This is quite handy for quickly determining the properties of a meter. So, I have two signals that are the same RMS level with different (but known) crest factors, and they are just a menu selection away from each other. When the meter is set to produce say -10dBV (0.316Vrms) at its output for a sine wave, the same level is produced if the user switches to other waveforms, i.e. This voltage can be indicated in volts, dBV, or dBu.
One of the most useful features of this handy device is that the actual output level is indicated on the LCD screen. These include pink noise, white noise, sine waves at 1/3-octaves and a number of others.
#Vu meter audio generator#
The NTI Minirator™ is a battery-powered signal generator that produces a number of useful test stimuli for sound system work. It involves a piece of test gear that most audio people already have or should have. I have devised a number of test tracks over the years to determine meter characteristics, but I recently found a much simpler way to know what a meter is showing. The main thing that one needs to know when they encounter a meter of either type is “What is this thing telling me?” It is not always apparent from simply observing the meter, with or without program material.
#Vu meter audio software#
The VI is a live sound operators best friend, because it gives them visual feedback as to the loudness of the system that can be trusted when the ears become fatigued.Ī Software True PPM/VI In-the-Trenches Meter Test Since the meter is blind to peaks due to its slow response time (300 ms), a peak LED may be included. The zero reference on a VI is typically +4 dBu and the range is -20 dB to +3 dB. The visual monitoring of a properly calibrated VI can prevent loudspeaker thermal damage and excessive sound level to the audience. This is a vital piece of information to the system operator, not only because it relates to loudness, but because it also relates to the applied power to the loudspeaker. The reading on a VI tracks the loudness component of the signal, which is approximately related to the Root- Mean-Square (RMS) voltage at the output of the device. I try to check the characteristics of meters every chance I get, just to get a feel for what is out there in the market place. This doesn’t mean that the meter isn’t useful, it just means that one can’t be completely certain of what they are monitoring when they observe it. In today’s audio world it is getting increasingly difficult to find a meter that adheres exactly to a Standard. The VI is often referred to as a VU meter, since the meter indication is the Volume Unit or VU. The two major types are the Volume Indicator (VI) and the Peak Program Meter (PPM). I will describe some of the major meter types, and what they are for.Ī number of Standards exist for the response characteristics of the meters used by audio products. Is your audio gear operating in the optimum part of its dynamic range? Does excessive noise, or occasional distortion plague your system? Does it become difficult during a long, loud event to discern the loudness of the system, forcing you to keep a sound level meter handy to avoid excess levels? All of these problems can be solved with an audio meter. Pat addresses two types the Volume Indicator and Peak Program Meter. By Pat Brown Monitoring the loudness with an audio meter can’t prevent unnecessary noise and distortion.
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