Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!torsqnt!hybrid!scifi!bywater!uunet!moon!jh From: jh@moon.nbn.com (John Harkin) Newsgroups: comp.dsp Subject: Re: Digital Output and VU meters Message-ID: <1991Mar15.183535.3600@moon.nbn.com> Date: 15 Mar 91 18:35:35 GMT References: <50010@apple.Apple.COM> <27517@netcom.COM> <50146@apple.Apple.COM> Organization: North Bay Network, San Rafael, CA USA Lines: 20 mc@flutter.tv.tek.com (Mike Coleman) writes: >There is no standard I am aware of that relates a digital audio level to a >desired VU level. If I were making a digital '0 VU' tone, I would make it >a sinewave at 8 dB below the largest sinewave you can represent with your >digital code. You're right, there is no standard, although there are common practices. In music recording, it depends on the the type of music. Classical folks often set their digital recorders with 0VU 20 dB below clipping. Rock and roll is usually 14 dB below clipping. Laser discs have their digital sound tracks at 15 dB below clipping. I've always gone on the assumption that the peak to average ratio in music is 10 dB, so 0 VU should be at least that far below the limits of the medium. John -- John Harkin +1 415 472-2452 uunet!moon!jh jh@nbn.com North Bay Network - News and mail for Marin county and vicinity