Looking for standalone VU meter

[EddieCz]

Hello , i am looking for nice standalone analog VU meter, maybe preamp in some aluminium box to add it between Cambridge Audio NP30 and NAD amplifier. I love these moving hands since i was a child.
Any tips for kits or someone able to create it for me, i am really not so handy. Please see attached pic. I am from EU (Belgium, Czech republic). many thanks Ed

 

[Mooly]

Ed, I've moved this to 'Analogue Line Level' as I think you will get more interest there. Its quite an unusual question tbh

The thing with all these meters is that they really need some electronics to drive them properly. I don't know what's available these days.

 

[EddieCz]

Ed, I've moved this to 'Analogue Line Level' as I think you will get more interest there. Its quite an unusual question tbh

The thing with all these meters is that they really need some electronics to drive them properly. I don't know what's available these days.

np, many thanks. Maybe it isnt too complicated, but i am not too handy to put everything together in box. And, of course, i am weird

 

[Mooly]

I've just searched ebay for 'VU meter' and there are more than I would have believed.

2X Panel Vu Meter Warm Back Light Recording Audio Level Amp with Driver Module | eBay

2pcs Panel Vu Meter Warm Back Light Audio Level Amp One Driver Board | eBay

 

[EddieCz]

I've just searched ebay for 'VU meter' and there are more than I would have believed.

2X Panel Vu Meter Warm Back Light Recording Audio Level Amp with Driver Module | eBay

2pcs Panel Vu Meter Warm Back Light Audio Level Amp One Driver Board | eBay

Of course i did it too, to get panel itself is not the problem, problem is to put and wire everything into nice aluminum box, add power, inputs, outputs like this, see image.
That is exactly what i would like to have.

Ed

 

[Mooly]

Getting someone to make a suitable box could be a big problem... that wouldn't come cheap either.

Wiring up shouldn't be a big problem. If you look at the first link I posted and then the 4th picture (the board) you can see that all the connections are labelled.

Getting a custom enclosure made though, I honestly don't know on that.

 

[EddieCz]

Getting someone to make a suitable box could be a big problem... that wouldn't come cheap either.

Wiring up shouldn't be a big problem. If you look at the first link I posted and then the 4th picture (the board) you can see that all the connections are labelled.

Getting a custom enclosure made though, I honestly don't know on that.

Many thanks, lets see, maybe i will find someone like Kaplaars (this is his work above)

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/96192-post-your-solid-state-pics-here-461.html

 

[terenceng]

This is interesting, where does the Left channel and Right channel signal input goes too?
(sorry in advance for the dumb question, electronics illiterate here) there's also 2 trimmer there, what does it do? :O

 

[rewind67]

JLM Audio "VU Buffer"

Hi,

This may not be of use if you aren't interested in a full DIY project; but if you have a friend willing to build for you, it could work nicely. Take a look at JLM's "VU buffer". PDF article here and as a kit.

I built two of these from the article's schematic, and they work quite well in a 2-channel standalone VU box. True old-school VU meters are quite expensive. JLM's "buffer" drive much cheaper DC panel meters, or meters scavenged off more recent electronics. My box uses two DC meters I believe came from a tape deck or mixing board (bought from a friend.)

BTW I looked at all the VU boards on eBay, and they look virtually identical to this circuit. Wouldn't be surprised if JLM's were the "inspiration". Also, I believe the circular meters they are often paired with are fairly small and meant for rack equipment panel heights...

(Disclaimer: not affiliated with JLM... just happy to have found their DIY design when looking to build a set of meters. I can't speak for the kits but the schematic proved to work well.)

 

[vinha916]

Eddie , did you able to make one? I am in same boat....