LM3914/LM3915 VU meter circuit

 VU meter circuit Stereo/Mono 20 LED  LM3914/LM3915 VU meter circuit projects. They can display with 20 LEDs on stereo, or mono with 10 LEDs for all audio system. Also, we can easily build and cheap. We will be happy when use them. Do you believe it or not? I have seen VU meters for more than 40 years. Until now, it is still very popular. Why is that? Read below. I have made a lot of amplifiers. Because I like to listen to music. Also, I like the VU Meter circuits, too. They show the power level of the audio. It is so beautiful

The Shopping lists 

IC1: LM3914N, LM3915N, LM3916 Dot/Bar Display Driver 

D1, D2: 1N4148, 75V 150mA Diodes 

0.25W Resistors, tolerance: 5% R1: 10K R2: 2K 9 R3: 3.9K

 Electrolytic Capacitors C1, C2: 1uF 50V C3: 47uF 16V

 LED1-LED10, LED 2x5mm LEDs.

Why should build the LM3914 VU Meter circuit? Most freiends choose the LM3914 VU meter circuit. Because it is convenient, easy to modify in many form. Today I assemble these circuits using this IC. Sometimes you are looking for ideas on this For example: The flashing lights by the music, to decorate the Christmas tree, exotic, and unique. This project is very easy. Because of use alone IC only and a few external components. The display system can drive directly LED up to 10 LEDs and display as light running is DOT or BAR as you want. See the circuit below. The working principle 3 4 Electronic VU meter circuit diagram using LM3914 / LM3915 The main of this circuit is LM3914N or LM3915. Which the external circuit is the same. Difference of LM3914 & LM3915 

● LM3914N will display an amplitude of a signal in Linear form. 

● LM3915N will display the signal in Logarithm form. 

● LM3916N: Update The outputs can drive, LCDs, vacuum fluorescents, and incandescent bulbs, as well as LEDs of any color Normally if using the amplitude of the sound signal. We should use the LM3915N. Thanks ODX: We can use LM3916 for this circuit, too. See in the circuit above again. The input signal from the power amplifier will be entered through to Voltage Doubler circuit consists of C1, C2, D1, D2. They will convert sound signal voltage to DC voltage and have amplitude are 2 times of the input signal. Then, insert a single to input pin 5 of IC1. 5 And next IC will compare the signal amplitude, to drive LEDs display follows the amplitude of input signal as above. The Mode selection in working of the circuit. To display in DOT or BAR form. We can select switch S1 to control pin 9 of IC1. Which if release the switch S1, it will display the bar form. But connected pin 9 through switch S1 to a positive voltage of the circuit. It will display in the DOT form immediately. The power supply This circuit requires 9V to 12V power supply. We have 2 options to do easily.