What are some common VU metering mistakes and how to avoid them?

1 Using VU meters as peak meters

One of the most common VU metering mistakes is to use them as peak meters, which show you the highest level of your audio signal. Peak meters are useful for detecting clipping, distortion, and headroom, but they do not tell you how loud your audio sounds to the human ear. VU meters, on the other hand, are designed to mimic the way our ears perceive loudness, and they show you the average level of your audio signal over a short period of time. Therefore, you should use VU meters for mixing and peak meters for mastering.

2 Not calibrating your VU meters

Another common VU metering mistake is to not calibrate your VU meters according to your reference level. The reference level is the standard level that you use to measure your audio signal against, and it can vary depending on your genre, platform, and personal preference. For example, some mixers use -18 dBFS as their reference level, while others use -14 dBFS or -12 dBFS. The reference level determines how much headroom you have in your mix, and how much dynamic range you can preserve. Therefore, you should calibrate your VU meters to match your reference level, so that you can mix with consistency and accuracy.

3 Not using gain staging

A related VU metering mistake is to not use gain staging, which is the process of adjusting the level of your audio signal at each stage of your signal chain, from the input to the output. Gain staging ensures that your audio signal does not clip or distort at any point, and that it maintains a healthy level throughout your mix. To use gain staging, you should set the level of your audio source to match your reference level on your VU meter, and then adjust the level of each plugin or processor accordingly. This way, you can avoid overloading or underloading your VU meters, and achieve a balanced and clear mix.

4 Not using VU meters for panning

Another VU metering mistake is to not use them for panning, which is the process of placing your audio signal in the stereo field, from left to right. Panning can affect the perceived loudness of your audio signal, as well as the balance and width of your mix. Therefore, you should use VU meters to check how your panning decisions affect the level of your audio signal on each channel, and adjust them accordingly. For example, if you pan a track too far to one side, you may need to lower its level to compensate for the loss of loudness on the other side.

5 Not using VU meters for compression

Another VU metering mistake is to not use them for compression, which is the process of reducing the dynamic range of your audio signal, or the difference between the loudest and quietest parts. Compression can affect the loudness and punch of your audio signal, as well as the balance and glue of your mix. Therefore, you should use VU meters to check how your compression settings affect the level of your audio signal before and after the compressor, and adjust them accordingly. For example, if you use too much compression, you may need to lower the output gain to avoid overloading your VU meter.

6 Not using VU meters for mastering

The final VU metering mistake is to not use them for mastering, which is the process of applying the final touches to your mix, such as EQ, limiting, and loudness normalization. Mastering can affect the loudness and quality of your mix, as well as its compatibility with different platforms and devices. Therefore, you should use VU meters to check how your mastering settings affect the level of your mix, and adjust them accordingly. For example, if you use a limiter to increase the loudness of your mix, you may need to lower the input gain to avoid clipping or distortion.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?