Which tool is used to monitor audio recording levels and overall sound quality?

The tool used to monitor audio recording levels and overall sound quality is the AVU Meter. An Audio Visual Unit (AVU) Meter provides visual feedback on audio levels, indicating whether the sound is too low or too high, which is essential for maintaining optimal sound quality during recording and mixing processes. It displays the volume levels in decibels (dB), allowing audio engineers and technicians to make real-time adjustments to ensure that the audio does not distort or fall below an acceptable threshold.

In contrast, an equalizer is primarily used for adjusting different frequency ranges within an audio signal, fine-tuning the tonal balance rather than monitoring levels. A compressor is utilized to regulate the dynamic range of audio signals by lowering the volume of loud sounds and raising the level of softer ones, again not primarily for level monitoring. A sound mixer is responsible for combining multiple audio signals and adjusting their levels but does not provide the specific monitoring feature of an AVU Meter. Thus, the AVU Meter stands out as the dedicated tool for assessing audio recording levels and sound quality.