diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
index ecdb74f464..aa8b93a3e9 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/vca_master_strip.cc
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ PBD::Signal1<void,VCAMasterStrip*> VCAMasterStrip::CatchDeletion;
 VCAMasterStrip::VCAMasterStrip (Session* s, boost::shared_ptr<VCA> v)
 	: SessionHandlePtr (s)
 	, _vca (v)
-	, gain_meter (s, 254)
+	, gain_meter (s, 254) /* magic number, don't adjust blindly */
 	, context_menu (0)
 	, delete_dialog (0)
 	, control_slave_ui (s)