In digital audio, 0 VU = -18 dBFS.
Unlike modern digital peak meters that simply show you if you are clipping (hitting 0 dBFS), a VU Meter shows you how loud your audio actually feels to the human ear. It responds to average levels, mimicking the behavior of analog tape and classic hardware.
Why? Because analog hardware (like an SSL console or a tape machine) distorts beautifully at +4 dBu. If you set your VU meter so that 0 VU equals -18 dBFS, your kick drum peaking at -10 dBFS will hit the VU meter at +8 VU (pushing the "analog" simulation hard).
In the world of audio production, sight is just as important as sound. You can have the most pristine mix in the world, but if you cannot gauge your levels accurately, you are essentially flying blind. Enter the VU Meter (Volume Unit Meter).
Searching to is one of the smartest technical decisions you can make for your mix quality. By switching your focus from unforgiving Peak meters to the musical, averaging response of a VU meter, you will instantly hear an improvement in your balances.
