cuemeter

The cuemeter is a term sometimes used in the context of audio engineering and music production to refer to a visual display that indicates the relative level of a sound source, particularly when it is being routed to a cue mix or headphone output. This cue mix is a separate audio feed often provided to performers on stage or in a studio so they can hear themselves and other instruments without affecting the main mix being sent to the audience or recording.

A cuemeter typically displays signal strength in a similar fashion to a standard VU meter or a peak meter, but its primary function is to help musicians and engineers adjust their individual monitor levels. For instance, a vocalist might want to see how loud their voice is in their own headphone mix to ensure they can hear themselves over the rest of the band. Similarly, a sound engineer might use cuemeters to monitor the levels of various instruments going into a performer's cue mix, ensuring that no single instrument is too loud or too quiet.

The specific implementation of cuemeters can vary. They can be physical components found on mixing consoles or dedicated monitor control units, or they can be software-based meters displayed within digital audio workstations (DAWs) or other audio software. The visual representation might be a bar graph, a circular dial, or a series of LEDs. The key is that it provides a clear, real-time indication of the audio signal level within the cue system. Accurate monitoring via cuemeters is essential for good performance and effective communication in a live sound or recording environment.