Sirs,

Does anyone have schematic/component layout/pcb layout for a simple db vu meter for the tape deck, which can be interfaced at the pre-amplifier outputs (stereo) or after tone controls. Can it be built around Transistor BC147/148/548/549 or by IC (LM1458 or LM324).

Any help on this front is highly solicited.

regards
shamim_India.
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I don't know exacly what you have in mind, but you can try to use a LM3916 VU meter, or the logaritmic version LM3915. Those are analog bar display drivers and you can use any reference voltage with them (up to 36V).

Refer to:
http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM3916.html
http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM3915.html

If you wish, you can use discrete op amps as comparators, but there is no point in doing that.