VU by Tejay21 is a free Max for Live stereo VU meter built for clear, musical level reading. It brings the slower, steadier feel of classic analog VU metering into Ableton Live, with switchable metering modes, a pop-out floating window, and no unnecessary extras.

Peak meters react fast, but they do not always tell you how a signal feels over time. VU is designed to show program level in a more musical way, making it easier to judge gain staging, balance, and overall working level.

Because the meter responds more like traditional hardware, it gives you a calmer and more readable picture of what is happening in the mix.

Classic VU response

• Analog-style meter behavior with a classic 300 ms feel
• Smoother and more readable than a fast digital peak meter
• Useful for gain staging and mix balance

Metering modes

• L/R: Independent left and right channel display
• Avg: Averaged stereo reading on both meters
• Sum: Summed mono reading on both meters
• Link indicator shows when Avg or Sum mode is active
• Easy stereo balance reading at a glance

Switchable reference levels

• Default calibration: 0 VU = -18 dBFS
• Additional options: -14 dBFS and -12 dBFS
• Flexible for different workflows and level targets

Optional Peak LED

• Helps reveal fast transients that VU metering may miss
• Can be switched on or off
• Adds quick peak awareness without changing the main meter behavior

Pop-out floating window

• Double-click the meter to open a separate always-on-top window
• Displays the current track name in the title bar
• Ideal for keeping the meter visible while working elsewhere in the session

Pure metering only

• Audio passes through unchanged
• No saturation
• No gain processing
• No hidden color

• Type: Max for Live Audio Effect
• Mode: L/R, Avg, or Sum VU metering
• Reference options: -18 / -14 / -12 dBFS
• Peak indicator: Optional LED
• Pop out: Always-on-top floating window
• Signal path: Pass-through only

• Ableton Live with Max for Live support (Live Suite, or Live Standard + Max for Live add-on)
• Insert on any track or bus where you want level monitoring