Audio Level Meter

Description:

Audio levels can be monitored using a small panel meter with this circuit built from discrete components.

Notes

The circuit has a flat frequency response from about 20Hz to well over 50Khz. Input sensitivity is 100mV for a full scale deflection on a 100uA meter. Built on two common emitter amplifiers, the first stage has a preset resistor which may be adjusted for a FSD. The last stage is biased to operate at roughly half the supply voltage for maximum ac voltage swing. Audio frequencies are passed through the 10u dc blocking capacitor and the full wave bridge rectifier converts the signal to a varying dc voltage. Note that the meter reading is instantaneous and will not provide a "peak" reading.