VU METER Meaning and
Definition
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A VU meter, short for Volume Unit meter, is a device commonly used in audio recording and broadcasting to measure and display the volume levels of audio signals. It is designed to provide a visual representation of the intensity or amplitude of an audio signal in a user-friendly way.
The VU meter typically consists of a vertically oriented rectangular panel divided into several equally spaced segments or bars. Each segment represents a specific level of volume, usually ranging from -20 dB to +3 dB. The meter responds relatively slowly, allowing it to display the average level of the audio signal rather than rapid peaks. This makes it particularly useful for measuring the perceived loudness or volume in a more human-oriented manner.
The meter uses a standard scale where 0 VU represents an audio signal level of +4 dBu, which is the nominal level for professional audio equipment. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that each segment represents a different increase or decrease in audio level, with the segments closer to 0 VU being smaller and more closely spaced for precise measurement accuracy.
VU meters are most commonly found on audio mixing consoles, amplifiers, and recording equipment. They provide audio engineers and technicians with essential information to ensure proper audio levels during recording, mixing, and mastering processes. With their intuitive visual representation, VU meters assist in maintaining optimal audio quality and preventing distortion or clipping caused by excessively high audio levels.
Common Misspellings for VU METER
Etymology of VU METER
The word "VU meter" is derived from the term "volume unit meter". The term "volume unit" refers to a unit of measurement used to determine the relative loudness or amplitude of an electrical audio signal. The term "meter" simply indicates a device used for measuring something. Hence, a VU meter is a device used to measure the volume unit of an audio signal.
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