How to build Sound Level Meter

This nifty sound level meter is a perfect one chip replacement for the standard analog meters. It is completely solid state and will never wear out. The whole circuit is based on the LM3915 audio level IC and uses only a few external components.

Circuit diagram

Original Schematic

Parts
C1 2.2uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
R1 1K 1/4W Resistor
D1 1N4002 Silicon Diode
LED1-LED10 Standard LED or LED Array
U1 LM3915 Audio Level IC
MISC Board, Wire, Socket For U1

Notes
1. V+ can be anywhere from 3V to 20V.
2. The input is designed for standard audio line voltage (1V P-P) and has a maximum input voltage of 1.3V.
3. Pin 9 can be disconnected from ground to make the circuit use a moving dot display instead of a bar graph display.