meterlevel

Meterlevel is a term used in audio engineering to denote the reference electrical level that metering devices display. It is a convention rather than a single product, and it provides a common frame of reference for evaluating signal strength, headroom, and gain staging across equipment and platforms. By linking audible signal levels to standardized electrical references, meterlevel helps technicians interpret meter readings consistently.

The most common standards relate to three domains: professional analog, consumer, and digital. In professional analog gear, the nominal level is +4 dBu, which corresponds to about 1.23 volts RMS. In consumer equipment, the nominal line level is typically -10 dBV (about 0.316 volts RMS). Digital systems use 0 dBFS as the maximum, and meters are often calibrated so that analog references map to a defined dBFS value, though the exact mapping depends on the converter and the device.

Metering devices come in different types that influence interpretation. VU meters are designed to reflect average levels with a slower response, while peak meters show instantaneous peaks. The meterlevel convention helps align readings across these meters so a given reading has the same meaning on different gear, and it clarifies how much headroom remains before distortion.

In practice, meterlevel guides gain staging in recording, mixing, and mastering, and is important for broadcast and installation where consistent levels are required. Calibration practices and manufacturer specifications define the exact mappings between +4 dBu, -10 dBV, and 0 dBFS within a given system.