LinePegel

LinePegel, or line level, is a term used in German-language audio engineering to describe the standard operating voltage of interconnecting analog audio equipment. It refers to the nominal signal level intended to be transmitted from one device to another without additional amplification or attenuation, distinguishing it from microphone level and instrument level signals. LinePegel serves as a practical reference for how devices should be connected and how gain structures should be set throughout a signal chain.

Standards and levels: The most common line-level references are -10 dBV for consumer equipment, which corresponds to about 0.316 V RMS, and +4 dBu for professional equipment, corresponding to about 1.228 V RMS. The dBu scale is defined relative to 0.775 V RMS. In practice, devices may tolerate level mismatches through padding, gain controls, or level shifters, but proper matching reduces noise and distortion and preserves headroom.

Impedance and connections: Line-level circuits use relatively high input impedance on the receiving side and low to moderate output impedance on the sending side. Typical connections include RCA (phono) for consumer gear, 1/4" TRS for balanced professional equipment, and XLR on some devices. These standards facilitate straightforward interconnection across mixers, audio interfaces, CD players, tape decks, and PA systems.

Usage and considerations: Correct line-level operation involves appropriate gain staging to avoid clipping and to minimize noise. When devices with different standards are connected, level matching or conversion may be required. LinePegel emphasizes clean, direct signal transfer without the need for preamplification, except when interfacing with equipment designed for other levels.

History: The concept developed with the expansion of both consumer and professional audio in the mid-20th century and has been formalized through the dBu and related scales. The term LinePegel remains common in German-speaking audio literature.