With a lot of less expensive equipment, you are right; for example, it’s very unwise to exceed the zero point on any Behringer equipment…. but with a unit like the old VC1Qcs it is perfectly OK to slam the meter into the red. The rule should be, ‘use your ears!’ All my equipment is designed to handle large overloads and this is one of the secrets of a smooth professional sound. Don’t worry too much if the meter slams into the red! 