Douk Audio VU9 Pixie Tube Sound Level Meter with MIC Pickup Review

The Douk Audio VU9 is a desktop sound level meter priced at $69.99, sitting in the visualizer and display category of hi-fi gear. It recreates the look of a Nixie tube audio spectrum in a tower that stands 175mm tall and 85mm square, and the box includes the VU9 itself, two simulated pixie tubes, a USB Type-C cable, a 1-to-2 3.5mm splitter cable, mounting screws, a screwdriver, isolation stand feet and a manual.

For signal, the VU9 offers two paths: a wired 3.5mm LINE/AUX input and a built-in microphone pickup. Douk Audio says the AUX input takes priority, and the unit automatically switches to mic pickup mode if the AUX cable is disconnected, so it can run in-line with a phone, computer, CD player or speaker system, or simply listen to the room on its own.

The display is the centerpiece. Instead of real Nixie tubes, Douk Audio uses LED beads inside glass tubes to mimic the retro glow while running at a safer DC 5V and costing far less. There are nine display modes with full-color adjustment, and gain, moving speed and brightness are all adjustable to suit different devices and environments. Settings are saved when power is cut, so the unit starts up where you left it. Power comes from USB Type-C at DC 5V with at least 1A, though the adapter itself is not included, and the meter uses a two-square-root signal compression display mode.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options, and the cost varies by destination country. Packages under 2kg go by airmail (10-25 days); heavier orders ship via DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days). Import duties or customs charges are the buyer's responsibility. The store offers a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty on all items, excluding orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, subjective change of mind, and anything outside the warranty terms.