Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Integrate A Sound Meter

This is a needle, or "analog" VU meter.


This is a project for those who wish to find a way to monitor the audio that their sound system is putting out. One common instance when an audio metering system is needed is when you have house, outdoor or in-store speakers. Using a VU or "Volume Unit" meter will give you a visual representation of the audio that your device is creating. There are two different types of VU meter: LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or analog meters using a needle that points to the right as audio levels increase.


Instructions


1. Locate the "Audio Output" on the rear your sound system. There are two RCA jacks, one red and one white.








2. Plug your RCA cable into these outputs.


3. Plug the other end of the RCA cable into the "Audio In" jacks behind your VU meter. There should be two jacks. There should again be two colors to match the cable plugs. If the audio inputs are not two different colors, match the "L" and "R" or Left and Right connections to the jacks behind your audio source.








4. Plug your second RCA cable into the "Audio Output" Jacks behind the VU meter. You will see two. If possible, match the colors of your cable to the jack color. If not possible, match "L" to Red and "R" to White.


5. Plug the other end of the RCA cable into the "Audio Output" jacks behind your stereo unit.


6. Plug in and turn on your VU meter.


7. Play audio on your system. You should see the audio levels represented by LEDs or a needle moving to the right.

Tags: cable into, Audio Output, behind your, cable into Audio, into Audio, jacks behind