What is line level voltage?
What is Line Level? A line level signal is approximately one volt, or about 1,000 times greater than a mic level signal. One volt is also expressed as 0 dBV – so a line level signal is about 40 to 60 dB higher than mic level.
Table of Contents
What is the voltage for line level inputs & outputs?
The inputs and outputs on consumer electronics are usually designed to work optimally with -10 dBV line signals, while the inputs and outputs on pro audio gear are often designed to work optimally with +4 dBu line level signals, which are a bit stronger than -10 dBV signals.

What is line level inputs?
Line level is in the region of 0 dBV (1.000 volt). A line-level signal is approximately one volt, or about 1,000 times greater than a mic-level signal. Connecting a microphone to a line-level input will result in almost no sound at all because the mic signal is so faint that the line input cannot hear it.
What is the voltage range for line level audio?
Line outputs usually present a source impedance of 100 to 600 ohms. The voltage can reach 2 volts peak-to-peak with levels referenced to −10 dBV (300 mV) at 10 kΩ. The frequency response of most modern equipment is advertised as at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which corresponds to the conventional range of human hearing.
What is a line level used for?

The line level is a simple surveying instrument which can be used to lay out contours and gradients, and also to measure the slope of land. It is simple to operate and is easier to transport than other similar surveying tools such as the A-frame. It is especially quick and very accurate when used properly.
Can you use XLR for line level?
The standard XLR 3-pin output connector on most mics can carry mic-level signals or line-level signals. The 1/4″ connectors are used for low-level guitar outputs as well as speaker inputs from a power amp, which are drastically different levels.
What is line level input in subwoofer?
Subwoofer Line-Level Signals
The preamplification that a subwoofer provides boosts the signal of these audio signals so that they can feed into an amplifier, which strengthens the signal into one that speakers can interpret. A line-level signal without an amplifier doesn’t have enough power to drive most speakers.
What are line inputs used for?
A line-in (line input) is an audio socket that is found on audio interfaces, computer sound cards, and some mixers. It’s used to connect an external audio device such as an instrument, microphone, or CD player (remember those?). Conversely, mic-in is for microphones – you connect a wired or wireless mic to a mic-in.
Can I plug a mic into a line input?
Line inputs are not designed for microphones. Although it is possible to use them and it won’t harm your mic, there is not enough gain to amplify the microphones level to a line input.
What output is line level?
Line level is the loudest signal we handle in audio. In terms of voltage, it comes in at approximately 1 volt, or 0 dBV. Line level usually flows through the system after the preamp stage and before the output to our speakers.
What’s the difference between line input and instrument input?
The difference between the line level and instrument level button on your Focusrite audio interface is that “Line” level button is used for microphones, keyboards, mixers, and other signal processing equipment whereas the “Inst” level button is for instruments like guitars and bass.
What is the difference between mic input and line input?
Is 600 ohm a line level?
Line level, again going back to history, derives from 1 milliwatt of power traveling through a telephone cable with a characteristic impedance of 600 ohms.
Which is stronger mic level or line level?
A line-level signal is approximately one volt, or about 1,000 times as strong as a mic-level signal, so the two do not ordinarily use the same input.
Which input should I use for subwoofer?
Hooking Up Your Subwoofer
If this cable encounters household wiring, have it cross at a 90-degree angle. Most subwoofers have both a left & right input. It usually doesn’t matter which one you use. Some people will buy a “Y adapter” or “splitter” so that a single cable can feed both subwoofer inputs.
How do I get more bass out of my subwoofer?
It is recommended that for optimal quality sound, you should place your subwoofer within 8-12 inches of a wall, facing outwards towards the rest of the room. For even more output, consider placing your subwoofer in the corner of your room, as it can significantly increase the overall sound due to the positioning.
What can you plug into line input?
What is the difference between line level input and speaker level input?
Line-level signals refer to the output voltage of an audio device, whereas speaker-level signals refer to the final output that the amplifier feeds into the speakers.
Which is louder mic or line level?
What is mic level VS line level?
LINE level sources are much-amplified signals over MIC (microphone) level signals. LINE level is normally -10 dBV for consumer gear and +4 dBu for pro gear while MIC levels are normally -60 dBu for dynamic microphones and -35 dBu for condenser microphones.
Are RCA inputs line level?
Low-Level (Line Level) Inputs:
Line level inputs, also known as RCA inputs or low-level inputs, use RCA interconnect cables to link the amplifier with the source unit. Most aftermarket radios have multiple pairs of RCA outputs that can connect to multiple amplifiers.
How does a line level work?
Line levels (or “string” levels) are a special brand of spirit level used for leveling across longer distances. They can be attached to a tightly pulled string to find level between two stakes in the ground to find level ground.
What can I plug into line input?
Line in or line-in is a jack found on computer sound cards enabling users to connect an external audio device. These devices include CD players, audio mixers, musical instruments, and microphones. They’re used to record, play, and modify the incoming audio.
Can XLR carry line level?
Are XLR outputs line level?
Also note that XLR inputs on a mixing desk are “mic level” inputs, however the XLR outputs (generally 2 of them) are always set to line level, ready for connection to a line input on a powered speaker, amplifier or processing device. XLR outputs are generally always balanced, whether mic or line level.