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Line level
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Line level
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Line level refers to the standardized electrical signal voltage used for interconnecting analog audio equipment, such as mixers, processors, amplifiers, and recorders, where it serves as the typical output from preamplifiers and the input for downstream devices before final power amplification.[1] There are two predominant standards for line level: professional line level at +4 dBu, equivalent to approximately 1.23 volts RMS and aligned with 0 VU on metering scales, which is the norm in broadcast, studio, and live sound applications for its robustness against noise over longer cable runs; and consumer line level at -10 dBV, equivalent to approximately 0.316 volts RMS, which is standard in home audio systems like CD players and DVD receivers for compatibility with lower-cost components.[2][3] The approximately 12 dB difference between these standards (precisely 11.79 dB) arises from distinct reference points—0 dBu at 0.775 volts RMS and 0 dBV at 1 volt RMS—requiring attenuators, boosters, or level shifters to interface mismatched equipment without introducing distortion, overload, or excessive hum.[2] Unlike lower mic level signals (typically 1–100 millivolts) that demand preamplification or higher speaker level signals (tens to hundreds of volts for driving loudspeakers), line level operates in the intermediate range to maintain signal integrity across professional workflows.[1]
