Visualize signals to see what is going down!

The 8-Segment VU meter and buffer module from symbolic circuits allows you to visualize both audio and CV signals. The primary benefit of this is that it looks cool, the secondary benefit is that it can help you visualize the behavior of modules and provide visual feedback on CV levels in complex patches.

The module also provides 4 buffers, so that you can more easily justify the purchase. And note that even if the VU meters have separate AC and DC channels the buffers are not affected so each channel buffers DC and CV equally.

The front plate can be flipped for a slightly cleaner look.

See tem in action in @The5thVolts video from Super Booth 2025

Here is another quick demo

Usage

The module should be fairly straight forwards the ,module has two channels α and β corresponding to the left and right column of LEDs. Every pair of inputs are connected together. The upper two pairs of inputs goes to the  α channel and the lower pair to the β channel. It should from the front panel hopefully be apparent which inputs are AC or DC coupled. Each pair of inputs is buffered to the output straight across.

Specs

It should be severely noted that I am neither an educated electrical engineer or a reasonable person in general. This is not an instrument for making exact measurements :P It is also very worth noting that some modules, often more lo-fi ones, can contain high frequency artifacts and biases that can appear a bit misleading when only reading the level.

These measurements are suggestive at best and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Voltage Range: Each led corresponds to a level difference of about 0.555V DC or 1dB
Current draw:  
    6mA quiescent
    12mA all leds on
    125mA all inputs at 5V and all outputs grounded
DC range: 0-400Hz
AC range: 20-80kHz
Output impedance: ~220Ω

Shipping with Postnord against my better judgement for now.

Will attempt to send stuff within one week.

If your country is not listed as a shipping location, send me an email and I will see if shipping there is possible.

TAXES AND CUSTOMS/TOLLS/TARIFFS MAY BE ADDED FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF THE EU.