any kind on my gear. No unnecessary facilities to switch in or out, no tone controls, no input selector if I can avoid it.
Pussies! :ner:
;)
Marco.
well, one is ;)
Aye, and it's not Bev! :D :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
15-01-2016, 23:18
Pussies! :ner:
;)
Marco.
Meeow. :lol:
Have you got a furry one, shweety? :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
15-01-2016, 23:26
Have you got a furry one, shweety? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Well the pooch is sitting next to me. :D
Ninanina
15-01-2016, 23:29
You lot crack me up.... :rfl:
walpurgis
15-01-2016, 23:37
You lot crack me up.... :rfl:
We aim to please. All part of the service! :D
You're not alone - VU or power meters serve no purpose whatsoever on power amplifiers. They are uninformative (your ears will tell you if the amplifier is clipping), inaccurate and are distracting. Provided you know the sensitivity of the loudspeakers used, there is no reason why a power amplifier can't be chosen that will not clip.
VU meters on recording equipment are on the other hand an entirely different matter.
VU meters are OK, if a little old skool dull - whereas a couple of of strips of brightly coloured LEDS dancing away make you feel like it's Christmas every day :D
Really? Led 'VU' meters are every bit as annoying as a flickering neon H..TEL sign
The Black Adder
16-01-2016, 08:22
Really? Led 'VU' meters are every bit as annoying as a flickering neon H..TEL sign
+1 - I don't like LED VU's... they are annoying.
Floyddroid
22-01-2016, 06:29
I love VU meters.
Come on lads and lasses, make your minds up. Not long ago there was a thread where most agreed that visuals were a distraction and I distinctly remember one where a single LED had to be extinguished because it was such an annoyance. I bet some of you were on those threads nodding your heads and now here you are singing the praises of nodding needles! Anyway, I'm not fussed. If they happened to be on an amp I had OK, if not I won't be losing sleep.
Beobloke
22-01-2016, 13:02
I love VU meters.
As I have said many times before, this is the CORRECT response to VU meters. They are awesome and scientifically proven* to improve the sound of equipment.
* - actually they may not be, but who cares?!
Old Chinese proverb say: man who not like VU meters has not only no soul, but is probably also shit in bed.
Marco.
jollyfix
22-01-2016, 13:25
+1 for i love UV Meters.:thumbsup:
walpurgis
22-01-2016, 15:14
Old Chinese proverb say: man who not like VU meters has not only no soul, but is probably also shit in bed.
Marco.
I don't like VU meters, but my adult nappy keeps me safe in bed! :eyebrows:
RobbieGong
22-01-2016, 15:18
I don't like VU meters, but my adult nappy keeps me safe in bed! :eyebrows:
:lol: vewwy goo' :D
I don't like VU meters, but my adult nappy keeps me safe in bed! :eyebrows:
With or without the new wetness indicator? :D
Marco.
Audio Al
22-01-2016, 17:24
Am I missing something :scratch:
All the talk about meters and no photos :hmm:
.
:worthless:
The OP referred to the second photograph in the tail banner.
BTW I loath VU meters on power amplifiers - they serve no purpose whatsoever, are frequently inaccurate and are distracting.
+1 for I love UV Meters.:thumbsup:
No doubt they help prevent you getting sunburnt! :D:
Audio Al
22-01-2016, 17:38
No doubt they help prevent you getting sunburnt! :D:
:lol:
VU meters? I was worried I was the only one that liked them. It's an ambition of mine to have a big McIntosh integrated, or classic Sansui. Preferably both. And speaking of Sansui, here's one of their variomatrix quadraphonic amps... (alas, not mine)
Common sense tells me I should hate any mechanical moving part on an amp as it is surely going to fail at some point but I do love to see them.
That Proton amp of Qwins at the last NEBO made me drool with those lovely big VU meters all lit up in green.
Mind you I recently heard a modern Yamaha amp which featured them, AS2100. I'd have bought it for looks alone but sadly it was completely dogshit.
Confucious say: "Man who not like VU meters has baldy half-incher and a penchant for wearing adult nappies."
Marco.
British high fidelity
23-01-2016, 23:54
Master say, man who don't like Vu meters because he can't read, and he must lick window at back of bus
walpurgis
24-01-2016, 00:10
Man who no like VU meters IS Master. And proud of traditional oriental martial style adult nappy! So there!! :eyebrows:
Man who go to bed with itchy bottom wake up in morning with smelly finger.
Man who go to bed with dirty woman wake up in morning with fishy fingers....
Marco.
VU meters are entirely useless.....UNLESS they have a switchable range function, in which case they are fab.
full needle deflection with less than 5 wpc....GET YOU SOME OF THAT!!!
NIGE.
Arkless Electronics
24-01-2016, 16:51
A clipping indicator light can be useful but meters are just bling for magpies.... :ner: 'fraid I don't "get" all this visual side of hi fi... people wanting to see pictures of stuff etc... it's for listening to not looking at! ;)
Beobloke
24-01-2016, 17:10
Says the man with an avatar showing some first class test equipment p*rn... :D
Arkless Electronics
24-01-2016, 17:15
Says the man with an avatar showing some first class test equipment p*rn... :D
Part of my workbench..... The meters on that kit are for a good reason... not "Ooohh look at the sexy needle moving up and down to the music against a blue lit background" :D
I'll have to start marketing wee mirror ball kits to go on the top of amps :eyebrows:
Part of my workbench..... The meters on that kit are for a good reason... not "Ooohh look at the sexy needle moving up and down to the music against a blue lit background" :D
I'll have to start marketing wee mirror ball kits to go on the top of amps :eyebrows:
I've just ordered some new test equipment Jez but sadly it doesn't have twin VU meters :(. Perhaps we can get together and sort out some little disco-balls that spin and glow when the kit is in use? :eek:
Must admit, whilst I loved the bling of the VU meters on my Luxman, it was a distraction that began to annoy me eventually, promoting me to move the amp to right angles from the seating position so I couldn't see the front :cool:. It seems to be more a style over substance thing where hifi is concerned but why not if it adds to the tactile pleasure of ownership? Hifi, as opposed to "convenience-fi" is a very human tactile experience, or should be. The grumpies can always close their eyes when listening :eyebrows:
A clipping indicator light can be useful but meters are just bling for magpies.... :ner: 'fraid I don't "get" all this visual side of hi fi... people wanting to see pictures of stuff etc... it's for listening to not looking at! ;)
It's for both. Although listening mainly.
I mean if an Aston Martin looked like an Austin Maxi they wouldn't sell so many. And you can't even look at a car whilst your driving it, unlike your hi-fi.
Ha - good point! :eyebrows:
Don't get me wrong, I'm firmly in the 'boxes are just a means to an end' camp, but I dig retro, and nice big illuminated VU meters look cool - end of!
Furthermore, on something like a tape deck (yes I occasionally still use tapes), they're WAY more accurate and easy to use than rows of LEDs, for adjusting recording volume. The only reason that tape deck manufacturers moved to the latter, at the end, was because they were cheaper to produce! :exactly:
On amps, I totally get the 'superfluous' argument, but that doesn't stop me from loving rows of McIntosh kit, all glowing away nicely in a darkened room........ Oh yeah, baby! :smoking:
Marco.
Ninanina
24-01-2016, 19:24
Old Chinese proverb say: man who not like VU meters has not only no soul, but is probably also shit in bed.
Marco.
VU meters are definitely not for me.... oh and no comment :D
Hehehe... I could answer that, of course, but I'm way too much of a gentleman! :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
24-01-2016, 19:45
oh and no comment :D
Oh go on Bev. Make a comment. Even if it's just 'bollo**s' or 'ar***oles'! :D
Ninanina
24-01-2016, 19:59
Oh go on Bev. Make a comment. Even if it's just 'bollo**s' or 'ar***oles'! :D
Oh ok then.....
I think I have a lot of soul and I don't 'shit' in the bed... :doh:
Oh and....... http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/bollox.jpg.gif (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/bollox.jpg.gif.html) :rfl::rfl:
walpurgis
24-01-2016, 20:32
Nicely done Bev! :thumbsup: :lol:
Ninanina
24-01-2016, 21:04
Nicely done Bev! :thumbsup: :lol:
Cheers Geoff.. :D:D
Arkless Electronics
25-01-2016, 02:28
You folks want electronics porn? This is not for at work! https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=+tektronix+tube+oscilloscope+youtube
Then there was ultimately the model 585A....
Kind of makes any hi fi gear look pathetic yeah?
What has happened to Jez's post, recorded as being made at 2:28 this morning? :scratch:
Thermionic Idler
21-03-2016, 21:29
I've got a couple of these beauties sitting in my box of bits, ready to go onto the front of my first DIY balanced preamp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0NM2YxhWtI
Firebottle
22-03-2016, 07:28
Like it Dave :thumbsup:
occamsrazor
10-04-2016, 06:31
Can someone kindly explain to me how such VU meters could be connected to an existing system? I have monoblock power amplifiers, with Balanced XLR inputs, located directly next to my speakers. I would like a VU meter exclosed in a small box on top of each speaker. Alternatively I have an active sub with RCA inputs that I could connect it to. I see a lot of these kits on eBay, but I don't understand which part of the signal chain they would connect to, and how. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks.... PS - The purpose is pure eye candy, not accurate measurements etc :-)
The Black Adder
10-04-2016, 07:59
You can do this either by looping a stereo VU meter in the signal path (I wouldn't recommend this as it would most likely degrade the signal) or you can feed a VU meter from the tape outs of your preamp.
The latter is mostly likely the best way for your needs (eye candy reasons).
Using the Tape-out, it 'may' be the case that the meters would need a slight re-calibration though, so you will have to see. Of course, if you have a record-out/source level control on your pre, that will obviously control the VU meters.
You may also find that not having a monitor control on either the pre or the VU meter some sources like CD will 'bury the needle' compared to vinyl output...
Hope that helps.
occamsrazor
10-04-2016, 09:23
Thanks for the advice...
You can do this either by looping a stereo VU meter in the signal path (I wouldn't recommend this as it would most likely degrade the signal) or you can feed a VU meter from the tape outs of your preamp.
Unfortunately I don't have a separate Preamp, I use a DAC/Pre direct to monoblock power amps and an active sub, using both the XLR and RCA outs of the DAC/Pre. So it would seem my only option would be to put it in the signal path. If I did it using the Sub RCA signal path I wonder if the degradation would be significant or noticeable?
In which case I'd just need a VU meter box with RCA in/outs and passthrough. I think....
Like my VUs 'cos they look retro, weirdly (to me) they add something to the experience of sitting down and chilling out with some music. :scratch:
http://cdn.stereophile.com/images/207slim140822.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/transporter-hands-on-1.jpg
My first Amplifier was a Rotel RA1412, a gift from my dad for passing my O levels :)
I really miss the VU meters, but would not dare ask Mr Croft if he could add a pair to my S7 :lol:
StanleyB
13-04-2016, 14:32
My integrated amp and my power amp got VU meters. I even did a knock-up of a VU meter assembly for the Caiman and Capella from a kit I found on eBay. I was thinking of getting a piece of perspex from eBay and mount the VU meters on it. It might look nice with some multi coloured LEDs at the side.
16674
I like this man's "dial'
Although it's a temp Gauge on his/this DIY A amp build
Thermionic Idler
25-02-2018, 16:01
Remembered this thread today. Thought a pic of my completed AMB linestage would be appropriate:
https://i.imgur.com/WuvOC8P.png
https://i.imgur.com/hV0d5OP.png
https://i.imgur.com/fhr2Hj0.png
and this one taken with the turntable before it had any gubbins in it.
https://i.imgur.com/9Qbze5N.png
The interior build for those interested. Note I replaced the white LED illumination on the VU meters with proper bulbs:
https://i.imgur.com/S3MXpnm.png
occamsrazor
25-02-2018, 16:26
Remembered this thread today. Thought a pic of my completed AMB linestage would be
Damn that’s pretty, nice job....
I can't imagine what the purpose of a VU meter is, on a power amp. Watt meters, yes, but VU? I was brought up on VU meters on the mixing desks. They are totally natural to me if they are driven and calibrated correctly with a -6db lag. When Philips introduced their "light beam meters" they were a revelation but difficult to get used to. They comprised a very tiny coil to which was attached a very small and lightweight surface-silvered mirror (I mean tiny - maybe 3mm square.) The mirror reflected the beam from an optically focussed light source onto the back of a frosted glass oriented vertically, which was marked with the sound level decibel calibration marks. From -60 to 0db to +6db. Between zero and +3db the glass was orange and between +3db and +6db it was red. This was in the mid 1980's. There was a switch marked "VU Levels / Peak Levels" which, in the VU position applied a -6db weighting so that the indicated levels equated to what a VU meter would show. Another 15 years down the line and meters became LEDs arranged in a vertical column. No moving parts at all.
walpurgis
26-02-2018, 14:54
But they add to the cost, so you pay more. They are something else to go wrong and they serve no useful purpose.
But they add to the cost, so you pay more. They are something else to go wrong and they serve no useful purpose.
Chocolate teapots come to mind......
farflungstar
26-02-2018, 16:00
They make biasing a breeze on the ref 75 as well as looking quite nice.
I was brought up on PPMs, (Seen on TV, white needle on black background, 0 -7 range), which the BBC design Dept. at Kingswood Warren developed, and which became the universal broadcasting standard for many years. VUs were derided by BBC staff, but that was a group think (bonding) thing, most professional music studios using VUs..
It has a specially designed balistically fast movement, and a circuit which held the fed voltage to it for long enough for the meter to respond to. The effect of this was weird - a delay between hearing a loud peak and seeing it, but it worked as a limit for tape saturation and transmitter overload. The I/P was deliberately filtered to prevent any peaks less than 2 mS form reaching it because research found that the ear could not hear it.
I have a stereo Ernest Turner one (worth £400) to build up for my studio later this year, and I will remove the I/P limit capacitor to get all peaks.
occamsrazor
28-03-2018, 06:33
Pretty flashing lights...
https://vimeo.com/262009970
Is there any way I can connect VU metersto the spare output on my passive pre amp. I had two sets of outputs fitted when I had the passive pre amp made for me ?
You have a stand alone VU meter?
I've no idea about what you're connecting but it seems to me that if the meter has RCA phono input sockets then any standard RCA phono cables will work.
If the inputs are something more exotic then it is one for the experts.
occamsrazor
30-03-2018, 07:20
Is there any way I can connect VU metersto the spare output on my passive pre amp. I had two sets of outputs fitted when I had the passive pre amp made for me ?
Without knowing what connectors your VU unit and preamp have it's hard to say, but I imagine it wouuld work. My DAC/Pre only had one set of RCA outputs, so I used one of these "piggyback" or "stackable" RCA cables to connect the VU meter unit and it has been working fine. That's what I am using in post #81 above.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-5M-Metre-TWIN-2-x-RCA-Phono-PLUG-to-PLUG-Stackable-Y-Splitter-Lead-CABLE-2-Way/291945794345
Sold the Transporter, still dig VU meters...
Hmnn...
https://ether-assets.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/jordan-acoustics/uploads/6510/MC462-Lifestyle-Hero-hi-res_b139bdd796f06fdaea715dd632c16aaf.jpg
Made in 1968
02-03-2020, 20:31
If you want a stand alone VU Meter Teac [MB-20] & Tascam [MU-40] made 4 Channel Meter Bridges. I let a Teac one go only last year.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-tascam-mu-40-channel-vu-meter-1896588895
Realistic made a 2 Channel one years ago
It’s the amp that comes with ‘em...lol.
A guy can dream...
Back in the day I designed a few meters that made it onto the Squeezebox Touch, happy days.
Always loved the Transporter VU’s.
Made in 1968
02-03-2020, 20:49
NAD Made a few early amp with VU's.. in particular the Model 60, Di also come with blue ones like a McIntoshiy
https://www.catawiki.com/lots/27735235-nad-60-made-in-japan-amplifier
topoxforddoc
04-03-2020, 23:22
For recording:
VU meters might be a reasonable solution, if you're using analogue tape, as tape saturation can sometimes provide distortion, which is pleasing to the ear. PPM meters (as my old mucker Stewart -Lodgesound) would say, are much better.
In the digital recording world, you are better off with peak meters, as digital clipping is nowhere near as nice aurally than analogue clipping.
Charlie
337alant
05-03-2020, 14:15
Ive never had any urge to add VU meters to and Amplifier, but VU's on a R2R or a Cassette decks they really do it for me:stalks::eyebrows: :mental:
Alan
Mike Reed
05-03-2020, 21:08
I always thought VU meters on (usually?) muscle amps to be pretentious and largely useless, but on pre-amplifiers it's a different matter. Getting a valved pre with them has completely changed my mind about them in this function, as it's an indicator of the incoming signal strength and, because of the on-board phono stages, essential to adjust loading. Useful also to see that you have selected the right source as senile citizenship creeps up on one.
Previously, on signal strength, I could only judge by the volume control position; not an accurate arbiter, The phono was off-board then, so less relevant.
337alant
06-03-2020, 10:16
Sold the Transporter, still dig VU meters...
Hmnn...
https://ether-assets.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/jordan-acoustics/uploads/6510/MC462-Lifestyle-Hero-hi-res_b139bdd796f06fdaea715dd632c16aaf.jpg
That's gorgeous:eyebrows::stalks:
Alan
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