Ok so I tried the circuit out in post #3. After all this trouble it finally worked, but not as well as it could have as audioguro mentioned above. After researching the LM3915, I have decided to use that IC instead of the 3914 in my next build. On the datasheet I found a "precision full-wave peak detector" circuit, attached as c5 below. I plan on making this circuit and connecting the output to the 3915 , but I have a few questions. First off, what is happening in this circuit? I see the amplifiers, and I think the diodes are used for rectification, but I still don't fully understand what the circuit is doing. Why are there two amplifiers? Why are there four diodes? Is the capacitor used as a timer to set the peak-detection interval?? I know I can build the circuit, but I want to understand what is happening. My professors don't have much time with finals coming up so I thought I'd ask you guys. Once again, I really appreciate any help.