Here in OZ we have a very fine publication called AudioTechnology magazine. A well respected industry rag with no crap in it. They've allowed a website to host a pdf of an article they ran which outlines a universal buffer circuit for VU's. So you can use newer cheap DC meters or the older (expensive) AC meters. I was lucky enough to pick up a pair of older AC meters for $0.00
The website is here :-
http://www.jlmaudio.com/VU%20Buffer.htm
Just click on the link that says "Audio Technology DIY VU Article in PDF"
The guys have a kit you can buy but I built mine from scratch on vero board easy enough.
Use the Control Room plugin in scope to send a 1000kHz tone at -12db and adjust the pots on the circuit till the meter reads 0. What this does is keep you on your toes enough that pegging the meter constantly hard will produce slight distortion but pegging on and off won't. It gets you running a hotter mix and makes things interesting. And it is soooo nice to see real VU movement.
