Douk Audio VU2PRO Needs Your Opinions!--The Upgraded Version of Douk Audio VU2.

[GPx86]

Why is there a mic?

 

[solderdude]

So you can see 'needles swing' even when it is not connected to any gear.

You could even do a shouting game with it... the one that can scream the needle to the highest value wins...

 

[dualazmak]

Why is there a mic?

At least for me, I do not need it!

 

[Old_School_Brad]

I feel disheartened by how engineering resources can be wasted on gimmicky toys. For goodness' sake, as John suggests, why not just reuse what's already been invented?
It will be useful and might even be cheaper.

 

[dualazmak]

I feel disheartened by how engineering resources can be wasted on gimmicky toys. For goodness' sake, as John suggests, why not just reuse what's already been invented?
It will be useful and might even be cheaper.

Even though I share my dream VU/PK Meter concept here on this thread, I essentially agree with you.

And this is why I did my DIY building the 12-VU-Meter Array. Yes, it is a kind of "gimmicky toys", but "actually/practically useful" and enjoyable at least in my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier audio setup for monitoring at-a-glance multiple outputs of amplifiers using the same large-glass-face IEC 60268-17 compatible meters.

 

[eddantes]

I like a giant, 6 foot version of that!

I'd just want the lexan circle with the ferofluid! Insert it into a speaker like a driver :-D

EDIT - NVM - exactly that can be had on amzn under 50 bucks!

 

[jeffenle]

Hello all ASR members,

Our VU2 RCA input selector with VU meters released in 2020, it's been over 4 years now. We are happy that many people have seen it and liked it, and we also received many suggestions.

Recently, our product department is going to update it in the appearance, size (will be larger and the same as our VU3PRO) and the functions..
Based on most feedback and suggestions from our users of the VU2, now we have two solutions.

Option A
Audio source: built-in MIC pickup, XLR*1, RCA*3, SPDIF*1
Working mode:
RCA--3-IN-1-OUT / 1-IN-3-OUT
XLR--1-IN-1-OUT
SPDIF--1-IN-1-OUT
View attachment 402435
Option B
Audio source: built-in MIC pickup, RCA*4, SPDIF*1
Working mode:
RCA--4-IN-1-OUT / 1-IN-4-OUT
SPDIF--1-IN-1-OUT
View attachment 402436

Note:
RCA, XLR and optical fiber are parallel input and output. No audio signal conversion function. In other words, the RCA output will only work when there is RCA input; the XLR output will only work when there is XLR input; the optical output will only work when there is optical input.

Introduction
3 knobs: adjust color, GAIN and sensitivity.The GAIN adjustment is only useful for the VU meter swing range and will not affect the sound quality.
Buttons:
The left one is to switch audio source among MIC, RCA, XLR (optional) and optical fiber.
The right 3 or 4 buttons are to switch RCA input or output.

Other Parameters:
Response frequency: 30Hz-20KHz
Backlight brightness adjustment: support (5 levels, can be turned off)
Backlight color adjustment: support (35 colors/marquee color)
VU meter gain adjustment: support (20 levels)
VU meter sensitivity adjustment: support (30 levels)
Remote control: support
RCA mute function: support
Settings saved after shutdown: support
Power interface: USB (Type-C)

The difference between the two options are with or without XLR input and output, please let me know your choice. Of course, other suggestions are also welcome! Thank you all!

This looks like a great improvement. When do you think it will become available?

 

[dualazmak]

Just for your possible interest and reference...

Yesterday I shared six new dancing video clips of my DIY-built 12-VU-Meter Array (IEC60268-17 compatible) together with all the on-screen Peak Meters of audio software tools while playing reference/sampler music tracks by JRiver MC, ADOBE Audition 3.0.1 and MusicScope 2.1.0;

New video clips of dancing 12-VU-Meter Array (IEC60268-17 compatible) together with all the on-screen Peak Meters of audio software tools while playing reference/sampler music tracks by JRiver MC, ADOBE Audition 3.0.1 and MusicScope 2.1.0:
____Part-1: using a typical reference/sampler music track suitable for high-Fq (treble) transient music sound
post #974 on my project thread

____Part-2: using a typical reference/sampler music track suitable for mainly checking and tuning of low Fq (bass) transient music sound as well as total tonality Fq-SPL balance all over 15 Hz to 22 kHz
post #975 on my project thread

 

[gargouille]

Hello all ASR members,

Our VU2 RCA input selector with VU meters released in 2020, it's been over 4 years now. We are happy that many people have seen it and liked it, and we also received many suggestions.

Recently, our product department is going to update it in the appearance, size (will be larger and the same as our VU3PRO) and the functions..
Based on most feedback and suggestions from our users of the VU2, now we have two solutions.

Option A
Audio source: built-in MIC pickup, XLR*1, RCA*3, SPDIF*1
Working mode:
RCA--3-IN-1-OUT / 1-IN-3-OUT
XLR--1-IN-1-OUT
SPDIF--1-IN-1-OUT
View attachment 402435
Option B
Audio source: built-in MIC pickup, RCA*4, SPDIF*1
Working mode:
RCA--4-IN-1-OUT / 1-IN-4-OUT
SPDIF--1-IN-1-OUT
View attachment 402436

Note:
RCA, XLR and optical fiber are parallel input and output. No audio signal conversion function. In other words, the RCA output will only work when there is RCA input; the XLR output will only work when there is XLR input; the optical output will only work when there is optical input.

Introduction
3 knobs: adjust color, GAIN and sensitivity.The GAIN adjustment is only useful for the VU meter swing range and will not affect the sound quality.
Buttons:
The left one is to switch audio source among MIC, RCA, XLR (optional) and optical fiber.
The right 3 or 4 buttons are to switch RCA input or output.

Other Parameters:
Response frequency: 30Hz-20KHz
Backlight brightness adjustment: support (5 levels, can be turned off)
Backlight color adjustment: support (35 colors/marquee color)
VU meter gain adjustment: support (20 levels)
VU meter sensitivity adjustment: support (30 levels)
Remote control: support
RCA mute function: support
Settings saved after shutdown: support
Power interface: USB (Type-C)

The difference between the two options are with or without XLR input and output, please let me know your choice. Of course, other suggestions are also welcome! Thank you all!

Any news about the VU2PRO ?
Do you have an expected release date ?

 

[Douk Audio]

Any news about the VU2PRO ?
Do you have an expected release date ?

Hi, I have confirmed with our PD, the expected release date is at the end of Jan., before Feb. Thank you for your attention, have a great weekend!

 

[Douk Audio]

This looks like a great improvement. When do you think it will become available?

Hi, I have confirmed with our PD that the VU2 pro is expected to release at the end of Jan., before Feb. Thank you for your attention, have a great weekend!

 

[Douk Audio]

Why is there a mic?

According to some users' feedback, sometimes they may just want to put it near the speakers on the desktop...

 

[Douk Audio]

I'd just want the lexan circle with the ferofluid! Insert it into a speaker like a driver :-D

EDIT - NVM - exactly that can be had on amzn under 50 bucks!

Hi, we have designed a magnetic fluid display, but due to problems such as sealing, packaging and transportation, we have not officially released it. Engineers are still working on it and hope to improve it soon.
More info please check https://doukaudio.com/products/pres...-magnetic-fluid-visualizer-desktop-decor-gift
If you have any suggestions, please let me know, thank you!

 

[gargouille]

Hi, I have confirmed with our PD, the expected release date is at the end of Jan., before Feb. Thank you for your attention, have a great weekend!

Thank you for your reply !

 

[Poweredbysteve]

Any update on release date?

 

[Douk Audio]

Any update on release date?

Hi, thank you for your attention. Due to the Spring Festival Holiday, the release of the VU2PRO is delayed. The sample will be finished in half a month. and the bulk production may be completed at the end of Mar. or the beginning of Apr.

 

[Douk Audio]

Hello ASR members,
There are some updates about the VU2PRO now.

We will provide two versions, Blue and Yellow VU meter versions to choose from.
The good news is that the VU2PRO can detect the real input level, the bad news is that the sensitivity and precision are not the same excellent as the reference machine. Our engineers will spare no effort to make it better before releasing it.

We have a few questions that need your feedback. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave your comments, thank you!
1. Does the VU meter dial scale need to be changed? If so, what scale do you recommend?
2. Is a MIC pickup function required or can be removed?
3. Is an optical fiber input and decoding function required or can be removed?
4. The blue meter version is tentatively monochrome and the backlight color cannot be adjusted. The yellow meter version can freely adjust the backlight color. Do you have a different opinion?
Please help and let us know your opinions.

Here are some pictures for reference.

 

[Douk Audio]

 

[dualazmak]

I, at least, am quite disappointed with the present development plan for your VU2PRO. Even though the product name includes "PRO", the VU2PRO seems far away from adequate and proper professional (and/or advanced amateur) features and demands, not only in terms of functionalities but also specifications. I would appreciate hearing your policy and stance having "PRO" in your product name.

Let me repeat my requests (personal dream, though) which I shared in my above post #40.

In my opinion, the PRO-grade VU/PK meters need to have;

1. IEC 60268-17 (almost-)compatible VU ballistic behavior, and accurate log compression peak power behavior, either can be selected,
2. at least analog line-level balanced XLR (or TRS) stereo inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as SP high-level signal inputs,
3. furthermore, digital inputs of: AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial and optical, HDMI audio, as well as USB (2.0 and higher), are preferable (with some DAC chip in it),
4. each of the analog and digital inputs should have its transparent "through-out" which is free from gain-change, noise and distortion,
5. coarse and fine swing-range adjusters should be available for each of the inputs,
6. physical zero-adjustment dial for each of the two meters is mandatory,
7. DC 12V triggered power-on/off would be much welcome,
8. the 2700 K color-temperature (my preference) LED lighting can be intensity-controllable as well as can be almost dimmed and fully extinguished,
9. the change-of-LED-color functionality would not be needed for PRO-grade VUs; (this is my personal preference and suggestion),
10. the power supply could be given by 5V (or 12 V?) DC adaptor (enough VA for at least ten daisy-chain use), but normal AC 100V - 240V power inlet would be also acceptable (you need to have PS unit in it).

 

[EJ3]

So you can see 'needles swing' even when it is not connected to any gear.

You could even do a shouting game with it... the one that can scream the needle to the highest value wins...

That 'could possibly' involve "adult libations".