Linjenivåene

Linjenivåene refers to the concept of line levels in audio engineering. It describes the standard operating signal level for audio equipment. This level is typically much higher than microphone levels, which are designed to pick up faint sounds. Line level signals are strong enough to be transmitted over longer distances without significant degradation.

There are two main types of line level: consumer and professional. Consumer line level is generally around -10 dBV, which translates to approximately 0.316 volts RMS. Professional line level, on the other hand, is typically +4 dBu, equating to about 1.23 volts RMS. The difference between these two standards is significant and can lead to issues if incompatible equipment is connected without proper attenuation or amplification.

Audio devices that operate at line level include CD players, tape decks, mixers, and audio interfaces. Connecting a device outputting a line level signal to a microphone input without attenuation can cause distortion and damage the input. Conversely, connecting a microphone to a line level input will result in a very weak signal that is difficult to hear. Understanding line levels is crucial for ensuring proper signal flow and achieving optimal audio quality within a sound system.