VU meters added to Cambridge Audio


Cambridge Audio recently added vu meters to certain newer products via firmware update. My 851n streamer is too old, but the EVO 75 I use in my television setup now can display vu meters. Very cool.  Here’s my question — what are they actually measuring. They don’t seem to respond to clime changes and continue to dance even if volume is down to zero.  Are they waiting input levels? For fun only?  Are all by meters like this during playback? (The last vu meters I had were on a real to real in the 70s.). I’ve submitted to CA as well, will update if they reply. 
 

 

tomaswv

Yes very cool on my Evo 150. It’s software based so I would expect movement based on digital sample values. I haven’t tried with analog inputs? For fun and aesthetics mostly I would say.

Meters are for aesthetics. I think it is more important to focus on the sound than the light show. They will not inform you of anything important. 

Eventually the dancing meters become a distraction you don't need. They can tell you when you are maxed out but a light will do the same thing.

Amazon sells alot of great vu meters  that just hook to your rca and some light bar vu that don't hook up to anything just use sensor for the purist that don't want to  interfere with signal path. They are fun.enjoy the music.

Meters rock! I buy amps solely based on the size of the meters. I kid, but also do like meters on my amp, why is McIntosh popular?

This from Cambridge Audio:

A VU meter is used to measure the level of incoming audio signals. It provides a visual representation of the volume or loudness of an incoming audio signal. This will not change the behaviour or movement of the outgoing output regardless of your desired listening volume. Loud or Quiet, the VU reader still reads and displays the incoming signal. 

I have a "Neohipo" amplifier/speaker switching unit w/VU meters. They don't "measure" anything (unlike VU meters on a radio station console or a tape deck), but they are fun to watch.The British, especially the BBC, use peak-level meters, claiming the "VU" of "VU meter" stands for "Virtually Useless." Sounds about right for my unit.

Yeah I used to have a,pair hooked up to my old system  I think I bought them from Radio Shack,wish I still had them.Wow that was back in the 80s.lol..