Using a VU Meter

[@FlyGuyJ]

An important tutorial for beginners! One point to emphasize is that reducing the volume fader is not reducing the the gain of the audio track BEFORE your audio passes through any plugins. You must adjust the clip gain as Wavy did in this tutorial, or use a "trim" plugin as the first plugin insert in Pro Tools to reduce the gain! Simply lowering the mixer fader will only reduce the volume AFTER your audio has passed through any plugin inserts. A lot of people fail to understand this and end up sending their audio into the plugins wayyy too hot!

[@therainmaka6455]

Thanks. Great explanation. Appreciate it.

[@FlyGuyJ]

@@therainmaka6455 Thanks!

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Hey man, I watch your channel a lot, along with Wavy, I get what you're sayin here, so do you touch the "mixer faders" at all in the whole process or not? If so, when/why? Thanks mate.

[@FlyGuyJ]

@@TheOnlineBusker absolutely, the fader controls the volume coming out of your plugin chain, so i use the fader to control the final volume of that channel. Just realize that the audio passes through the plugins first!

[@TheOnlineBusker]

@@FlyGuyJ Cheers, so all these people on here saying "before we start mixing, let's get a nice balance" then moving faders up and down are basically doing it wrong, right?

[@gullcreekstudio1391]

Just to add because I haven't seen it mentioned. Gainstaging happens through an entire mix. Say on a channel that you originally started with -12db. After 5 plugins...you might see that your level has changed to -5db. If this was a kick drum...if after processing...it would over power your mix if everything else was at -12db....regardless of fader. You would still need after processing to bring that energy level back to -12db. The faders will push the channel forward or back in the mix. This is referred to as balance. After processing all of your channels....they STILL need to be hitting the same levels energy wise using a trim plugin at the END of the channel chain. Faders however WILL control the volume levels on a VU meter when applied on the master buss.

[@BrandonMatel]

I was literally searching your channel for a video on metering this morning! Many thanks for the content

[@doons8914]

I have come across your videos multiple times for the last few years and you are always helpful and you don't fluff your videos, straight to the point with insight. you are the shit my friend!

[@deerorigues3010]

Real Spill.. Wavy & A Few More Engineers Get Straight To The Point & They Even Go In Detail On Why It’s Important

[@chadoworld]

VU meter changed EVERYTHING for my mixes! Great info! 👍🏾

[@matamba6774]

Please help me, i installed This plug-in into GarageBand. Why is GarageBand shutting down when i wanna use this plug-in 😓?

[@l.atreythegeneral7457]

When I learned this strategy it changed mine too

[@isaacramirez3729]

Wow, this is actually what I needed to see. I use a VU meter in my DAW but, I wasn't quite sure how to use it. Thank you

[@VPG_Dreamz]

Bruh thanks to Wavy Wayne I Now Record My Own Shii and Know how to do everything damn near⭐️❤️‍🔥⏰

[@searchiemusic]

dude thanks for genuinely not talkin out your ass lmao, i get so scared seeing simple tutorial videos esp short ones but yeah you actually know your stuff, its so good to see

[@johnvalther]

I love the way you simplify, difficult things, Wayne. 🤩🙏🏼

[@AntiHero-mj5nx]

Ngl bro really one of the pioneers in this tutorial shit, I’ve seen him link up w/ Jay Z producer and drop str8 gems. Young Guru is someone who is heavy on the VU & I appreciate how Wayne breaks down the parameters. Keep doing yo thing! 🙏🏽♥️

[@March_iii_]

@4:28 when you mention headroom, I’m getting confused because if we are calibrated at 15 like you said earlier, why is the knob on the VU Meter set to -6?

[@ZayNY]

First !! Love your videos man

[@waynewav]

Thanx Zay

[@calebthepoet1599]

You’re a great teacher Bro. These videos have helped so much

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

I'm using Klanghelm Vu meters both as input and output channel meters to track gain. On my 4 effects channels, I've got them set to -18 dBFS, the input of my master bus is at -12, and after the limiter is -6. The Vu meters have clip and warning lights plus a second peak needle, all of which I've got switched on. It's easier for me as this only needs a quick visual scan and I know where I'm at on levels. This plug-in is pretty light on resources. So, yes, they're still relevant.

[@TheSlynative]

Wavy, you’re awesome! Thanks, homie!

[@hydrotosoil7505]

What up Wavy. I think a lot of people tend to jump to their faders to adjust volume when using the VU meter. Big mistake because the faders aren’t controlling the actual volume of the wave. So good look on letting them know to adjust the waves volume, not the fader. Obviously some DAWS allow you to change your fader from pre to post, but that’s a completely different conversation. Keep doing you. Peace!

[@ezrablack5395]

This genuinely changed how I approach my mixes🤘🏽thank you so much man!

[@SirMixAlotChannel]

I'd love to know what you think of your Looptrotter Monster. I have one also and DAMN

[@JewelzUFO]

Subscribed! I dig your personality and energy. This is how music should be taught.

[@brianmorecombe2726]

Ive got a VUmeter on my music centre.I bought it as a separate.Didnt need it but its a nice asthetic and it shows how better the vinyl sound is over the CD sound

[@brucehathcockmusic]

Im loving my head phones bro clean vocals.

[@justwatch5970]

I always used -18 for many years because I was programmed to use -18 and my mixed could not go too loud because I feared it was becoming too hot on the VU and needed to be round the ballpark of -18, now that you given me the alternative of -15 my mixes are louder and dont I have to worry about eating up headroom, I'm now mixing freely

[@SoLoudAudio]

One time I had mixed a song, it was the best mix I've made until I played it in a car and it sounded distorted. I wish I knew gain staging back then.

[@mikemitchell7374]

Good lesson. Thanks. I track and mix with 1 inch tape. My recorder has v.u. meters to tell me how hard I am hitting the tape. I aim for peaks in the red zone. But analog gear I is a little more forgiving and eases into distortion in a smoother way. I have found with digital gear, you really want to avoid overload and distortion as it just sounds bad.

[@truthforever242]

Thanks from the Bahamas bro you and others taught me so much. I record and mix using the studio one kit and my mixes are super clean because I understand the theory now. Imagine if I had better quality equipment; I am going to start using this instead of just using the level meter.

[@nmdpa3]

Dude..super helpful video. Thanks! Had to take the plunge after watching it and picked up the Hayakumo. Digital VU did the trick, but man, just had to do it :)

[@newzonesk8185]

I ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW WITH YOU BRA, THANKS A LOT.

[@bot5am]

Very pro and useful tutorial, Wayne. Loved ya content, ma brother.

[@BulgBeats]

Thanks brother great input, literally 😂 ❤️ 🙌🏼

[@waynewav]

😂😂 good one

[@chrissssssss007]

Maaaate!!!!! Just seen this and has helped me a bunch!!!! Thank u sir!!!! Keep doing what u do!

[@ehav]

New to your channel. At the beginning of the video when you say " are VU relevant"" I yelled "Hell Yeah" out loud not knowing you were going to say the same thing LOL!

[@waynewav]

Lol. That’s dope. Welcome!

[@WaterRiver777]

Very informative& professional , I enjoyed this video 😃

[@jdlx4912music]

What up Wavy Babyyy! My G 💪🏾 Even when you talk about stuff I know about you still make it interesting. You bless many bro. God favors your kind 🙏🏾👆🏾

[@fantaztikbeatz]

FACTS

[@daddyhashez5979]

*My favorite logic teacher 🔥👋*

[@DRich305]

I was going to ask in the Elite FB Group about this 😂 perfect! Always coming thru man 🙏🏼

[@eldurakopr]

Can u send a link of that FB group

[@89106wlv]

Quick and to the point 🔥

[@mosesgutierrez6897]

Great explanation! Been looking into adding a meter into my mixing process!

[@richprincipe749]

Another fantastic video Wavy!! Thanks

[@tazgoemi3574]

You amazing my guy respect 🙏🏾

[@deerorigues3010]

Man Wavy You The 🐐 Gee💯.. I Been Watching Yo Videos For 3 Years & Have Really Learned Alotta Shit… Keep Dropping Gems & Keep Prospering 💪🏾💯

[@frederickkrug5420]

This is all correct info but I love your style and energy! Great vid

[@therainmaka6455]

Thanks for posting Wavy 🙌🏾

[@yonewolf]

i see that la-2a sitting over there 🤤awesome video! clarified some things for me using my vu meter.

[@krimzonred]

great stuff my man , really helps 🙌🔥

[@soultekkamusic115]

This is extremely helpful, life changing even. Thank you

[@ImpsMusic]

I've been checking out RMS, Peak, VU Meters, etc. also trying to tame peaks with compression to some avail. Thanks for the tips.

[@hydiegoyh]

Gracias hermano! Saludos desde Bolivia.

[@artmoney312]

Are VU meters even relevant in todays recording and mixing studios? Hell yeah, HELL YEAH! lol Wavy Wayne is that dude!

[@FondueBrothers]

Thank you my friend. I've learned something new today. Up until now I would normalize my instrument and vocal tracks to -1db peak to get maximum signal to noise ratio and D to A conversion before processing the audio with plugins. I didn't realize I was overloading the plugins. One question. why is the attenuator switch on your VU meter set to -6db?

[@murica8730]

@wayne quick question, on vocals do you use vu meter? or just on instruments? Because i find vocals are so dynamic the vu meter jumps all over the place hard to get consistent near zero.

[@dangdrjay3011]

Compression bro

[@murica8730]

@@dangdrjay3011 i thought vu was supposed to be as close to zero before plugins.

[@TheRoughLifeBoss]

Bro this joint is 850! 😂 I’m just now getting back started! But I fwu you! You have good positive energy!

[@waynewav]

💯💯

[@BrewerShettles]

Hi Great video! Why is the VU ATT set at -6 when you say you calibrate VU to -15dB? Thanks

[@Airic]

Wavy wuddupp bayybbeeeee ! 😎🍻

[@redguitar6062]

Excellent video. Thanks man

[@SuperKhaliyl]

You da goat Wayne aka HIMothy

[@saucemoneybeatz1977]

Always dope🔥🔥

[@kc9122]

yeah, thanks for the reminder, I haven't started using this yet.

[@southernstatic]

@Wayne.wav do I use the VU meter for Vocals, also and if so should I add it before or after recording vocals? it would be nice if you could do a quick vid on VU meter with vocals (if its for vocals) because most if not all videos I see its used when making a beat.

[@ABS_AD77]

Thanks for great video. Just wondering if you use VU meters on Master bus also ? Thank you.

[@wilmermotino9674]

question ? , after you clip gain would you then lower all the track faders all the way down and start leveling like that next ? or you leave them at unity and just turning up the fader ? if that makes sense .

[@tperry5839]

You can calibrate to what ever the hell you want to wavy said 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥 VU craziness I love this channel

[@chipmunkondatraq]

THAT WAS MY PART TOO 😂😂😂

[@ProdbyTrehnt]

I love using VU meter in logic I use MvMeter2 it’s free just don’t forget to set it at -14 lol I was mixing at -18 for too long without realizing it

[@Capons_Place]

Hey Wayne, First of all thank you for the great content! I just got this after watching your videos, I got it but I am having some issues with the routing. I’m working with the Apolo twin x duo + Genelec 8010a monitors. I had to turn the volume know all the way up to 100% to get the full signal out and get this set. But that would blow up my monitors if I even imagine to turn them on. I am not sure if there is a issue with the unit I have or maybe it’s a problem with the Interface? Please if you can or anyone know how to get this thing to work together it would be a life saver, I hope I won’t be forced to sell this out 🫤 Thank you very much 🙏🏻

[@BLACKSHEEP-gh6dq]

I really appreciate you bro! Thanks Man 👊

[@Shawn.deprie52]

Wavey u help me a lot with my music

[@danybbeatz]

Great Job!!

[@waynewav]

Thanks Fam

[@Rokvet]

This one really helped. Thanks.

[@majeston]

could you explain how you wire it? I hooked up a VU meter to my UAD Apollo setup between the Apollo Monitor L/R and my speakers and the VU changes when I adjust my monitor volume...

[@godmercy3926]

Hey Wayne thanks bro . Got a question tho what db do recommend for the beat and vocals to be set at for mixing ?

[@chipmunkondatraq]

GREAT QUESTION

[@MKAZETA_LOSLIBERADORES]

Always good tips

[@blown9079]

Hope you are doing Well today ! Just curious to know .. if you had both Apollo twin and the slate ML1 with the VMS preAmp, would you have the mic conected to the Apollo? Or have it connected to preAmp , AND pre Amp connected to apollo interface? ... sorry if its confusing thank you in advance

[@k.wrightraksproductions1198]

Great tutorial!! I usually use -15 myself. One question though. Where should instruments hit on the VU meter?

[@Aurelian76]

Greetings from Toronto. Thanks so much for your video. Was wondering what computer are you using - if you don't mind me asking? Is it a mac and how much RAM...very curious. I am going to purchase a M3 with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Thanks again - Liked and Subscribed!

[@michaelalvarez6423]

I bay some of your vocal templates they're awesome 👌 thanks bro

[@CestLaVie73]

I have heard VU meter is the best to meter bass sounds but not that much trebles. Also it depends on how short sound is how Vu meter reacts. But thanks for good tut bro.

[@MrGspotty]

Thank u for everything Bossman

[@donnas8408]

What if you tracked using RMS between 20-15? Using this Klanghelm VUMT has standard -18db and also has RMS Meter +3dB shouldn’t I use the VUMT RMS? But what is the sweet spot on this plugin RMS meter? Is it still 0 where the red is? Or is it around -12 in the black? Ty

[@yiqwaba3833]

"What's up Wavey"this really helped me bro . Is it cool to record with Vu meter on the recording track or will it make the audio quality drop?

[@Joseph124269]

where do you connect the the VU meter, is there an instruction to it?

[@peeeuu6018]

best vu meter video,thanks

[@waynewav]

Thanks to you

[@realjaybino]

My boyy 🖤

[@zanderryz]

Very helpful video, thank you! Subscribed!

[@nickygacha1800]

How loud should vocals be when mixing

[@monsrekatuckerjr7117]

Just noticed the setting on the outboard vu meter 😂

[@welcome2da659]

Wavvyy waassup baabby 💪🏾

[@onurpekdemir]

Very helpful! Thanks a lot man! 😎👍

[@johnghadimi]

Great explanation. 👍

[@javedjoe]

He said the vu meter is calibrated at -15db, but it's set at 0db. Can someone help me understand that, please?

[@DrHUGEshow]

So I have a VU and loudness meter. When the mix hits 0 on the VU the loudness meter is in the mid 20's for LUF. Then when I turn up the mix the VU stays pinned at +3 but the LUF is between 12 and 14, where I'm trying to get at. ??? So I assume you mix it to 0 on the VU when working on the mix but then turn the master up for the loudness meter?

[@omen432]

You have to mix with your ears, you need headroom before you start mixing , use your ears not your eyes.

[@juicillefilms3561]

MVMETER2 LINK DOESNT WORK....IS THERE ANOTHER PLUG IN I COULD USE THAT WORKS SIMILAR

[@GODDESSIAMDATIAM]

Yo I filled out my quote form today for a hot Wavy mix!! What it do!! L.A. in dah house!

[@waynewav]

Thanks. Looking forward to working with you sooner.

[@ObedG]

need it

[@kcjohnson4178]

wavy i been watching and learning from you since november 2020 that's when i started building my studio up. do you ever do like consultations or mix reviews/ critiques ?

[@jacknicholson2448]

The knob in the VU meter is pointing at -6dB how is that calibrated to -15dB 🤔??!!

[@waynewav]

I calibrated the meter by sending a -12db signal. The know knob on front is an attenuation control. I attenuate the meter by -3dB. -12+(-3)=-15.

[@parismusic3590]

@@waynewav what you have there is a gain reduction. When all tracks are active, -3 to -5 is a good range before mixing. Instruments should not hit the meter while drums do get glue compressed. Once okay play now with the compression and the output gain. Thanks

[@cjbiggar240]

Your VU meter was set to -6 DBFS not -15 ????

[@fatfinale2547]

I seen the same thing that confused me

[@chrisloco_]

I noticed you had the attenuation set at 0db on the front of the meters instead of -15db, was there a reason you did this?

[@tryagain3813]

Wayne i need help. When i go to my sound preference in settings n try to set the I/O to my Scarlett, it says “the selected device has no input/output controls” n protools won’t identify the interface idk wat to do bro n it’s mad frustrating

[@winnertainment314]

i see that fader port.

[@thomasfarr16]

I was curious how many other people visualize the db range.

[@zrgotbarz9648]

Doesn't most plugins suggest -18bd so why would you suggest -15? is the loudness more important than the plugin performance?