Audio Level Meter vs. VU Meter: Which One to Choose?
As an audio professional, you know how important it is to accurately measure sound levels. That's why you need the right tools. But with all the options available, how do you know which one to choose? Two of the most popular meters are the Audio Level Meter and the VU Meter. Here, we'll look at a comparison of these two meters, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
What is an Audio Level Meter?
An Audio Level Meter measures the level of an audio signal in decibels (dB). It's designed to measure the level of a peak or RMS signal, and can be used to measure the levels of individual tracks, subgroups, or the master output. Some Audio Level Meters can also display different types of signals, such as a spectrum analyzer, phase correlation, or a level histogram for each channel.
What is a VU Meter?
A VU Meter (Volume Unit Meter) is a type of Audio Level Meter that displays average signal levels over time. It was originally developed to measure levels for analog broadcast signals. Unlike an Audio Level Meter, which measures the peak or RMS of a signal, a VU Meter measures the average signal level with a ballistics response that corresponds to the way that human hearing reacts to changes in level.
Comparison: Audio Level Meter vs. VU Meter
Range
Audio Level Meters typically display a range from -80dB to 0dB, while VU Meters usually have a range from -20dB to +3dB. This means that Audio Level Meters are more sensitive to changes in level, and can indicate clipping and distortion more accurately.
Ballistics
As mentioned earlier, VU Meters have a ballistics response that mimics the way that human hearing reacts to changes in level. This means that they respond more slowly than Audio Level Meters, which makes them better suited for measuring longer-term level changes. They're also more forgiving of short-term peaks, which means they're less likely to indicate overloading or clipping.
Frequency Response
Both Audio Level Meters and VU Meters respond differently to different frequencies. In general, VU Meters respond more uniformly over the frequency range, while Audio Level Meters can be more accurate for individual frequencies.
Usage
Audio Level Meters are more useful for measuring the level of individual tracks or subgroups, while VU Meters are better suited for measuring the overall level of a mix or master output. However, both types of meters can be used in both situations.
Conclusion
Both Audio Level Meters and VU Meters are important tools for measuring sound levels. The choice of which meter to use depends on the specific needs of the project. If you're measuring the level of individual tracks or subgroups, an Audio Level Meter might be the best option due to its more accurate sensitivity. Conversely, if you're measuring the overall level of a mix or master output, a VU Meter might be the better choice due to its slower ballistics response.
No matter which meter you choose, it's important to keep in mind that they're only tools. Understanding how they work and using them in the context of the project is key to achieving the best results.
References
- Yamaha Corporation of America. (n.d.). Differences Between VU Meters and Peak Meters. Retrieved from https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/meter/differences/?selector=t
- Sound On Sound. (n.d.). What Do Audio Meters Mean? Explained With A Sound Engineer. Retrieved from https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/what-do-audio-meters-mean