This is an introduction and overview of the VU Level Meter by NoisyFruitsLab, available at Takazudo Modular. The VU Level Meter is a module that recreates a classic analog level meter using LEDs within your modular system.
This product is available for purchase below.
- What Is the VU Level Meter
- When to Use the VU Level Meter
- Reference Videos
- Additional Features
- Specifications
- Included Items
- About NoisyFruitsLab
What Is the VU Level Meter
The VU Level Meter is a module with two pairs of In and Out. The LEDs on the back of the panel light up according to the voltage level input at the In jack, serving as a meter. The input at In is passed directly to Out.
When nothing is connected to the right In, the left In's input is also used as the right In's input.
When to Use the VU Level Meter
Here are some potential use cases for the VU Level Meter:
- Checking for potential clipping
- Monitoring CV levels
- Visual appeal
Let's look at each.
1. Checking for Potential Clipping
The most straightforward use is to visually check whether audio is about to clip. For example, by inserting the VU Level Meter before sending mixed audio from your modular system to an audio interface or mixer, you can help prevent unintended clipping.
During live performances, your ears become accustomed to the sound being played, making it difficult to accurately judge volume levels over time. It's a common experience to listen back to a recording only to find the audio was clipping throughout the second half.
If you calibrate the VU Level Meter in your system so that the red LEDs light up at approximately clipping volume (by adjusting gain before the VU Meter), occasional glances at the VU Meter can help maintain consistent overall volume.
2. Monitoring CV Levels
The VU Level Meter is also useful for monitoring CV levels. By inserting it after LFOs or Envelope Generators, you can visually check the magnitude of the CV being output.
In particular, LFOs with long time periods can be difficult to read without some visual indicator of the current voltage level. The VU Level Meter makes it easier to gauge the LFO's output voltage.
3. Visual Appeal
The visual appeal is also one of the VU Level Meter's charms. When recording modular synth performances on video, feeding CV from an LFO into this module creates an eye-catching slowly changing meter display.
Reference Videos
In the video below, the output of Kick V2 from the same NoisyFruitsLab brand is connected to the left In, and the output of 808 Snare Drum is connected to the right In.
You can see the VU Level Meter lighting up according to the volume of each sound as it plays.
Additional Features
A trimmer on the back of the module allows adjustment of the LED illumination ratio relative to the input CV. By default, all LEDs light up at approximately 6V.
For example, if you want smaller voltages to register more prominently on the meter, or if you want to set the MAX at 10V, you can adjust the trimmer yourself.
Specifications
- Width: 4HP
- Depth: 30mm
- Power consumption: +12V 75mA / -12V 8mA
Included Items
- Power ribbon cable
- Screws
- Banana keychain
- Banana sticker
About NoisyFruitsLab
NoisyFruitsLab is a German synthesizer manufacturer run by Samuel Biniaszczyk. Despite being a small operation, they release many high-quality modules. Many of the modules created by Biniaszczyk are also available as DIY panel and PCB sets.
オマケ: 電氣美術研究會モジュラー小物セット付き
モジュラーシンセをもっと多くの方に触って欲しいという願いの元、電氣美術研究會さまにご協力頂き、モジュラー小物セットを本商品にバンドルさせて販売させていただいております。
パッチケーブルや電源ケーブル、ドレスナットのサンプルセット、モノラルスプリッターなど、内容は時期に応じて変化します。商品に同梱しますので是非お試し下さい！
That concludes our introduction of the VU Level Meter.
Is this module absolutely necessary? Since it doesn't actually process audio, probably not. But having one around makes it a go-to candidate for filling spare rack space. It's a module that's simply fun to look at.
We hope you find this helpful.