Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: jakecee on 05/01/2010 14:01:09

Title: how to build a volume unit meter?
Post by: jakecee on 05/01/2010 14:01:09
The volume unit meter has the following specifications:

1. A bar of LEDs to indicate the ambient sound level in the recording room because the room has to be at great silence during recording session.
2. A bar of LEDs to indicate the sound level from two combined audio channels which are being recorded and triggers an alarm when the recording sound level exceeds a predefined value. This is because automatic sound level controls have never produced good recording results. So, when the ambient volume exceeds the predefined value, the alarm will acknowledge the personnel to lower the level of the audio sources in case such incident occurs.

can anyone provide me guidance on how to design the circuit of a volume unit meter? if possible, provide explanation together with the information provided. the volume unit meter is should be based on the concept shown in the diagram. thanks loads.
Title: how to build a volume unit meter?
Post by: RD on 05/01/2010 14:19:52
Sounds like a job for a Db meter (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103667).
Some of these meters have "peak hold" which remembers the highest value detected (loudest sound).

Or alternatively make a sign saying " Recording: Shuuush! ".

... triggers an alarm when the recording sound level exceeds a predefined value.

Presumably not an audible alarm  [:)]
Title: how to build a volume unit meter?
Post by: LeeE on 05/01/2010 14:47:09
VU meter kits are easily findable by googling for them.  As you want to be able to control stuff or display alerts from VU readings though, I suspect that VU meter software for a PC would be a better choice.  You can google for VU meter software too.

If you're using a midi capable mixing desk, and have a midi interface on the PC, you should be able to contrive a way to fade any channel that causes an alert.  If you want to control other non-midi equipment, such as a stand-alone warning light or sign, you'll probably need some X10 standard interfaces and software.
Title: how to build a volume unit meter?
Post by: jakecee on 07/01/2010 13:49:00
im not planning to use pc. cause i need to build the vu meter for my project. if possible, please provide me with some guidance and info regarding how to build this meter.

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