VU (Volume Unit) meters and Peak meters measure entirely different aspects of an audio signal, and using them together is essential for achieving a clean, balanced mix. A Peak meter measures the instantaneous maximum voltage of a sound wave to prevent digital clipping. Conversely, a VU meter measures the average signal level over a slower window of time to mimic human loudness perception.
Understanding the fundamental mechanics, ballistics, and specific use cases of each meter allows you to maximize headroom and avoid digital distortion. Comparison Overview
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