Douk Audio VU2PRO Precision Edition is Finalized – Stay Tuned!

[mhardy6647]

Assuming we are looking at peak levels ?

If they're truly VU meters, they shouldn't be showing peak levels.
The "VU" (volume unit) is a thing -- dating back to the days when remote (radio) programming was carried on telephone lines (and I'll bet you knew that!).

A not particularly thoroughly curated or vetted reference offered strictly "as-is" and FWIW.

VU Metering

The VU meter shows an averaged signal level and gives an impression of perceived loudness. With a steady sine-wave signal applied to the input, a VU meter accurately reads the RMS (root-mean-square, or average) signal voltage.

www.soundbridge.io

EDIT: I did a search at WRH and there're plenty of relevant articles, documents, and counter-proposals of 'better' standards... but, at least from my perspective, a VU is a VU!

SEARCH: * RED* All Technical

All audio, electronics and consumer electronics sections

www.worldradiohistory.com

e.g.,
https://www.worldradiohistory.com/A...-World-Modern/1998/Radio-World-1998-09-30.pdf pg. 56ff

 

[solderdude]

Yep, but neither meter has 'VU' written on them.
The thread title suggests they will be VU meters though.
The bottom one states: peak/average and the speed at which the needles moved suggests peak level.
That would be preferred when it is supposed to be a power meter.
One wants to know what peak levels are present and average levels are not important.

 

[dualazmak]

If they're truly VU meters, they shouldn't be showing peak levels.
The "VU" (volume unit) is a thing -- dating back to the days when remote (radio) programming was carried on telephone lines (and I'll bet you knew that!).

Right!
I have been repeatedly sharing/requesting that ballistic behavior of "true VU meter" should be IEC60268-17 compatible.

All of you would please search within ASR by the key word "60268-17"; you will find many of my posts including #535 and #545 on my project thread sharing DIY built IEC60268-17 compatible large-glass-face 12-VU-Meter Array.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VU_meter#Reference_level

And, you can find dancing videos (with music) of my IEC60268-17 compatible 12-VU-Meter Array:
- Dancing video of my IEC 60268-17 compatible large glass-face DIY 12-VU-Meter Array
_____Part-1: with "High Frequency Linearity Check Track" of Sony Super audio Check CD: #750
_____Part-2: with typical "Full Orchestra Music"-1: #751
_____Part-3: with typical "Full Orchestra Music"-2: #752
_____Part-4: with typical "Jazz Piano Trio Music": #753

- 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: #974
____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: #975

 

[dualazmak]

I also repeatedly shared that my YAMAHA A-S3000 has selection switch for VU mode, Peak mode, and OFF (ref. here and here).

This is one of the reasons I proposed to DOUK about my dream VU/Peak Meter design in my post #40 having VU-Peak-OFF selector, if DOUK would be really seriously planning "PRO" grade meters (quite regretfully, so far, DOUK is not to be so).

Spoiler

 

[Douk Audio]

The Watts would only be accurate in a certain impedance.
Can the meter be switched between 4ohm and 8ohm for instance ?
The bottom meter scale makes sense, the upper one does not.
Assuming we are looking at peak levels ?

Hi, thanks for your comment. Here are some responses from our PD:

This thread is the VU2-PRO, it is designed exclusively for testing LINE IN audio signals. As a result, the VU meter of the final version will only display the dB scale, with the power (watt) scale removed. There is no speaker impedance selection option, as the unit measures the audio power from the LINE IN input. The reference level is set to 0 dB based on 0.775Vrms corresponding to 1mW.

Additionally, the video demonstrates PEAK power testing. A function switch is available to toggle between PEAK and AVG modes.

 

[solderdude]

Thanks... for the reply.

Just confused as to why the meters showed power levels.

next questions I hope that can be answered.

1. What is 0dB referenced to ?
2. Is 0dB a variable 'target' (just to see swinging needles) ?
3. Is it meant to be used between a pre-amp and power amp ?
4. Is it meant to be used before a volume control ?
5. How is the 'average' value obtained ? (the peak of course is clear)

Why not build a display like the one used on the D1 ?
That way people can choose the looks of the meter.

 

[Hayabusa]

RGB backlight so we can configure every color possible

 

[dualazmak]

Now, I think it's time for me to step away from this thread.

In any way, I still sincerely hope that Douk and/or some other rather-HiFi-oriented audio companies will make my dream pro-grade IEC60268-17 compatible VU/PK meter (ref. #40 and #84) into a real product in the near future.

 

[mhardy6647]

That would be preferred when it is supposed to be a power meter.

But it doesn't sound like "they" intend for it to be a power meter... right?

This thread is the VU2-PRO, it is designed exclusively for testing LINE IN audio signals. As a result, the VU meter of the final version will only display the dB scale, with the power (watt) scale removed. There is no speaker impedance selection option, as the unit measures the audio power from the LINE IN input. The reference level is set to 0 dB based on 0.775Vrms corresponding to 1mW.

You all do know that basically any analog meter can be used if one simply wants to watch a bouncing meter needle, yes?
I 'made' one for my (mono) EICO HF-52 (push-pull El34) integrated amplifier out of an old, scavenged B&K tube tester meter (and a resistor) when I was in high school.
I had that meter for years... but I don't think I have it any more.
A VTVM will work fine if one happens to have one lurking in a corner someplace.
OK, yeah, you'll need two for stereo.

 

[RickS]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Here are some responses from our PD:

This thread is the VU2-PRO, it is designed exclusively for testing LINE IN audio signals. As a result, the VU meter of the final version will only display the dB scale, with the power (watt) scale removed. There is no speaker impedance selection option, as the unit measures the audio power from the LINE IN input. The reference level is set to 0 dB based on 0.775Vrms corresponding to 1mW.

Additionally, the video demonstrates PEAK power testing. A function switch is available to toggle between PEAK and AVG modes.

Is this product happening or should I close this thread?

 

[Douk Audio]

Is this product happening or should I close this thread?

Still in the development and there are some details to be modified including the scale...
Below are the prototypes of the VU2PRO and VU3PRO to measure real signal level and power level...

 

[Jcrow]

Still in the development and there are some details to be modified including the scale...
Below are the prototypes of the VU2PRO and VU3PRO to measure real signal level and power level...
View attachment 496286

I hope you make a silver version for final production!

 

[RickS]

Have any update for 2026?

 

[Douk Audio]

Hi, thanks for all attention to our VU2PRO.

Update as of Feb 5, 2026:
The final version of the VU2PRO has been confirmed, I wil post some pictures later.
Mass production is expected to be completed by late April (please note this is an estimated timeline and subject to change).

Thank you all for your valuable suggestions. To show our appreciation, if you're interested in trying or purchasing the product after its release, please reach out to me, we’ll arrange a special discount for you! Thank you again!

 

[jeffenle]

Hello all ASR members,


Update as of Feb 5, 2026: The final version of the VU2PRO has been confirmed. Mass production is expected to be completed by late April (please note this is an estimated timeline and subject to change).

Thank you all for your valuable suggestions. To show our appreciation, if you're interested in trying or purchasing the product after its release, please reach out to me, we’ll arrange a special discount for you! Thank you again!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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!

Hello. I have the VU2 and have been waiting for this update ever since brainstorming began. How can I get on the list for advanced sales?

Hello all ASR members,


Update as of Feb 5, 2026: The final version of the VU2PRO has been confirmed. Mass production is expected to be completed by late April (please note this is an estimated timeline and subject to change).

Thank you all for your valuable suggestions. To show our appreciation, if you're interested in trying or purchasing the product after its release, please reach out to me, we’ll arrange a special discount for you! Thank you again!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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!

how do I reach out to get an option to purchase?

 

[jeffenle]

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.
View attachment 437343
View attachment 437344

What is the make/model of the VU meter in the bottom?

 

[Douk Audio]

Hello. I have the VU2 and have been waiting for this update ever since brainstorming began. How can I get on the list for advanced sales?

Hi, thanks for your waiting and sorry for my late reply since we just back from our Chinese New Year Holiday.

Please message me directly and I will add you to the discount list.

Also, the final version of the VU2-PRO only has one version (I will attach some pictures below later), so there is no need to choose.

 

[Douk Audio]

The final version of the I/O interfaces of the VU2PRO (Both black and silver will be available. However, the silver version only has silver front and back panels, the edges are black.

 

[solderdude]

What do/can they indicate ?
What is 0dB ?
Intended for 'swinging needles only'?
Background color adjustable ?

 

[solderdude]

What is the make/model of the VU meter in the bottom?

Technics SH-9020 Peak/Average Meter Unit​

I remember it from the days I worked at Technics/Panasonic service center.
It actually was a measurement device.