Meter Segments
Classic LED-style segmented meter with discrete level indicators. Vintage hardware aesthetic reminiscent of analog consoles, 1176 compressors, and studio outboard gear.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | 3 |
| Category | Metering |
| Best For | Vintage, Hardware Emulation, Console |
| Aspect Ratio | Tall (2×6 minimum) |
What It Shows
Same level information as Meter Gradient, but displayed as discrete LED segments that light up at different levels. More character, slightly less precision.
Best Plugin Types
✅ Recommended for:
- Vintage plugins - Matches retro aesthetic
- Channel strips - Console-style metering
- Compressor emulations - 1176, LA-2A style
- Hardware recreations - Authentic look
- Console emulations - SSL, Neve, API style
❌ Not recommended for:
- Minimal/modern designs - Too busy
- Clean/clinical aesthetics - Too much character
Color Mapping
| Color Property | What It Controls |
|---|---|
bodyColor | Background behind segments |
trackColor | Low level segment color |
activeColor | Mid level segment color |
pointerColor | High/clip segment color |
Classic LED Colors
- Green segments for low levels
- Yellow/amber for mid levels
- Red for high/clip
- Consider amber-only for vintage warmth
Configuration Options
Segment Count
- Range: 8-32 segments
- Default: 16
- Tip: 12-16 segments looks authentic. More segments = more resolution.
Segment Gap
- Range: 0-0.2 (ratio)
- Default: 0.08
- Tip: Small gaps (0.05-0.1) look like real LEDs.
Orientation
- Options:
horizontal,vertical - Default:
vertical - Tip: Match the hardware you’re emulating.
Sizing
| Size | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 2×6 (vertical) | Compact |
| Standard | 2×8 (vertical) | Most plugins |
| Authentic | 3×10 (vertical) | Hardware recreation |
Example Uses
- 1176-style compressor - Classic VU meter look
- Console channel strip - Authentic mixing desk feel
- Tape emulation - Vintage recording aesthetic
- Preamp plugin - Hardware-inspired design
- Vintage limiter - LA-2A style metering
Design Tips
- Pair with vintage knobs - Match the overall aesthetic
- Consider amber glow - Single-color amber is very authentic
- Subtle segment gaps - Too much gap looks fake
- 12-16 segments - Sweet spot for authenticity
Vintage Authenticity
For maximum vintage feel:
- Use amber/orange color scheme
- 12 segments is classic
- Add subtle glow around lit segments
- Pair with vintage knob/slider styles
Similar Visualizers
- Meter Gradient - Smooth modern alternative