We can consider the Volume Meter as an Equalizer, which is available in the Music frameworks. We can see the moving of lights (LEDs) as per the music. If the music is boisterous, the equalizer ranges to its peak, and in low music, it stays Low. We have likewise manufactured a Volume Meter or VU meter, with the assistance of MIC, OP-AMP, and LM3914, which gleams the LEDs according to the sound’s quality. If the sound is low, lesser LEDs will shine, and if the sound is High, more LEDs will sparkle. VU meter likewise works as a volume measurement gadget.
Condenser MIC or Microphone is a sound detecting device, which fundamentally changes over sound energy into electrical energy, so with this sensor, we have to sound as varying voltage. We typically record or sense sound through this gadget. This transducer is utilized in all cell phones and PCs. A regular MIC resembles,
Hardware Components
The following components are required to make LED VU Meter Circuit
| S.no | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | IC | LM358, LM3914 | 1 |
| 2. | MIC | – | 1 |
| 3. | Resistor | 10K, 100K, 47K Pot | 3, 2, 1 |
| 4. | Capacitor | 100nF, 1000µF | 2, 1 |
| 5. | LEDs | – | 10 |
| 6. | Breadboard | – | 1 |
| 7. | Connector wires | – | – |
LM358 Pinout
For a detailed description of pinout, dimension features, and specifications download the datasheet of LM358
LM3914 Pinout
For a detailed description of pinout, dimension features, and specifications download the datasheet of LM3914
LED VU Meter Circuit
Circuit Operation
The VU meter circuit is easy to work with. In the beginning, MIC captures the sound and transforms it into voltages linear to sound amplitude. Thus we have higher values and lower values of a lower tone for a higher tone.
After filtration signals are amplified with Op-amp LM358, these filtered and amplified signals are finally provided to LM3914, which operates in a Voltmeter format and light LEDs according to sound intensity and are then supplied to High-Pass Filter.
Applications and Uses
There are numerous different uses for an LED VU meter.
- They are used as power meters on amplifiers.
- They can be utilized with mixers, preamps, and other applications where it is critical to know the signal level.
