3VU (Desert Tan/Black)

• Hand built using top quality components
• Three independent calibration points
• Transparent XLR bypass
• Uses a JLM Audio VU buffer amplifier to keep the signal clean
• Featuring the DIYRE HC1, a high current, low noise
  Headphone amplifier with an upgraded Alps “Blue Velvet” volume control
• Upgraded LEDs for a warmer vintage look
• Resonance absorbing rubber feet
• Triad Magnetics 12v power supply
• Full one year warranty

3VU Owner’s Manual

The 3VU was designed to be placed across the main outputs, before your monitor controller and speakers. It features a buffer amplifier by JLM Audio to provide proper rectification to the DC type VU meters, and prevent any noise from coming back into the signal. The 3VU is transparent and will not degrade or change the audio path in any way. The bypass is built using Neutrik XLR connectors and 14 gauge teflon-coated, solid core silver plated copper wire. What comes into the 3VU is exactly what comes out of the “thru” connections.

Having the meters placed across the main outputs presented an opportunity to add something that is missing from most budget/entry level audio interfaces: a high-quality, monitoring grade headphone amplifier. The HC1 from DIYRE is a clean, low-noise, high gain amplifier that is based on Douglas Self’s NE5532 amplifier design; each channel is practically a complete amplifier with its own NE5532P opamp. I’ve upgraded the volume control with the revered Alps “Blue Velvet” pot, which has a fantastic left/right channel balance down to the lowest levels. 

Each 3VU is hand made and built to last a lifetime using high quality components. The passive switching network uses Lorlin UK switches and Bourns Pro Audio potentiometers. The buffer amp & headphone amp PCBs, and all terminals are soldered with Cardas quad eutectic. It can take a balanced or unbalanced signal via XLR, although the HC1 headphone amp is unbalanced. After working with my VUs in this configuration for more than ten years, I believe they can be easily incorporated into your own workflow’s loudness targets for recording, mixing, mastering, or simply playing back reference tracks.

Please be sure that you love mechanical VU meters (I build these things mainly for vibe, not accuracy!) and that you need a way better than average headphone amplifier in your life before ordering. There is a 30-day, no questions asked return policy on all my fully-built 3VUs, with a 20% restocking fee (plus shipping). I test each unit thoroughly before shipping and each one comes with a full 1-year warranty (see Additional Information section for details).

Some of the components used for this build, including the premium solder that I use come with the following health warning, and I need to make you aware of it. I wear protective gear and make sure to properly clean the outer surfaces on all my builds prior to shipping them, but here you go:

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Questions? Use the contact form on the home page.