Audio Levels

Signal Type Level (approx) In dBu In dBV Voltage (RMS) Description

Mic Level Very low –60 dBu to –62 dBV
between 1 and 10 mV Raw mic output; needs a preamp

Instrument Level Low-mid –20 dBu to –22 dBV
around 100 mV Electric guitar/bass, unbuffered

Consumer Line Level Standard –10 dBV to –7.8 dBu

around 316 mV Home stereo, computers, etc.

Pro Line Level Hot +4 dBu to 1.78 dBV

around 1.23 V Mixers, studio gear, PA systems

Headphone Level Variable

0 to +10 dBu

–2 to +8 dBV

0.7 to 2.0 V High enough to drive speakers or ears