VU9 Pixie Tube Sound Level Meter Retro Nixie Tube Audio Spectrum MIC Pickup for Home Desktop Decoration (Black, 3.35 inch), XX-VU9-2024

I bought the VU9 display for a bit of bling in my man cave. The VU9 was well packed in a gift-box quality outside box and well packed foam inside. Included with the display was a USB A to USB C power cord, no power supply, stereo audio inputs using a 1/8" mini plug which I assume needs a pair of mono input cables from your source, a tiny screw driver, four screws, and rubber feet. The two 6" long tubes plug into the circuit board and then are screwed in from the bottom. There are four holes awaiting the screws marked with a "+" in a circle. In use you can either use the low level analog stereo inputs or the microphones in the circuit board. The left knob controls the gain, how sensitive the VU9 is and how much of the display lights up. The second knob has 8 functions depending on which menu you're using. There are four amber LEDs between the two knobs which indicates which menu you're in. Pressing the second knob down briefly cycles between the menus. The first menu controls the speed of the LEDs jumping up and down, and by pushing it for 2-seconds turns the display off. The second menu item changes the LED bar color hitting all the colors in the rainbow and white, holding the button down changes to setting the color of the peak (top) LED color. The third menu item controls the brightness, holding it for 2 seconds allows you to turn off the illumination of the circuit board box. The four and final menu changes the display mode and a long 2 second press resets the VU9 to the factory settings. The knob on the right spins around without stopping and it does take multiple spins to run through the range of some of the settings - especially the colors. Just keep spinning in one direction or the other until you get the color you want. The display modes have all sorts of fun displays including a standard rising column, columns with peak LEDs, columns that go down rather than up, peak LEDs that rise up rather than down, the column can start in the middle and go up and downwards, it can do that with peaks, there's other modes that generate petty patterns of colors. In use the VU display is very attractive. The display can be adjusted so that it's plenty bright enough to use in a very well lit room. This isn't a calibrated piece of test equipment, it's a volume display that has great entertainment value. It's a bit too fragile to be a "child's" toy but a suitable gift for a teen or an adult.

I really like this little gadget. It's very eye catching and fun to display. There are so many options in its settings that you won't get tired of it any time soon. It's a neat conversation piece that adds a bit of flash to your TV or Stereo system, and has a somewhat classy, elegant style even when not in use. The glass tubes with their silver elements and ring base are set off by the clear acrylic stand with black and gold coloring on its top. The stand base lights up in conjunction with the tubes and looks great. It functions just as described. The only reason I gave these 4 stars and not 5, is because the instructions don't tell you what the screws or screwdriver are for. There is no real guide for assembly. Granted, inserting the tubes and plugging it in, is pretty strait forward, but if it weren't for the customer review by Paul, I wouldn't have known that the tubes needed to be fully secured by the screws. There simply was no mention of it in the instructions. The booklet is ok, but it should explain the set-up procedure in addition to the functions. All in all, if you're into this kind of thing, you won't be dissatisfied. It's cool and fun to show off. The price is a little high, but I DON'T regret the purchase.

A little tricky to figure out how to move through all the options but still doable! After that, it’s great!

I’m enjoying watching this light while spinning my vinyl records. Thinking of adding one or 2 more and line them up. Be sure to read the instruction card for how to change the light color and sound sensitivity. Works great and looks really cool with my vintage audio setup. Definitely was worth the price.

The product works perfectly, but one thing bother me is the glass tube got two heavy scratches which cost me have to get a replacement.

I was looking for a VU meter to add to my hifi but they all seemed overkill - I just wanted some eye candy. This is it - pointless but a wonderful fun addition to any setup. Picks up audio via the built in mic or the 3.5mm connector. Feels really solid - nice build quality.

Totally unnecessary burden so cool to have. The mic is very sensitive and works well when volume is low. Takes some time to learn how all the adjustments work, but fun while learning.

If you grew up around vintage stereo gear in the 1970s and 1980s, this little device will probably make you smile. I’m putting together a listening room centered around the nostalgic charm of vinyl records, reel-to-reel tape, and classic audio equipment, and this fit right in. Honestly, I bought it instead of a lava lamp — and for me, that was the right decision. The glowing “pixie tube” display adds a fun retro vibe to the room and becomes an instant conversation piece when people see it. Is it absolutely necessary? Of course not. Is it worth the price? For me, absolutely yes. It’s entertaining, visually relaxing, and just plain fun to watch while listening to music. The unit worked right out of the box, responds nicely to music, and adds exactly the kind of vintage-tech atmosphere I was hoping for. If you enjoy retro audio aesthetics, this is a fun addition to your setup.

Serious eye candy that works as advertised. Love looking at it rather than just black amps.. Perfect crown to my perfect for me system.

Love all the nice colors