High-precision vintage-style analog VU (Volume Unit) meter plugin integrated with stereo Phase Correlation for tracking, mixing, and mastering. Designed for intuitive, accurate operation with dedicated presets optimized for each production stage.
In recording, mixing, and mastering, relying solely on modern instantaneous digital peak meters can often be misleading, as human hearing perceives perceived loudness across duration rather than instantaneous transients. Signal Lab engineered VU MASTER to provide sound engineers and producers with a dependable, transparent, and accurate metering reference. It enables optimal gain staging, precise headroom management, and rock-solid stereo phase monitoring—without unnecessary coloration, misleading visual gimmicks, or exaggerated acoustic claims.
Dual independent Left and Right vintage warm dials calibrated to 0 VU = -18.0 dBFS (ANSI C16.5-1954 standard), complete with active Peak LED overload indicators.
Instant one-click reference switching for Recording (-18 dBFS), Mixing (-20, -14, -12 dBFS), and Mastering (-10, -8, -6, -3 dBFS (RMS)) for effortless project gain staging.
Switchable needle response speed: 300 ms (Standard VU ANSI C16.5), PPM (Fast peak transient detection), and Master (Slow RMS smoothing for overall mix density).
Continuous -1 to +1 stereo phase correlation display with real-time numeric readout, preventing phase cancellation issues when stereo mixes are summed down to mono.
Sleek dark anodized brushed-metal faceplate with Dual L/R channel layout and one-click Night Mode toggle for reduced eye fatigue during extensive studio sessions.
Lightweight lock-free C++ engine with zero sample latency and near-zero CPU consumption. 100% clean and transparent metering path with no coloration or distortion, ensuring absolute confidence across every track.
• Mixing Engineers: Balance stems and instruments with classic analog visual feedback.
• Mastering Engineers: Maintain consistent average loudness and inspect phase correlation.
• Recording Engineers & Musicians: Set safe pre-amp recording levels without digital clipping.
• Broadcast & Podcast Creators: Keep dialogue loudness predictable and stable across episodes.
• Operating System: macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later / Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
• Architecture: macOS Universal Binary (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel) / Windows x64
• Plugin Formats: VST3, AU (64-bit)
• Product Status: Virtual (Digital Delivery) — No physical shipping required
• License Terms: 2 Machine Activations per User License (No dongle required)