diff --git a/apps/recorder/peakmeter.c b/apps/recorder/peakmeter.c
index a77fea770e..fbd206bdf8 100644
--- a/apps/recorder/peakmeter.c
+++ b/apps/recorder/peakmeter.c
@@ -39,9 +39,13 @@
 #ifdef HAVE_RECORDING        
 #include "pcm_record.h"
 #endif
+
+#ifndef SIMULATOR /* this is not used in the sim */
 static bool pm_playback = true; /* selects between playback and recording peaks */
 #endif
 
+#endif
+
 #if !defined(SIMULATOR) && CONFIG_CODEC != SWCODEC
 /* Data source */
 static int pm_src_left = MAS_REG_DQPEAK_L;