Three meters apart - two flashy, one useful

In this one, I'm looking at three audio meters designed for entertainment rather than accuracy. One of them even does something useful.
00:00 Intro
00:42 Item 1
02:45 Item 2
07:49 Item 3
15:59 Summary
18:49 Credits
AFFILIATED eBay Links - More info regarding affiliated links is at the bottom
USA EBAY LINKS
Item 1
EBAY ebay.to/3mk9Ewq AMAZON amzn.to/2VgQsni
Item 2
ebay.to/36eYEea
Item 3
ebay.to/2JtYg2g
UK LINKS
Item 1
EBAY ebay.to/3o0ZIZk AMAZON amzn.to/3fQnqVg
Item 2
ebay.to/39ge97o
Item 3
ebay.to/33jhj6G
DE Links
Item 1
AMAZON amzn.to/3qmbdwm
There aren't many of the first item available on eBay at the time of typing, so if you can't find one there it's also on Aliexpress www.aliexpress.com/item/32948... (not an affiliated link)
NOTE - The items shown in this video aren’t calibrated audio loudness meters. The user controlled Gain control* and AGC show that these devices are designed for entertainment rather than accuracy. These are audio toys - but I'm fine with that, however if professional calibrated accuracy is more your thing, here are two such devices that I’ve featured previously:
Dorrough Loudness Monitor
• Music Meters, Displays...
RTW 1206
• What a lovely VU : A m...
* The ‘Gain’ controls on the devices I’ve shown just affect the behaviour of the display, these are not amplifiers - the audio is unaffected
MUSIC
On Walkman
KZbin Music Library: / @techmoan
Beyond - TrackTribe
75 & Lower - DJ Williams
Come Vibe With Me - Patrick Patrikios
Come and Get It! - Dan Lebowitz
On Physical Media
Richard Houghten - bloomypetal.bandcamp.com
Anders Enger Jensen - eoxstudios.bandcamp.com/music
FAQ
Q) Why are there comments from a week ago when this video has just gone live today?
A) Patrons usually have early access to videos. I'll show the first version of a video on Patreon and often the feedback I get results in a video going through further revisions to improve it. e.g. Fix audio issues, clarify points, add extra footage or cut extraneous things out. The video that goes live on youtube is the final version.
CHEESE SANDWICH FAQ
Q) Why is there a picture of a cheese sandwich on screen at the beginning?
A) A while ago I coined the phrase ‘A cheese sandwich video’ to describe a simple video that’s exactly what it is and nothing more - just like a cheese sandwich is a sandwich containing cheese.
A cheese sandwich video is simpler video that doesn’t take weeks to assemble. It’s usually a brief demonstration of one item.
If you see a cheese sandwich image pop up at the start of a video - it's a sign to expect a less complicated and elaborate video. Sometimes all a product needs (or deserves) is a simple demonstration - and that’s where the ‘cheese sandwich‘ video comes in.
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------------ Merchandise ----------------
teespring.com/stores/techmoan...
------------ SUPPORT --------------
This channel can be supported through Patreon
/ techmoan
******Patrons usually have early access to videos******
--------- Outro Music ----------
Over Time - Vibe Tracks • Over Time - Vibe Track...
----- Outro Sound Effect -----
ThatSFXGuy - • Six Million Dollar man...
----- AFFILIATED LINKS/ADVERTISING NOTICE ------
All links are Affiliated where possible.
When you click on links to various merchants posted here and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network & Amazon.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to AMAZON Sites (including, but not limited to Amazon US/UK/DE/ES/FR/NL/IT/CAN)

[@CrimsonSanX]

Techmoan has finally transformed into the 1970s game show host we all thought he would be.

[@squirlmy]

And what's behind door number three, Monty? Maybe you didn't have Monty Hall on "Let's Make a Deal" in the UK, but he definitely comes to mind to us Americans of a certain age.

[@talon262]

He has gotten pretty natty with the beard and wardrobe the past few months, hasn't he?

[@shawnbottom4769]

Transformed? Ascended.

[@monoamin_]

Techmoan is slowly transforming into Hide the pain Harold

[@reneholly7994]

Yes he is, & there's nothing wrong with that.

[@kgnsc]

He looks like a club owner from 60’s.

[@koghs]

Yeah, he look much less eccentric this way.

[@monoamin_]

@@reneholly7994 You're right, it was meant in a humorous way anyway :)

[@ferrochrom2191]

Hahahahah truuue

[@gtoger]

"Always searching for more inputs for my output". I'll struggle to work that into a conversation sometime, but it's a struggle worth having.

[@tuc-dh4df]

Drumbeats🖐

[@gtoger]

@@tuc-dh4df ... would look great on any of these meters, I agree! :)

[@obroni]

@@MikinessAnalog My KZbin worlds have collided! All I need is 11 foot 8 bridge for a perfect trifecta.

[@jbed6]

I need more outputs for my input.

[@buddyclem7328]

Input! Need more input! No disassemble #5!

[@thebritisher72]

Your title puns have reached new peaks.

[@der_pinguin44]

I'd shake your hand for that one.

[@vivanecrosis]

Oh you!

[@meechmushrooms]

Your profile picture is very clever and nostalgic.

[@raffitz]

"I'll put chapters so you can skip to the main event." Why on Earth would we waste 6 perfectly good minutes of Techmoan content?

[@kbhasi]

Likely for people coming in from KZbin search results and aren't subscribers.

[@BertGrink]

@@kbhasi That makes sense i guess, but as raffitz said, why waste the start?

[@TimothyONeill_84.]

I was thinking about saying something similar to this, but it you beat me to it

[@kbhasi]

@@BertGrink Maybe some people are in a hurry, even though this is one of his 'cheese sandwich' videos?

[@electronicengineer]

Right! We have to wait an entire week to watch his videos. Why on earth would we want to "skip" ANY part of them? Fred

[@kenneychappuis1853]

Watching the needles dance took me to my younger years. Sitting in a dark room in front of my stereo with Pink Floyd playing.

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

Are you me? Was hashish involved?

[@shiitakestick]

Mijc Osis - not as much as my Nakamichis 350 & 550 ! 😉! Ok I just checked out the 122 series, and nevermind.. They look great - especially the double speed ! Great idea ! I (I wonder what the freq. responses are at 3 3/4 ips!? ) .. and yes, Red Lebanese mostly..

[@stephane_edouard]

2021 : *nice beard man*

[@strangecake537]

Yeah he looks good

[@Rurpled]

Was my first thought, rocking the beard, along with the shirt/jacket combo.

[@80srenaissance67]

2020: did you just asume their gender?

[@xxxggthyf]

I wonder if it's a Lockdown 2.0 beard. I had a Lockdown 1.0 beard which I swore not to shave off before the end... It lasted less than a fortnight.

[@nslouka90]

Spongebob: Hey, nice c...

[@K-o-R]

The poor alignment of the LED clusters in that second one is very irritating.

[@mattgies]

Yes! I can mostly forgive that the groups of 8 lights are distinct because that's probably how they're soldered at the supplier (chip-on board), but the groups not all being in line is unacceptable.

[@p0wertiger]

Doesn't it give you that oldies feeling when things were assembled by hand? ;)

[@alexanderthomas2660]

Yeah, it wouldn't take long before I would take this apart and see if I could fix it…

[@rolfs2165]

@@p0wertiger But quality brands would use some kind of assembly aide that makes sure things line up properly and aren't all wobbly.

[@strangulator42]

"if you want to skip ahead to the main event"??? Do people really skim through these videos? I could watch this for 2 hours lol!

[@giammyzanna]

I think I've watched the japan minidisc unboxing at least 3 times

[@nickwilczynski3684]

Yea I always watch these vids in their entirety. This is just the absolute best stuff out there.

[@bladeofzorro1932]

If you do skip you miss the little gems Matt comes out with now and again. Hilarious.

[@peachybumm2283]

Yes

[@forevercomputing]

For a short 5 minute video like this? Only 5 minutes.

[@G1itcher]

Saturday morning Techmoan is my favourite time of the week

[@MsSteve70]

Me too! I sometimes save one incase there's no new video. :)

[@jdelfresco1634]

i've said it before, and i'll say it again: your love of flashy lights gives is absolutely everything. i used to be kinda embarrassed about the amount of equipment i bought (for alot of $$$ sometimes) just because i loved the lights and the flashiness, which of course my friends would give me shit for. but you're out here doing the lord's work, making it cool to have LEDs flashing to your music. thank you, good sir.

[@zolondk]

A VU meter with AGC? That's like a measuring tape made of rubber bands :-)

[@Techmoan]

Yep.

[@wal]

I love these visual displays for audio. I'm the kind of person that thinks ANY amplifier should have VU meters on them! You find the coolest looking ones too, thanks for that!

[@lawrenceh1405]

Totally agree! Are you *really* playing music if you can't see VU needles bouncing or LEDs dancing? OK, I guess you are, but I just want that visual, too!

[@BTW...]

"should" eh? What for... pure wankery factor Williston Audio Phool? None of these have a useful VU function - indication of over-modulation during a recording or broadcast application. None can be reliably calibrated. AGC and built in Mic input is 100% proof of the useless wankery value.

[@wal]

@@BTW... useless for recording or broadcast applications, but useful for visual entertainment with music. To each their own, though.

[@angelvip2474]

Lol Big D in the house. I saw this video and thought about ya. Lol. Love VU meters.

[@angelvip2474]

@@BTW... for the nostalgia you fool.jk.🤣. It just looks cool

[@rahb1]

Techmoan; the only person I know who would think to do a 'meters per metre' comparison. Love your work!

[@Seiskid]

Really enjoyed this. The first one is especially pretty. Thanks for all the great content you share with us Matt. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@ChrisShUK]

Great video just like always. For a while you've been another reason I look forward to the weekend. Thought it was about time I told you. Please keep going for many years to come Techmoan. Great stuff

[@JoeOrber]

I found my VU meter, the second one in this video, I bought it a long time ago, lost the manual and was looking for some pointers on how to use it, and I ran into this gem of a video! I remembered I watched it when it came out but had forgotten all about it, thanks again mate! Awesome content, and still helpful ❤😊

[@prime1971]

Looking very dapper Mr Techmoan, great video as usual

[@bf0189]

I would definitely add a resistor to calm down that green LED otherwise that looks like a great switch box with lovely meters.

[@Crus0e]

Or just paint it with black marker to lower the intensity

[@andrewwilson8273]

I am going to get the third one. The switch is the key extra benefit and the remote tops it off. When I get it I will undo the box and put black tape inside the unit. No electronics engineer me!

[@markjames8664]

A resistor might not work very well, depending on the LED. If you drop the voltage too much it will just turn off. I believe LED household bulbs that are marked as “dimmable” have a circuit that holds the lamp voltage steady while pulse width modulating the current.

[@M4RC90]

@@markjames8664 It's not the LEDs that aren't dimmable in household bulbs, it's the power supply regulating the voltage. Also household dimmers don't regulate the voltage. They basically do pulse width modulation of the sine wave.

[@300DBenz]

My Schitt Mani has an exceptionally bright white LED, brighter and more intense than that green one. I took the case off, taped a piece of paper over the inside of the hole the LED shines through, now it’s a pleasant glow. Shouldn’t be too hard to do the same to the VU meter.

[@sndesigner01]

This was a really good one! I am a Sound Designer for game development and was educated using needle VU meters. I miss the analog meter. Great selection.

[@ganormand]

THANK YOU for making this video-I always thought I was kinda goofy for wanting to have meters and flashing lights on my equipment. As a recording engineer/musician/DJ, these things have been part of my life since 1961, and I have actually purchased equipment based on its flashing lights. In today's youtube world, I wish more people used some sort of meter to standardize the volumes. It seems all day long, the buttons I use the most are volume up and down, to correct for the too loud or too soft clips I encounter.

[@pierdeer]

Ooh! I can imagine getting the second meter myself actually. Response time appears acceptable with the line input, you can actually see if the audio peaks soooomewhat (unlike the one meter you featured in the past that seems to be all random) and I like that you can change the way the lines fall and the sort. Price seems pretty decent too, you know compared to what one has to pay for a used RTW now hehe. Thanks for the video Techmoan!

[@SaratogaNovaScotia]

I am so glad I found your video and channel. Firstly, VERY well done video and commentary. I have been looking for a combination VU meter for quite some time and also more information on the Little Bear VU switcher. I have 2 of the APM-200 meters (a 100 and a 500 as well) and they’re OK but not perfect. Biggest thing I wanted in those is to boost the meter gain as I don’t want to have to crank up my stereo volume all the way to get the meters to work. You answered all my questions and I am going to purchase a VU2! Thanks again and look forward to checking out more of your reviews. Cheers!

[@jacobematt6222]

I've been thinking about buying one of item 3 for ages, but I didn't want to spend the money without a review. This video is a god send!

[@lesleymunro4964]

Those green LEDs could actually be tamed quite easily with the change/addition of a resistor on each one. Just needs a higher value resistor to lower the current, and by extension, it's brightness.

[@andrewwilson8273]

Thanks for this video. I ordered the last meter with the twin VUs but with the incandescent bulbs. It looks great in a temporary home beneath the TV. In a few days it'll be joining my open reel tape machine.

[@nutsnproud6932]

Thanks for the video Mat. I love VU meters.

[@Ares28Pictures]

I have no idea why KZbin algorithm recommended me this video, but I'm not disappointed. That's a very nice channel you've got, and even though I have no idea about sound devices I find this video pretty interesting. +1 sub for sure!

[@AndecIunson]

Thank you for making these videos man.. you're awesome!

[@amrkoptan4041]

That smile u put on my face when i see a new video in the feed..

[@redkf]

Once I noticed that bottom row LEDs on the second one are not aligned I couldn't look away from it

[@kingfishercomputing9497]

Top row is a little bit off also. Once seen, never missed.

[@graealex]

The segment components usually host 8 LEDs, to be driven by an 8-bit shift register, and not only are they not straight, but every 8 LEDs you get a larger space between them.

[@redkf]

@@kingfishercomputing9497it keeps getting worse!

[@compzac]

You know I didn't even notice that, what I noticed was the on the bottom row, the end section of the red LEDS are slightly more red, you really notice it right around 6:13 the last 8 or so, which I couldn't tell you how that happened, like either they are getting slightly different power, or different manufacture, crappy build quality on the builder of the LEDS, very odd.

[@Mr.BrownsBasement]

As always, very informative and very entertaining.

[@Dr_Lazarus]

Great review, Looking sharp fella.

[@El_Chompo]

Thanks for doing this. I had been browsing VU meters on ebay for my recording setup at home but never bought any or could decide. But I definitely could use the nice one you found. It's funny, a Chinese brand that actually has a brand name on it! They must actually care about their product then. I think that's the first time I've seen that.

[@mrfrosty3]

Another quality episode. I've been looking for a lot of audio gear recently and that Little Bear and Douk name comes up a lot.

[@randynovick7972]

I like your suit. Also, these bits you do about visualizers are really interesting -- more than I would expect.

[@MUSICLOVER72]

Excellent video. I liked all 3 units.

[@johnfoster7602]

Great! I'm glad someone manufactured these. The old Radio Shack VUs are hundreds of dollars on eBay. Thanks Techmoan!

[@darrenerickson1288]

You find beautiful stuff, always!

[@renatobressan748]

Very good, Techmoan. Greetings from Brazil!

[@DanielLopez-up6os]

I love the Title Wordplay as always, and these VU meters do look like something id be interested in :D

[@ImmortalInflames]

and thank you as always for the enjoyable content!

[@Ektalon]

Saw the thumbnail, thought: “The useful one is going to be the needle gauge one.”

[@seanwieland9763]

Your outfit this episode is slamming! Great episode. Thank you.

[@nicospanatos6605]

Brilliant ! That was short and so informativ, Well Done !

[@genius1a]

I really appreciate your little correcting on the second UV Meter at 16:50 ! Its visuals are perfect for me, and it seems to work well and offer good control over the reactions. The third one is the best in many ways, but its hard to see from a distance.

[@skylined5534]

Brilliant stuff, I love this kind of gadget! My favourite was the cool if headache inducing vintage Atari set up though. Merry Christmas Mat! 🎄🎅

[@compzac]

That minidisc player you were using in the VU/Switchbox part of the video was the same minidisc player I had here in America when i was younger, been years since I have seen one of those, thanks for showing it, brings back some memories for me of loading music and that Sonic stage software.

[@mickspencer4171]

That was excellent, I love those VU meters dancing about.

[@Mrhellacat]

Love these vu epesodes for some reason

[@davidryan6616]

Great Job with these videos. 🙂☘️🇮🇪

[@o-d-cole4088]

Cheers for the video mate 🇦🇺

[@paule6101]

Looking sharp!

[@CanadianMakerProject]

man every time you got a new video out I have to watch it asap... this one really liked, I have to buy that uv meter with the needles. I got a project that that should fit in

[@UBERKalti]

Loved the video. Thanks for sharing

[@mr_barrie]

well done clint, keep it coming buddy

[@TyRosenow]

I love comparisons - each has a specific use. I have been looking for good old fashion analog VU meters and have been nostalgic from my radio broadcasting days. I thought they stopped making them years ago. I always test my VU meters with a 1 kHz tone oscilator for level adjustment as I find many audio levels as being too hot from electronic devices.

[@Kevin_Carlson]

I have that same Sony minidisc player:) Purchased in 2003, still plays wonderfully.

[@RCDUDEFPV]

LOOKING GOOD

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

Classic Techmoan video. Always my fav.

[@stheil]

Gotta say, having a 1-to-4 AND 4-to-1 mux in that last meter is a pretty good idea. Both could be useful for different people and it's cool that they managed to put both options in. Also of course needle VU meters ftw!

[@maniatore2006]

Thank you for that interesting video.

[@dans6127]

I like my modern receiver for all the inputs and features plus 7.2 surround but I do miss the days of all the cool lights and meters. My Dad's Technics had meter and cool lights and I remember playing with those Awia shelf systems back in the day that had a fancy light show on the front and loved mine.

[@CaffeinatedTech]

I reckon you look quite distinguished in that beard and jacket. I do like looking at cool reactive lights though :)

[@SHADOW17018]

Rather dapper looking

[@andreasu.3546]

Flashing lights for the flashy gentleman.

[@electronicengineer]

@@andreasu.3546 Here here!!!

[@807D14M0ND5]

@@electronicengineer Where? :D

[@yorkshireman6650]

Not a bad little video really useful advice and great entertainment too happy Christmas 🎄

[@bub_sy]

Looking dapper 👍 nice gadgets too

[@Tactcat]

Please make a video about your taste in music? Or your hiphop collection? Love the content as usual :)

[@GenesGripChannel]

Looking dapper! 👏

[@II-zw7vw]

Looking really snazzy today man!

[@qibble455]

Brilliant video.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Your videos are excellent so exciting.

[@SG-bp4lg]

Looking good man!

[@patanostra1]

Matt! So cool wardrobe! Respect

[@veb6814]

As always cool video !

[@mihaipopa9414]

Excellent, thanks!

[@MuccisJag]

Your suit is fantastic. Love the color!

[@CodyBizz]

looking snazzy! Love the video's, You're amazing!

[@butters_147]

Thanks Mat. 👍 Of course the most expensive one is the best in this case (and in most cases). Not only is it the most aesthetically pleasing but it has functionality to it as well. Not sure if I mentioned it yet in a previous comment but congratulations on surpassing 1 million subs sir. 👏👏👏 The first million is the hardest. 😉

[@QUADBOYification]

Great overview, really interesting gadgets. Like the small one. You could upgrade an old real-tapedeck with it easily.

[@heavymetallife398]

i just ordered number 3, cheers for the review amd for giving them the idea hahaha

[@onneyon]

You're looking very dapper in this one :)

[@samuelschwager]

The human eye can only hear +6 dB!

[@miespost]

This has to be one of the funniest things I’ve seen all day, I’m also disappointed in how much I laughed at this lmfao

[@samuelschwager]

@@miespost You're welcome ;)

[@rhomis]

My wife begs to differ when I have some flatulence.

[@JDG1971]

Techmoan I always watch your videos and I have to tell you ... Really fun and always interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us. Peace and love and of course enjoyment. Greetings from the Netherlands Limburg Maastricht. Stay safe with your family. ✌😘👌👍😉🥳

[@JerryCrow]

Love the vest! so formal yet so casual. Lucky missus yours is...

[@Bender24k]

I love these meter videos. I like a little visual with my audio. OK, a lot of visual LOL. Happy Holidays Mat!

[@AcornElectron]

Saved this for a day so I can sit down and enjoy it.

[@CinemaMacabro]

I am buying the first VU meter for my you tube channel background, the second will be for my old high-fi, also I gotta say that is one killer wool suit, a great video as always!

[@grantbassett2048]

Hi, Another Great Video, always look forward to them. I love a peak meter, lights. I only have my Devon DRM 600 Cassette deck thats got any form of visual movement. But I love it 😀. I like the 3rd item indeed. Cheers Grant.

[@Philafxs]

0:50 Hey all, I found the monolith!! Oh, never mind..

[@Siska0Robert]

Your musical taste is awesome!

[@spartansfan1026]

No word of a lie: I'm loving the beard. Really works on you!

[@so2fast4u2]

Thanks for making.

[@areameye69]

I share your luv for VU meters so much ✊👍

[@mywindow9929]

0:36 I can't imagine jumping ahead and missing some of my favorite content on YT!

[@steviebboy69]

I liked the one with the real moving needle meter it looked real good, I was just about to comment earlier and say it would have been great had they have been lit, and then in the next clip there it is lit up, including the over bright green LED.

[@hullinstruments]

Would be great to see you get into more DIY stuff. You obviously have the aptitude and interest. Would love to see you set up a little bench op lab with a cheap oscilloscope, benchtop multimeter, function generator, the basic soldering stuff and things like that. It would blow your mind how cheaply you can set up a very functional benchtop laboratory. It truly is the golden age for cheap high end test equipment and tools. Would be one of the all-time best electronic channels!

[@HANGINGWANG]

You will never know how helpful this video has been

[@branchleader73]

Looking very dapper fella

[@shmanielshmlane2359]

looking extra dapper! i want that first one! reminds me of star trek :)

[@kirknelson156]

it could also be very handy if like me your amp has one 1 tape out but your have multiple recording devices, I can go to Cassette, minidisk, and reel to reel. but it usually requires me to move cables around.

[@jimb032]

There is a nice radio shack tape switch box for that with 3 IO's