Table of Contents
What is audio vu?
VU is an abbreviation for volume unit. Thus, a VU meter is a device for measuring the level of SOUND INTENSITY with audio equipment, such as AMPLIFIERs and TAPE RECORDERs.
What does a VU meter tell you?
A VU meter is used to measure power levels of audio frequency signals. VU meters are designed to have a dynamic characteristic that approximates the response of the human ear. When a speech waveform is applied to a VU meter, the movement will indicate peaks and valleys in the signal.
What is VU and PPM?
Meters which monitor audio levels are typically one of two varieties: VU (Volume Unit) or PPM (Peak Program Meters). A VU meter displays the average volume level of an audio signal. A PPM displays the peak volume level of an audio signal.
Why are VU meters negative?
It’s important that you realize that VU meters and FS meters use different numbers to measure volume. FS meters use negative numbers to show how loud something is. For instance, −30 dBFS is pretty soft, whereas −5 dBFS is pretty loud.
How do I use vu audio meter?
Just put a VU meter plugin at the end of your mix bus and keep it open while working on your volume balance. Is the meter hovering around the same area in both the verse and the chorus? You might need to bump up the volume in the chorus. It doesn’t need to be 10 dB louder or anything.
Is Vu A RMS meter?
With a steady sine-wave signal applied to the input, a VU meter gives an accurate reading of the RMS (root-mean-square, or average) signal voltage. Modern VU meters usually omit the user-adjustable attenuator and are typically set to give a 0VU indication for an input level of either 0dBu or +4dBu.
What does 0VU mean on a VU meter?
SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns replies: The VU meter (and the PPM) are analogue tools designed for the analogue world. They indicate signal levels around the nominal operating level and they don’t show the headroom margin at all. 0VU is the nominal operating level and, in the analogue world, that is usually (but not always) +4dBu.
Where can I find old VU meters?
These old VU meters from old equipment can be very cool and retro looking. Or you can try to look for some on ebay. You should find the some that suit you. Just search for analog VU meter.
How to calibrate a VU meter?
To calibrate the VU meter first decide the operating level, which is equal to 0vu on the meter. Using a peak meter along with the VU meter gives the best result in the music. To read a VU meter first you should understand the concept, which gives a better result in the music mix. There must be a purpose for fancy meters in the mix window.
What is the attack and release time of a VU meter?
For example, the ever popular and useful VU meter has an attack and release time of about 300 ms, which is designed to approximate the dynamic response of the human ear. LED meters are often faster, and modern digital meters often present a whole range of potential options and speeds.