How to Make VU Meter Easy & Simple Without IC | Sekhohub.online
Here is a VU meter circuit without using any IC, built only with BC547 transistors. It uses a simple audio signal input and lights up LEDs sequentially depending on the volume level.
Basic Circuit Concept
Goal:
Create a volume-level indicator (VU meter) using:
No ICs (no LM3914 or op-amps)
Just NPN transistors (BC547) and passive components.
How It Works
The audio signal is fed through a 10 µF capacitor to block DC.
Each BC547 transistor turns on at a slightly higher signal level, depending on its base resistor and threshold.
Each stage lights up an LED when the signal voltage is enough to forward bias the transistor.
The more volume, the more LEDs turn ON.
Materials for the Project.
- 6X LEDs
- 6X BC547 TRANSISTORS
- 1X BC557 TRANSISTOR
- 7X 1N4007 DIODES
- 7X 10K RESISTORS
- 6X 470 OHM RESISTOR
- 1X 100uF CAPACITOR
- 1X 1uF CAPACITOR
- VERO BOARD
- JUMPER WIRES
⚡️ Power Supply
Works well with 5V to 12V
Make sure LEDs are rated for that supply
Use a diode in series (e.g., 1N4007) for reverse polarity protection if using a battery.
Download Circuit Diagram
