How to Fix a Malfunctioning VU Meter

A VU meter has been adopted in the music industry after it emerged in the 1930s. A VU meter is used to have a substantial interpretation of how sounds are generated. This is a voltmeter of specific type. Technically, it does not actually measure levels of pressure on sound, but it does measure voltage. You can easily find out that it is malfunctioning if the meters are not responding appropriately. Following the guidelines below will enable you to fix the problem.

Step 1 – Observe Your VU Meter Gauge

To know if your VU meter is malfunctioning, try to observe the gauges if they are working the way they should. There are different kinds of VU meter and it will depend on how the manufacturer designed the gauges, but they will usually function similarly. For VU meters with 2 gauges, it intends to measure sounds converted to voltage interpretation on the left and right speakers. If either of the gauges work, then probably something is wrong.

Step 2 – If Only One Meter Is Working

If only one channel and one meter gauge is working, try to spray a little amount of DeoxIT at the back portion of your VU meter, particularly the IN/OUT. Cleaning may resolve the malfunction. These things may sometimes require cleaning, you may need to open the assembly and try to see if there are many dust particles in the system.

Step 3 – Opening the VU Meter

Use your screw driver and remove the screws. Cautiously remove the covering of the assembly. If it is filled with dust, you may use the blower or a small vacuum cleaner to eliminate possible causes of malfunction. After all dust particles are cleared, try to drop some lubricating fluid on the mechanical parts. Be careful not to overdo the method. For plastic mechanical parts do not use lubricating fluid, instead use silicon oil. After this procedure, reassemble the box and try to observe if you will encounter the same problem.

Step 4 – Test and Observe

Power on the device and closely observe the meter gauge and the deck during stop mode. Turn the power off to see if the needle in the meter gauge remains to the left. If there is a motion to the right upon turning it off, then there is something that drives the meter gauge to the left when the deck is turned on.

Step 5 – Opening the Deck

In opening the deck, you will see a slide switch which is attached in the mechanism along with a linkage or rod. This is a switch that is commonly known as the record/play.

Step 6 – Work on the Switch

These switches have openings and in any of the openings, try to spray a considerable amount of contact cleaner. Movel it back and forth several times and this will hopefully fix the problem.