diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/ui/mixer_gain_meter.xml b/gtk2_ardour/ui/mixer_gain_meter.xml
index 08b7ad8d80..9ec2422e30 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/ui/mixer_gain_meter.xml
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/ui/mixer_gain_meter.xml
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
             borderwidth="0 0 0 0"/>
     <HBox>
       <VBox>
-        <HBox height="18"/>
+        <HBox height="15"/>
         <HBox spacing="4" width="32">
           <VBox id="level_meter_home"
                 width="18"