diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
index 5f0a854e69..9c62293078 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
@@ -417,6 +417,10 @@ GainMeterBase::peak_button_release (GdkEventButton* ev)
 void
 GainMeterBase::reset_peak_display ()
 {
+	if (!_route) {
+		// catch "reset all" for VCAs
+		return;
+	}
 	_meter->reset_max();
 	level_meter->clear_meters();
 	max_peak = minus_infinity ();