13 November 2015

The VU meter

The VU meter

A volume unit (VU) meter is a device found in analog recording equipment displaying a representation of the signal level. In more modern equipment there were peak meters usually made up of a series of LED or fluorescent displays to indicate the highest output level at any instant.  They are used during recording to an analog tape or cassette to set the maximum recording level without distorting the signal. 

As a general rule you have to set the recording in such a manner that the loudest part of music does not exceed the 0 VU (100%) marking on the meter. That's when it enters the red area where the music might get distorted. There are a few exceptions however where you can push the level into the red zone when using Type II or Type IV tape in a compact cassette. Here are some examples of various VU meters found on some of the recorders found in our collection:

FISHER CR-4150 (aka SANYO RD-880)

TASCAM 112B VU
TASCAM 112B - The Classic

SIEMENS RC 555 display
SIEMENS RC 555

FG PROFI RECORDER 306
FG PROFI RECORDER 306

AIWA AD-F660
AIWA AD-F660 using a Type II cassette

JVC PC-D5L
JVC PC-D5L - basic on a portable unit

WEGA C120
WEGA C120 - a SONY in disguise 

YAMAHA K-540
YAMAHA K-540

Lenco Italia MC 70
Lenco Italia MC 70

GOLDSTAR GSK-1100
GOLDSTAR GSK-1100

TELEFUNKEN HC 750M
TELEFUNKEN HC 750M

PIONEER CT-F850
PIONEER CT-F850

PIONEER CT-S88R
PIONEER CT-S88R - a programable cassette deck 

JVC KD-V35 spectro
JVC KD-V35 - with added spectrum analyzer

You can see detailed description of each presented unit here.