Analog db meters setup for AV Recievers

[Gregrfair]

Ok, here’s a fun little question. I have my home theater system set up, sounds really good the wife and I enjoy the hell out it. But like most guys my age I’d like to add some old school blink in the form of the old VU db meters, just loved watching them dance back on the day so here’s the question.. is there a product out there that has two analog db meters that I could hook up to my boring modern AV receiver to give it some style, some movement, they don’t even have to tell me anything. Thanks in advance.

 

[lovinthehd]

Like this? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/douk-vu3-review-vu-meters.26827/

 

[Gregrfair]

Like those, yes… I did see them as I searched around but thought I’d ask the question to get some other input. These are Chinese (what isn’t anymore), I read the reviews which did say much really. Thanks for the reply…

 

[lovinthehd]

Not a VU fan much myself, just remembered that review. I think there are a few other options out there (and think there are a few threads not tied to a review on the subject over at ASR).

 

[Gregrfair]

I will look it up..

 

[Mark E. Long]

I use these on 6 channels there easy to use and are somewhat accurate if you play with the adjustable controls for each channel . You can get a Dot display or the full blown Bar display .

 

[Gregrfair]

That’s not bad, LED’s are nice I have them as a back light on the TV. However, the analog meters were just cool as hell, their lighting was soft, the needle motion was great.. can’t really find anything except what looks like cheap Chinese crap. Doesn’t look like I’m gonna get what I’m looking for but I’ll keep searching.

 

[everettT]

Ok, here’s a fun little question. I have my home theater system set up, sounds really good the wife and I enjoy the hell out it. But like most guys my age I’d like to add some old school blink in the form of the old VU db meters, just loved watching them dance back on the day so here’s the question.. is there a product out there that has two analog db meters that I could hook up to my boring modern AV receiver to give it some style, some movement, they don’t even have to tell me anything. Thanks in advance.

Like the unit Loving posted, be careful that you get something that is 100% transparent or you may get distortion and noise that's audible

 

[TLS Guy]

That’s not bad, LED’s are nice I have them as a back light on the TV. However, the analog meters were just cool as hell, their lighting was soft, the needle motion was great.. can’t really find anything except what looks like cheap Chinese crap. Doesn’t look like I’m gonna get what I’m looking for but I’ll keep searching.

If you want something that is quality and will not downgrade your audio, then you will have to build it yourself. You certainly don't want a pass though unit, and you want one with a high input impedance.

Others have done this, and below I will post a circuit for VU meters and one for LED lights. You will need to build a circuit for each channel. None of these circuits would be difficult to build.

One for VU meter.

Now one for LEDs

Both those circuits would be easy to build. You would have to source a case, either metal or wood. For wood you would have to build it. Generic cases are available, but metal work would be required for mounting jacks, meters, controls etc. If you use the LED in metal, no highly specialized tools would be required. To mount VU meters it would be best to have access to a plasma cutter.

Now you have got yourself a nice little project.

If you want this done properly then you will have to do it yourself.

 

[Gregrfair]

I am seriously contemplating doing this myself.. I love a good project.

 

[TLS Guy]

I am seriously contemplating doing this myself.. I love a good project.

In that case, I have given you a good start. Either of those would work very well, and could be powered from a standard plug in power supply, and they will not affect your SQ.

 

[Gregrfair]

Hey TLS, I’ve been reviewing this idea of building the circuit diagram you attached above, I even found the post on Home-made Circuits.com, but I’m no engineer and have no idea how to do this or where to start. It’s very interesting to me but no sure if I have the skill set. Still looking at it.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hey TLS, I’ve been reviewing this idea of building the circuit diagram you attached above, I even found the post on Home-made Circuits.com, but I’m no engineer and have no idea how to do this or where to start. It’s very interesting to me but no sure if I have the skill set. Still looking at it.

We all had to start somewhere.

 

[Gregrfair]

Very true..

 

[CarlXu]

Like those, yes… I did see them as I searched around but thought I’d ask the question to get some other input. These are Chinese (what isn’t anymore), I read the reviews which did say much really. Thanks for the reply…

Some RCA inputs and outputs?

 

[rolf.taylor]

I hope no one minds my reviving an old thread. Here's some cool ideas from my own recent metering experiments and "research":

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806788955019.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.2.1f54f19cJ1Psoz&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

This has about 6 different meter options, several of which have the warm look the OP was looking for. Price various depending on the vendor (if you don't want to buy direct form china do a visual search). The cheapest vendor when I was looking they were only about $10 but that was a sale. The have a built in microphone so if all you want is bling it really couldn't be easier. There is also a header that will accept line level audio.

On the other hand, if blingy bling is what you are after,I highly recommend this next item. After extensive searching this is the *only* stereo auduo LED controller out there (all the rest sum L and R). The same controller is used for the 30, 60, and 90 (.5, 1, and 1.5 meter length respectively) versions. So you can rig up other options for LED strings if you want. I have connected three together for 5.1. I have also connected these to LED Christmas light strings that have LED's every 10cm for 9 meter long LED meters! Yes, I will have stereo Christmas trees this year!

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804361229835.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.3.216df19cwb6asI&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

 

[Tankini]

I hope no one minds my reviving an old thread. Here's some cool ideas from my own recent metering experiments and "research":

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806788955019.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.2.1f54f19cJ1Psoz&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

This has about 6 different meter options, several of which have the warm look the OP was looking for. Price various depending on the vendor (if you don't want to buy direct form china do a visual search). The cheapest vendor when I was looking they were only about $10 but that was a sale. The have a built in microphone so if all you want is bling it really couldn't be easier. There is also a header that will accept line level audio.

On the other hand, if blingy bling is what you are after,I highly recommend this next item. After extensive searching this is the *only* stereo auduo LED controller out there (all the rest sum L and R). The same controller is used for the 30, 60, and 90 (.5, 1, and 1.5 meter length respectively) versions. So you can rig up other options for LED strings if you want. I have connected three together for 5.1. I have also connected these to LED Christmas light strings that have LED's every 10cm for 9 meter long LED meters! Yes, I will have stereo Christmas trees this year!

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804361229835.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.3.216df19cwb6asI&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Nothing wrong with Analog after all its all analog when it reaches the speakers. not to mention THD of 10.0.

 

[lovinthehd]

Nothing wrong with Analog after all its all analog when it reaches the speakers. not to mention THD of 10.0.

Off your meds again Mikey?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I use these on 6 channels there easy to use and are somewhat accurate if you play with the adjustable controls for each channel . You can get a Dot display or the full blown Bar display .

Yep, much more visible during a movie unlike that VU meter from a distance.