1U Analogue VU Meter

1U VU Meter with reactive warm glow backlight

The 1U Analogue VU Meter is part of the upcoming TAPERACK system but can also be used to monitor any audio signal level in your eurorack system.

I wanted a way to monitor the record and playback signal levels and found a pair of USSR Tape recorder VUs on ebay that would fit into 1U.

Getting hold of more USSR VU meters is very difficult but thankfully I found a modern equivalent with arbitrary units......... numbers are overrated anyway.

How to use

To monitor an audio signal at any point in your patch simply route through the 1U Analogue VU Meter.

First break the connection in the patch then route to the IN jack and then back to the original destination from the OUT jack.

The needle will respond to the level of audio signals routed to the input.

The units 0-10 are arbitrary and you can adjust the sensitivity of the meter using the trimmer on the back on the rear of the module.

I have calibrated each module to display approx 8 for modular level audio signals (10 V Peak to Peak) leaving some room to display over driven audio signals.

The VU backlight stays lit when nothing is patched but becomes reactive to signal levels when an audio signal is routed to the input.

The sensitivity of the circuit can be adjusted using the trimer to make it just react for overdriven signals.

The back light uses a 0.04Amp 12V incandescent bulb. The bulb, like all bulb will last some time but I will include a pre wired bulb to use as a replacement if it does go. A LED can be used instead of the incandescent bulb but nothing beats the warm analogue glow. Replacements are also available from my websites accessories shop page. 

https://beepboopelectronics.co.uk/product/vu-replacement-bulb/

Patch ideas

Monitor levels in feedback systems for better control.

Adjust sensitivity of VU to max out and make audible clicks. Use a Piezo to listen to the needle for ASMR sounds.

Use the reactive back light as a light source for LDR based sensors.

 Includes power cable, pin jumper and screws.

Specs

Width - 14hp

Depth - 50mm

+12V = 36 mA 

-12V = 6 mA 

5V = N/A mA

https://beepboopelectronics.co.uk/?post_type=product&p=1956&preview=true